I came to Canada last June. The weather nicer than this summertime. I lived with a homestay family downtown. Then, I moved out to an apartment. It's been more then one year that I have spent my time here. This trip is the longest trip I have ever had. I have some ups and downs...quite a lot of joy and sorrow.
When I first came here, I rarely had homesick. Everything was new to me...new people, new place, new atmosphere and new weather. I found it challenging to hang out with friends after the class everyday. I was studying in private school at that time. So I didn't have a lot of homework. I can say that last summer was the best time for me in Vancouver. After summer had gone, winter came. Frankly speaking, I really hate wintertime here. I rains most of the time. There's no sunshine. Everything is grey. Plus, people usually stay at home. I almost got depression at that time. It's my first time to be in gloomy weather which is totally different from my country. The weather is getting warmer these days (even though it's still chilly) and we have more sunshine. Luckily, I can stay here for another summer before I go back to Thailand!
Back to the topic, what I have learned from Vancouver? Well, I would say I have learned a lot from here and I will never find this kind of experience in Thailand. First, I learned how to adapt to other cultures. Most of my friends here are foreign friends. When I first came here, I sometimes felt like...Why don't we have same opinion? Why do they do/act that? Why is it difficult for them to understand? Why don't they like the same thing with me? I found it interesting to expose to different culture. Some good things are: I need to communicate with them in English; Something from different culture is good to know and can be adapt with my life; I will hardly find this atmosphere in Thailand. Secondly, I learned to live independently. When I was in Thailand, I had my family and friends who always support me whenever I need help. When I live here, my life is kind of free. I can be what I want to be; I can do what I want to do. I have to make decisions on my own. I can't rely too much on friends here since I have known them for a short time. I have to be strong(mentally and physically) and mature. And I feel that I'm stronger than before. Last, I learned how to deal with people. When I was young, I was protected by my family. Once I'm old enough and living far away from my family, I'll have to deal with other people by myself.
HAHAHAHA xD
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for the update!!
I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait! :P unbearable suspence haha
ReplyDeleteI think I can understand your experience, me either I hate winter, and it's always challenging to communicate with people who don't always have the same behaviors.
ReplyDeleteI grew up mostly with a vietnamese education, but at School I mainly learn to think and behave like a French man, it has not been easy sometimes.
I think meeting another culture challenges what we consider as our own convictions, we have to make effort...but it's interesting too, we learn from other points of view. I can be divided too sometimes.
This was a very reflective piece of writing that I very much enjoyed, Chanida! Well done! (I hope you publish it in the ELI newsletter if you haven't done so already.)
ReplyDeleteAs for winter, perhaps you had what we call "Seasonal Affective Disorder," or "SAD." "SAD" basically just means "winter blues," and one can counter its effects by getting some sunshine (easier said than done in Vancouver, perhaps!). Last winter, Costco sold a special lamp that was supposed to mimic some of the sun's light. Anyway, I think in Thailand you won't need it!