China Pre-Tour - Cultural and Social Adjustment Process - Case Study Example

INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ON CHINA PRE TOUR Student name Subject Lecturer University Date Contents 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Challenges Faced During Relocation From China To Australia 4 3.0 Cultural and Social Adjustment Process 7 4.0 Similarities and Differences 7 a.Social Customs and Practices 7 b. Business Practices 9 c.Education 9 d.Religion 9 e.Politics 10 Reference List 13 China Pre-Tour 1.0 Introduction A reflective journal is a way of expressing one’s personal experiences, success, and failure in certain activity. A reflective journal is used in expressing various viewpoints and perspectives. By reflecting on one's theories and ideas about cultural norms, it becomes able to connect the experiences of life with what is real. This paper explains my reflection presents divergent aspects that I anticipate to meet during the tour to Fudan University. This report is explaining my life to a child in China and how I have changed boundaries to Australia to study and now coming back to China for a study tour. Tentatively, it highlights a theoretical perspective on the cultural differences between Australia and China. Growing up in China from to the age of sixteen, I always enjoyed everything in Chinese culture and never imagined that I could change to different culture apart from Chinese. Life was so obvious that I always felt comfortable growing up as a Chinese kid. At a young age, most of my studies were in the Chinese language; where I joined Senior school after attaining 13 years of age. In the course of my Senior school studies, I learnt German, English and French. All my studies at a young age were in the Chinese language up to the age of 13 years when I joined a senior school that I was able to encounter languages like English French and Germany. Throughout my studies, I had not anticipated traveling abroad in pursuit of better education. As a proud Chinese citizen, learning in a foreign country was a new concept; but exciting getting to know new culture. As I continued my studies, I never thought of studying in because I was so proud of being a Chinese citizen and, therefore, wanted to develop myself in my country. As a teenager, I dreamt of being a doctor, where Fudan University got my greatest attention given its performance in the academic platform. Whereas Shanghai has a lot of to offer, as an academician, a tour to this university could satisfy my childhood anticipation. I could argue that my experience within Australia has not been an easy task, rather educational and challenging. Given my Chinese background information access was limited as the government controlled this. Whereas information is imperative, the government has direct control on information access and that it allows us to view and learn about information that has been filtered. After furthering my studies in Australia, I came to learn and understand the culture of my home country and understand various aspects of our political and social background. Within limited boundaries, it is increasingly constrained boundaries it is impossible to understand various components of my culture while at China. Presently, I have a widened view of this, and I am capable of understanding various concepts that I had no prior knowledge of freedom. Evidently, the Chinese people do not know what freedom is, given that I came to learn of social media websites in Australia, notably Facebook and Instagram. The government controls such social media platforms. 2.0 Challenges Faced During Relocation From China To Australia Australia is a land of opportunities. Contrary to popular beliefs that Australia presents significant advantages and opportunities, it is described by a fair share of challenges among foreigners. Evidently, everything was never easy considering that Australia is populated by a majority whites and a minority Chinese. The difference in cultures, lifestyle and language, to name a few, was a major culture shock. Australia is a country of white people who speak English. My first two months in the country was very difficult since I had difficulties in adapting to the way of life of the people in this country. I was able to understand a bit of English which following my earlier studies; unluckily, this was not enough to enable me to communicate well with the Australian locals. It is evident however that communication plays an imperative role in any form of interaction. Thanks to my Chinese counterparts who helped me understand language eloquence. As a foreigner in Australia, I was compelled to learn and adapt to the way of life of Australians. In this respect, it was inevitable to develop a friendly attitude towards people that I studied with. Additionally, the warm reception from both the lecturers and students on foreigners was a great motivator. It was surprising to come to terms with the fact that foreigners were well treated among Australians; contrary to Chinese reception. Whereas a positive and warm reception from the students was welcoming, I was able to understand how to address various challenges. The Chinese culture consolidates there is a lot of indirect communication as opposed to the Australian Culture. After about a month I was able to speak fluent English language; augmenting my courage to talk to people and seek advice wherever I needed advice. It became to be my second language to an extent that up to now I do speak fluently and proficiently English more than the Chinese language From my background in China as a child, I never knew anything about religion. The Asian society is typified by Buddhism where Christianity is a new aspect. When I came to Australia, I was amazed to see that people belonged to various denominations; where worship locations were specifically made for the various denominations. I had no religion and up to now I don’t belong to any religion. Most of the times whenever am free I always accompany one of my Australian friend- a Christian- to a church nearby for prayers on Sundays. Although I possess insufficient knowledge on this religion; I believe new challenges and understanding of various denomination can expand my knowledge and way of life among such individuals. The beliefs and lack of religion that I was used to in China during my childhood was one of the major barriers towards my study in China. Though I became used to it, I still keep on asking and wondering the differences of this kind of scenarios. One way made me adapt well to these beliefs were resisting the familiarity syndrome, where I had to make sure I had many friends from other countries rather than from my home country. I had to step up of my cocoon and made use of the available facilities to meet new friends and learn their