Cultural Differences Contents Created

A web page has been added that documents observations about life in China. This info graphic depicts cultural differences regarding "respect." Other themes, including politics, transportation, and family, can be found on the "Cultural Differences" page of the Mandarin Chinese Language Guide at https://guides.lib.ku.edu/mandarin/culturaldifferences 

"It is important to remember that there are more differences between individuals than between different cultures. The following is a collection of generalizations that are helpful to know but certainly do not apply to every single person, place, or situation. China is a large country and customs are different among different people, places, and ethnic groups."

* The language guide on the website was created by KU linguistic anthropology graduate student, Laura Searcy.

Study Abroad Impact Interview Series: Culture Shock: A Challenge Turned Chance With Gentry Toman

Gentry Toman talks about her experiences studying abroad in a new interview by the Center for East Asian Studies, now available for viewing on KU ScholarWorks (https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/26498)

Abstract: Recent University of Kansas graduate, Gentry Toman, explains the ups and downs of studying abroad in Xi'an, China and other travel destinations. The discussion includes overcoming culture shock, coming to enjoy the space outside of her comfort zone, how studying abroad impacted her life, and gaining cultural skills that helped her become a better person.

Details: Gentry Toman graduated from the University of Kansas in May of 2018 with an Anthropology B.A. and a degree in East Asian Languages and Cultures with a concentration in Chinese Language and Literature. After going to China as a tourist in 2010 with her Chinese class, she first studied abroad in Zhengzhou through the NSLI-Y program in the summer of 2012. After that, she received a scholarship to study abroad in Xi'an through her community college in 2014, and she later received the Chinese Government Scholarship through KU to return to Xi'an for the 2016-2017 academic year. She has traveled to many other Chinese sites including Qinghai, Suzhou, Guilin, Beijing, and Kaifeng.


This interview is part of the Center for East Asian Studies Study Abroad Impact Interview Series.

Study Abroad Impact Interview Series: Gaining Independence Through Adaptation With Beth Fentress

Beth Fentress talks about her experiences studying abroad in a new interview by the Center for East Asian Studies now available for viewing on KU ScholarWorks (https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/26440)

Abstract: Recent University of Kansas graduate, Beth Fentress, explains the ups and downs of studying abroad in Chinese cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Beijing. The discussion includes overcoming a language barrier, the moment she realized she felt at home in a foreign country, how studying abroad impacted her future, and gaining independence through her fourteen months of adventure.

This interview is part of the Center for East Asian Studies Study Abroad Impact Interview Series.