some cultural differences

Leeho

The experience of being among almost only chinese and hong kong students is an extraordinary interesting one. Apparently they are not as used to foreigners as one might expect them to be and they are eager to get to know you. This is of course a fantastic opportunity for both sides to experience a different culture close-up, yet sometimes a bit overwhelming. Some examples of situations we´ve encountered are necessary (public education - they are very committed to this) and interesting to tell to you.

In almost all classes we get stares and giggles every time we come through the door the first time. In our first class I could understand it, since the class turned out to be only in cantonese and everyone probably wondered why we tried to be that courageous. The second time it was because the class was an all boys class. Hehe. The other reason most likely was also that the class was of Information engineering which probably doesn´t hold to many girls in the whole department at all. Not even chinese girls. They had a lot of math. They probably thought we were a bit too couragous there as well. Which was a right assumption.

The last class we went to was called communication in an intercultural setting (or similar). Most of the participants clearly wanted to learn this. By getting to know us. After class they all rushed towards us to ask if we wanted to join their group for the project. One girl even admitted that she was doing a side project and needed us for observation purposes by hanging out with us. Very flattering, but we are not used to being so different. Just like a rabbit in a glass cage. I think that course could be extremely interesting because it gives us insight in their way of thinking and it gives them insight in our way of thinking. It will be very valuable I hope.

Today though I had a great experience with one of the girls in my hallway. To begin with noone talked to me at all. Now there are three girls who have offered their help and guidance in the Hong Kong and Chinese way of living. I have gladely accepted all their offeres amongst others the one about cooking. Most of them love to cook and they are eager to show me what they are used to from their own villages and regions. Back to today, Susan (she has another really complicated name in Chinese) came by my room to ask if I wanted to taste some of her dessert. She told me it was a traditional Hong Kong dessert and wondered if I liked it. It was delicious and sweet and consisted of milk, coconut and western rice (what she called it) if I remember correctly. She said thank you for liking this dessert and if you are hungry another day I will be happy to cook more traditional food for you! I accepted again and am now waiting for her to knock on my door and give me another great meal!

Public education is a fascinating phenomenon here. Everywhere you can see signs of prohibited and encouraged behaviour. They even throw in why this behaviour is preferred and how much it will cost you to ignore their messages. Camilla took some nice photos of these signs and we will post them as soon as possible. Especially are the signs of handwashing very visible everywhere. Think they are running a campaign against bacteria. Which is good. the hygiene is not the best one here at all times. They barely touch the water after visiting the bathroom. Their showering habits are very different too and they shower all around the clock - preferably in the evening or at night (like now - it is twelve thirty at night and they have been shuttle trafficking to the shower which I live next too...).

Oh well, I am looking forward to them telling us about all the weird things they think we do too. That is the best thing of living like this - so far away from your normal everyday and so close to the locals. Hong Kong was a good choice of city to go and live in and luckily there arent too many exchange students so we are the ones who get to experience all this!