What a First-Time Teen Visitor Should Know About The Country of China
China, or maybe you follow that one Instagram famous person from China – but there is a lot more to know before you visit the country for yourself.
We’ve gathered a few facts about China’s culture and history that are worth the read before you hop on that plane.
If someone bows to you offer to shake their hand but do not go in for a hug because many Chinese citizens do not like to be touched by strangers.
Be sure to introduce people with their name and their title. For example, John Lee, CEO of Galaxy Incorporated or Sarah Smith, student at Cambridge University.
And that old saying, “respect your elders,” most definitely applies in China. It’s important to show the most respect to anyone who is older than you.
It’s also nice to bring a small gift when you meet someone for the first time. Expect them to refuse it several times, and be sure to do the same if anyone offers a gift to you.
When gesturing always use an open hand, never use your index finger. The Chinese consider this rude.
Do not put your feet up on a chair or cushion no matter how comfortable it may be. While it may be okay at home, it’s definitely not here.
But don’t worry, starring and burping are accepted. So hey, go ahead and guzzle that soda.
It is safe to dress modestly and in simple clothes. That means those sport jerseys or that crop top you love are probably best left at home.
Food
Panda Express isn’t what you’ll be eating when you’re in China. They tend to eat more vegetables and meats.
There are no serving spoons for shared dishes. Instead you use the other end of your chopsticks to take your food.
There’s not just the Chinese language. There are actually several dialects that make it up like Mandarin and Cantonese.
China is almost the same size as the continental USA. The difference is that China one official time zone while the continental USA has four.
China’s history is marked by dynasties. Each one started when a new emperor ruled. The first was the Qin Dynasty that started in 221 B.C.
Every year is represented by one of China’s 12 animals. 2017 is the year of the Rooster!
It took roughly 37 years to create the Terracotta Army made of 8,000 clay soldiers who guard an emperor’s tomb – talk about a long project!
The Chinese rarely say “No.” Instead they’ll use other words like “maybe” or “we’ll see.”
It’s better not to give a compliment. Yes, you were probably taught to say something nice but the Chinese do not accept compliments. Instead, they’ll be humble and come back with the truth.
You know those squats you’ve been doing, well they’ll finally come in handy because you’ll most likely have to squat to reach the toilet. And BYTP (bring your own toilet paper).
Some cool places to look at, Snap to friends, or post about while you’re there include The Forbidden City in Beijing, the Great Wall, and the Stone Forest.
Contributed by Samantha Watkins
The Gift of Experiences
Christmas is absolutely a time for giving. Whether it’s family members or close friends, we all want to show the important people in our lives just how much they mean to us. It seems that Christmas, however, is slowly but surely becoming less about spending time with loved ones, and more about spending time and money purchasing the perfect gift. With Black Friday sneaking into Thursday and Cyber Monday dominating an entire weekend, it’s never been easier to be swept away by the materialistic frenzy. Add to this the ease of online shopping and gift-givers couldn’t be happier.
But if the Grinch taught us anything, it’s that the spirit of Christmas isn’t just about presents. In fact, families all around the world are starting to cut back on giving physical objects during the holidays, opting instead to invest in the gift of experiences. Here are four great reasons to consider giving a round of golf or dinner for two instead of a golf driver or a Cuisinart mixer.
Togetherness is Important
Technology might allow for more easily accessible communication worldwide, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that spending actual time with loved ones is important. Studies show that quality time with family and friends increases both physical and mental health. This is especially true for children, but everyone benefits from spending time with those they care about.
Memories Last a Lifetime
An experience is literally the gift that keeps on giving. While a new Xbox or video game is cool, the excitement eventually fades; the system either becomes outdated or breaks and the game is old news after a few dozen plays. The memories associated with a gifted experience, on the other hand, last a lifetime. Whether it’s a family trip to the zoo, breakfast in bed for a week, or tickets to a baseball game, the time may pass but the feelings will last forever.
Experiences Fit Any Budget
No money? No problem! One of the best things about the gift of experience is that it can fit any budget. While some people can afford to gift an all-expense paid dream vacation to Ireland, the experiences you give don’t have to be expensive. You can plan a visit a nearby free museum, offer to do dishes for a month, babysit for an evening, orchestrate a game night, or cook dinner for a week. There’s no limit to the options out there and you don’t have to break the bank be show you care.
People Prefer Experiences over Material Objects
Believe it or not, people actually prefer experiences over material objects. A study conducted by Cornell University in 2014 found that experiential purchases are more satisfying to get and make those on the receiving end happier. It makes sense, after all, that going to a live concert would be more enjoyable than getting an iTunes gift card.
