Before coming to China, I could not pinpoint what it would be like. China seemed like an abstract concept, as it was halfway across the world in a place I envisioned as very different from my home. China’s political system and collectivist culture make living in China a stark contrast to life in the United States. Yet, in regards to how individuals experience day to day life, China is quite similar to the United States. I have learned that stereotypes never paint the whole picture of a person or culture. Indeed, what is true and appreciated is often more beautiful than stereotypes.
When Cosma and I moved into our dormitory we discussed common views Chinese people have of America and vice versa. After my first couple of days eating in China, we concluded that the portion sizes in China and America are quite similar. Previously, both Cosma and I thought portion sizes of food in America were much larger than in China. Along with food, Cosma and her friends from when she studied abroad in the United Kingdom thought that Americans were especially loud. While Cosma has found this to be true at times, one of my American friends that teaches in Northern China finds Chinese people to be louder than Americans.
