Meng - Blog 1


1. How are some of your beliefs and attitudes regarding appearance, food, and social practices potentially ethnocentric?

 I am so picky about food, which can be seen as ethnocentric. >~<
To be honest, I can only accept some Asian food, such as Chinese and Japanese food. I almost don't eat cheese and some very oil food. I canceled meal plan in Saga. So I have to admit that I am very ethnocentric of food. But, I will try my best to eat some interesting food in Ecuador. Besides food, I can accept and understand any kind of cultural differences.

2. Are some stereotypes you have heard/seen about Latin-Americans?

 I'm sorry I don't know much about Latin American culture. Maybe it's because my country is so far away from South America. But the interesting thing is that through this journey, maybe I can find my own stereotypes about Latin Americans. \\*^o^*//

3. What are some stereotypes you think Latin-Americans might have about your culture? 

 For this question, I still don't how the Latin American think about Chinese culture. But I searched online and also didn't find any stereotypes. So, I think the best way is to ask local people in Ecuador about this. Let's see how they think about Chinese. I hope there is no prejudice or stereotype.

4. What challenges do you anticipate encountering in Ecuador? 

 The biggest challenge for me is language because I know nothing about Spanish; the only word I know is Hola. I am a little bit worried about how to communicate with my host family. I am want to have deep communications with them so that I can better understand and experience local culture. I don't want language stops me to do it.

5.What rewards do you hope to gain?

 Firstly, I want to learn some Spanish, which is totally fresh for me. Secondly, this trip is a good opportunity for me to touch the Latin American culture. I will cherish and enjoy it. Lastly, this is my last month to study and stay with my U.S. professors and friends. I am going back to China next month so I will cherish every second I stay in foreign countries. I'm a little shy, so I hope I can make myself more outgoing by this journey. ≡^ˇ^≡ 

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