Tag: Studying Abroad in China

06/12/12

Baodao 報道: Dispatches from China (Modernization and the Environmental Impact)

In China’s ever continuing quest to modernize, many cities – especially ones undergoing rapid development – have become increasingly polluted. This is especially true in Nanjing, as the city continues to work simultaneously on several large-scale projects – the largest of which would arguably be the construction of various commuter subway lines. The Nanjing Metro system currently operates two main lines but anticipates the opening of a third line within two years, another six lines within three years, and a total of 17 lines by 2030. Moreover, many shopping complexes and buildings are in construction or renovation in and around the city’s center (Xinjiekou) as of publication of this article. These projects are all efforts to further Nanjing as an economic power in China.

The accumulation of the many construction projects in Nanjing has many residents worried about the air quality. The presence of PM2.5 is an issue many local Chinese residents grapple with. The EPA defines Fine particle pollution or PM2.5 as “particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller – 1/30th the diameter of a human hair.” Wang Jian, a professor at Nanjing University notes, “The PM2.5 levels for each city in China change daily, and even by the hour. There are websites that monitor where each city ranks in terms of air quality.”

PM2.5 became a notorious topic last October, after Beijing’s weather forecast station and the US embassy in Beijing released conflicting air quality reports. Since then, the Chinese government has begun monitoring air quality levels in various provinces and cities across the nation including Beijing, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

The EPA also notes that “Fine particles can aggravate heart and lung diseases and have been linked to effects such as: cardiovascular symptoms; cardiac arrhythmias; heart attacks; respiratory symptoms; asthma attacks; and bronchitis.” PM2.5 is also correlated to cancer and metal poisoning. It is believed that PM2.5 levels are higher in areas where construction work is present.

Of course, students studying abroad in China need not worry too much about the air quality. However, it should go without saying that those with asthma or allergies should bring appropriate medication and prepare as needed.

That’s all for now. 再見!

05/30/12

Baodao 報道: Dispatches from China (First Impressions)

Greetings from Nanjing!  It’s a pleasure to be reporting from China, while I am studying abroad here.

It didn’t take too long to adjust to the new environment upon arrival in China, but this is likely because I have had some instruction in Mandarin back in the States and and travel experience from my study abroad in Italy.  However, I noticed that a few of my program-mates have gone through periods of culture shock and homesickness, which is completely understandable (as China’s culture is in some respects quite different than that of the United States).

One thing that I did have to get accustomed to was to be constantly alert when crossing busy streets.  There is a constant flow of motorists and a lack of traffic lights in Nanjing, and motorists aren’t afraid to honk at you if you are perceived as “being in the way”.  I don’t know how many times an overzealous motorist has attempted to run me over even though I had the right of way.

Another topic of note is that the Chinese perception of politeness differs from that in America.  We are used to saying ‘please’ (qǐng) and ‘thank you’ (xièxie) for daily interactions.  In China, these phrases are often reserved for times when very strong displays of politeness and emotion are required.  Saying “thank you” to a cashier when you are getting your change may sometimes result in a strange look from the opposite end – somewhere between a look of disbelief and a look of discomfort.  (In China, the common outlook is that customers “give” their patronage and money to a store, so there is no need for the customer to say thank you in such transactions.)

Likewise, the term ‘sorry (duìbuqǐ)’ is usually also reserved for extremely impolite situations.  Thus, if someone bumps into you on a crowded subway (and this is bound to happen every time one takes the subway), one learns that an apology from the offending party is a rare occurrence indeed.

Nonetheless, China is changing everyday.  In particular, the youth generation in China is picking up more western habits, and starting to incorporate more polite colloquialisms into daily speech.  Thus, if inclined to do so, one should feel free to use qǐng, xièxie, and duìbuqǐ.

Anyway, these cultural differences allow one to gain perspective whilst being in a new land and do not hold one back from the study abroad experience.  There are seemingly countless sights, eats, and experiences available in China.  I’ll update with more cultural tidbits and interesting places to visit in China within the next few weeks or so.  I hope you’ll look forward to my column!

Until then – zai4jian4 (再見)!

Johnson is currently studying Chinese at Nanjing University through CSI’s intensive Chinese language program.  His studies are generously funded by the CV Starr fellowship.  He is pleased to serve as WCIB’s first overseas Foreign Affairs Correspondent.