Contributed by Amanda Vosloh Bowyer
Volunteering Opportunities for Teens: Holiday Edition
Being on break from school during the holidays leaves you with a lot of time that you normally never have. What better way to spend your time than volunteering? Even though there are chances to volunteer all year round, opportunities to help others abound during the holidays. So how can you help? Here are four ways to get involved:
- Spend time at a homeless shelter. This is not very unique, but it is still a huge deal. Just because homeless shelters are always there and it is a common way to volunteer does not mean they should be ignored. So, take some friends and family, and help serve holiday meals. Then, stay at the shelter for a while! Spend some time with the people there and learn about their lives. Bring some board games and play with them. Ask them fun questions that bring up conversation, even if it is just asking what is their favorite color! Have fun and simply treat them like the people they are. It may not seem like much, but simple conversations can make a huge difference in both their lives and yours.
- Set up a care package party. Who does not love to receive a care package? For many people, care packages are the only gifts they will receive during the holidays. The more care packages that are sent or donated, the more that there are smiles are spread. So, for a fun holiday volunteer idea, invite some friends and family over for a packing party to put together little gifts! Decide for whom you want to create care packages. Think about putting together boxes for military individuals who are away from home during the holidays. Or donate packages to some loving organizations, like Operation Christmas Child. They send them to children who often receive nothing during the holidays. Children (and adults) in hospitals is another group who would appreciate a thoughtful package during a difficult time. After you have decided who you want to pack for, find some fun items. Create lists, and go as groups to a store to shop scavenger-hunt style! Then, gather together and pack the boxes. Fill them with fun items, handwritten notes, baked goods, etc. Have fun while packing! Put on some music, and have everyone bring some food to share. Then send out the packages or donate them to places that will put them in the right hands. You might like doing a packing party so much that it could become your new holiday tradition!
- Volunteer at an animal shelter. If you have a soft spot for our furry friends, spend some time with them during this holiday season! Many shoppers want a four-legged pal for Christmas. You can make a difference this season by advocating for pet adoption. Rather than going out and buying a pet in a store, encourage people to adopt. Help take care of the animals and show love to the ones who often get overlooked. You can help brighten the holidays for both people and animals by bringing them together for a forever home!
- Visit a nursing home. Many seniors often spend holidays alone. They have no one willing or able to visit them. No one should have to spend holidays by themselves. However, you can cheer up elderly people just by being their friend! Spend some time this holiday season by volunteering at a nursing home. Get to know a few of the seniors there and ask about their life experiences. Ask them to tell you stories, or you can tell them one! If possible, do a holiday tradition with them that they love. Do you have a special talent, like playing an instrument or drawing? Show off for them! Older friends often love to see what you like to do. Simply having fun and being a friend can make a difference this season.
So maybe these ideas for volunteering do not seem extraordinary. That’s okay! Just because these are “regular” ways to volunteer do not make them any less important. Whether it is putting some love into a small package or being a friend to someone, your time and generosity can make the holidays even more special. And when the holidays are over, consider traveling cross-culturally to volunteer! You can be a bright spot in someone’s life locally and abroad, and your life will be impacted, too. Happy holidays!
Contributed by Addie Davis
Health & Wellness in Ghana vs. Back Home
More than likely you’ve been to the doctor or have gotten medicine when you’ve felt sick and it was pretty easy to do – but that’s not the case everywhere in the world, especially for locals in Ghana, a part of West Africa. While Ghana does have healthcare and various public health programs, their system is very different from the U.S.
Below are just a few of the ways that health and wellness are different in Ghana.
Health Insurance
Ghana – Ghana has the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that everyone in Ghana registers with. NHIS pays for hospitalizations, doctor visits, and some medications, but there is a lot they do not cover like HIV medications, photos/visual records of a patient’s condition, and medical examinations for school or work.
U.S. – The U.S. has the Affordable Care Act. There is a certain time where people are able to enroll, re-enroll, or change their insurance plan. Health insurance helps pay for medical services and certain prescription drugs. The insurance you have pays for a certain percentage of the cost of the procedure or drug and then you end up paying the rest.
Difference – Ghana does not offer separate plans for people to choose from or the option of children to stay on their parents plan until they are 26; they have one plan for everyone.
Common Infections and Diseases
Ghana – Common infections in Ghana include Typhus, Tuberculosis, HIV, and Malaria while diseases include cancer, diabetes, and heart problems.
U.S. – Several popular infections in the U.S. include Salmonella, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis; common diseases include heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Asthma and much more.
Difference – Ghana does not have as up to date technology or drugs as the U.S. when it comes to treating these infections and diseases. So someone diagnosed with cancer in Ghana may not have access to chemotherapy treatment or insulin shots for diabetes.
Pregnancy
Ghana – Most women give birth at the hospital but it is common for women to die during or after childbirth.
U.S. – Women typically give birth at the hospital but some opt to give birth at home with the help of a midwife.
Difference – Ghana does have midwives but no where near the amount of midwives in the U.S. It is also common in Ghana for mothers and their babies to be detained in the health facility because they do not pay the medical bills.
To find out more about health and wellness in Ghana, visit the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Contributed by Samantha Watkins
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