Last Tuesday, I returned home from a two-week study abroad trip to the beautiful country of China. I have only been home five days, and I already miss the rolling mountains, friendly people, and wonderful food. While it is a wonderful trip, it did not at all match my stereotypes of what I believed the Chinese people and culture to be.
The first thing I want to clarify is why I decided to travel to China in the first place. There are many study abroad opportunities at my college, and a lot of people questioned why I would choose China as my final destination. Here's the scoop: I thought China would be an adventure. The classes offered through the program fit within my major, I knew a few people already signed up, and I really liked the professor who was heading up the trip. Most of all, I figured that I would never have a better opportunity to visit the country. China is a place that I will never choose to go to for a honeymoon or vacation. So I may as well travel there for study, right? I might never have an opportunity to go again in my lifetime.
A big stereotype Americans, myself included, have about the Chinese people is that their traditionalist culture would prevent them from becoming modern and that they would be unfriendly to foreigners. I have found the complete opposite to be true. The Chinese students and faculty I interacted with from the universities we visited, and even pedestrians I interacted with around the cities, were the nicest and most accommodating people I have ever met. In every new city, my study group received gifts from our student hosts. Meals were always provided for us by our gracious new friends, and their only concern was that we were comfortable and enjoying our stay in their country. Even people we would pass on the street would ask to take pictures with us and interact for a moment, asking us about the United States. Any stereotype I had about rude or guarded people was 100 percent untrue.
Another thing I learned was how willing the Chinese people are to learn. At all of the universities we visited, students and faculty would ask questions about the United States. They truly wanted to learn more about our home. They also wanted to know what our honest impressions of China. At one school we were even given the opportunity to have a one-on-one session with just the students to ask them unlimited questions about their home, and they about ours, with no interaction from any faculty or staff members. This was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to learn so much.
Finally, I experienced what it is like to visit a country with thousands of years of history. In comparison to China, the United States is a toddler. The rich culture and architecture of the Chinese dynasties is something I cannot describe to you in words. Their beautiful old homes and temples silenced my thoughts. Walking into many of the ancient towns we visited caused me to feel an enormous amount of respect for these people. I will never be able to have an experience like that in the U.S.
I adored visiting China. Its wonderful food, landscapes, and welcoming people have left a special place in my heart. I hope that I have the chance to see all my new friends again someday and that people here in the United States will take the opportunity to visit China, despite the stereotypes. It is truly an unforgettable experience.
