Scoprire una cultura così ricca è un'esperienza impagabile

In this heartfelt story, Mitra, a participant in the cultural exchange program with China, shares what it was like to spend three months immersed in one of the world’s oldest civilizations:

These three months in China helped me see the country from a whole new perspective—not just as a distant, exotic land so different from my own, but as a place full of people, traditions, and stories that have truly left a mark on me.

Some of the things people usually hear about China are, in fact, true—English isn’t widely spoken, foreigners do attract attention whether you’re in a major city or a small town, and the food? Well, it’s as diverse as it gets. But what I discovered was so much more.

From day one, my host family was incredibly kind. Their only real request was that I spend time with their daughter, speak with her in English, and just be present. Over time, we became very close. We talked about everything—our lives, the differences between Eastern and Western culture—and we bonded through shared hobbies like drawing and swimming. We even explored different cities together.

I was especially fascinated by how much I learned about Chinese culture just through everyday routines—customs, beliefs, and small details that make life in China so unique. I also had one-on-one Mandarin lessons with a teacher, which gave me a solid foundation in the language. I was eventually able to manage basic conversations—something I couldn’t have imagined before I arrived, since I didn’t speak a word of Chinese.

The people I met were friendly and curious, often trying to strike up conversations with me, sometimes just to test my language skills. And yes, as a foreigner, I got a lot of stares—but I got used to it pretty quickly. While China does share some similarities with Europe, the cultural differences definitely stand out. From mastering chopsticks with every meal, to eating foods I’d never heard of, to navigating the city without a common language—everything felt like a mini adventure.

But to me, that’s exactly what made it so rewarding. Discovering a culture as rich as this one is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m still in touch with the girl I cared for, and she’s even planning to visit me next summer. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to return to China again someday.