China & Culture Shock, by Brittany Hancocks

And what a shock it is! I’ve been in Beijing, China for approximately four months now and still there are so many things I have yet to discover that are completely different from the Western world. One cannot understand the concept of China until you have experienced it for yourself. Before I got here I had no idea what to expect, except that it would be very different from what I’m used to as that was what everyone was telling me. “It’s the biggest culture shock!” they warned me while trying to describe in detail all the things that they were sure would shock me. Well, their descriptions failed to emphasise how different China really is. It’s not just the food or the smells, which get pretty potent at times, but it’s a completely different way of life here. The people are generally friendly when you are open to them or try to talk to them, and no matter how many times you try to tell them you don’t understand they will just continue talking as if the more they talk the more you will understand. I’ve found that a little bit of effort goes a long way. The Chinese people will go out of their way to assist you with things, regardless of how small or obsolete it may seem to you. When I first arrived here I felt like a bit of a celebrity; people were taking pictures of us everywhere! The staring was very strange at first, but I had to remind myself that this nation isn’t accustomed to diversity as we are. Things we (westerners) find strange or rude are completely acceptable here. You have to come with an open mind, there’s just no other way to experience China.

Getting around Beijing isn’t as difficult as it seems at first. The team at Aihua were really helpful in terms of giving us directions and sharing their secrets of great places to visit and even where to find some good western food. However, the phrase “I got lost” will frequent your lips more often than not. When your cell phone battery dies, you don’t speak a word of Chinese and you don’t know your apartment address, getting home can be a little tricky. Fear not, I say, with a few grunts and some vigorous hand gestures, you’re all set to making your way home safely. Beijing has been an adventure…it is a world that has kind of blown my mind. Who knew that there was a whole new world to discover outside of our small comfort bubbles?? A world that will challenge you, change your perspective on so many things, make you appreciate things you didn’t know you took for granted and still leave you wanting more. As much of a culture shock as it’s been, it’s also been an adventure I wouldn’t trade for anything!

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