Play Hard, Work Hard

My trip, however, was not merely a vacation. I took two communication courses, Intercultural Communication and Video Production at Shanghai Normal University. Through my Intercultural Communication course I learned about the different aspects of interpersonal communication between people of different cultural backgrounds. The Chinese are very reserved and timid. However, they are very close to their friends and family. Chinese people will drop anything to help out a friend or family member in need. They are also a culture based on tradition, which they are very conscious and respectful. Some traditions include tea ceremonies, and even the use of chopsticks while eating.

My Video Production course allowed me to tape different parts of Chinese culture, such as the masses of people walking down the streets, the poorer areas of Shanghai and people in their day-to-day activities. I learned everything it takes to be in video production, such as how to use the camera, what to direct as your subject and how to edit the footage I shot.

I also worked for Eisbrenner Public Relations while in Shanghai. I met with a woman from Exhibit Works who told me about China’s automotive industry, as well as their ideas and set-up for China’s Auto Shows. Many of their ideas come from U.S. auto shows, but they add an Asian flare. I also met with Yang Jian, managing editor of Automotive News China. He gave me important information about the auto industry in China, such as how and why their sales are shooting through the roof, and his opinion on what will happen in the future. Car sales are at their peak in China because of the low cost and the new found wealth China is experiencing. Since most Chinese are now buying their first private-owned vehicle, many U.S. automakers are interested in getting a piece of the market.

Yang Jian also informed me about the regulated internet, television and other media outlets. All channels on TV are government regulated, many websites are not accessible, and all e-mails are monitored. When watching a channel, such as CNN, the screen would go blank when reporters talked about controversial stories, such as Tibet or the Olympics. This was very different and something I didn’t even think about. It shows how much we take our freedom of speech for granted.

When I arrived back from China, I started working on a presentation to show the group at Eisbrenner what I learned and some of the places I visited. Yesterday, we ordered pizza and salad, and I was able to show the group all about China. We had a great discussion about the rising markets there and laughed about some of the cultural differences. Eisbrenner often has professional development sessions, which are group activities that focus on relevant topics in public relations while boosting office morale. Sometimes they have speakers, presentations or field trips. It’s a great way to spend lunch and be with such a fun and entertaining group.