My story?
grew up in Northbrook, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Growing up, I played and followed soccer, which is probably what roused my interest in the rest of the world early on. I studied abroad in Shanghai for nine months in 2009/10 on a CIEE Gap Year Abroad, and am now a student at Wesleyan University.
What was your reason for taking a Gap Year Abroad?
There are multiple reasons why I chose this unusual path to take before attending college, but the primary one was the fact that it was so different. Most people go directly from high school to college, but I decided that I wanted to go somewhere else for a year, somewhere culturally, linguistically, even geographically distant from America as possible. So, I chose China, a country of characters, rich history, and fascinating people.
What did you gain most from Gap Year in China?
I gained conversational fluency in Chinese, tons of knowledge about Chinese culture, and tons of new friends from the experience. All of that is wonderful, and I grow more and more appreciative of it every day that I'm away from Shanghai. However, perhaps the greatest gain I took away from my year abroad was the confidence it gave me to explore and to open myself to new possibilities. If you go to the February section of my blog, you'll find a story about how I and a couple of friends met a Chinese student named Michael in Dali, and decided to welcome him to travel with us for a week, which he did. No one arranged that trip for us, and no authority figure was there to set rules—we just went, and had the most amazing trip of our lives! Knowing I can function by myself in that type of new, foreign environment gives me great belief going forward in my ability to pursue and achieve practically anything I wish.
What were some interesting cultural differences with your host family?
There are so many. Off the top of my head, Chinese families eat communally, meaning that everyone takes from plates in the center of the table with their chopsticks. I had to adjust to a much harder bed--the first night I dropped on it, exhausted, I ended up bruising my behind. Everyone prefers drinking hot water to cold--cold water doesn't mix well with hot food, and it could make you sick! There are many more, but when it all comes down to it, we share the same values. Those values manifest themselves differently through different cultural practices. What was amazing were the moments when I began to draw those crucial connections between values and cultural practices, and began to understand my new friends better because of it.
What were the top three most valuable things you learned while in China?
1) Before going to China, I didn't take enough time to explore, to set out and do things I'd never done before. I had so many adventures last year. Some ended badly, but more often than not I had incredible experiences that made me new friends, and made me see the world differently.
2) Far more often than not, people have good intentions. If you can take a step forward and trust strangers, they will usually reciprocate. This is how I made really good friends while traveling.
3) Everyone has a story and opinions, and most are willing to share them with you. This is especially true in China. There are so many fascinating exchanges I had with people on topics ranging from high-speed rail to route 66, hamburgers to Beijing duck, Obama to the Dalai Lama. There is so much to be learned just by talking with each other, and I think that's often overlooked by study abroad students who are just looking to improve language skills.
What are your favorite things about Chinese culture?
1) The food. There are so many different types, and it's always delicious.
2) The people. China has seen so much change, and the Chinese people, especially the older generation, has witnessed it all. This shapes the personalities of different generations. For instance younger people aren't afraid to express their views on the Chinese government, while some older people remain tight lipped, but internally clearly have reservations. I know I've used this word too many times already, but it's fascinating.
Now that you are back—how is your Chinese?
Conversationally fluent. Can't understand the news report yet or read newspaper articles completely without using a dictionary, but I'm getting there. The point is, I can get by on my own, and can talk to anyone about practically any topic.
What is your coolest memory snapshot of your time there?
There are so, so many. My best memory would probably come from the Sichuan/Yunnan trip when we were looking out over Tiger Leaping Gorge. The dark red sun was setting over the jagged cliffs, and we could see the violent river crashing below us, and I just remember sitting down with my friends and taking it all in. I remember thinking "wow, I can't believe I'm here, in such an awesome place, with these amazing people, at this moment."
What’s one unusual thing about Chinese culture you noticed?
People feel like they need to end their sentences with "ah," "oh," "ya," or some short, open vowel at the end of their sentences. It sounded really strange at first. I guess that it just feels awkward to end their sentences without it? I'm curious to know how that linguistic peculiarity developed.
What was one thing you didn't expect about living in China?
How excited most Chinese get to practice their English. Everyone at ECNU seemed to be looking for a language partner or tutor. Just knowing English and looking different is a great way to meet people.
So, what are you up to now that you are back in America?
Right now I'm studying at Wesleyan University, and I'm hoping to get back to China next summer on a U.S. government program. China has definitely shaped my life path since I've returned home. Not only am I taking Chinese in college and applying to go back this summer, but I've met many of Chinese students on campus. All of my classes have at least one Chinese foreign student in them, so it's a really great way to keep up my language skills. Although graduation is a long way off, I am definitely open to the possibility of working in China for a few years after college.
What are some parts of life in China that you brought back with you to the U.S.?
Aside from bringing back my language skills, I've also brought back a different perspective on all sorts of matters. Having lived in a foreign culture changes the way I look at the world. For instance, the Chinese economy will probably surpass the U.S. economy in the next 10-15 years. Most politicians during the midterms saw that probability as a threat, but I see it as a huge opportunity. Another example is the way I see tough classes. Before going to China, I was really focused on my grades, and would have been reluctant to take tough courses in college. The Chinese respect a person who can chi ku (eat bitterness) and that value has definitely become instilled in my approach to all work.
Any advice for future Gappers?
1) Open yourself to people and new experiences. It sounds cliché, but what you'll gain personally from it is incredible. Approach strangers, design a trip by yourself and go on it, spend as much time with your host family as possible, order something from the menu that you can't even read. Being outgoing and throwing yourself into the new culture is the way you will gain the most from your experience. This is the single most important thing you can do.
2) This is more practical. Carry a small notepad with you that you can fit in a pocket. Write down words or phrases that you see outside of class, or slang that you'll never be taught in class. Not only is it a really great way to learn new words and phrases, but you'll understand your country's cultural quirks more when you piece these words and phrases together.