Monthly Archives: June 2012

Tourist VS Traveler

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A tourist is a person who goes somewhere to have fun and sightsee, while travelers go somewhere to experience and immerse themselves into another culture.  A tourist scratches the surface of a culture, while a traveler delves into it.  The purpose of a tourist is to enjoy the moment and try new things, but the purpose of a traveler is to discover something and apply it to the rest his/her life.  I plan to be both, but as a traveler, I want to come home a changed person.

While in China, I’ll probably do tourist-like things but as a traveler I’m going to be open minded and be in the moment wherever I am (and no matter how hot the weather is).  By being out on the streets of China, I’ll be able communicate with the locals and apply my new language skills, as well as take with me the memories of experiencing China.

My SMART language goals for the summer include becoming more comfortable and confident in speaking Chinese by having at least one real conversation in Chinese daily, expanding my vocabulary, and get better at my tones.   One of the main reasons I wanted to be a part of this program was so that I could become more fluent in Chinese and I hope to take advantage of this opportunity to achieve this goal.

 

Denise Yoon

Excursion Group 3

Boston, MA

APSA 2012 Scholar

Meet the City Communities: Group Blog Post: New York City!

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Hello, we are New York City!! (Also known as The Big Apple). Some of you may have heard Frank Sinatra’s song, “New York, New York,” where he describes New York as a big city and the city “that never sleeps.” Although, from this perspective it seems as though everyone in New York is a multi-millionaire businessman/woman who works in tall skyscrapers. There are 5 boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island and although there are different parts, we are all united geographically: our landmarks (such as The Statue of Liberty and Times Square) and also by the New York culture. We may speak English a different way (including slang and our “accent”), and we may enjoy similar sports teams: Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Knicks, soon to come Nets, and Rangers.

Being a teenager in New York City, like anywhere else, can be challenging. Teens in New York face all kinds of pressure including sexuality, from their peers, and about their appearance. Many teenagers follow their friend’s footprints, even though it might not be the best road to follow. Many are able to get help by talking to someone they admire, or therapy and following teen prevention groups as well.

We are an ethnic diverse community, where many come searching for a new life or better opportunities. Our population is so diverse that walking 10-15 blocks will land you in a different cultural area. Our city is also carefree in the sense that people don’t mind what you wear, or how you act, as long as they don’t get bothered. You can express yourself however you want in New York City, and most people won’t judge you. We play different roles in our society. We are trendsetters, community activists, architects, street performers, politicians, nurses, doctors and a whole lot more. But even with all this diversity there is also negativity. Many communities face a lack of racial integration. And although many people are against it, separation of races still occurs. APSA is a great tool in helping to bridge this gap because we all come from different backgrounds and will all have the opportunity to get to know one another. We will also be able to take what we will learn about language and culture in China back with us to New York to teach, tell, and spread to our family and friends. So not only will we educate ourselves to better the future, but we also educate others and enable more people to embrace the diversity that makes this great city so special. Some of us may sing, others dance, and others play sports, but together we all make up NYC!

NYC APSA 2012 Scholars (alphabetically):

Asia Alman

Nikayah Etienne

Adora Evans

Isaac Guerrero

Kerri Harney

Katherine Lee

Priscilla Pita

Eliza Ramos

Sabrina Sciortino

Luis Vorek

Blog Post #1

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I define culture as the many different aspects of a group of people, who live in the same place and the habits (food, music, clothing, etc) that they have that is different from and strange to other groups of people. Culture is specific to each person and can be influenced by society, but because it is specific it cannot be measured or defined. In actuality, culture is little more than thinly veiled stereotypes because if you don’t actually know what you are talking about then you are defining someone else based on an opinion. There are a lot of different aspects of China that can not be seen by people living, almost, a world apart. I cannot speculate because I haven’t seen anything for myself and don’t like to go off of anyone else’s description. I am bringing my own perception of American culture and, to be more specific, the culture of Washington, DC! The other experiences that I have had with other languages and cultures are Spanish in Belize and Guatemala. It reminded me a lot of the U.S.A. and it wasn’t really much of a difference. However, it took me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to what is really out in the real world. Those are my thoughts on culture and what this experience will be related to other cultures.

