Juliana's Blog Entry 1
The new experiences have been endless since I arrived in China. From the moment I stepped off the airplane in Beijing, the Chinese culture has surrounded me: the food, the language, the people. A simple vending machine at the airport was a new sight for me: squeezing the juice from the fresh oranges, I had never before seen a mechanism such as this one.
Over the next two days, our group stayed in Beijing, touring the cities historical and cultural sites including the famous great wall, which was gorgeous and, to my surprise, very exhausting to climb; a jade factory with intricate, beautiful works of art; and the Forbidden City, a majestic location where emperors had resided. After exiting the palace, our group walked along the moat surrounding it, and by its side were several couples getting their wedding pictures taken. It was quite interesting to see the beautiful brides in their traditional red dresses taking pictures with the historical emblem in the background. It shows how meaningful the forbidden city is to so many people in China.
Upon arriving in Xi’an, we were all anxious to meet our families in person. At Tangnan school, the welcomes were more than warm; hugs and greetings were exchanged and our foreign lives began.
Overall, communicating with my family members has been easier than I had anticipated because of the advanced English of my host mom as well as the English of my host sister, and although the father speaks a limited amount of English words and phrases, the fact that I don’t have the option to speak English to him pushes me to improve my Chinese speaking and listening abilities.
I find myself using a wide variety of skills to ensure my message is understood: these include gestures, indirect descriptions of an object, and, if all else fails, Google translate.
It is amazing to think that I have only been living with my family for a week considering the fact that I already feel so accustomed to the culture. In the weeks to come, I know my knowledge of a country halfway around the world from my hometown will only be expanding, and I can’t wait.
The new experiences have been endless since I arrived in China. From the moment I stepped off the airplane in Beijing, the Chinese culture has surrounded me: the food, the language, the people. A simple vending machine at the airport was a new sight for me: squeezing the juice from the fresh oranges, I had never before seen a mechanism such as this one.
Over the next two days, our group stayed in Beijing, touring the cities historical and cultural sites including the famous great wall, which was gorgeous and, to my surprise, very exhausting to climb; a jade factory with intricate, beautiful works of art; and the Forbidden City, a majestic location where emperors had resided. After exiting the palace, our group walked along the moat surrounding it, and by its side were several couples getting their wedding pictures taken. It was quite interesting to see the beautiful brides in their traditional red dresses taking pictures with the historical emblem in the background. It shows how meaningful the forbidden city is to so many people in China.
Upon arriving in Xi’an, we were all anxious to meet our families in person. At Tangnan school, the welcomes were more than warm; hugs and greetings were exchanged and our foreign lives began.
Overall, communicating with my family members has been easier than I had anticipated because of the advanced English of my host mom as well as the English of my host sister, and although the father speaks a limited amount of English words and phrases, the fact that I don’t have the option to speak English to him pushes me to improve my Chinese speaking and listening abilities.
I find myself using a wide variety of skills to ensure my message is understood: these include gestures, indirect descriptions of an object, and, if all else fails, Google translate.
It is amazing to think that I have only been living with my family for a week considering the fact that I already feel so accustomed to the culture. In the weeks to come, I know my knowledge of a country halfway around the world from my hometown will only be expanding, and I can’t wait.
Mackenzie's Blog Entry 1
Although my host sister can speak English, most of the time everyone in the household talks in Chinese. It is hard for me to keep up, and a lot of the time I do not understand what is happening or where the conversation has gone. There is definitely a language barrier there, but we get by just fine by either talking slowly or using a translating app when necessary. Despite this, however, we have managed to bond over shared topics such as food, dogs, and music, all things that both my host family and I love.
My host sister is super helpful with translating some confusing sentences, and the whole family is helping me learn more Chinese. Throughout the short amount of time that I have been in China, I have learned several short words and phrases, such as lantern, just go straight (when asking for directions), take a shower, wash clothes, and also brush teeth. My favorite thing so far is trying the different foods! I usually am told the Chinese name of the food, but only a few of the names actually have stuck with me.
Living with my host family has been an extremely fun experience, and I think that even though I have been here in Xi’an for just about a week, I have already become more independent and better at handling certain situations. In certain cases, like if I cannot eat something or do not know where the bathroom is, I am often forced to practice my Chinese. I am not just challenged to just know the Chinese, but also be able to use my limited knowledge and use context clues to help me understand what someone else is saying. Hand gestures, tone of voice, and the setting are all things that help me, and although I do not usually need to use my Chinese (my host sister is amazing at English), when I do it is a lot harder than practicing in a classroom back home.
