o My international experience(s) to date is(are):
I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, but studied high school in Bahrain (an island 45mins from home), so I crossed the border 5 times a week. Also, I started university in Canada before moving to Portland. For tourism, I've been to Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Philippines, UAE, UK, and Dominican Republic.

o I want to go to China because:
This is probably my only chance in the next 5-10 years to visit a country in East Asia. After Portland I'll either go to Grad school in Canada or work in Saudi, so I wont be able to travel as freely.

o I think the main professional work differences I experience will be:
Personally, I won't experience a work difference because I haven't worked before. Also, the program is organized for university students so we won't get that deep into the working field.

o I think the main cultural differences I experience will be:
The interaction between people around the city; a stereotype about Chinese people is that they are not as friendly. Also, the food will be a different experience, but might be a challenge due to dietary restrictions.

o I think the main political differences I experience will be:
I'm assuming China is more similar to Saudi, in a sense that you can't freely express your thoughts. There are more regulations to what is allowed to be said about the government.

o I predict that I will be surprised about:
I think the shopping experience in China will surprise me most. I'm very interested in bazaar shopping (which are usually crowded/dirty places), but I've been told its more organized that expected.

o I think the major differences in living conditions will be:
I think air pollution is the main difference I will experience after getting used to the weather in the US. Also, after being in the US for so long I've gotten used to drinking tap water in restaurants, but that might not be the same in China.