Hye-Young Lee
Senior, Chinese Language & Culture
Huazhong Normal University
Studying abroad requires many adjustments. There are differences in language, culture, and appearances. Mixed emotions are just some of the things exchange students have to face. On the surface there are some things about China that look the same as Korea, but I felt lonely and desolate when I first arrived here. Homesickness is natural, but now I feel like I'm in my second hometown. It was hard getting used to Chinese food and other everyday living habits, but now I feel like I have fully integrated myself. As time passes, I am sometimes surprised that I have been able to adapt so well.
Like other exchange students, I have taken the opportunity to visit some famous places with amazing sights. As you all know, China is a really huge country. As I travelled around the country I noticed that there are many differences even among the Chinese people themselves. Many small towns and localities have their own special customs and languages. The diversity makes it hard to think of this as one big country. However, these differences made me more curious about China.
I have had good experiences and bad experiences in China. One morning, I packed up my stuff and went to the train station. However, a pickpocket made off with my cell-phone that day. It happened so fast. That was my first attempt at touring the country, so I felt uneasy and embarrassed.
When I got my pocket picked by the thief, I hated all the Chinese, but then a female Chinese student came to me and kindly let me know where the train station office was. After that, I realized that the Chinese are not bad people at all. I think China has two extremely different sides and there are many good people as well as some bad people. Through my experience of studying in China, I have enriched my life and learned many things. One thing I am sure of is that this country is not so different from Korea. With their sense of human nature and attitudes toward each other, I feel like I'm in my hometown again.
