As I return to America and people continue to ask me about being in China/Hong Kong, I have had a few reoccurring questions that I thought I would answer:
And I will preface this "top ten" by explaining that Mainland China and Hong Kong are very different! Hong Kong technically is now part of China, but Hong Kong was a British colony for 10 years, and is much more "westernized" compared to Mainland China...so I do not consider myself having studied in China - just Hong Kong!
1. 1. Can I speak the language?
No, unfortunately not. I only know 4 words. The language is Cantonese, which is a dialect of Mandarin Chinese. Cantonese has 6 tones, instead of 4 tones – which means it is harder to learn and speak! However, I can hear the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese, which I consider a success.
2. 2. Did I have a good time? Do I want to go back?
Yes – I had an amazing time, and I would go back in a heartbeat! I could definitely see myself working in another country for a few years at a time, but who knows what the future holds?
3. Did I like the food?
Yes and No. I had a few favorite dishes, but for the most part I felt like I was always eating starch and sauteed vegetables. So I am very, very happy to be home and able to eat American food.
4. 4. How close was the campus to the city of Hong Kong?
My school was about 45 minutes away from the “Central” city of Hong Kong, and I absolutely loved living on campus! Most awesome college experience, living in the dorms as a senior, in a foreign country!
5. Did I stand out? Did people stare?
Of course. I was a head taller than everyone, and I was blonde!
Yes, most of the people of Hong Kong could speak English, at least everyone on my campus could. Sometimes it would be hard when I went out to eat. The reality is that even if they can speak English, it is their second language and it is not the language they used in everyday conversation. So if they were not speaking to me, they would not use English.
Yes! It is extremely weird being back home in “country” West Virginia, around tons and tons of “white” people, no tall buildings, and tons of personal space! I was so crowded and so used to tall buildings everywhere! It is also strange that I can understand other people’s conversations, and that I never have to wonder if someone is understanding me.
8. Did I make friends?
Of course! Most of my friends were actually from Hong Kong, so I miss them so very much! And my closest exchange friends are Sunny, Melyssa, and Laura, three girls from the Chicago area!
9. Am I glad to be back at WVU?
Yes and No. I definitely loved the fact that I only had to pass my classes in Hong Kong, so I will miss that, but I love WVU! I’m excited to finish up my senior year and have fun doing it!
10. What is next?
I will graduate in May, I will hopefully be working over the summer, and then I am off to graduate school in Scotland or the UK in early fall. Thanks to an international scholarship that I received through the Rotary, grad school is paid for! So right now, I am in the process of applying to graduate schools in Scotland and the UK.
After returning home yesterday, from a conference organized by the Rotary, I was reminded of the importance of connecting with others and sharing your life, your adventure, and your experience with other people. So I will most certainly continue to update my blog.
This semester is sure to be a very, very busy one – one that I am looking forward to!
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