Interview of the Month

Student Studying for 8 Weeks in Beijing, China

“China is all about cultural shock. It is kind of hard for many people to get used to the local customs and way of living.”

Was this was your first time abroad?
Yes, I wanted to learn Chinese abroad for a long time ago since I study it in school. Almost all my friends had experienced living in a foreign country and they told me great things about it. I was really eager to travel and finally got the chance some months ago when I saw an incredible deal online.

What did you like the most about China?
The best part of my trip was definitely the day we visited the Great Wall. I had been waiting for that day since I arrived. On our way to this excursion we also visited the freshwater pearl factory which is amazing too, but it is not advisable to buy anything there, pearls are always cheaper in local markets. I bought a pair of earrings for my mom for $15 in the factory and later on I found the same ones in Beijing downtown just for $2.50.

How was the experience of learning Chinese in China?
I was really nervous about it but the school helps you not only to learn the language but also to meet the culture and become confident enough to communicate and interact with locals just by knowing the basic stuff.

Did you have the possibility of visiting different areas? Which ones and which one did you like the most?  
I tried to get the most out of my stay in China so I took every tour and excursion my budget could afford. A memorable trip was to the north side, when we took a train to Tianjin and we crossed the countryside. If you are taking a train in Beijing make sure to get proper advice since is very complicated if you still don’t handle the language properly. Signs are not in English and it can take you ages until you find the ticket window.

What did you like most about the school?
As I told you before, I felt cared for at the Chinese school. If I experienced any trouble I knew there was going to be someone ready to help me. There I learnt the importance of having a supporting partner in these kinds of trips.

What did you like the least about your experience?
China is all about cultural shock. It is kind of hard for many people to get used to the local customs and way of living. In restaurants you will have to get used to seeing people eating dog meat or see the cooker entering with live snakes around his arms and neck to prepare some dishes. For some of my friends who were vegetarian this was unbearable.

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