It's been a week since I landed in Indiana, PA to start my EdVentures at IUP, and I'm still getting used to all the new things! As much as I'm excited to start this new chapter in my life, I'm even more excited and honored to be spending the next 4 months with this group of wonderful educators who are all so passionate about education.
One of the first culture shocks was the difference in pace of life. Singapore is a fast-paced city where people are always on the go. In Indiana, the pace of life is much slower. People are more relaxed and take their time. I rarely hear drivers honking at pedestrians, even though it was clearly our fault for walking right smack in the middle of the road!
I was also surprised by the difference in diversity. Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-cultural society, while Indiana is a predominantly white town. This is partly because Indiana is a small county and there aren't a lot of immigrants.
Food was another change for me. In Singapore, we get to choose from a wide variety of food, from hawker centers to food courts to fast food to restaurants. In Indiana, it's mostly just fast food or restaurants. I'm just thankful that there are some Chinese restaurants here.
Overall, my experience of culture shock has been challenging but also eye-opening. I've learned a lot about myself and about the world. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have experienced a new culture and to have made new friends!
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