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In about a week I am going to be studying abroad in China. While I hope I can access the Internet there, I won't know if this site will be accessible until I get there. I hope for assistance in finishing fanfiction and may trust my characters to someone when I am gone. I welcome any advice for studying abroad.
-------------------- Go with the good and you'll be like them; go with the evil and you'll be worse than them.- Portuguese Proverb
From: Illinois | Registered: Jun 2010
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advice? let's see... some of this may be a bit obvious:
1. living somewhere is a lot different than visiting, obviously. culture shock will set in sooner or later. it can be even worse in little things that don't seem quite so different; the obvious differences can be easier to recognize. you can't avoid it, but trying to pretend it isn't there can make it worse.
2. make lots of friends/social connections a.s.a.p., ideally both locals and whatever anglophone may be around. the former are obviously part of the ideal experience, whereas the latter will help when one or more of you are feeling culture shock/homesickness/bureaucratic nightmares and the like.
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I am really excited to get there. I have bought almost everything I need. Tomorrow I am going to the currency exchange, and I will start packing soon afterwards.
I wrote myself into a hole in my recent story. If anyone could help me I would appreciate it. If anyone wants to use any of my characters while I am gone, just ask and I will probably say yes.
-------------------- Go with the good and you'll be like them; go with the evil and you'll be worse than them.- Portuguese Proverb
From: Illinois | Registered: Jun 2010
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Hi Emily, is this your first time in China? I think you mentioned you've been there before.
I have a lot of friends who study there; in Beijing and Shanghai there are a lot of foreign students. Some take the schoolwork seriously, others use the time abroad as an excuse to party.
You'll be meeting a lot of people there, so just be careful and try to separate the good friends from the ones who are trouble!
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I'm so happy for you, Emily. This is such a wonderful opportunity, and you are very fortunate to get a chance like this at such a young age.
Like everyone else said, enjoy your time there, but just keep your wits about you. Best wishes.
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Registered: Feb 2008
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