- My international experience to date is:
With a passion for traveling, I have been to many international countries. Since around 2012, I have traveled to Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Austria. However, I have never had the opportunity to visit China. Through my experience traveling, I have learned to respect and embrace different types of cultures.
- I want to go to China because:
Not only do I believe that this study abroad experience will provide me with important insight about the business aspect of China, but this experience will allow me to become one with my own culture. Although I am Chinese-American, my relatives all reside in Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. Because I have no relatives in China, it has been difficult for me to get the chance to visit. I want to go to China to learn about business, but to also discover who I am.
- I think the main professional work differences I will experience will be:
The Chinese are known for their incredible work ethic. In such big cities like Shanghai and Beijing, things are always moving — people never stop working. This professional work difference is something that I have yet to been exposed to. However, I think that by observing their professional work ethic, I will be able to learn how to apply this strong vigor towards my future work.
- I think the main cultural differences I will experience will be:
Because I grew up surrounded by Chinese culture, I am not too worried about any large differences. I think that the main culture difference for me may be the accents, especially in Beijing. With most of my family coming from Taiwan, I have only been exposed to Taiwanese accents. Therefore, it may be difficult for me to communicate in Beijing, even though I can speak and understand Chinese.
- I think the main political differences I will experience will be:
There is definitely a lot of political difference between the United States and China — a major one being that China’s censorship is extremely strict. I will not be able to freely use social media, as I do in the States. Many websites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, et cetera, are all blocked in China. Although it will be difficult for me to adjust to, I think it will serve as a beneficial detox.
- I think the students I meet in my country will be:
I think that the students I meet will be filled with eager. Just as I am excited to meet Chinese students, I hope that they are just as enthusiastic to meet American students. I am hoping that we will be able to form a deep bond and friendship with these students, despite the short amount of time we will be together.
- I think the major differences in living conditions will be:
Because we are mainly visiting large cities in China, I don’t think the living conditions will be too drastic from that of America. There is probably a lot of mass transportation,like underground subways and high speed rail trains. Although convenient, I did not grow up in an urban environment, so I will not be used to this.
- I think the most enjoyable experience I will have during this trip will be:
Everything. I look forward to learn, not only about business, but to also immerse myself completely in Chinese culture. I look forward to being able to build relationships with the people that I meet and the people that I go on the trip with. Also, I can’t wait to eat the food!