1. My international experience to date is…
limited to what I’ve seen on tv, read in books, or dreamed of experiencing one day. I have never been out of the United States, or off of the east coast for that matter. I have dreams and goals of traveling a lot in my life because I love the idea of seeing brand new things, eating brand new foods, and meeting brand new people.
2. I want to go to China because…
I have not been out of the country yet! I do not think there is a cooler way to experience international travel for the first time than by going to China. It is probably one of the more rigorous countries to visit, and therefore, I am excited to be able to do so while I am young. China has so much culture, history, and innovation to share with the rest of the world and I am just excited to be able to experience it all.
3. I think the main professional work differences I will experience will be…
the etiquette in the workplace. I have a feeling that the businesses we visit, and the professionals who work there, will be more on the serious side. Also, I think it will be interesting to see the differences in regulation when it comes to production, labor, and trade. While I do not know for a fact, I think that business in China may be a little more unregulated than in the US.
4. I think the main cultural differences I will experience will be…
the food and the respect. We all have this idea of “Chinese food”, but this is Americanized Chinese food, not authentic. Therefore, I think it will be shocking, but also interesting, to experience genuine Chinese food and its many variations. China is also known for its immense respect for the elderly and the affluent. I think it will be a very different experience to see this display of genuine respect, as it is not as common to see in the US.
5. I think the main political differences I will experience will be…
the dependence on, and the trust in, the Chinese government. I do not know a ton about Chinese government and politics, but I think that the Chinese may be more obedient and unconditionally loving of their leaders. Additionally, I think that they will have different laws and political beliefs that may be shocking to us as Americans (just as we may have some that are shocking to other countries).
6. I think the students I meet in my country will be…
just as interested in my life as an American as I will be in their lives! I think that they will be understanding and willing to help me learn as much as I can about their lives, their culture, and their experiences. I think that they will have a different, but interesting style of education which may be beneficial for American students to learn about, and perhaps to experiment with, in our own educations.
7. I think the major differences in living conditions will be…
the crowdedness and cleanliness. In the big cities, there will be tons of people running around going about their days. However, at the end of the day, they all have to go home somewhere. Therefore, I think that the living conditions may be cramped, and perhaps not the most sanitary, in certain areas. Also, I have heard that the toilets are not the same as here in the US, which will definitely be an interesting experience.
8. I think the most enjoyable experience I will have during this trip will be…
seeing the Great Wall and becoming close with a new group of people. This trip will provide me with the opportunity to make friends that may last a lifetime, see incredible sights rich with history and beauty, and to grow as a young adult in a globally minded world. I cannot wait to see the Great Wall, and I often forget that that is even going to happen because it just seems so surreal.