Chenying from China

"My name is Chenying Zhou, and I am a recipient of the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP) for 2024. I arrived in Ottawa in February 2024 and spent a year there, attending Carleton University and focusing on the field of digital economy. This experience not only provided a valuable opportunity for academic research, but also offered an incredible chance to immerse myself in the authentic Canadian lifestyle.

In addition to attending university and conducting research, I discovered the sport of pickleball, which became a significant part of my Canadian experience. This new activity not only added excitement to my life, but it also helped make the long, cold winters more enjoyable. Through pickleball, I met local people, formed meaningful friendships, and gained deeper insights into Canadian life and culture. Sharing moments of joy and challenges with these new friends allowed us to exchange ideas, perspectives, and life experiences. This rich exchange was also helpful for my academic research, as it provided valuable insights for my surveys and investigations.

Living in Canada for a year was an entirely new experience compared to my routine life in China, and it has become a cherished memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life."

Visiting scholar
Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario