A semester in Shanghai

January 25, 2009|World Class

While studying abroad at Fudan University in Shanghai last semester, Natalie Turturro craved cheese pizza. But the Western treat was neither easy to come by nor to order. At one restaurant, the Boston University junior asked for "extra cheese" and was served a container of mozzarella. However, such experiences just whetted her appetite for learning new cultures. So, instead of returning home last month, she elected to spend another semester overseas, this time with BU's London program. Turturro anticipates a smoother transition. "Studying abroad here is wonderful because there is no language barrier," she says.

NOT STANDARD ISSUE: In China, Turturro's housing was "meant to cater to foreigners. Chinese students attending Fudan live in dorms with eight other students, hang mosquito nets over their beds, sleep on rock-hard mattresses, and walk across campus to take a shower each day." Turturro had a fully-furnished apartment, with a private room, kitchen, bathroom, balcony, and washing machine. Her Chinese friends deemed her quarters a "mansion," which gave her pause: "I am reminded of how privileged I am to be from America."

IT'S JUST NOT DONE: "Chinese young adults don't date until they are at least 20 years old . . . A boy came to our door one time, and I stood there talking to him. [My Chinese roomate] April came out of her room, and saw the boy in the doorway. She gasped, and literally backed up against the nearest wall. She stood there, awkward, embarrassed, and slightly curious as I finished my conversation with him. When I introduced her, she was incredibly shy and giggled, and then scurried away to her room. Mind you - this girl is 23 years old. Chinese girls and boys are sheltered from each other, resulting in April's reactions."

MODEST PROPOSALS: "Don't smile showing your teeth; it's more modest. The Chinese think very highly of people who are modest, so if someone gives you a compliment, such as 'I like your dress!' you wouldn't say, 'Thank you,' because it's more polite to say, 'This old thing?' Or if someone said, 'You speak English very well,' the polite response is, 'No, I don't. Others are better.' "

WE GATHER TOGETHER: "For Thanksgiving, my American and Chinese roommate and I invited around 15 or 20 Chinese students who brought us kaoya (Beijing roast duck) and other delicious meat dishes. We provided some traditional American dishes, like mashed potatoes, and a family favorite of mine - mushroom salad. It was a great time, celebrating Thanksgiving with new friends in a new land - just like the pilgrims."

GLENN YODER