Wudaokao Watch: "Beijing Has Made Me a Far More Resilient and Open Person"

In Wudaokou Watch, we profile a different Beijing-based student from abroad each week to hear about their life in China's capital.

My name is Cristina Zuniga from the US. I am a master’s student at the University of International Business and Economics.

I came to China in search of new experiences and opportunities, adventuring to a different environment with new people and places.

China is pretty different in terms of culture, social interactions between Chinese and Americans, and the food and language. Such major differences make daily transactions into a whole thing. But as a whole, there are also similarities in the daily routine and the places of interest, going to class (learning Chinglish), hanging out with friends, etc.

Without a doubt, the biggest challenge here is the use of the language. When I first arrived in China, not being able to communicate freely was a huge blow. Everything became quite hard, even the simplest thing was now an extra challenge in translation. I remember the first time I wanted to buy a blanket and ended up crying after an absolute failure. But with time it gets better and you start getting the language basics. Luckily, I've made some amazing Chinese friends that supported me along the way.

I love the hutongs in the Gulou area – there are so many hidden gems that hint at how China may have once been. Also, there are lots of international restaurants in Sanlitun where you can grab a bite of international cuisine. Finally, there's the coolest little vinyl shop called Lipy Studio in the 798 area.

Luckily, I made such good friends in China that I almost always feel at home. If I do get homesick, I just cook or go hang out with my friends in my favorite spots.

In Beijing, I love that there are so many cultures living together in such harmony. I love that it feels like home; it's like an inviting door to the whole world, where you can find any food possible and hear every language in existence all concentrated in one place. Life in Beijing has impacted me by making me a far more resilient and open person.

I would love to stay and work in China after I graduate. I'm inspired by the way China has positioned itself in terms of trade around the world and I aspire to be part of that development.

READ: "I Am Inspired by the Hard Work, Patriotism, and Time Management of Chinese People"

Are you a student in Beijing? Let us profile you and your unique experiences here. Drop us a line at editor@thebeijinger.com and we’ll get back to you to schedule an interview.

Images courtesy of Cristina Zuniga