Culture Shock Tips and Insight from China

Between the two cities we visited, Caitlyn and my travel experience to China was both surprising and rewarding. First, we went to Guanzhou, a business center, with wide streets and modern buildings. Here we felt how similar our countries actually can be. We didn’t feel overwhelmed with masses of people and we enjoyed the colorful lights that lit up the river at night.

Then we headed to Beijing where we experienced a more traditional, historical culture. Here we were exposed to China’s past through the Great Wall, famous temples and rickshaws.

·         Below is a list of our favorite “culture shock” moments. We hope one day you can share in similar experiences: 

• Food is served piping hot and cold water is a commodity.

• They love to use cartoons to provide directions and other public information

• There are a lot of people and you will be a celebrity (blonde, tall or western in general)
• Desserts are actually called “snacks” – don’t be fooled, they’re still not that sweet

• You must try the street sandwiches and “hot pot”

• Fortune cookies don’t exist and the locals don’t use rickshaws and they really do carry umbrellas everywhere

• You can still find Texas BBQ

• Rita from CSCEE rocks!

Recruiting in Hong Kog & Singapore

I could not have been assigned a better trip to coincide with my recent conversion to plant based diets than the Hong Kong – Singapore trip.  This was  a great learning experience for me to be able travel as an AAG representative for the first time on a recruitment trip.  I had a wonderful team that worked hard prior to departure that offered up a seamless itinerary and additional ground support during the trip.  It  was truly a pleasure to work with such a great group of people; our W&T team for all the planning, adjusting and confirming all the logistics, Kim and her team for support and continuous updates, and Michael for a solid prep on what to expect with our agents and host company reps, and finally the entire  AAG team for such an incredible opportunity.  The free time on this trip was spent with Six Flags representative, Jenn Murray, STA Singapore and Intrinisc of Hong Kong…All great company!

We had delicious foods one of the most in-depth and knowledge filled tours I have ever received in all my time aboard [Peter, Hong Kong is a fantastic guide with a plethora of information on history, culture and architecture]  

The students we were meeting with were a charismatic and energetic group and all very excited to join an extension of the AAG family. 

 It was  a great trip and introduction into the wonderful world of cultural exchange with AAG, and it was greatly appreciated and a wonderful personal memory. Thanks! - Mark

Recruitment Trip Update from Taiwan!

This week Allie & Mike are in Taiwan recruiting for the J-1 Summer Work & Travel Program. Here's a quick update from Allie about their experience thus far:

Yesterday we had our cultural day here in Taipei and we ventured to a small hilltop village close to Taipei - Jiufen Area, which when translated to English means 9 items - symbolic of the nine families that were indigenous to the area for centuries.  The hill tops were so steep that when you went gathering or into neighboring hillside towns it was thought of that you bring back 9 items for the families to share.  It was absolutely gorgeous! 



The narrow streets (sidewalks really) that had these amazing shops of all type and varieties - the area permeated with the cold rain and sweet smells of Taiwan and Chinese cuisine. On our walk through the market place and up the mountain further we ran into one of past participants from the previous summer season truly a small world we live in!

Then we met up with I-Wen (former AAG employee), she's doing very well and looks so happy!  She spent the day with us and acted as the best AAG ambassador for our trip!

Recruting in Brazil

Justyna just got back from a recruitment trip in Brazil - they had a great time and successfully filled positions for Gaido’s, Fort Rapids Water Park and Kalahari Resorts. But, in case you missed out, we still have positions available for Kalahari so if you are interested please contact your agency! Check out more photos from the trip on Facebook.