their language and culture. They didn’t seem to understand that these things would be of interest to someone from England – they even couldn’t believe me when I told them that Chinese cuisine was popular over here! The people were very helpful as well. Once, during Winter Vacation, I was stuck in Hainan as my plane back to Jinan had been grounded for a couple of days. Thankfully, a Chinese family took me under their wing and looked after me. Even on the plane back people were fussing over me, making sure that I had arrangements to get back from the airport!


Is there any advice you would give to someone looking to go to China?


I think the best thing is just to be aware of the differences you’ll encounter there and to be tolerant of them. Wherever you go in the world, there will always be little customs and superstitions you have to stay alert to. In China, for example, it’s inappropriate to give somebody a clock for a present, as the word for clock in Mandarin also sounds like the word for funeral. Similarly, the number four is unlucky as it sounds like the word for death. On the practical side of things, there is still a problem with pollution in China, so those with respiratory problems will need to take care. The worst time for this is the winter months, particularly January and February, as most households still burn coal for heat.


What do you feel you gained from your time China?


Well, academically speaking, it hugely benefited my study of Mandarin. I had about twenty hours of classes a week, all of which were taught in Mandarin, so it was the ideal environment in which to develop my language


skills. Beyond this, the cultural experience was great. Chinese New Year was amazing, as were the other celebrations such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a traditional harvest festival. Beyond this, the experience really made me aware of the alternatives to our typical Western perceptions and ways of living. As a languages student, it was particularly fascinating to see how one language can vary so much within a single country. Mandarin is so diverse that even neighbouring villages can have their own, unique dialects. You don’t find that with English. Many


Chinese people would question me as to what type of English I spoke – they assumed that American English would be hugely different to that which is spoken in the UK or Australia, but it’s really not the case.


Lastly, would you go again?


Definitely. I think that once you’ve done something like this, once you’ve gone and lived by yourself in a foreign country, you really gain a confidence in yourself. You’re not afraid to do something like that again, as you’re assured in your ability to successfully take such a leap.


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