Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[3vild3ad]

Hey,

I was wondering if any of you world travelers could give your take on this � I really want to study abroad in China for the next semester. It sounds OK to me but a few of my friends have been warning me about anti-American sentiment there as well as conspicuous signs of a cushy American lifestyle making me more vulnerable to theft at the very least. Yeah, I know I shouldn�t go blazing in with my Razr phone and Puma sneakers like some crazy celebrity. But I am very concerned about safety. Should I choose a more Western-friendly place to study � my major allows me some liberty (ha ha) in this � or say whatever and go with my plan?

Alex

[hhkk]

yes,it is saft. People in China is very friendly with foreign people. I believe you will make some friends there. Trust me.

[admiral]

I don't believe that chinese people would be rude to americans.
The only thing is that they don't have that many fears now if americans bully them. I know some americans some years before who are very rude to the people there in the market. So, my brothers fought him very hardly.
So, I think if you respect them, nobody will not respect you. Because chinese people are much friendlier than european people, to my mind.

[mkworldcitizen]

I saw this and needed to respond, sorry there's a lot here.

As an ESL teacher who spent years in Japan, Thailand and China, I can safely to tell you that the only way you will be rejected wholescale by anyone is if you insult their families or attempt to poison the local water systems . If you want to study in Beijing, do it. As far as remaining safe, the same rules apply as when you travel anywhere. Carry your passport, money and ID in a money belt under your clothes. It looks likes a thin belt with a pocket and can be found in places like the Container Store or at a place specializing in luggage and travel gear. If you wear one beneath the waistband of your pants, you�ll *know* if someone is trying to steal from you. As far as other items such as cameras, phones, and that sort of thing, since you don�t want to carry too much on you at any time, maybe you should invest in a phone card and a very small camera with a durable case if you haven�t. My family and I used a onesuite card while I was there and my camera � the brand name escapes me � is almost as thin as a wallet. Buy a sturdy backpack. And be as open to the people and the culture as you can, that�s how you�ll learn. Have a good one.

[belinda]

As a chinese, I feel really disappointed to come up with such a question. And here,I may tell you with no hesitation that if you want to study aborad, china is the one of the most safe country for you to choose. Frankly speaking, we have some anti-Janpanese sentiment for the historical reasons. However, we chinese hold the traditional moral of hospitality. So, do come here if you are impressed and attracted by our rich culture. (p.s. every country have thieves, be careful of your pravite things is also necessary.)

[Bob S.]

As a rule of thumb, you are far safer (in terms of general personal safety when talking about crime) in ANY European or Far Eastern city than in any typical city in America.
That's not to say nothing bad can ever happen to you. As Admiral notes, if you walk around like a stereotypical *beep* obnoxious "ugly American", you are sure to attract some hostile attention.