Although my host sister can speak English, most of the time everyone in the household talks in Chinese. It is hard for me to keep up, and a lot of the time I do not understand what is happening or where the conversation has gone. There is definitely a language barrier there, but we get by just fine by either talking slowly or using a translating app when necessary. Despite this, however, we have managed to bond over shared topics such as food, dogs, and music, all things that both my host family and I love.
My host sister is super helpful with translating some confusing sentences, and the whole family is helping me learn more Chinese. Throughout the short amount of time that I have been in China, I have learned several short words and phrases, such as lantern, just go straight (when asking for directions), take a shower, wash clothes, and also brush teeth. My favorite thing so far is trying the different foods! I usually am told the Chinese name of the food, but only a few of the names actually have stuck with me.
Living with my host family has been an extremely fun experience, and I think that even though I have been here in Xi’an for just about a week, I have already become more independent and better at handling certain situations. In certain cases, like if I cannot eat something or do not know where the bathroom is, I am often forced to practice my Chinese. I am not just challenged to just know the Chinese, but also be able to use my limited knowledge and use context clues to help me understand what someone else is saying. Hand gestures, tone of voice, and the setting are all things that help me, and although I do not usually need to use my Chinese (my host sister is amazing at English), when I do it is a lot harder than practicing in a classroom back home.
Anabelle's Blog Entry 1
Our first days in Beijing were really incredible! Climbing the Great Wall was definitely a highlight since it is such a renowned historical place. It was much harder to climb than I expected, but it also amazed me how many people have walked the same path I have throughout Chinese history. It was also extremely interesting to see and learn about the rich culture exhibited throughout the other places we visited. Not only is the architecture beautiful, but each sight contributes to China’s culture, and carries different stories of its history.
When we arrived in Xi’an and started living with our host families, it was much easier to communicate that I expected. Even though I like practicing my Chinese, my host sister and mother speak English well, which is very helpful when I can’t understand what they are saying in Chinese. I also have a little brother who is five and can only speak Chinese. At first it was difficult to communicate, but I think I am beginning to understand him better. I am starting to recognize common phrases he uses. Everyone is very patient with me and it is encouraging to know that they are supporting me when I try to improve my language skills.
I love living in the city of Xi’an for things are so easily accessible such as, transportation, malls, supermarkets, parks, etc. I am able to walk with my family to all of these places. My sister knows the city very well, and I was surprised by her street skills, and how well she could navigate the city. She took me to the center of Xi’an to tour and experience the night life there. Every evening in the center of Xi’an, the whole area is lit up by lanterns and other glowing structures. It was so beautiful and cool!
I really enjoy attending school, and going yo my host sisters classes. I especially like participating in her English class since I understand what they are learning and can help the students with their studies. There is also a large courtyard where all the students can exercise, and play during their free time. The lunches are really good, much better than American school lunches. There are different things to choose from each day such as noodles, dumplings, vegetables, meat dishes, rice, and buns. Additionally, we get about two hours each day for lunch. The Chinese students use this time to take a nap, but we have gone to look in the small shops and supermarkets near the school which I have loved.
It has been so amazing to take in the different sights and culture these first few weeks. I am having an amazing time, and I really look forward to exploring more of Xi’an and the rest of the country in the upcoming weeks.
Our first days in Beijing were really incredible! Climbing the Great Wall was definitely a highlight since it is such a renowned historical place. It was much harder to climb than I expected, but it also amazed me how many people have walked the same path I have throughout Chinese history. It was also extremely interesting to see and learn about the rich culture exhibited throughout the other places we visited. Not only is the architecture beautiful, but each sight contributes to China’s culture, and carries different stories of its history.
When we arrived in Xi’an and started living with our host families, it was much easier to communicate that I expected. Even though I like practicing my Chinese, my host sister and mother speak English well, which is very helpful when I can’t understand what they are saying in Chinese. I also have a little brother who is five and can only speak Chinese. At first it was difficult to communicate, but I think I am beginning to understand him better. I am starting to recognize common phrases he uses. Everyone is very patient with me and it is encouraging to know that they are supporting me when I try to improve my language skills.
I love living in the city of Xi’an for things are so easily accessible such as, transportation, malls, supermarkets, parks, etc. I am able to walk with my family to all of these places. My sister knows the city very well, and I was surprised by her street skills, and how well she could navigate the city. She took me to the center of Xi’an to tour and experience the night life there. Every evening in the center of Xi’an, the whole area is lit up by lanterns and other glowing structures. It was so beautiful and cool!
