Culture Exchange...
While I was excited to come to China and experience a new culture, I never thought that I'd be sad to leave...
Last night at our "Farewell Party" I really realized how many new friends our group has made and that even though there are many differences between the American college student and the Chinese college student, we have all really grown to understand those differences as well as learn from them. It's amazing to me that we all came on this trip hoping to learn about the Chinese culture and business practices and I think in addition to these things, we are also walking away with new friendships that will hopefully last beyond the last four weeks - and even extend to the Chinese students visiting us in the states someday.
As was noted in some of the presentations yesterday, I hope that an exchange has happened. I know that I am walking away with a whole new understanding of this part of the world, but I also hope that I have been able to teach the Chinese students about the lifestyle of a typical American college student as well - and with that said, I hope that what we leave behind with this group of students sheds a positive light on the citizens of the United States.