To me, the best way to make the most of an experience is to do the things you couldn’t do anywhere else but that place - the things you don’t normally have the opportunity to. This can be different for everyone depending on their priorities, interests, and experiences.
Currently, I'm on exchange at Tsinghua University for six months, an incredible opportunity. How does the above logic apply here? Well, these are my goals for the next six months.
1. Improve Chinese
You can technically do this anywhere in the world, but of course, where better to learn than in the country itself? I studied Chinese for five years during high school and as soon as I got to Beijing and heard the classic, thick accent, it felt like all five years went down the drain. Lovely. Let’s see what we can do in six months.
2. Travel
I want to see the classic touristy spots, as well as some off the beaten path locations. I want to party some weekends like an expat, but also soak in authentic Chinese culture. I’ve made a spreadsheet of all the places I want to go, though China is ginormous.
3. Ice-skating
In New Zealand, ice skating is not that convenient. Conversely, Tsinghua’s ice-skating rink is a three-minute cycle from my dorm and free 8-9AM for students. Figure skating has always intrigued me; it is such a graceful, magical sport. I envy the five-year olds who are so cute skating around dressed like cushions. Nineteen, but keen to try.
4. Make international and local Chinese friends
I’m interested to learn more about Chinese people’s mannerisms, culture and view on life, especially in a continent that contrasts the West so starkly. In general, it’s also fun to meet people from around the world. I think making local Chinese friends may be more tough, but as difficult as language barriers are, they’re fun to navigate.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, I want to learn the language, see the sights, and make friends along the way. Fairly basic. But travelling China and learning about its culture are indeed what's hard to do elsewhere. I hope to approach each day with curiosity and to overcome fears like getting lost in Shanghai or fumbling over my Chinese.
I’m also excited to see the progress that happens – to later reflect on all the things that currently seem challenging or crazy that will soon be second-nature (e.g. squat toilets. Actually I don't know if these will ever be normal to me...).
Until next time.
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