One year in another country
By Porcospino
@Porcospino (31366)
Denmark
September 27, 2012 11:50am CST
I just responded to a discussion about volunteering in China and that discussion reminded me of a school assignment that I got many years ago. Our teacher told us to imagine how we would feel if we had to spend one year in China. He focused on the negative things about spending a year away from home in country where you didn't speak the language and where you didn't know anyone and he asked us how we would get through the situation.
I found it hard to focus on the negative things and the difficulties, because I kept thinking about the positive things. I thought that it would be a fantastic chance to spend one year in a different country and I thought that it would be really interesting and exciting. It would also be a challenge of course if I didn't speak the language and didn't know anyone when I arrived, but my initial reaction would be positive and not negative.
How would you react if you had to spend one year in a country where you didn't speak the language and didn't know anyone? Would you see it as something positive or something negative? What would be the most interesting thing about it and would would be the biggest challenge?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
27 Sep 12
I think that I would be very excited if I was about to spend one year living in China. I would be full of interest and delight. I would think positively and not negatively. I know that Mandarin is a challenging language to learn. I would be concerned whether I would find enough vegan food there.
I studied for four months in the Netherlands and I used the ten day half term to visit Luxembourg and stop off at different places on my way there plus my way back. Many Dutch people spoke fluent English to me. There wasn't much of a culture shock living and studying there.
I would not be keen to live in a poor African town where Malaria is a likely risk.
1 person likes this
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
27 Sep 12
I would also be very excited if I got the chance to spend one year in China and my reaction would be positive and not negative. It would be fascinating to experience another culture for one year. I also think that Mandarin would be a challenging language to learn, but I would go to language school and I would really make an effort to learn it and hopefully I would also find some local friends who could help me learn the language.
It must have been interesting to live in the Netherlands for a while and it is great that you also had the chance to chance to visit Luxembourg during your stay there. I have been to Luxembourg many years ago, but I was a child at that time and I don't remember much from the trip. I would like to visit Luxembourg again.
@rubywillow2 (5)
• Mexico
27 Sep 12
I can speak from experience that learning a new language and going to a totally new place is very exciting at first.. But as time goes on you kind of get the feeling of being out of your own skin. That passes and the language gets easier and it is amazing. The new culture, the new food, new life style... Everything about it is an amazing experience. I highly recommend it.
@bravewoman (153)
• Singapore
28 Sep 12
Of course it'll be a great things to spend one year in another country!I'm looking for more such opportunities!
And do not worry about Mandarin. We chinese always want to speak English with foreigners and the the foreign English teacher in my middle school can only speak English^^
@yangyang52826 (29)
• China
28 Sep 12
Ha..My friend,I am Chinese. I live in South China.Welcome to our country! If you come to China,just contact me, I will be very glad to be your tour guide.
I am learning English, I really hope one day I have the chance to live in an English speaking country for half year or one year. Such as England or USA.I am interested in foreign country's culture.
1 person likes this
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
1 Oct 12
Thanks, that is very nice of you 
I hope to visit China one day in the future. It is a little complicated because I would need a visa to get into China, but I will try to arrange that when I have the money for the trip. I hope that you will get the chance to spend some time in an English speaking country in the future. I think that would be a great way to learn more about the culture of another country 
I hope to visit China one day in the future. It is a little complicated because I would need a visa to get into China, but I will try to arrange that when I have the money for the trip. I hope that you will get the chance to spend some time in an English speaking country in the future. I think that would be a great way to learn more about the culture of another country 
@riyauro (6421)
• India
27 Sep 12
There are many cases like this where people go and work in another country and they are totally new to the place and don't know their language. People from Goa are spread over the gulf countries. They go there are they are new to the place and then adapt to the place. My hubby was in Oman before I met him and he adapted very well and he knows their language fluently now. He speaks many other languages also. So it is how you see the place. i think it would be a wonderful experience. I was in college and I was on scholarship in India. So the everyone used to speak their native language and even the lecturer started off with the native language. at first it was hard to get it in my head but then I liked it and started enjoying it. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day ahead.
1 person likes this
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
28 Sep 12
It must have been very interesting to get a scholarship for India. I have always wanted to visit India and I think that it would be very interesting to study there even if the language and the other things were different from the things that you were used to at home. I have worked in other European countries when I was younger and it was an amazing experience. You experience the culture in a different when you actually like there. Today I am not a student anymore and I only travel as a tourist, but still find it really interesting to visit another country.
@bravewoman (153)
• Singapore
28 Sep 12
It's my natrual character to challenge a new environment!I want to be more easily to adapt to a new place and I enjoy learning new language and new culture!I'll never feel worried if I could go to somewhere brand-new,just like you!That's exciting isn't it?
I love these beautiful language and culture in the world.
There years ago, I went to Australia as my English was really bad.But I love the people there with good quality and wanted to stay for longer when my three-week trip came to an end.I felt happy when we talked with the Singapore teacher(though I misunderstood often because of my poor English.But she made mistakes too when she tried to explain to us using some simple chinese words.)
All we have to do is to accept it happily!
1 person likes this
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
1 Oct 12
Yes, it is definately exciting to spend some time in another place. It gives us the chance to experience a different language and a different culture, and I think that is really interesting. If was told that I had to spend some time at another country my first thoughts would be positive and not negative. Of course it would also be challenging sometimes, but most of all I would be happy and excited. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the time that you spent in Australia. I hope that I will also get the chance to visit Australia in the future. We might combine it with a trip to New Zealand if we can afford it.
