Q: You get a meal! You get a meal! Everybody gets a meal!

In China, dining is a very social activity. People dining together often order lots of small dishes and share them . This means that dishes generally arrive when they're ready, rather than all at the same time. I was surprised to see this was also commonplace in Western-style restaurants where everyone had their own meal. I also found it a little frustrating, as there could be up to 10 minutes between the first and last dish arriving, meaning sometimes people had almost finished their food before others' had even arrived. However in the US, this hasn't been an issue. Food has pretty much all arrived in-sync and there's been no awkward waiting around or apologetic eating. This is definitely a minor thing, but you never forget the feeling of near starvation as your friends are all digging in without you when your meal is the last to arrive. Though I must admit, I do miss the watermelon that was often served after dinner in China!

Question 1

Masks: to wear or to not wear?

Accepted Answer

Whilst living in China this year, COVID-19 was still at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Naturally, masks came along with that.

Masks are needed for class, for work, for supermarkets, for the gym and even for walking in the park.

Things could not have been more different after touching down in the US.

Even before I had left the airport, bare, mask-less faces were everywhere. Granted, I arrived in Las Vegas where everyone just wants to relax and forget about the pandemics of the outer world, but still.

Since arriving in the US I’ve spent time in Baltimore and Philadelphia and the consensus is pretty clear: masks are out.

Question 2

Portions and pizza-sized cookies

Accepted Answer

Now, this might feel like a cheap shot. But we need to discuss portion sizes in the US because they are HUGE.

As I wandered off the plane, bleary-eyed and jet-lagged, I was in desperate need of a coffee.

I ordered a large latte, expecting sizes to be ubiquitous across the Starbucks of the world. Then I received what can only be described as a small-to-medium swimming pool’s worth of coffee.

I ogled at my 31 ounce (!!!) iced latte and then noticed behind my gargantuan coffee was a row of cookies bigger than most pizzas I’d seen in China.

This is something I’ve still not fully adapted to. Side dishes and appetizers here are bigger than most mains I’ve ordered in China.

It's definitely been hard not to feel judgmental about the amount of food waste and overconsumption.

Question 3

Using English everywhere: 我听得懂！

Accepted Answer

Learning Chinese is my favourite thing to do.

I’ve relished living in a Chinese-speaking environment and am truly thankful for each day I was able to immerse myself in a language I love.

That being said, there's been a surprising level of relief that came with returning to an anglophone environment.

When I mishear someone, there's no longer a sudden flash of fear that my Chinese isn't up to par.

I've even been able to (sorry America) eavesdrop on plenty of conversations around me and there's definitely been a level of relief with no longer having to mentally rehearse daily interactions.

Though on the flip side, I also have to remember to not speak my mind too freely anymore because the people around me can definitely understand what I'm saying...

Question 4

Taxes, taxes, taxes

Accepted Answer

In China (and literally every other country I've ever been to) the tax is included in the listed price.

Why? Because it just makes sense. When I'm out grabbing a sandwich, I've never wanted a BLT with a side of mental math.

If a see a special $1 menu, that's exactly how much I'd like to be paying, not $1 plus tax.

Take note, America.

Question 5

Hot Topic: 50 shades of curtains

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure exactly when I missed the memo, but an alarming majority of my friends now spend a significant amount of time talking about decorating their newly-bought homes.

I've sat through countless conversations about what colour curtains would most complement the furniture, or the pros and cons of installing different light fixtures.

I can definitely admit I'm just being bitter on this one.

The instant I mention anything China-related, all eyes in the room immediately begin to glaze over. I'm very much jaded.

But seriously, 45 minutes on Nimbus Cloud vs Pebble Grey?

Question 6

Tipping Culture

Accepted Answer

Tipping isn't common in China. In fact, I don't think I've ever tipped in China.

That's not to say I'm extremely stingy and/or hyper-critical of waitstaff. It's actually because in China, tipping can be considered rude.

Meanwhile, in the US, workers in the service industry are often reliant on tips to make a living.

Having become accustomed to not tipping, it's definitely hard to not want to scream at restaurant owners...

