This is me in detail, and why I decided to go to Beijing in the first place

Let's start with this: I'm a product of two cultures. Ethnically, I'm Vietnamese, and legally, I'm American. This means that I had a foot in both groups, so to speak. I may look Vietnamese, but I act just like an American. Whenever I'm in a group of Americans, I am the most Asian of the group. Whenever I'm in a group of Asians, I am the most American/white.

I have never been to Asia, never mind China. Yet here I am, about to embark on a somewhat crazy study abroad program to Beijing that I probably didn't think through enough. I decided on China partly because Asia is my concentration within my major (International Affairs) and partly because I thought it would be good for me to get out of my small American bubble*. I fully expect to have at best a surge of homesickness (a new experience - see lower note about adaptation), or at worst a small breakdown (also a new experience - I'm pretty calm and stable during emotional crises). Studying abroad in China isn't like popping across the Atlantic to study in England, where they helpfully speak the same language you do**. Nope. China will challenge my love of cleanliness, the English language, warmth, meat and potatoes, order, and being unique (see below).

In my defense, I have studied Chinese for a year and have a few Chinese friends (not American-born Chinese, also known among Asians as ABC's). Not that it will necessarily help me a great deal, but it's something. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you see it), many Chinese people think that I look Chinese, and many will probably assume that I am. I'm hoping that if I act more American, they'll give me a bit of a break when I start making mistakes***.

I like being different. In America, that means being Asian. I also like blending in (it's one of my strengths: adaptation). In America, that means acting like other Americans. It's a good mix, because I can feel both unique and similar to others at the same time. In China, it'll be completely different.

Anyway, back to packing (which is pretty easy if you think of it as a 3D tetris game that uses regular objects and clothes instead of blocks). I took a break to create this blog because I anticipate many thoughts that will probably be frowned upon if I said them aloud, like criticisms of the Chinese government. See? I'm already censoring myself.

By the way, I'm pretty proud of the title. It was a bit of a struggle, trying to find something that was catchy yet informative (yes, I google'd it for some help). I'll probably stick to this, unless something pops into my head.




*namely, the East Coast - or just New England and Washington, DC.
**I'm not knocking people who study abroad in England - actually, I'd love to visit sometime. Probably when my requirements are fulfilled.
***namely, when I start speaking Chinese with an American accent.