Do
- learn words that aren't rude
- remember that 99% of the people you work with earn less than you, work more than you, and aren't allowed to
do what you want them to
- look, listen and learn
- think of a more original response to 'laowai!' than 'zhongguoren!'
- speak to everyone you walk past more than once a day
- build a social life outside of your work
- bring a hobby with you, Chinese-related or not
- order one random dish per meal
Don't
- assume you know anything
- assume anyone else knows anything
- start sentences with 'But in America / New Zealand / Germany . . .'
- attempt to date anyone you can't avoid for the next year (this applies universally, not just
within China)
- give yourself a Chinese name that translates as 'hairy monkey'
- complain for more than 5% of your day
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tell me what you thought
