It is really an eye-opening experience to study in America. In China, I had English classes five times a week
since Grade Three in primary school. However, I didn’t know the differences between Chinese and US cultures
until I came to America.
When I first studied English, I was told to say “I’m fine.” when people say “How are you?” But in America, I found that people often say, “I’m good.” or “Not bad.”
One day, someone greeted me with “What’s up?” It made me confused(迷惑的). I thought for a moment and
then smiled because I didn’t know what to say. Since then I have discovered more and more differences between Chinese and US cultures. To my surprise, US girls spend a lot of time in the burning sun to get a tan. However, in China, girls try to get their skin white, or “whiter”.
I was also surprised to know how hardworking US students are. In China, schoolwork is almost everything, so we study and that’s it. But here, a “good” student gets good grades, does a lot for the public and plays sports or music. I am starting to feel sorry that I gave up playing the piano at an early age and that I have never thought about sports.