《Life of an international student in China》

Name: DAO HANH TRANG
Nationality: Vietnam
University：Shanghai International Studies University
Tutor: Zhang Xinyu

Studying abroad is an exciting experience. Regardless of which country you go to, living and studying abroad can be both fun and challenging. China is an ancient yet modern country, full of history and rich in culture, and also is one of the fastest development economies in the world in the 21st century.

Therefore, there are a lot of opportunities for you to have new experiences and leave you with long lasting memories while pursuing your academic goals. Of course, there are also some challenges and difficulties due to cultural differences and language barrier. I have been living and studying in China for almost a year now. Here are some of my personal experiences along with some advices an international student in China.

Have a basic knowledge of Chinese language

If you are planning to come and study in China, then you might consider learning some basic Chinese words for communication. Although your major might be in English, you will certainly require a basic level of Chinese knowledge throughout your stay in China. Learning how to ask for direction, how to ask for a price will help you in case you got lost or when you would like to buy groceries. Chinese is also an interesting language, as it not only holds historic values but also cultural values, so as you learn more about the language, you will also learn more about Chinese philosophy.

I came to China in November 2022. Unfortunately, I got sick so I got hospitalized soon after. At the hospital, the nurses or the patients who stays in the same rooms with me didn’t speak much English, but luckily I know a bit of Chinese, and everyone was so helpful and friendly, so I recovered quickly and got discharged a week after.

Keep an open mind to everything

Culture shock is inevitable. After arriving in China, I experienced a different cultural environment. One of the major challenges that I faced was food.

When it comes to food, I can be a bit picky. China is famous for its cuisine, so I was willing to try it. Eventually, I discovered my favorite food: 螺狮粉 - snail noodles. As a matter of fact, I even brought a suitcase full of snail noodles back home for summer holiday.

Exploring your new environment

Once you have settled down, it’s time for some explorations. You can just wander around your neighborhood or school area for some nice restaurants, or going to your city’s tourist attractions to learn more about its history. If you are a lazy person or you don’t know where to start, you can sign up for school trips, which can guarantee you all of the above.

My first school trip was on a “Friday the 13th“, and surely enough, it rained the whole time. However, I made good friends and got to see some of Shanghai’s beautiful landmarks for the first time that day.

Make new friends

There is a famous saying: “在家靠父母，出门靠朋友”, which means at home, you have your parents’ support, but as long as you leave the house, you have to rely on your friends’ support.

Making friends will make your life more meaningful and less lonely as you spend time with them. I also recommend getting a Chinese friend as a language partner who may help you with all the problems you may encounter during your time in China.

To sum up, there are many ways to enjoy your time as a student studying aboard. By immersing oneself in local customs, connecting with fellow students, and exploring the host country’s landmarks, cuisine, and traditions, students can make the most of their time abroad and foster personal and academic growth.