Traveling, working, and living abroad while learning a new culture and not able to speak the local language has many challenges. Doing so allows you to grow as an individual, teaches you to be adaptable and gives you the opportunity to connect and get a glimpse of a new culture and lifestyle, something that reading books or watching movies can’t do. These challenges should not stop anyone from traveling to remote or exotic places.
Sure it would be great if you can speak the language, it would allow you to connect on a deeper level with the locals, but in reality languages like Mandarin and the many regional dialects are extremely difficult. A couple months is not enough time to learn a brand new language. However, it is valuable to learn a couple essential phrases to be able to order food and ask for the restroom. Even if you butcher the words and the locals have no idea what you are saying, tying to speak a few words show them that you are trying and are interested in learning. If they see you are trying they will usually warm up to you, it is a good ice breaker. These challenges of being abroad is part of the joy of traveling and experiencing a new land. There are many ways to cope with the new changes and challenges of living and working in a foreign country. It takes a lot of personal growth and you must challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone, but the experiences you have and the friends you make while abroad is something no one can take away form you and it’s something not many people get to experience.
Tips to living, traveling and working in China
Technology is here and it is not going anywhere, use it!
Take advantages of your smart phone. Just a few years ago I was traveling with a large guide book and a bulky dictionary. Theses books are very heavy and I always had to carry a backpack around. Now that there are so many apps for smart phones, I am able to ditch the bulky books and have endless information on my phone
Recommended phone apps
Waygo– Being a foodie this app is amazing. This app uses the camera on your phone to scan a menu in Chinese and translate it instantly into English. It works surprisingly well, before I had the app I was just pointing to the menu and hoping what ever I go was good (most times it was actually good), but with the app I am a able to have more fun and experiment with different foods. Internet is not needed to use the app.
iTranslate– There are many translations apps in the app store, but I would recommend iTranslate. A internet connection is needed to use this app, but it has a large dictionary database and is a great translator. One function it has that I like is the ability to speak into the phone in any language and it will translate into any language. I had a great conversation about politics and world news with a tea shop owner in Ya’an. I didn’t speak Chinese and she didn’t speak English, but with this amazing app we were able to communicate and talk for a few hours only using the phone translator. With out this app I wouldn’t be able to engage her and have a meaningful conversation.
Hostelworld.com- Popular among travelers around the world, Hostel world app is great when traveling. It has a large list of hostels around the world. It is a popular website and app so there are many reviews on each hostel. You can book directly on the app or get information to call or visit in person. Great for accommodations when on a budget or to meet other travelers
Old fashion note book- Even though a smart phone is great for traveling, I also carry around a small note pad. It is easier to write down quick notes. One of the main reasons I like to use a note pad, is when I meet locals I can ask them to write down names of dishes, types of tea, towns or any other recommendations they have for me in Chinese characters, since the majority of people here can’t read or write English.
Just go- The most important tip is just to go, have fun and experience the culture. Phone apps are very convenient and useful but are not necessary. It is fun to sometimes leave the phone at home and just go out and experience the country you are in as a human, without technology. Traveling has taught me the importance of body language, tones, and eye contact. Often I can connect more when I throw myself in the middle of nowhere and fallback on primitive moans, grunts, smiles and gestures to get by. If you are flexible, patient and adventurous you can easily get by living, working, and traveling in a foreign country, if you are not you will learn and grow even more as an individual.
By Ryan Boarman