I really enjoy attending school, and going yo my host sisters classes. I especially like participating in her English class since I understand what they are learning and can help the students with their studies. There is also a large courtyard where all the students can exercise, and play during their free time. The lunches are really good, much better than American school lunches. There are different things to choose from each day such as noodles, dumplings, vegetables, meat dishes, rice, and buns. Additionally, we get about two hours each day for lunch. The Chinese students use this time to take a nap, but we have gone to look in the small shops and supermarkets near the school which I have loved.
It has been so amazing to take in the different sights and culture these first few weeks. I am having an amazing time, and I really look forward to exploring more of Xi’an and the rest of the country in the upcoming weeks.
George's Blog Entry 1
There are little words to describe the surprises that come from living with a host family in China, mainly being the overwhelming kindness that a family gives a foreign member. They call you “family” before you even get a chance to introduce your name. The places they take you will be beyond words, and even then, they will tell you that it’s not even near to the best part about China. They will pamper you throughout the unknown as they speak English to communicate to you, and Chinese to pave the way for the adventures waiting for you. In these few days of living with my host family, they took me places that show China’s modernization and roots to its traditions. The communication barrier that might have seemed like a problem drifts to the back of my head as I learn Chinese through the explanations of a host father and brother as we head to famous sights in Xi’an, and as we eat new meals every day. It's almost as if a tour guide is with you to explain the meaning of everything. The best way to describe the experience is to imagine yourself as a newborn baby, learning to walk and talk as he or she begins to grow in a community of a rich culture and language. The best part of this trip is knowing that you aren’t alone in this grand quest to learn the culture that is hidden in the cloud of knowledge and history. Whether you have your best friend on this trip or a bunch of new faces, I guarantee that you will have a new friend at the end of the trip. This trip paints China for what it really is, not the jokers who demean it with communism, and especially not those who destroy the reputation of a place they have never visited. China is a beautiful community that is made of a people that are constantly busy. These people will treat you like one of their own. The kids at school will treat you like kings and queens, as you gain instant friends by looking at someone’s general direction and wave. You don’t have to be somebody in America to be somebody here, it’s enough for them that you are different, a foreigner who loves their country. You don’t have to have a good voice, or the perfect dance moves, or even an athletic appearance for people to like you. They accept you for being average, nothing above and nothing below. Living here for a week allows you to understand the people, how the schools work, and just how kind they are. The next five weeks will feel like a luxury.
There are little words to describe the surprises that come from living with a host family in China, mainly being the overwhelming kindness that a family gives a foreign member. They call you “family” before you even get a chance to introduce your name. The places they take you will be beyond words, and even then, they will tell you that it’s not even near to the best part about China. They will pamper you throughout the unknown as they speak English to communicate to you, and Chinese to pave the way for the adventures waiting for you. In these few days of living with my host family, they took me places that show China’s modernization and roots to its traditions. The communication barrier that might have seemed like a problem drifts to the back of my head as I learn Chinese through the explanations of a host father and brother as we head to famous sights in Xi’an, and as we eat new meals every day. It's almost as if a tour guide is with you to explain the meaning of everything. The best way to describe the experience is to imagine yourself as a newborn baby, learning to walk and talk as he or she begins to grow in a community of a rich culture and language. The best part of this trip is knowing that you aren’t alone in this grand quest to learn the culture that is hidden in the cloud of knowledge and history. Whether you have your best friend on this trip or a bunch of new faces, I guarantee that you will have a new friend at the end of the trip. This trip paints China for what it really is, not the jokers who demean it with communism, and especially not those who destroy the reputation of a place they have never visited. China is a beautiful community that is made of a people that are constantly busy. These people will treat you like one of their own. The kids at school will treat you like kings and queens, as you gain instant friends by looking at someone’s general direction and wave. You don’t have to be somebody in America to be somebody here, it’s enough for them that you are different, a foreigner who loves their country. You don’t have to have a good voice, or the perfect dance moves, or even an athletic appearance for people to like you. They accept you for being average, nothing above and nothing below. Living here for a week allows you to understand the people, how the schools work, and just how kind they are. The next five weeks will feel like a luxury.
