My First Full Week Of Chinese Classes

I rocked that same bowl cut when I was his age...and he probably thought we had nothing in common

It looks as though that whole trying to “post on a regular schedule” goal I had isn’t going to work out. I’m going to be too busy, and although I know I sound like a broken record, the slow internet connection makes everything, especially blogging, a bit more difficult.  I also wanted to throw out a small warning that since I’ve been so busy and therefore have tons to write about, the seamless transitions, extensive vocab, and flawless grammar that I’m known for may be lacking as I try to describe everything I’ve done over the course of my first weeks here in Beijing. Now that that’s all out of the way: Week 1 of 16 weeks with no English.

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15 tips that will make your 14 hour flight (or any flight for that matter) less awful

Your temporary 14 hour home

This was supposed to be the first post that I wrote in China. I figured since I hadn’t had the time to go around Beijing and do some crazy, interesting, an possibly illegal stuff to pique your interests, I was going to record what I was doing every hour on the hour during my 14 hour flight and create a mini-survival documentary (take notes Bear Grylls). Long story short, I just bought a new camera and forgot to charge it before I left, so no video. However, I thought I would at least relay some tips on how to survive in a 2 x 3 x 4 transparent jail cell known as a plane seat while literally traveling to the other side of the world.

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My New Life As A Study Abroad Student In Beijing, China

This sign makes sense after being in Beijing for a few days.

I landed in Beijing on Wednesday, and after being here for 4 days, the jet lag is slowly subsiding. If anyone was wondering, I can legit say that a 14 hour flight to Beijing isn’t nearly as bad as you’d think. Everything has been great so far, but it’s definitely been a bit of an adjustment (kind of expected when you go half way around the world). I was ready for some parts, and not so ready for others. Either way, here’s a look at some of the things that influence my daily routine here in China.

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Advice on finding the right outlet adapter and power converter

Because fireworks belong outside your room

There’s one thing (well actually a lot of things) I forgot to pack which would have made my first night abroad a little easier. While it’s mentioned 17 times in almost every study abroad departure guide, I’m pretty sure most students seem to neglect this little gem when buying supplies to head abroad and while packing their suitcases the night before they leave. I’m talking about an outlet adapter and/or converter, and if you’re not electrically inclined, buying one of these can be a little daunting. That being said, after reading this post you should have enough electrical know-how to tackle it with ease.

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A Study Aboard Paradox: Reverse Culture Shock And Re-entry

One of the best parts of coming home - seeing family again

If you’re on your way home from studying abroad, you’ve probably already experienced all of the ups and downs of culture shock. You rode the emotional roller coaster, but in the end, you couldn’t be happier with your time abroad. You make it home and are on cloud nine for a few days before a mysterious feeling of depression comes over you. Unfortunately, it’s not a mystery. It’s a phenomenon known as reverse culture shock, and although it doesn’t affect every returning student, there’s a chance it could get to you. Read the rest of this entry