Chinese student learns all about America: Beijing resident right at home on campus of Northern State University in Aberdeen

Oct 13, 2008 (American News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- WMT | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Her major is business, but Xueting Zhao is equally interested in learning about the nuances of American culture during her time at Northern State University.

A Chinese exchange student from Beijing, she's learning that one of the best ways to do that is to room with somebody from the Dakotas. Living in Jerde Hall helps, too. Across State Street from the field where the NSU football team practices, she can easily look in on a sport she knows little about. Having a host family to spend time with and guide her around town has also aided Zhao in acclimating since she arrived in the United States at the end of August.

Zhao, 20, is one of 236 international students studying this semester at NSU. Of the 236, 123 are from China. Most of the foreign students are taking part in a university exchange program where they study at NSU for a semester or two, said Stacey Schmidt, international student adviser at the university. Others are enrolled in the university's English as a Second Language Program or working on earning degrees on their own.

Capital University of Business and Economics, Zhao's home school, is one of two dozen universities in nine countries that have exchange programs with NSU, Schmidt said. In return, NSU students can study at those schools.

Agreements with two more universities -- in Finland and Norway -- have just been finalized, Schmidt said.

Zhao is taking four courses at NSU this semester. All are business related. She will take more classes next semester before returning to China to finish her degree. Then, she would like go to graduate school before getting a job, perhaps in human resources.

Teaches dance: While Zhao spends most of her time learning, she's also filled the role of teacher. Last week, she led an informal class on Chinese culture and talked about one of her favorite pastimes, dance. She demonstrated the Dai ethnic dance, sometimes called the peacock dance because the way dancers hold their dress and hands resembles a peacock. The class, at 3 p.m. Tuesdays in the Mewaldt-Jensen building, is free and open to all.

Before making plans to come to South Dakota, Zhao didn't know much about the state, aside from that it was home to Mount Rushmore. With other international students, she went to visit the Black Hills landmark over the weekend.

Zhao said she learned about the state before packing by reading information on the Internet and exchanging computer messages with other Chinese students at NSU.

Friendly atmosphere: What has struck Zhao the most about Aberdeen so far is the welcoming atmosphere. When she arrived, she was feeling a little homesick. Friendly people helped ease the pain, although she still calls her family each weekend. A few weeks ago, Zhao walked to Wal-Mart to do some shopping. On her way home she was offered a ride "for no charge," she said, with a bit of surprise in her voice.

To keep her family members informed about what she's seeing and doing, Zhao sends them what amounts to diary entries with photos. A big recent topic was Gypsy Day.

Zhao could have been in the parade, but instead watched for the curb it so she could see the bands and floats. She also went to the homecoming football game, and, although she's not an expert on the sport, thought the Wolves' shutout win was impressive. Seeing the marching band and dance team at halftime was also enjoyable, she said. There is no equivalent at Chinese universities, she said.

Homesickness aside, Zhao said, her other concern is working to improve her already-strong English. Living with an American helps a lot, she said.

Cuisine: Zhao said she was accustomed to Western food even before moving to the States. Even in China, she ate pizza and hamburgers regularly. But, she said, there aren't as many vegetables as she's used to available in South Dakota. And while she likes cheese, she's not used to how it's in or over so many American foods. Her favorite culinary discovery so far: pancakes with maple syrup.

So far, Zhao said, her time at NSU has been very enjoyable. She could have squeezed more classes into her schedule, but that would have taken away from time to get to know and appreciate the rest of the campus, city and state. That's something you can't get from visiting with others, studying or reading books, she said.

"Actually," Zhao said, "I think if you want to know a country you have to go to a country."

To see more of the American News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.aberdeennews.com. Copyright (c) 2008, American News, Aberdeen, S.D. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

More News:   Market Updates | Stock Alerts | All Trading News | Stock Index