I’ve been in Shanghai for a little over one month now, and it’s been full of learning, frustration, and adventure! I am 15 hours ahead of Portland and my schedule has been packed (what’s new??) making this the best way to share what I have been up to!
Overall I have been surprised at how well I have adjusted- everything in China is very different but despite a few hiccups I have truly enjoyed the lifestyle and culture. I can already see so much growth in myself- from not knowing one phrase in Chinese to being able to hold a full conversation, a change in how I view China politically and socially, and my ability to interact with people from many different cultures. Every day offers something new and there is always something to do or see (always knew I would love the city life). I also expected to be more uncomfortable but whenever I feel homesick I do something active and find that time is passing too fast! My first few days were frustrating- exchanging currency, getting a SIM card, finding my room, having limited access to my VPN, etc. when very few people know English was challenging, but my biggest complaint??? I think I will be permanently exhausted until I go home…
Classes
I am taking 6 classes for my last term and most of my time is spent in Chinese class and studying Chinese- it’s definitely one of the most challenging things I’ve done academically, but I love how exposed I am to the language and how quickly I am picking it up! My other courses are practical, but interesting; I was surprised with how open the professors are and that we are allowed to speak openly about China and their current social, economic, and political situations. Each class is about four hours and grades are based almost entirely on attendance and the final, which is very different than what I’ve experienced. We also have to make up classes when we have holiday... I was only slightly bitter about Saturday/Sunday classes last week.
Friends
If you know me at all you know how nervous I was to transition from having my best friends, professors, and coaches at Whitworth to not knowing anyone. The first few weeks really pushed me out of my comfort zone- I had to spend a lot of time with new people (soooo not ideal for this introvert) and I was so tired. But, I have made great friends and get to interact with so many different people in class, going out to eat, and in the dorms.
Another big fear- random roommates! I was so worried about living with a random person for 3+ months, but I got lucky. My roommate is from Spain & already studied for one year in Beijing. She has already helped me so much with my Chinese and we have great neighbors from Ireland! We are basically the same person and there's never a dull moment when we're together!
I have also been able to spend time with several Chinese families a few times per week and it is something I really look forward to all weekend. Chinese people are extremely kind and feel privileged to teach you about their culture or help you with the language!
"Home"
My room is small but cozy! It is really simple which I love, and we have a balcony to let in sun and fresh air. Sleeping on the floor would probably be just as comfortable as our beds, but we keep saying it will just make our first nights home even better.
My campus is in the middle of a city so I can eat, shop, go out, or find a park within 10 minutes. Pretty much everything I need is on campus though- the cafeteria is 3 stories and there is a mini market and coffee shop right outside my building! There is also a track and football field where I like to run.
Food
I could write an entire blog on the food so I’ll keep this short- I have never had such good food in my entire life. It is very inexpensive to eat in China so I also get to try a lot of new things. I don’t like the typical breakfast food here so I eat oatmeal in my room and then have dumplings, noodles, rice, etc. for lunch and dinner (and I am still not tired of any of it)! Western food is typically more expensive, so I’ve been eating locally and enjoying a lot of chocolate milk when I want something familiar.
Free Time
The first week I was here I didn’t have class and I really enjoyed seeing the major tourist spots in Shanghai- The Bund, Yu Garden, Museums, etc. Lately I have been going on runs, visiting coffee shops, checking out local markets, and going out on weekends. I also make sure to have quiet time to recharge so my roommate and I like to hangout in our room, watch movies, study, or read. This week is the National Holiday (Golden Week) meaning I don't have class and am planning on seeing even more of the city and visiting several temples!
I am in loooveeee with Shanghai- the views, the culture, the people. I have already made it a goal to work/live here in the future and hope that more people will take the time to visit and understand China!
Kins :)
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