 

Akili Tobechi

Excursion Group 6

Washington, DC

APSA 2012 Scholar

Tourist v Traveler

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To me, being a traveler and being a tourist are two very different things. I think being a traveler is better than being a tourist because you not only get to see the sites but you are also able to learn from your experiences and keep them with you for your life. Being a traveler will definitely help me make the most about my experience because I will be able to not just see, but learn. The main reason I am going this summer is to learn the language, as well as the culture and traditions of the Chinese people, and what better way to learn all of that but in the country where it’s all practiced?

 

Kerri Harney

Excursion Group 3

NYC

APSA 2012 Scholar

Biography (Finally!)

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Who am I? I am Akili Tobechi II and I am 15 years old. I was born and raised in Washington, DC. I am interested in many things, such as IT, reading, marine biology, and languages that I don’t know about, yet. I have always been interested in Chinese because of the mystic of a language, people, and a culture that I have not yet met for myself. I am also excited about the thousands of opportunities that this study abroad trip will expose me to and has given me. I look forward to this trip as a kind of pilgrimage of learning to the actual origin of Chinese, China! Chinese has become the language that I love to learn since 9th grade when I learned that I could choose what language I wanted to study in high school and there was a choice (finally!) other than the standard Spanish. This started a love for something other than the norm at the high school level and which led me on a path that eventually led to APSA and NSLI-Y.

 

My motivation for becoming an APSA scholar was made when I learned of the program with my mom and having done a study abroad already (to Belize and Guatemala) I wanted to do another study abroad trip, with more time and an actual academic connection to what I am currently studying. I am most excited about the many cultural differences and world wonders that we are going to see in Beijing. I am most excited about the opportunities that I will get from going on this trip, from seeing the ancient wonders of the world to meeting leaders and management of leading companies in the world. My primary motivation to becoming an APSA scholar is my thirst for knowledge and love of learning. This opportunity is one in thousands that can help me now in my studies and later in life. That is who I am and what I believe that I will get out of this trip and what I expect from it.

Akili Tobechi

Excursion Group 6

Washington, DC

APSA 2012 Scholar

Fanny Packs and SMART Goals

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I love to travel and one thing I do hate is being a tourist, yet how can you avoid that? I mean yes, you can ditch the fanny pack and maybe the tour guide but you can’t give up your camera! Or even a map but you can classify yourself as a traveler. In my own experiences I have been the tourist (I mean traveling to London with a 200-man high school marching band is no easy feat) and have always classified myself as a traveler not just because I’ve traveled far more than once but also because I make the most out of the experience. I learned what it is like to LIVE and what it WAS like to live and BE a part of that culture. Because when you go to the Colosseum in Rome or the Tower of London in England it is more than just snapping the picture, it’s getting the feeling and learning not how big a tourist attraction it is but why it is in the first place.

This summer will be easier to delve into a new world and culture because of the length we will be staying there and because of the great program and opportunity that has been set up. Taking classes in the morning on language and being able to speak the language with locals will help get points across for better communication, and actually LIVING amongst the diversity is the experience of a lifetime. To learn about the great country of China, it won’t just be a picture in a scrapbook it will become new knowledge and a lifelong memory.

As far as language goals go, the motivation to achieve them and follow through on improving my language skills are immense. Motivation comes from first of all…the expectation of my friends at home that I’ll be amazing at it when I get home, my Chinese teacher, who always strives and pushes me to work hard and do better and also the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and test that awaits me next year. A couple SMART goals for the summer include, write at least 5-8 sentences from the syllabus a day (coming from my Chinese summer assignment) and to speak Chinese everyday by going through a dialogue with as many people as possible. I hope by going through the IB syllabus and Chinese textbook at the end of the program and classes during the program that my proficiency (especially pronunciation) vocabulary and writing will improve.