Sydney's Blog Entry 1
This first part of the trip has been a very exciting and wonderful experience of China and its cities, Beijing and Xi’an. Together as a group we have all already had an unforgettable time and experience in China and it is so exciting to think that their is more to come. When I met my host family I had previously planned that they would speak very little to no English and I made myself a book and downloaded many English to Chinese apps and websites, but it turned out that they are much better at English than I expected and it is amazing how much better they have gotten in just a week of me being here. Both of my parents studied English extensively in college or maybe in earlier school years, so they can understand me well and from time to time remember old words in English and can speak to me very well in English. It is surprising to me how much better the students here are at English, than how we are at our foreign language. Although we also consider it a main class I do not think I take French as often or as diligently as the students here do for English. Communication is obviously a bit more difficult than it is in the U.S. between me and my family members but overall I would say it has been much easier to communicate than I expected. These first two weeks have been amazing and I cannot wait to see what else is in store from adventuring to time spent with my Chinese family.
This first part of the trip has been a very exciting and wonderful experience of China and its cities, Beijing and Xi’an. Together as a group we have all already had an unforgettable time and experience in China and it is so exciting to think that their is more to come. When I met my host family I had previously planned that they would speak very little to no English and I made myself a book and downloaded many English to Chinese apps and websites, but it turned out that they are much better at English than I expected and it is amazing how much better they have gotten in just a week of me being here. Both of my parents studied English extensively in college or maybe in earlier school years, so they can understand me well and from time to time remember old words in English and can speak to me very well in English. It is surprising to me how much better the students here are at English, than how we are at our foreign language. Although we also consider it a main class I do not think I take French as often or as diligently as the students here do for English. Communication is obviously a bit more difficult than it is in the U.S. between me and my family members but overall I would say it has been much easier to communicate than I expected. These first two weeks have been amazing and I cannot wait to see what else is in store from adventuring to time spent with my Chinese family.
Sam's Blog Entry 1
China is beyond amazing. So far this experience has been completely unreal. Every where I look there is a new adventure or a new person to meet. First we had gone to Beijing and it was absolutely gorgeous, considering the pollution. We visited the Great Wall Of China but we were completely out of shape and had only made it past 2 or 3 stops. We had also visited a jade factory and they showed us how they made different jade objects and how long it took. We even got a chance to shop around and buy some stuff. I ended up getting a jade necklace which stood for peace and good luck. We went to many other places but besides all that, we went to Xi’an. My host family is Fantastic. They are so nice and they go out of their way to make me comfortable and keep me occupied. At first when coming to Xi’an, I was very nervous because I don’t know chinese and I knew communicating with the family would be difficult. However when I met my host sister, Iris, she was actually very fluent in English and understood almost everything I was saying. Her parents however did not speak any English and at first made it very difficult to communicate with them. But we later found an app that would take what I was saying in English and then say it in English. (Vice versa). Now communication with them is so much easier. Living with them was kind of hard at first because I wanted to be able to communicate with them and over the weekend’s, my host sister would have classes so I wouldn’t be able to talk to them for hours. But now having a way to communicate with them helps and creates a stronger bond between us.
China is beyond amazing. So far this experience has been completely unreal. Every where I look there is a new adventure or a new person to meet. First we had gone to Beijing and it was absolutely gorgeous, considering the pollution. We visited the Great Wall Of China but we were completely out of shape and had only made it past 2 or 3 stops. We had also visited a jade factory and they showed us how they made different jade objects and how long it took. We even got a chance to shop around and buy some stuff. I ended up getting a jade necklace which stood for peace and good luck. We went to many other places but besides all that, we went to Xi’an. My host family is Fantastic. They are so nice and they go out of their way to make me comfortable and keep me occupied. At first when coming to Xi’an, I was very nervous because I don’t know chinese and I knew communicating with the family would be difficult. However when I met my host sister, Iris, she was actually very fluent in English and understood almost everything I was saying. Her parents however did not speak any English and at first made it very difficult to communicate with them. But we later found an app that would take what I was saying in English and then say it in English. (Vice versa). Now communication with them is so much easier. Living with them was kind of hard at first because I wanted to be able to communicate with them and over the weekend’s, my host sister would have classes so I wouldn’t be able to talk to them for hours. But now having a way to communicate with them helps and creates a stronger bond between us.
Eric's Blog Entry 1
To start off our China Exchange trip we went to Beijing, which was absolutely a blast! We first went to the Jade factory, then the Great Wall, bargained at the Pearl market, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. Throughout these, we had traditional Beijing noodles and famous duck dinner. We headed on a train ride to Xi’an, where we finally met our host families! Since the first day upon arriving, my host family has been so utterly accommodating to my needs and provides me with anything that I need. They have taken me to so many places and gone out of there way to let me try the amazing variety of foods they offer here in Xi’an. It hasn’t been too much of a challenge communicating as their English is quite good and if needed, we use a translator, but otherwise we understand one another for the most part. It is easier than I anticipated, since their English is better than I thought and I know a good amount of Chinese, it is very easy to have daily conversation and express any thoughts I may have. I have slowly gotten closer to my host family as time progresses and I can’t wait for what’s to come. These few days with my host family have been amazing and I’m so grateful for what they have done for me. I’m excited for what’s to come during our stay here and am overly thrilled about the stories and experiences I will bring back with me.
