US student awed by China's nature, culture

"I don't believe you can ever understand a country without going there and then having lived there. I've only spent three weeks in China. I need to spend a lot more time there, which is why I plan to return," he said.

In Fowler's own words, his journey has given him a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for the richness of cultural diversity, to better understand different worldviews and the multifaceted tapestry of human experience.

"On a personal level, it's remarkably enriching to be able to go to a foreign country and to discover that many people think differently about some things," he said. "They have different ways of understanding the world, and their perspectives are equally as valuable as yours. Your heart gets larger and your understanding gets deeper."