1. My international experience to date is:
For much of my middle and high school years I studied Spanish. However in the later years my interest
in that language dwindled, but my interest was still fairly high when I was given the opportunity to
travel to a Spanish speaking country. In the summer between junior and senior years of high school
I travelled with many of my fellow students to Costa Rica. The trip was amazing and I loved conversing
with the native speakers there as well as sightseeing and cultural experiences.
2. I want to go to China because:
In the year following the trip I found myself interested in a new language, Chinese. I took Chinese
Year 1 Parts 1 and 2 in my freshman year at Pitt and I am eager to travel to China and listen and
speak to native speakers. As an engineering student interested in international engineering as well
as the Chinese language and culture, I am extremely excited to travel there.
3. I think the main professional work differences I will experience will be:
I predict that the work environment in China will be much more focused on the collective progress
of the company rather than any individual’s progress through the company. I also predict that we
will see a heavily group oriented work strategy and ethic with little recognition of individuals
on a regular basis.
4. I think the main cultural differences I will experience will be:
I foresee a much denser atmosphere of respect and dignity in almost every facet. While the language
and culture barriers will prevent many people from engaging me, I believe the people that I will
interact with will be extremely courteous and friendly. I don’t expect every person will fit this
expectation, but I think it will apply for the most part.
5. I think the main political differences I will experience will be:
While I think that people will be more courteous and respectful there, I also think they will be
much more soft spoken and less prone to sharing political opinions. I do not think that the Chinese
government actively suppresses political dissent, but I do believe the people there will be less
willing to bring it up.
6. I think the students in China will be:
I think the Chinese students will be almost exactly like us, but with a key difference. I predict
they will be much more respectful of authority than the standard American college student. I think
the nature of Chinese culture with regard to respect and family values, as well as the power of the
government, will be reflected in the student’s actions and opinions.
7. I predict I will be surprised to find:
I will be surprised and enthralled when seeing any less urban and less modern areas of China. While
there may not be many of these near Beijing, it would be interesting to see examples of life in
non-urban China. I predict that I will be surprised but what I see in those areas because the United
States is almost devoid of those areas now. It will be an interesting experience to see examples of
daily life in these areas.
8. I think the major differences in living conditions will be:
I think the major difference will be space. In a nation of more than one billion people living space
will be relatively limited, especially compared to the homes that many people in the United States
are used to. Another major difference will be the quantity and quality of amenities. I would not be
surprised to see water, electricity, heat, and air conditioning will be limited if existent at all
especially outside the city.