Living in a foreign country feels as familiar as Mars.  This new world experience from the language to the culture confronts Chinese teacher Xue Yinghan daily because she knows how it feels to adapt to another country.

Ms. Xue is originally from ShangDong Province, China. There she grew up and went to school. Eventually studying English. According to Ms.Xue “English wasn’t so difficult at the beginning, but more toward the middle it became more complicated.” Even though some parts were hard, she persevered and graduated earning her degree.

Ms.Xue then headed to the USA, her initial thought was,“They speak really fast, but they are friendly people.”

Upon arriving in America, she had to transfer flights and asked a person directions to the gate. Gladly, he helped to direct her. Though at first it was hard not being able to rely on someone she knew, she sought help from a amiable stranger.

Upon arriving in Neenah, Ms.Xue noticed that life ebbed compared with China. She explained how crowded the streets were, strangers walked briskly occasionally rubbing shoulders with others. The traffic was bumper to bumper with horns ringing out amongst the chatter of the streets.

She enjoyed the hush of the small city of Neenah saying that even school here was less strenuous. In China, she’d often have several tests every week! The reality of academic and social presssure is the result of needing to get a good score on the entrance exam, for the college she wished to attend. 

Ms.Xue says other than these two facts it was easy to adapt to the USA, especially if brave explorers of new countries have friends from home who understand. Ms.Xue advised that the best way to adapt to a new environment is: “Learn about the place beforehand and have people you can rely on.”