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Michael Morel | The Appalachian
Exchange student Tuofu Xu moved from China to Germany, and now takes classes at Appalachian State. |
Exchange student makes traveling a lifetime hobby
by Alison Fosbenner
Staff Writer
Tuofu Xu, a Chinese exchange student from Germany, has made traveling and learning two major priorities in his life.
"That is my personality, I want to change always," Xu said, who speaks Chinese, German and English. "I want to do something new, no matter if it is a new language or new surrounding or new people."
Xu is originally from Hunan, China, where he lived until the age of 18. Then moved to Beijing.
A desire for change led him to Freiburg, Germany, two years later in 2000 to study. At that time, he did not speak a word of German. Today, he speaks German better than English.
In 2003, Xu began researching studies abroad. He came to Appalachian State University in August 2004, through the University of North Carolina Exchange program that offers exchange opportunities to Australia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, Mexico and Sweden.
"The reason why I chose America is that I think, academically, America attracts more from other countries than Canada or Australia," Xu said.
In Germany he was working on his master's degree in economics. At Appalachian State, he is taking a range of classes, such as international economics and philosophy.
"So for me, basically, it is a whole year of just vacation," Xu said.
Studying in different countries has become common for Xu. He has formed a few suggestions for those who plan to study abroad.
For starters, he feels it is important to be prepared for everything.
"What you need to do is consider whether you are ready to face challenges," Xu said.
Contrary to what most might think, Xu feels from his experiences, that learning the language prior to studying abroad is not extremely important.
"I went to Germany without any German at the age of 20, I still think I had to pick it up very quickly," Xu said, who has intentions to learn French next. "I believe that everyone who is around this age is able to do that."
When traveling to a foreign country, interacting with people and submerging oneself in the culture goes hand in hand with learning the language.
Xu recommends reading newspapers and watching television to help with speaking and writing skills.
Academics should not be the main focus, he said. Rather, concentrate on the culture and the language.
Here, Xu snagged a job through the global intern program, as an office assistant for International Programs. There, Xu said, he has learned a lot of practical tasks along with how to resolve communication and language problems. This, he feels, is mostly with the help of Ruth Cook, an administrative assistant for International Programs.
"She has a lot experience how to deal with internationals," Xu said. "She taught me a lot of how to do things, even small things like how to use a binder, a fax machine and Windows Publisher."
International Programs has also given Xu many social opportunities. He has worked with the K-12 International Outreach Program, gives presentations and helped with the Diversity Celebration last week.
He joined the International Friendship Association. Last semester, he took part in organizing and promoting the International Café.
"It was a lot of work but after that is really good memory for who was there on that day," Xu said.
Spring and Easter Break gave Xu time to see other parts of the United States. He spent his Spring Break in New York City volunteering with Appalachian and the Community's Alternative Spring Break.
For Easter, Xu went to Myrtle Beach and Wilmington with friends.
"I just wanted to see the beach," Xu said, who had never visited the beach before.
He also had a chance to travel to Washington D.C. with International Programs.
In May, Xu will return to Germany for a few months to finish his master's degree. He then plans to tackle his graduate degree for international management in Arizona.
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