Mohamed Muaz Bashir Omer

DP1 student from Sudan

It's remarkable how two weeks can be enough to build a deep connection with strangers. This winter holiday, I experienced exactly that. My host family experience in Shanghai was priceless, offering me a deeper understanding of China and its rich culture.

My host family included three members: Daisy ("Mama"), Allen ("Baba"), and their six-year-old son, Aidan. Initially, I had mixed feelings. I expected language barriers to limit our interactions and assumed the family might be reserved, especially since I thought I might be the first foreigner to live in their home. 

From the moment I arrived, their warm welcome dispelled all my worries. They spoke English fluently, which eased communication, but I was determined to practice my Chinese as much as possible. During my two-week stay, the family was on a break, which gave us plenty of time to bond.

In preparation for my stay, I wanted to honor a custom from my Arab culture: a visitor should never arrive empty handed. Back home in Sudan, gifts for hosts often include candies, cake, or a pack of soda. I asked my Chinese friend Owen for advice. "I'm thinking about buying candies as a gift for my host family. 你认为怎么样？(What do you think?)" I asked him, practicing my Chinese Ab Initio skills. His response was immediate: "No, don't do it. Chinese people don't like sweets; they prefer healthier options. Think about something else." 

That was my first cultural lesson—a glimpse into the Chinese preference for health-conscious living. After giving it much thought, I decided on a bag of fresh oranges. The family appreciated my thoughtful gesture, noting that it was unexpected from a high school student. To me, it was a simple reflection of Arab hospitality.

Our first activity together was shopping for groceries to ensure we had meals that suited my preferences. They even took me to a Halal restaurant that served food compliant with Islamic dietary laws. The aroma of the dishes transported me back to family gatherings in Sudan, which reminded me of home. 

Over dinner, I learned how to use chopsticks with Baba's patient guidance and picked up the Chinese names for dishes like 羔羊肉 (lamb meat) and 番茄蛋汤 (tomato and egg soup). Through our conversations, I discovered fascinating differences between North and South China, such as the preference for noodles in the north and rice in the south.

Together, we explored Shanghai's iconic landmarks, including The Bund, the Shanghai Museum, and the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Watching the New Year celebrations from Huangpu River was an unforgettable highlight. 

On January 1st, I had the chance to share a piece of my culture by celebrating Sudan's Independence Day with my host family. I wore the traditional white Jalabiya, a long, flowing dress that's symbolic of Sudanese heritage. 

Mama was amazed by the attire and immediately wanted to capture the moment, taking a picture with me. I was delighted to share the story behind our independence in 1956, as well as the richness of Sudan's diverse culture. I told them about the Nile River, the Pyramids (yes, Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt!), and the many wonders our country holds.

Every day, I played games with Aidan, and before long, I felt as if I had gained a younger brother. He is incredibly social and open-hearted. We played Jenga (the Tower Game) multiple times a day, as he loved hearing the sound of the tower crashing down, which would always bring Mama running to check on us. His laughter and boundless enthusiasm were infectious, making our time together a beautiful reminder of life's simplest joys.

These two weeks completely transformed my perspective of China from amazing to truly incredible. Before arriving, I had an idealized view of the country's culture, seeing its ancient buildings and landmarks as fascinating but not fully understanding the depth of what I was about to experience.

Initially, I had a somewhat negative perception of the Chinese people, largely based on the idea that they were often closed off, especially towards foreigners. However, during my stay, I found the complete opposite to be true. The Chinese people I encountered were not only exceptionally welcoming and open, but deeply engaging. I quickly realized that the richness of Chinese culture wasn't limited to its ancient structures; it was also deeply embedded in the way people interacted and shared their lives with me. This shift in understanding made my experience go from simply amazing to something far more profound and meaningful.

By the end of my stay, I no longer thought of them as a "host family"; they were simply my family. This experience has deepened my appreciation for cultural exchange and reminded me of the universal connections that bind us all.

Mila Ubiparipovic

DP1 student from Bosnia and Herzegovina

During the Christmas break, I had the pleasure of being hosted by a family in Suzhou. Their hospitality made me feel at home, and they engaged with me in various ways to bring Chinese culture closer to me. I had the chance to explore the city, enjoy a variety of Chinese food and snacks, and even try my hand at making lacquer fans.

During the first days of my stay, I spent time alone with the mother of the family, Damini. She took me out to eat, and I helped with grocery shopping. These small tasks might not seem significant to some people, but to me, they were key moments for me to practice my Chinese listening and speaking skills. I managed to engage in everyday small talk with her, even if it wasn't advanced.

When her daughter, Amanda, returned home, we made sure to spend some quality time together. Amanda showed me around the house and suggested various interesting activities. The first time she took me out, we went to a big mall in the city center. We played laser tag, which was a creative and enjoyable way to bond as teammates.

We also enjoyed a delicious hotpot together, followed by creative activities like making paper stars and lacquer fans. We swirled color in a water-filled bucket and dipped fans to create unique designs. I brought some back to campus to preserve these memories physically. 

The  lacquer fans we made

Not all our time together was spent being active or creative; we also found meaningful ways to spend time together, just like any family would. One such moment was when we cooked together. They helped me learn how to properly prepare and serve dumplings, while I introduced them to a classic chicken soup from my country. The soup comes in bags and is typically cooked during cold winter days to warm up, as our winters can be quite cold and snowy. Having a healthy intercultural meal over conversations was one of my favorite moments with the family.

After dinner, we would take long walks and reflect on the day. These walks were both relaxing and insightful, as we shared personal experiences and discussed cultural differences. We talked about various career paths people take in my country, such as mine sweepers and various fields in mechanical repairs and construction, while the more respected jobs in China are doctors, lawyers, etc.

We also talked about different expectations kids are held to. In my country, kids are raised to be able to take care of a household alongside academics, while their daughter here was encouraged to focus more on academic success. Additionally, we compared different forms of entertainment for teenagers. In China, teenagers enjoy activities like dancing, KTV, or eating out, whereas in my country, card game nights, billiards, and long hours spent talking over coffee are more popular.

Overall, my stay was amazing. In just two weeks, I saw, did, and experienced so many new things. Although our time together was limited, I believe we spent it in the best and most meaningful way possible. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't change anything, except perhaps cherishing every moment just a little bit more. The short span of two weeks passed by faster than I had realized.

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