- My international experience to date is limited compared to what I will be experiencing on this trip to China; however, I do have some experience. Most recently, I went to Spain to visit my sister who was studying abroad there. I stayed in Madrid and visited the cities off Toledo and Segovia. I also recently traveled to Italy with my family to visit Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice.
- I want to go to China because I think it will be a journey that I would otherwise never get to experience. In my eyes, China is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the vastly different culture and history of the country provides for a unique experience that will be fun, educational, and eye opening.
- I think that there will be many professional work differences in China as compared to the United States. Although I am not familiar with the cultural differences, I believe that those differences are what will play into the workplace differences. I anticipate experiencing a very efficient and no nonsense work environment while in China.
- I believe that there are an infinite number of cultural differences I will experience on this trip. However, some of the main differences I anticipate experiencing are those of language and relationships. The different style of communication will certainly be something to learn about and get used to in China. Additionally, I anticipate the way that people interact to form relationships in China to be different than that of the US. This will also be something to learn from and become accustom to.
- I am not very familiar with the political system in place in China, however, I know there are bound to be some differences. I am aware that, similar to America, all people have a right to be heard in elections in China. However, if I had to guess, I would say that the main political difference is that there is slightly more government regulation in China than in the United States.
- I am aware that educational systems in China place and extremely high value on success through schooling. Based on this, I think that students I meet in China will be more focused on their studies than students in America, and less focused on extracurricular and recreational activities. I think that the students will be very motivated and hard working.
- I think that there will be few major living differences during our stay in China, especially based on the fact that we are staying in major cities such as Shanghai and Beijing. Despite this, I do anticipate the rooms we stay in to be smaller than typical rooms in America and for some of the features to be slightly different in style.
- I think that the most enjoyable experiences I will have during this trip are the cultural and historical site visits. China is a country with an extremely rich and vast historical significance, and to be able to see some of the places where such significant events occurred will be truly unforgettable.