Education

I love learning. Mandarin Chinese is a great language to learn, and I want to master it. With the right connections, you can study abroad in China, and master’s degrees may cost little to nothing. Though fair warning, visa and work laws are a little crazy, so having a little nest egg is recommended. Chinese is spoken by a over a billion people; granted, most are located in China. However, you will be able to communicate and study anywhere there is a sizeable Chinese diaspora. Education about China is important for anyone wanting to get a grasp on the upcoming century, which will be dictated by the extraordinarily complex Sino-American relationship. To this end, studying Chinese culture provides an avenue to speak to the heart of China, instead of constantly engaging its mind. I am going to study the Chinese language at Heilongjiang University, in Harbin. Given the wonderful Russian influence on the city, getting away from Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’An has allowed me to see a normally uncelebrated part of China.

Networking

Business has become a greater part of my personal relationship with China, and consequently, it is no surprise that Mao’s beautiful face (located on every Chinese currency bill) would draw me towards China. China does not simply seek money for money’s sake; instead she plans on using this “soft power” to help shape economic conditions around the world. China is the hub for tapping into the Global South markets. If you want to go to Africa, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, or even South America, there is a Chinese friend who can help you or is looking for your help. As an American, I represent the strength of the old global order, but my willingness to engage with Chinese businessmen makes me a promoter of positive Sino-American relations. International business, especially in a place like China, is regional and based on individual partnerships that grow. My time in Harbin, China will allow me to begin to foster this kind of friendship.

Cost of Living

Again I am not headed to the globalized Beijing, or the westernized Shanghai. I am moving to Harbin, unaffectionately called “The Capital of the Peasants” by one of my Hungarian friends. Though I strongly disagree with his choice of words, it is undeniable that Harbin is less developed than some of the other major cities in China. Nonetheless, I feel that its struggle to be Chinese and global is charming. This lack of development comes with a price tag at which most Americans would jump for joy. If you get a scholarship from the local or provincial government or your school, then $100/week is enough. This includes food, partying, and the occasional cold, though you should bring your own meds. Shots of vodka are 90 cents, club entry is free, and five bucks is enough to taxi around with friends for two nights. While Harbin may not offer the party scene of a Beijing or Shanghai, it is easier to make friends with club owners and be their “American friend.” Settling in is the most expensive part of moving to Harbin. Buying necessities like a drying rack (since winter lasts nine months out of the year, and there are no dryers in the dormitories), and toilet paper must be factored in as well. But once you are settled in, life becomes simple and straightforward.

Traveling

With 5,000 years of history, there are a LOT of things to see, and myriad things to experience. Just going to the graves of every important person would probably take a lifetime. China is a very diverse land with a narrative that is anything but monolithic. Traveling allows one to encounter China’s 56 ethnicities, as well as meet other foreigners along the way. In my single friend group, you might hear English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Hungarian, and even the occasional Belarusian. Of course, English and Chinese were the predominantly spoken languages, but as a group we could speak to just about anybody, which proved very useful when traveling. Traveling is not only about going places and seeing things; traveling is the movement of people through space and time in a memorable way. If you live life right, you are always traveling.

Being a Goodwill Agent

Having lived in Harbin previously, you do not need millions of dollars or governmental approval to be a goodwill ambassador. For me, this move to China is the beginning of a life of work to bridge the gap between what America is perceived to be and what America really is at her heart. With officials at the top of my government making public claims about adding bloodshed to the modern Sino-American, I strive to be a smiling face to a people who may never interact deeply with another American. I choose to be an ambassador for all those Americans, who celebrate our diversity as a part of who we are. From sayings like “Long Time No See” to Asian icons, such as Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, the Sino-American relationship can be one based on admiration and respect. While certain political storms may be rising, I wish to tell my side of the story with as much vigor and truth as I can.

Achieving the Dream

Whether you agree or not, I hope you see the value of this conversation, and help me achieve my dreams as I head to China for further education. I am eternally grateful for your support.