"Just pay your staff a fair wage!"

Question 7

You get a meal! You get a meal! Everybody gets a meal!

Accepted Answer

In China, dining is a very social activity.

People dining together often order lots of small dishes and share them.

This means that dishes generally arrive when they're ready, rather than all at the same time.

I was surprised to see this was also commonplace in Western-style restaurants where everyone had their own meal. I also found it a little frustrating, as there could be up to 10 minutes between the first and last dish arriving, meaning sometimes people had almost finished their food before others' had even arrived.

However in the US, this hasn't been an issue. Food has pretty much all arrived in-sync and there's been no awkward waiting around or apologetic eating.

This is definitely a minor thing, but you never forget the feeling of near starvation as your friends are all digging in without you when your meal is the last to arrive.

Though I must admit, I do miss the watermelon that was often served after dinner in China!

Question 8

Talking to strangers

Accepted Answer

Interactions with strangers have been vastly different in the US and China.

In China, I was asked the following questions countless times:

Can you speak Chinese?

Where are you from?

Do you teach English?

Can you teach my child/friend/brother/aunt/third-cousin English?

Whilst not a bad thing, these types of interactions were usually pretty predictable.

Since landing in the US, I've found strangers are willing to strike up conversations with me about the most random topics: fishing experiences, tennis tournaments and Johnny Depp.

Whilst I understand the questions I was asked in China naturally came from curiosity, I have myself enjoying the spontaneity of conversations here.

Even from my Uber drivers!

Question 9

Being Anonymous

Accepted Answer

As you can probably tell by the nature of the questions I received in China, I stood out quite a bit.

Had I ever been on a most-wanted list, I'd have been pretty easy to track down.

My appearance often attracted more than curious stares and inquisitiveness, I also had my picture taken several times a week and was even spontaneously forced onto a stranger's livestream a few times.

Yet walking amongst the tourists of Vegas, or through the bustling streets of Baltimore, I'm absolutely nobody, which is something I definitely have newfound appreciation for on bad hair and/or antisocial days.

Question 10

Public transport: where art thou?

Accepted Answer

Living in China, I would almost always get the bus or subway to get from A to B.

Or maybe grab a Mobike if I was feeling adventurous or call a Didi if I was feeling lazy.

In short, I never drove. Nor did I ever feel the need.

In the US however, 76% of Americans still commute to work in their own car.

Taxis and Ubers are also significantly more expensive here than in China, whilst public transport feels less far-reaching and convenient.

If I were to stay in the US long-term, I'd find it hard to see a future in which I don't have a car.

Again, this sounds minor, but car ownership had never crossed my mind in China and I can't help but wonder how driving habits here are affecting the environment.

Question 11

What is reverse culture shock?

Accepted Answer

Reverse culture shock is the term given to describe feelings of disorientation, discomfort or frustration often experienced when returning to one's native cultural environment.

Put simply, cultural quirks that once felt natural now feel odd, pointless or even annoying.

Question 12

Is reverse culture shock the same as culture shock?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no.

Culture shock and reverse culture shock are similar in many ways.

Both involve a certain level of emotional and psychological adaptation to a change of environment. Equally, both take time to work through.

With both culture and reverse culture shock, you may feel as though you don't quite fit in. Things might not make sense to you on a logical level and you might find yourself feeling frustrated or upset.

However, they're not totally the same.

Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation as you adapt to a new environment, whilst reverse culture shock is the discomfort of readjusting to your native country.

Question 13

How can I deal with reverse culture shock?

Accepted Answer

Here are some of our top tips:

- Take advantage of that new zest for life living abroad gave you

- Find language classes that help you stay connected

- Stay in touch with friends abroad

- Make new memories with friends and family at home

- Remember that your new skills are a strength

Question 14

How can I study Chinese after returning back home?

Accepted Answer

The best way to learn Chinese back home is online with Flexi Classes.

This gives you 24/7 access to Mandarin lessons that are live and taught by native speaking teachers.

Aside from this make sure to keep Wechat on your phone and chat to Chinese friends as often as possible. Maybe even find some friends in your hometown who share the same passion for languages.

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