Introduction: From New Zealand to China
Hi there! My name is Talie. In January 2024, I decided to become an AFS exchange student. I am now an AFS returnee from China, and this is my story.
Why I Chose China
For my chosen host country, I wanted something completely different from New Zealand. I wanted to experience a new lifestyle, where I could embrace a new culture, be exposed to other traditions and norms, expand my knowledge, and of
course, eat delicious food. China offered all of this and so much more.
Culture Shock: The Demands of School Life
My biggest culture shock was the school culture and lifestyle. A typical day started at 7:15 am and ended around 6:00 to 9:00 pm. In total, I had 55 to 70 hours of school a week. Sometimes I even had school on Saturday. I also had to adapt to the school culture, like classroom etiquette. For example, at the beginning and end of each class, we bowed and greeted the teachers. This new school lifestyle was extremely tiring and straining. My way of overcoming it was with time. Time allowed me to settle in and slowly but surely adjust. It also allowed me to build new connections and make new friends, who also greatly helped me to adapt to my new school life.
What I Learned: The Power of Open-Mindedness
Going on an exchange taught me many things, but my biggest takeaway was to be open-minded. Preparing to go to China, I had predetermined ideas and expectations of the country, strongly based on stereotypes. But having lived there, I learnt how completely different China was, from the people to the lifestyle. Learning to be more open-minded helped me approach certain cultural norms and situations differently and accept them openly. For example, in China, slurping your food is acceptable and considered showing appreciation, whereas in New Zealand, it’s considered bad manners. Becoming an exchange student and living in a foreign country, being open-minded is so important because it helps you to adapt, and allows you to fully embrace both the cultural aspects and norms of the country, which is what an exchange is all about.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
China is one of the host countries that gets far fewer applicants compared to popular destinations like France and Italy. However, having lived there, I’d say that it could 100% be one of the top 10 best host countries for AFS NZ. That’s why I strongly encourage others to consider choosing a host country they wouldn’t typically choose. Although it’s important to take into consideration what you want in a host country, it’s also good to be open about your options. An exchange is all about exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s about gaining worthwhile experiences and embracing new and different things. Just as I chose China, your decision to pick a host country that’s a bit more off the beaten track could turn out to be one of the best choices you ever make.
Feeling curious about China?
Check out our different programmes on offer in China!