Only 5 days until departure, I’m excited, hope to meet everybody soon!

 

Amanda Williams

Excursion Group 5

Corning, NY

APSA 2012 Scholar

Tourists vs. Traveler

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A tourist is a person who sets out to a new country/nation that they are not a part of. The tourist usually goes to a country for a simple visit. They would visit the sites of the country taking pictures, videos, etc. A tourist is usually on a vacation looking to enjoy his or herself while simply buying souvenir along the way. 
On the other hand, a traveler is a person with an open mind ready to set foot in a country to discover. A traveler seeks a new experience and a chance to learn from foreigners. They are happy to learn new things from the country’s natives and often incorporate these lessons learned to better themselves. Like a tourist, a traveler may also buy souvenirs along to way to have a small part of the country. 
  I intend to enter China as a traveler-ready to learn. As a traveler, I will learn the Chinese culture and language with confidence and the ability to learn their traditions to better myself. I look forward to seeing the historical sites and learning the history behind them.

I have a few SMART goals. Since I am in track & field at my school, I would like to workout (if possible) in China at least three days a week. I would also like to keep up with my journal by at least writing something every day, even if it’s just a picture or a thought that is only one sentence.

Nikayah Etienne

Excursion Group 6

NYC

APSA 2012 Scholar

Blog #2

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The difference between a tourist and a traveler is that the traveler goes to a place without any preconceptions, whereas the tourist already decided on how he’s going to experience it. The traveler has an open mind and lets the place happen to him. The tourist brings with him his own environment and expectations, thereby diluting the experience.

I’m going to go to China with an open mind. I’m going to take it all in as well as live in the moment. I’m going to view how the Chinese people act as a society and try to follow their footprints/mindsets so I could ‘act’ like a Chinese person and have a perspective as if I were in their shoes. I’m going to have a lot of fun as well and take it all in in a presentable way.

One of my SMART goals for this trip includes being to hold a conversation in Chinese, even if it is only three lines. I really want to fully grasp the Chinese language. It will be difficult but I could do anything I want if I put my mind to it. I also have to study my characters and the pronunciation of the characters. I won’t give up and I will keep trying; I will achieve this smart goal.

Sabrina Sciortino

Excursion Group 4

NYC

APSA 2012 Scholar

Blog #1 – Culture

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What is culture? Every person has different ideas and beliefs about culture.

However, I would say culture is one’s morals and beliefs. Culture shapes life; it shapes the world today. Culture also shapes a society or certain religion. The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization is also culture. Culture also ties in with food, dress code, beliefs in Gods, and social skills. Great differences, as well as startling similarities, can be seen when comparing world cultures. People around the globe are similar in their essential humanity: we communicate with each other, we sustain ourselves with food, and when we sleep we often dream. Yet we speak different languages, eat different foods, and dream different dreams. These are what we call cultural differences. What causes them is not always obvious to the ordinary person. The question what is culture has many answers and all of them are correct.

Sabrina Sciortino

Excursion Group 4

NYC

APSA 2012 Scholar

Difference Between a Tourist and A Traveler….And What Are My SMART Goals?

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I think the real difference between a traveler and a tourist is the fact that a tourist does not need motivation to go to seek something while in a foreign place. A tourist simply waits to be shattered with foreign culture from a host and does not feel obligated to take in any aspect of what they’ve been introduced to in a foreign land. A traveler, however, researches a foreign land and knows exactly what they came for and how to approach their goal without a tour. While in China, I want to make the most out of my trip by taking in every aspect of Chinese tradition and culture I feel comfortable with: I want to try new foods I’ve heard about, I want to participate in Chinese activities like Kung-Fu and Calligraphy, etc. I really hope I can take on this trip with more confidence than I usually have about trying new things, and actually complete some of these goals I have =D!

SMART GOAL

M- I want to know how to write 4 new characters (and not forget them too easily) by the end of my 1st week

Khailynn Baker

Excursion Group 2

Washington, DC

APSA 2012 Scholar