While an MBA student at the Sauder School of Business, I opted to go on exchange to China. Many people have asked me why, especially in light of how things turned out. The answer I always give:
"It seemed like a good idea at the time."
My official rationale essay on why I wanted to go on exchange states things slightly differently. I guess there just weren't enough Chinese students at UBC for me. When I originally applied to the Sauder School of Business I was in Japan and considered doing my exchange there as I already had some Japanese language ability. I also seriously considered returning to continental Europe. In the end I ranked Tsinghua - 清华大学 number one. I've always been a history buff and China has more history than almost anywhere else. The official report of my exchange semmester is available online.
I've written too much about too many things but if you are interested in China you might enjoy the following: