My name is Ariana Defosse, and I am studying abroad in Shanghai, China, this semester. A couple of weeks ago, my program and I took a provincial government–sponsored trip to Guizhou, a Chinese province known for its natural beauty, food, history, and large number of ethnic minorities.
Our week started with one of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever had in my life: a handmade meal prepared by local chefs that incorporated some of Guizhou’s most popular dishes, including glutinous rice, three-colored rice, and special potatoes, while using the traditional way of eating with hands. My classmates and I were able to learn about the cooking processes of many of the foods they served us. We even learned about the special type of equipment that is used in this province, like a wok stove that reaches such high temperatures that it is illegal to buy in the United States. Being able to talk with the chefs and learn about their life stories made the dish all the more meaningful and delicious.
Throughout the week, we learned from the local ethnic minorities and many of their traditions. From a Buyi stick-fighting master, we learned the art of Buyi stick fighting, allowing us to understand its evolution from a practical skill to a form of cultural preservation. The Shui people taught us traditional calligraphy and embroidery techniques using horsehair, emphasizing the local efforts toward ethnic tradition preservation. Lastly, the Miao people taught us traditional dyeing techniques that used local vegetable and flower dyes to create beautiful batiks.
On one of our last days in Guizhou, we went to a 5,000-year-old town to explore the traditional architecture of the region and interact with the local people. Passing through the thousands-of-year-old alleyways showed me just how important preservation is to the world’s history and its people.
This experience has been eye-opening, allowing me to understand the world just a little bit more. Speaking with people from different backgrounds, many of whom had never seen foreigners before, showed me the connections we share that cross cultural boundaries. Our time in Guizhou also reached local news, which highlighted the importance of learning about and visiting regions with deep cultural heritage, especially as our world becomes more interconnected.
I am excited about where the second half of my semester will lead, whether that be in Shanghai or another beautiful city!
Ariana Defosse
Fall 2025 – CET - Shanghai
Spring 2025 – GW Global Bachelor's Program - Asia-Pacific Semester
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major
The Global Bachelor’s Program