Representing WSU at the Temple of Heaven!
China is different from the United States, there’s no denying this obvious and straightforward statement. In fact, in almost every situation imaginable, there is a difference between the Chinese way and the American way. Obviously, the language, currencies and government are nothing alike. There are also differences under the surface. I could point out the obvious differences regarding cultural methodologies. Like how one person in a group of friends takes responsibility for the ordering and payment for everybody else when at a restaurant, and every dish ordered is shared by the entire table – this role is passed to someone else for each meal. Or how the desired physical traits of the Chinese are to be pale, slightly chubby and studious (as opposed to athletic). There is also no such thing as waiting for a sale or special at the mall; you simply go when you need to buy something and bargain on the price presented to you at the store – so if you are a sweet talker and smooth shopper, everyday is Black Friday for you. Speaking of business, any conversation with money involved will, for the first 95% of the conversation and experience, have absolutely nothing to do with money; it will instead focus on food, drinks and fun. The money and business discussions come at the very end – or else no deal is ever made. There are a ton of other cultural and social differences between China and the United States, which you could easily Google or read a book for; but really, I don’t feel this is the most important takeaway in my experience so far.
