The China Experience Q&A May 4, 2011, 6:00 pm Presented by the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies Lydia Chen, Associate Director Min Zhang, Graduate Student Associate SuiLin Yap, Graduate Student Associate

Preparation  Read up about your location. Know some local history. Demonstrate sincere interest in your local area.  Talk to students who have been to China in the past year. Things change very fast.  Practice a song to sing.

A Few Good Resources  Insider’s Guide to Beijing  7 Days in Beijing  Peter Hessler (any writing on China, Country Driving, Oracle Bones, River Town)  Rob Gifford (any writing on China, China Road)  James Fallows (articles in The Atlantic) (articles in The Atlantic)

More Resources  Harvard Club of Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, China  Harvard Center Shanghai (in Pudong)  U.S. Embassy Know location, check American Citizen Services (“Warden registration”)

How to be Polite  Walk guests out to the door.  Offer to treat others once in a while. Reciprocate.  Always be courteous. Call teachers and seniors by their title and last name. Err on the side of being too polite.  Bring small gifts to people who host you.  Don’t let others lose face.  Insist 3 times.

Ask Local People What the prices should be for food, taxis, street market itemsWhat the prices should be for food, taxis, street market items What the current practice is on tippingWhat the current practice is on tipping Where good restaurants, shops, and reliable services areWhere good restaurants, shops, and reliable services are

Immerse Yourself  Visit public parks  Try outdoor Tai Chi, ballroom or folk dancing, kite flying  Watch Chinese TV with Chinese friends  Learn to read street signs  Chat with local staff, neighbors, elderly folks

Be Aware  What we consider corruption is a kind of business norm in China (don’t be judgmental)  Local Chinese have a right to be jaded by foreigners (be humble)  There are unsafe environments, so use your street smarts. Always go with a Chinese speaker in situations with any potential for trouble.  Understand sensitivities about political expression and nationalistic sentiment (don’t force your opinions)

Find Out About  Visas  Cellphones  Money Exchange  SOS, Hospital Locations  Local Logistics (how to get to your hotel or office)  Dress code for work situations, potential special occasions  Weather

Enjoy your studies. Make the most of being in China. Keep an open mind. Represent Harvard University. Be a good guest. Questions? Most Important