Nanjing University is of one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in China. It is located in Nanjing, China's capital for six ancient dynasties and site of some of the country's richest cultural heritage. Founded in 1902 as Sanjiang Normal School, today's Nanjing University is based on the merging of National Nanjing University's arts and sciences colleges with those of the famous University of Nanking in 1952. It consists of 10 schools: Humanities, Law, International Business, Foreign Studies, Natural Sciences, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Technology, Geoscience, Life Sciences and Medicine. With the tradition of "being rigorous, truthful, diligent and innovative," Nanjing University promotes all-round training and a consolidated foundation, for students of various aptitude.

Greatland

By DANIEL BICUDO VERAS & ERIKA ZOELLER VERAS (BRAZIL)

Living in China is a great opportunity to learn not only about our host country, but also about the whole world. As Brazilians and foreign students in China, we are fortunate to have access to Chinese culture, while living in an international environment, along with people from countries in Africa, America, Asia, Europe and the South Pacific.

Here in China, the kind of bond established among foreigners, especially Westerners, is remarkable. Sometimes, they all seem to belong to one large country called "the West." Such foreigners relate by minimizing differences that would be more prominent in another context. An understanding based on Greek-Roman-Jewish-Christian values forms the basis of Western thought. Foreigners who share the same mindset tend to get closer, which often makes differences between their own and Chinese culture more pronounced.

This is, of course, part of mutual learning as Chinese in turn learn about the West. When they first see a Western face, they might think: "American" or "English speaker." As Westerners we are sometimes expected to fit an American stereotype ¡ª celebrating American national holidays, singing American songs and playing baseball. Sometimes the Chinese are let down or embarrassed to find we are different from what they expected. But there is nothing wrong with that. This is a very rich moment of our relationship - when they can actually learn something new about us, our different cultures and languages and we, in turn, can learn about theirs.

Taking part in the Chinese lifestyle is a very rewarding experience. Learning how they buy, how they sell, how they study, how they live - and especially being guests in Chinese families ¡ª is wonderful. No matter what we do in China, we always feel we are learning something new. And we are. We always feel welcome. And we definitely are.

When we first came, we could not speak any Chinese. As time passed, we studied hard and can now express ourselves. We are finally getting to know more about this fantastic culture and each day is still a new adventure ¡ª a better adventure as we understand more and more what the Chinese say. We talk not only about Chinese culture, but also about our customs and Brazilian traditions, as well as hear about our classmates' countries. For example, we learned that holding the rice bowl while eating, although in China absolutely normal, is considered impolite in Korea. In Indonesia, it is not polite to serve water to a guest, because it is considered a cheap drink.

Now we can also discuss things that we could not understand when we first arrived but have since figured out. We have learned that in southern China the food is fresher than in the north because in the south they grow more crops and vegetables. On the other hand, in the north they raise more cattle, and for that reason you can find more dairy products there. In the north, because of the cold weather, food is heavier and Chinese are taller and fatter. In the south they eat lighter food, which is also reflected in their appearance.

It has also been explained why Chinese people sometimes have a hectic manner, and why honking, speeding cars are the norm, and people are not patient enough to form proper lines. Chinese friends have explained that, in a country with more than 1 billion people, scarcity is a determining factor in behavior. There is competition in many spheres of life. The lesson, "if you are not fast enough, there will be nothing left for you" is one they've learned since childhood. This can be seen in supermarkets, post offices and most public places. The important thing is that foreigners can, after a certain time, understand some behaviors once difficult to comprehend.

Recently, China's landscape has been changing a lot. With all of the construction and new people arriving, we feel privileged to be here in such a cultural melting pot. We also feel lucky to be able to take part in this process of mutual learning and understanding. We are happy to be surrounded by Chinese smiles.

Jack in China

By JACK SHEPPARD (NEW ZEALAND)

When I first came to China last year to study Chinese, I prepared myself for a radical change in lifestyle. In fact, nothing could have prepared me for the differences in culture between China and my home country, New Zealand.

As soon as I set foot on Chinese soil, I was aware of perhaps the most obvious difference ¡ªpeople. I study in Nanjing, a city of some 5 million people, and the entire population of New Zealand is well below this number. Going to the post office or bank, walking or cycling around the streets, no matter what time of day it is or wherever you are, you are never alone.

Besides the enormous scope under which everyday activities are routinely performed, another cultural difference lies in the cuisine. Sure, New Zealand has Chinese restaurants, but I've since discovered that they very much cater for the "laowai" appreciation of Chinese food: that is, they're heavy on the sweet and sour sauce. I really love Chinese food, but my Chinese friends love to eat the few dishes that I can't quite stomach yet: sour fish soup, little red lobsters and bone soup. Give me eggplant any day of the week!

China is a wonderful place for buying commodities at a fantastic price, but it's hard to get good chocolate, coffee and, most important, cheese. I love the cheap DVD stores that are spattered throughout the vicinity of the Nanjing University campus, and also the plethora of fruits that are available fresh and ready-to-eat, on-a-stick. Another immediately visible difference is the dominance of the bicycle over any and all other forms of transport. Criss-crossing the street, bicycle lane or pavement in all directions, these two-wheeled hazards are just another part of the Chinese experience. There is definitely a large void and a sense that "something is missing" upon returning home to the streets of Wellington.

Apart from these rather superficial differences, I've found that Chinese attitudes and personalities are not all that different from what I am used to. Perhaps this is more a sign of my becoming sinified than anything else. I must confess though, every time I tell a friend that I have a twin brother, one question immediately follows: "Are you the elder brother?" It's something I'm not used to. I mean we were born at the same time. I guess by my semi-defensive answer you can guess the answer to that question.

Personal insecurities aside, my experience with Chinese has been overwhelmingly positive and always left me with a big smile on my face. It's mostly due to the amazing generosity of the host party that makes the guest feeling more at home than in their own country, and anticipate eagerly their return to hospitality: Chinese style.

From these basic cultural differences a host of others spring off: such a large population means the queue is a thing of the past; it also leads to a strong emphasis on registration and formalities, as the potential to slip into the crowd would be all too easy. The classic Chinese sense of modesty also brings us to tips being downright refused: while my home country doesn't tip to the extent of the United States, if it is deserved then it shall be paid and definitely accepted.

All in all, it has been a fascinating experience coming to one of the most foreign places imaginable on the planet. I have really enjoyed my time here and met some life-long friends. I hope can tell people as much about the culture of my people as I have learned about theirs.