To start off our China Exchange trip we went to Beijing, which was absolutely a blast! We first went to the Jade factory, then the Great Wall, bargained at the Pearl market, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. Throughout these, we had traditional Beijing noodles and famous duck dinner. We headed on a train ride to Xi’an, where we finally met our host families! Since the first day upon arriving, my host family has been so utterly accommodating to my needs and provides me with anything that I need. They have taken me to so many places and gone out of there way to let me try the amazing variety of foods they offer here in Xi’an. It hasn’t been too much of a challenge communicating as their English is quite good and if needed, we use a translator, but otherwise we understand one another for the most part. It is easier than I anticipated, since their English is better than I thought and I know a good amount of Chinese, it is very easy to have daily conversation and express any thoughts I may have. I have slowly gotten closer to my host family as time progresses and I can’t wait for what’s to come. These few days with my host family have been amazing and I’m so grateful for what they have done for me. I’m excited for what’s to come during our stay here and am overly thrilled about the stories and experiences I will bring back with me.
Xylah's Blog Entry 1
Last Thursday, I️ spent my first night in a new home, new surroundings, new people, even a new language! When I️ first arrived to my host families home, I️ was very nervous at first, but I️ then realized that there was honestly nothing to be nervous about: these were good people! Living here for the past week is far more different and exciting than living in Sharon Massachusetts and concord New Hampshire in so many ways. My host sister, also known as zoey, is excellent at speaking English with me, which is a good thing since I️ don’t speak Chinese! There are some things she doesn’t quite know how to say, so we use a good quality translator app in order to communicate when needed. On the other hand, my host parents speak just about no English, so we use the app more often or zoey will be our translator. My host brother, Kevin, usually likes to say “I️ want to play your games” in English to me most of the time. It is a little bit complicating, but it’s also fun at the same time. Their house is smaller than mine, but bigger at the same time. I️ have two floors and three bedrooms at my house in Sharon. Yet, they have one floor with four bedrooms. Everything is so spaced here, yet at my house, everything is so messy! Everything looks so beautiful and perfect I️m their house! The bathroom I️ am using is different than others. There’s no curtain for the shower. It is just an open space in the bathroom for the shower. I️ actually kind of enjoy this type of shower better than my shower since it doesn’t matter if you get any water on the floor! During almost every meal, we usually use chopsticks: I️ am horrible at using chopsticks. Every time I️ try to pick up anything, it falls right back onto my plate, so they always have me use a fork instead. Living in a new home, with new people, and new surroundings, and a new language have been very beneficial to me, and I️ can’t wait to learn new things during the next few weeks!
Last Thursday, I️ spent my first night in a new home, new surroundings, new people, even a new language! When I️ first arrived to my host families home, I️ was very nervous at first, but I️ then realized that there was honestly nothing to be nervous about: these were good people! Living here for the past week is far more different and exciting than living in Sharon Massachusetts and concord New Hampshire in so many ways. My host sister, also known as zoey, is excellent at speaking English with me, which is a good thing since I️ don’t speak Chinese! There are some things she doesn’t quite know how to say, so we use a good quality translator app in order to communicate when needed. On the other hand, my host parents speak just about no English, so we use the app more often or zoey will be our translator. My host brother, Kevin, usually likes to say “I️ want to play your games” in English to me most of the time. It is a little bit complicating, but it’s also fun at the same time. Their house is smaller than mine, but bigger at the same time. I️ have two floors and three bedrooms at my house in Sharon. Yet, they have one floor with four bedrooms. Everything is so spaced here, yet at my house, everything is so messy! Everything looks so beautiful and perfect I️m their house! The bathroom I️ am using is different than others. There’s no curtain for the shower. It is just an open space in the bathroom for the shower. I️ actually kind of enjoy this type of shower better than my shower since it doesn’t matter if you get any water on the floor! During almost every meal, we usually use chopsticks: I️ am horrible at using chopsticks. Every time I️ try to pick up anything, it falls right back onto my plate, so they always have me use a fork instead. Living in a new home, with new people, and new surroundings, and a new language have been very beneficial to me, and I️ can’t wait to learn new things during the next few weeks!