Twenty scholars from Chongqing Technology and Business University completed a three-week Global Leadership Program at the Asian Affairs Center. As part of their program, the scholars participated in a Professional Communication Project in which they explored the values and lifestyles of Americans. The scholars interviewed native English speakers, developed a research paper and presented an oral report of their findings.
Below are some excerpts of their reports.
Education is a very important thing in American life. We know there are pretty stiff competitions in America. So, the Americans we interviewed attached a great importance to education.
Jirong CAI
A week ago, I came to the United States, through the observations in the United States , I found that Americans treat the family and life different from our past understanding.
Yue Shu mei
While education and schools make up the main parts of youths lives, work and job, religion and a peaceful life play more important roles in adults and elders lives.
Jiping CHEN
I was surprised to find that lots of American college students we interviewed did not regard money as the most important thing in their life.
Zhou Qigang
What impressed me a lot is that the American people are critical thinkers. They never take anything for granted. They think about their culture, social trends and even others’ behaviors critically. That may be one secret of America’s success.
Huang Mian
What makes me feel surprised is that we saw the old people living by themselves. No family members taking care of them. It seems that they live lonely.
Wang Ning
The American people knew little about China, far less than the Chinese people's understanding of the United States.
Tan Wei
I worry for American that their country is the pacemaker today, and they have no use for the chasers.
Chen Xujiang
Clearly, the Americans we interviewed were very hopeful that Obama would bring them change. This is the main reason they chose Obama.
Xingyue Wei
The viewpoint of the American economy is optimistic. 41.7% of 12 people we interviewed thought it would get better and more globalized in the future, 33.3% thought would it stay as it is now, and 25% guessed it will shrink and get worse than it is now.
Li Deng
Our interviews indicate that Americans love their family very much, especially among the young and adults. So, Americans are alike the Chinese in the family concept.
Xiangyu Tan
We were very glad to know that people in Columbia City think the phenomenon that so many visiting scholars coming to MU is good for the citizens. Maybe it’s the reason why the Columbia City’s people were so friendly to us.
Tian Shuangquan
When I asked my interviewees questions, they had no hesitation to answer family, friends and education. Their answers were just same as my guesses.
Liu Peng
We got two gains from this project. We got to have contact with ordinary Americans, not only the professors of the university. The second gain was we enhanced our communicational ability.
Liu Chuan Wen
After these interviews, my opinion of Americans changed. They are friendly and diligent. They take pleasure in helping others. I learned a lot about Americans, they are practical, polite, hardworking, well educated ,and the Americans love the environment. I like Americans.
Feng Rende
In a word, the real Americans who I saw with my eyes and heard with my ears were very different from my original thoughts. I changed my view of Americans.
Huanrong Li
Thiis communication activity enhanced my thoughts about Americans and their lifestyles. I found they hold a busy lifestyle, being diligent, kind and open
Mo Yun
We also found that most persons think a lot of family and freedom, and are satisfied with their current life. It is interesting that their comprehension on the happy life is the same as Chinese.
Huang Hui
It’s the outstanding position of family in American’s life philosophy that this project impressed me the most.
Wei DENG
Although the our survey is only a small sample and may not represent a general population, nor may it result in any clear conclusion, a definite point is that China should increase American people’s awareness of China through pleasant and acceptable ways.
Fan wenjie
