Travel
Over January 2019, I had the privilege of traveling to both China and Japan. Given the current state of the world and the travel restrictions in place, I am realizing just how much of a privilege it was. I spent three weeks in China staying at the East China Normal University campus and then traveled to Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo in Japan. I had never been to Japan before and I had a great time exploring. And although it was my fifth trip to China over the past decade, I never fail to fall in love with such an amazing place. I feel so lucky to have shared January term with some wonderful people. Here are some highlights from my travels through pictures.
My Time Abroad, in Words
The month I spent in China and Japan was the highlight of my academic career at St. Olaf. During the three weeks I spent in China, I got much more comfortable using my Chinese. Translating became more automatic and I became confident in my ability to talk with people, take public transportation, order food, and navigate unfamiliar places. The amount of free time and independence my classmates and I were given allowed me to experience China as a local college student, not as a tourist.
While I was in China, the most difficult thing I found was trying to communicate with people who did not understand why I looked Chinese but did not speak like someone who was Chinese. During our first week in the dorms, the cleaning ladies were extremely confused as to why there was a disconnect between my looks and my speech. While some of my Caucasian classmates were seen as endearing when they spoke Chinese to the locals, I was met with much more hostility. I also felt much more pressure to speak perfectly and use as little English as possible. Although this was upsetting and is something I struggle with as I plan future trips to China, it motivates me to improve my language skills.
I was met with different challenges in Japan. The week was, in one word, frustrating. By not being able to communicate with anyone, I felt helpless. Only being able to point to things and shake my head yes or no grew to be tiresome really fast. The beauty of Japan was not lost on me, despite my inability to communicate. I was still able to enjoy the clean air, beautiful scenery, and peaceful public transportation. I also realized how far I have come in my Chinese speaking ability, now that I had been stripped of being able to use it.
I learned a lot over the month. I learned how to be okay with being pushed out of my comfort zone. I learned that it is important, necessary, and completely acceptable to take time to yourself. I learned that the best kind of learning takes place outside of the classroom.
I am hoping I will have another opportunity to return and experience both of these wonderful places again in the near future.