culture; this helped to integrate well with other students. In order to strengthen the relationship, I also had to share my beliefs with my local friends to an extent of cooking my local meals to them as a way of bringing them together. As I plan the study tour back to my motherland, so many things have changed in my life and the way I approach issues. It is six years since I left China I came to Australia when I was just a teen, but I have improved my way of thinking and handling issues. The study tour to Fudan University in Shanghai is very important since it’s the first time am going to visit my motherland since I left at a tender age. Having known and borrowed some aspect of Australian culture, my main mission on this tour is to try and compare the present culture in China and the culture in Australia. Also to try and integrate my Australian friends whom we will be traveling together to the Chinese culture, to show them what I have shared with them all these years about my culture, the traditional foods, and even the mode dressing and way of salutation. I need also to compare the university education system in China and the one we are having in Australia. As I participate in this tour, my ambition is to understand the changes that I have witnessed while in Australia in comparison to the lifestyle from which I was brought up in. Through these various cultural changes that I have gone through, and having a proficient knowledge about China, I believe that this study tour will be the most enjoyable educational activity that I will have this year. 3.0 Cultural and Social Adjustment Process Adjusting culturally and socially was easy for me since I lived in China till the age of 16. I was brought up in Chinese culture; hence I anticipate expecting little changes when touring the region. However, being away for six years, it was logical I anticipate big changes in China. I underwent euphoria and excitement about the new surrounding and sights. I was amazed by the differences and similarities in cultures between Australia and China. These changes, therefore, inspired me to learn the new thing with an open mind. Even though I had lived in China before, I could not rule out culture shock, which I had witnessed throughout the time. Culture shock showcases the divergent changes that one expects while touring a new region (Moran, 2014; Hofstede, 2015). Having gotten used to Australia as my new home, I found fault in how some things were done in China. I would miss life back at home. Food and other lifestyle did not pose a big problem for me since I was used to eating Chinese indigenous cuisine when I was younger. After the short-lived culture shock, I gradually adjusted and adapted to the way things were done in China. 4.0 Similarities and Differences a. Social Customs and Practices To begin with, as stated in Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions, six indices were proposed, in which cultural values could be evaluated (Hofstede, 2015). These include: individualism versus collectivism, power distance (this is the strength in social hierarchy), uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity versus femininity, long-term orientation and indulgence versus self-restraint (Hofstede, 2015) My stay in Australia has enabled me learn that Chinese and Australia differ in some aspects. For instance, social relationships in China are an important asset to have. They call them the Guanxi, (Knox et al., 2014). In this respect Guanxi, the Chinese strive to build and maintain good relationships with influential people, in order to win favors in future. This aspect aligns itself with Hofstede’s dimension of power distance, (Hofstede et al., 2015, p314). The Guanxi outdoes the law. On the other hand, in Australia, no social relationship is above the law. Influential people maintain a good relationship with the government and the media. Secondly, etiquette in a place like restaurant earns one respect in China, whereas, in Australia, it does not have such a huge impact on a person’s reputation. Thirdly, some Chinese do not consider dropping trash on the streets as disrespect; on the other hand, such behavior is considered a crime. In fourth place, we learnt that religion in China had an equivalent political influence, unlike in Australia, where religion and politics are two independent aspects. Although there are a number of differences, we also found similarities in these two countries. For instance, relationship with each other, in Australia, friendship is a big deal and in China, family and friendship is a big deal as well. Everyone relies on and supports each other. In Australia, holidays and events are given big celebrations, as it is in China. Additionally, both have good medal tallies at the Olympics. Hence they are good in sports. b. Business Practices In China, business is done under family names, and not individually. Business’s main aim is not to earn profit but a social status. One would give sacrifices his business products to an influential person in order to strengthen the Guanxi. On the other hand, business in Australia is entirely for profit reasons, without basic attachment to social status, (Shahaeian et al., 2014, p559). Unlike China, small talk in workplaces in Australia is entertained. These pose a challenge to the Chinese working in Australia, especially because of the Australian English dialect, similes and metaphors. However, both China and Australia are economically powerful. c. Education In China, classrooms are teacher focused, unlike in Australia, where they are student focused. In other words, Chinese teacher delivers content and answers directly, while an Australia teacher delivers basic knowledge and the student can figure out how to apply the knowledge in their lives (Australian Qualifications Framework Council, 2013). The Chinese education system is one of the largest educations; that is centralized where the higher education controls all the education institutions through the creation of policy making, planning, policy making and evaluation (Brandenburg and Jiani, 2007). d. Religion Evidently, China is multi-religion given that it is described by three main religions namely; Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Simply put, it’s a fusion of divergent beliefs. Patently, 185 million people believe in Buddhism,(Yang,2006), thus it has the largest influence. Buddhism not only brought new religion to China, but also new culture. It had a huge impact on art, ideology and literature,(Yang,2006). For instance, many poetry ideas have their roots from this religion. Buddhism is also responsible for intercultural communication with foreign countries, like India and Japan,(Yang,2006). Confucianism, the second most believed religion, is linked to Confucius teachings; a philosopher and a