Getting a full scholarship to study at NYU Shanghai strengthened Veronica Hernandez's determination to start her university life far from home.

Having grown up in a small Florida town, Hernandez was eager to see the world when she graduated from high school three years ago.

"I was 17 and just wanted to get out of my small, quiet town, which was filled with a lot of retirees," said Hernandez, who took Chinese in high school and is majoring in Global China Studies at NYU Shanghai.

As a foreign student, Hernandez found it tough at first to face the culture shock, but she managed to get along.

She also disagreed with the stereotype of an unsafe China. "Many Americans have a bias that China is not safe, but I think it is scary safe here."

For her first three years of studies overseas, she chose Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Florence, Italy, as she was keen to study more languages and cultures.

"I got to brush up on Spanish and learn Italian for the first time. I also spent time traveling Eastern Europe, which is a part of the world I've never been to before and where there aren't many tourists," Hernandez said.

In the coming year, she will become one of NYU Shanghai's first class of graduates.

"I am really honored to be part of the first graduating class. I didn't really have any major expectations for my experience, but I have enjoyed every minute being here," Hernandez said.

Talking about her career plans, she says she is eager to stay in China to work in the art or media industries, where she has experience as an intern.

"I've taken some internship in China, mostly related to art and journalism, through which I've learned about writing, and I've made professional connections in Shanghai and around the world. I have realized that I really enjoy working in China," Hernandez said.

yuran@chinadaily.com.cn