It was research that I was actually interested in and my first time doing public health research. The team in China was amazing and doing a lot of cool stuff, and I was always checking in with my contact at Stanford. REAP is really just a big family and I definitely felt like a part of it. Being in China was also an amazing experience, it was my first time living there alone, so I learned a lot about the culture as well as how to be independent.
What I wish was different
The team in China, while doing a lot of cool stuff, was really busy, so often times I was relegated to find my own work to do, or just stand there and watch what they were doing. Also, my Chinese language skills aren't the best, so there was a lot of work I could've helped more with if I had strengthened my Chinese skills before going.
Advice
If you do what you love to do, it really won't feel like work. Also, the people you are working with are SO important for a good experience, so look for a good work environment as well as something that you enjoy doing.
