Beijing is my home

My name is Tahsin Kadry, and I am a second year finance student at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

Although I am of Jordanian origin, my family immigrated to Toronto when I was four years old, and my parents wanted to use Canada's rich multicultural identity as a platform for me to learn about the values and customs of others.

Ever since, I have been travelling annually to countries around the globe, gaining insight about different ways of life and traditions, and this year, I wanted to take advantage of an opportunity to combine my love for travel with field specific work experience, which is why I am here in China.

Upon arriving in China, my initial reaction was one of surprise, nervousness and excitement. Beijing was very much unlike any other city I had visited in the past, and I was unaware as to whether or not I would be able to become accustomed to its unique way of life, business culture, and distinct way of life.

Now six weeks into my program, with only two more weeks left, I can truly say that I conceive of the city as my home. My internship at Metronroyal (Mei Tuo Huan Ya), a foreign exchange brokerage member of UK-based Voltrex Investments, has allowed me to dismiss any widely held stereotypical beliefs concerning the business culture of China.

My role at the company is Currency Analyst, and my colleagues have been extremely welcoming and friendly.Prior to coming to China, I had the impression that the business environment here would be highly hierarchical, and that as a result, little interaction would take place in the workplace. I am now able to conclude that this certainly is not the case, and truly believe that I have learned a great deal from my time at Metronroyal.

Despite the large language barrier, I have been able to communicate, learn and even assist employees with their English skills, and their knowledge of finance and foreign currency trading outside of China.

My internship experience here in China has provided me with field specific skills, strengthened my communication and analytical capabilities, and has exposed me to a business culture that I would have never known about had I not come to Beijing.

As China broadens its span of economic influence and power in the world, I believe it is essential that we learn the traditions and customs of those individuals that define and foster one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world.

Read full article: China Daily, June 21, 2011