political theorist. These teachings talks about the roles of a ruler and the proposal of their moral conduct in offering informed direction (Yang, 2006). The harmony of the natural world is seen as a response to the moral conduct of the people and the sovereign. Taoism, has its influence on the local Chinese culture in traditional medicine, for instance, most of the medicine prescriptions were written by Sun Simiao,(Knox et al, 2014), and literature where we find most fictious characters being Taoists.,(Knox et al, 2014). As a non-religionist, I find the Australian religion to be completely different given its religious background. Australia has no specific state religion, although has diverse religions. Christianity is the predominant religion. Others are Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. The Australian government however encourages mutual torrelance, mutual respect and understanding among the different religions, (Shahaiean et al, 2014). Despite these many religions, there is Athens too in Australia. However, China is typified by a high population in over 56 states where different provinces have different religions. The biggest part of China, Han nationality, has the highest population and that it lacks no religion in this effect. e. Politics Contrary to other states, China is described as a federalist government system, which has neither the constitutional separation of power between different governance levels. However, with the increasingly deepening reform, the Chinese political system is referred to as the central-local relations where its functions are more attuned to a federalist approach (Association of Independent Institutions, 2009). Simply put, it is described as de facto federalism since it satisfies the following aspects i. Hierarchical political systems where the government’s activities are separated from the centers and provinces in way that each government can make its decision ii. The provinces are tasked with governing the economy and to some levels the politics of these regions. iii. Intergovernmental institutions are placed in a manner that it is increasingly becoming a challenge, for the central government to impose an intended will on such jurisdictions. Evidently, the Chinese government systems oversee the division of the power between the provinces and the central government. China's central government exclusively controls aspects of foreign policies, population planning and national. Contrariwise, the central governments are in direct consultation with the provinces. Generally, in China, politics is in form of a socialist republic. It is run by a single party, The Communist Party of China. The state’s power is exercised through the Communist Party. The president of China is the head of state, serving under the National People’s Congress. The head of Government is the Premier of China. He presides over the State Council, which is composed of four of his vices, and the heads of commissions and ministries. The General Secretary holds the eventual power over the state and the government. The communist’s party of China uses internal references to monitor and manage internal issues among citizens of China, (Zhou, 2007). On the other hand, Australian political system is described as a federation, parliamentary doctrine and constitutional monarchy. Australia has a House of Representatives, consisting of 150 members, who are qualified by votes for a selected term in office not exceeding three years. The legislation also has a Senate of 76 members, voted in for a term of not more than six years, (Daly, 2003). These suggest that it is described by; i. A queen, residing in the United Kingdom and is represented in Australia by the Governor-General ii. It is governed by the ministry that is headed by the Prime Minister iii. It has territory parliaments and eight states iv. It has two Chamber Commonwealth Parliament in charge of Lawmaking This model is best described as a Westminster system since it derives from the United Kingdom Parliament. This is completely different from the Chinese based centralized systems. Conclusively, I am looking forward to learning a lot from our tour to China. I expect to expand my knowledge from the new developments I will see in China. I also anticipate to have fun during the tour. This tour will play a big part in molding me to be a better person both in my career and socially. Conclusively, I believe the tour can be very educative and that it will offer significant insights to the various developments in this region; arguably, it will enable me understand the difference between the Australian and the Chinese culture. Tentatively, I will be able to view the socio-cultural changes that I have experienced throughout my stay. On the other hand, major differences between the Chinese and Australian cultures, notably religion and politics have seen the increased divergence. These can be attributed to the dissimilarities between the Asian and Western cultures; whatever the case I am excited to be a part of the tour. Reference List Association of Independent Institutions 2009, Independent Institutions: The Booming Section of Higher Education in China. Available from: . [5 November 2015]. Australian Qualifications Framework Council 2013, The Australian education system Brandenburg, U and Jiani, Z 2007, ‘Higher Education in China in Light of Massification and Demographic Change’. Lessons to be Learned for Germany. Arbeitspapier Nr. 97. Gütersloh, Germany: Center for Higher Education Development. Hofstede, G 2015, ‘Geert Hofstede's Dimensions of Culture and Edward T. Hall's Time Orientations’, Intercultural Organizational Development. Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M 2015, ‘Cultures and Organizations: Pyramids, Machines, Markets, and Families: Organizing Across Nations’, Classics of Organization Theory, 314. Knox, P. C., & Wolohan, F. D 2014, ‘Cultural diversity and saccade similarities: Culture does not explain saccade latency differences between Chinese and Caucasian participants’, PloS one, 9, e94424. Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V 2014, Managing cultural differences. Routledge. Shahaeian, A., Nielsen, M., Peterson, C. C., & Slaughter, V 2014,’ Cultural and Family Influences on Children’s Theory of Mind Development A Comparison of Australian and Iranian School-Age Children’, Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Vol 45, no, 4, pp. 555-568. Spindler, L 2014, Interpretive ethnography of education at home and abroad. Psychology Press. Yang, F, 2006, The red, black, and gray markets of religion in china’, The Sociological Quarterly, no. 47, pp 93–122 Zhou Tianyong, 2007, Reform of the Chinese political system, Part II of summary. Daly, Margo (2003). The Rough Guide To Australia. Rough Guides Ltd. p. 397. Read More