May 22, 2013
Today is our fifth day in China. It's hard to find the words to describe the experience and adventure.
Southwest University is huge and beautiful. It is very shaded with so many unusual types of plants, trees, and flowers. Our language partners took us on a tour for an hour and a half on Sunday. Many buildings are old and distinguished looking . . . some are new. There were several areas for outdoor games and sports. These areas are called "playgrounds" and there were lots of students enjoying the warm, sunny, Sunday afternoon.
We are staying in the International dormitory. Our rooms are on the tenth floor. The first three floors are classrooms and offices. It's very convenient for us to get to our classes and seminars.
The International Dining Hall is a short walk from our dorm. It consists of many small rooms where groups of 8-10 people can eat. It is like a restaurant . . . we order the dishes we want. We sit around a large round table with a lazy susan in the middle. The dishes of food are set in the middle and we spin it around to get what we want. We are only using chopsticks! This is quite challenging, but I can tell that my skills are improving after only 5 days.
We attend Chinese language class for three hours each morning. We have a super teacher and it has been fun. This is a class just for our USI group . . . we are the only students, so we get lots of individual attention. Although I'm learning a lot, I also forget it quickly.
In the afternoon, we attend seminars on Chinese culture. Yesterday we learned about the history of the Chinese educational system. Our seminars begin at 2:30 and end around 4:00.
Today was our first school visit. We went to the Middle/High School that is affiliated with Southwest University. Wow, was this an experience! The school has 5,000 students, grades 7 thru 12. It is a boarding school; about 70% of the students live on campus in huge dorms. We observed an 11th grade English class and a 7th grade class that was playing a review game. The classes are large compared to the US; there are 50-60 students in each class. The students were very excited to see Americans. When we entered the 7th grade classroom, the students cheered! At the end of the class, we mingled with the students and enjoyed lively conversations. Some of them even asked us for our autographs! Classes ended at 5:00 and we then watched a basketball game.
Tomorrow we will be visiting a primary school. We will also be visiting a kindergarten that is on the SWU campus. It serves the children of the faculty and staff.
It's fascinating to see how different the educational system is here, while still having many similarities to the US.
Today is our fifth day in China. It's hard to find the words to describe the experience and adventure.
Southwest University is huge and beautiful. It is very shaded with so many unusual types of plants, trees, and flowers. Our language partners took us on a tour for an hour and a half on Sunday. Many buildings are old and distinguished looking . . . some are new. There were several areas for outdoor games and sports. These areas are called "playgrounds" and there were lots of students enjoying the warm, sunny, Sunday afternoon.
We are staying in the International dormitory. Our rooms are on the tenth floor. The first three floors are classrooms and offices. It's very convenient for us to get to our classes and seminars.
The International Dining Hall is a short walk from our dorm. It consists of many small rooms where groups of 8-10 people can eat. It is like a restaurant . . . we order the dishes we want. We sit around a large round table with a lazy susan in the middle. The dishes of food are set in the middle and we spin it around to get what we want. We are only using chopsticks! This is quite challenging, but I can tell that my skills are improving after only 5 days.
We attend Chinese language class for three hours each morning. We have a super teacher and it has been fun. This is a class just for our USI group . . . we are the only students, so we get lots of individual attention. Although I'm learning a lot, I also forget it quickly.
In the afternoon, we attend seminars on Chinese culture. Yesterday we learned about the history of the Chinese educational system. Our seminars begin at 2:30 and end around 4:00.
Today was our first school visit. We went to the Middle/High School that is affiliated with Southwest University. Wow, was this an experience! The school has 5,000 students, grades 7 thru 12. It is a boarding school; about 70% of the students live on campus in huge dorms. We observed an 11th grade English class and a 7th grade class that was playing a review game. The classes are large compared to the US; there are 50-60 students in each class. The students were very excited to see Americans. When we entered the 7th grade classroom, the students cheered! At the end of the class, we mingled with the students and enjoyed lively conversations. Some of them even asked us for our autographs! Classes ended at 5:00 and we then watched a basketball game.
Tomorrow we will be visiting a primary school. We will also be visiting a kindergarten that is on the SWU campus. It serves the children of the faculty and staff.
It's fascinating to see how different the educational system is here, while still having many similarities to the US.
May 27, 2013
It was a busy weekend. After visiting schools here on Wednesday and Thursday, we left Chongqing on Friday at noon. We traveled in an air-conditioned SWU van to a county school about 150 miles north of here. It was a pleasant drive - all smooth major highways, but with many toll gates and several long tunnels through the mountains. The school was large. They have preschool thru grade 9. There were about 1,200 preschool and kindergarten students! We worked at the school on Saturday and Sunday. Yes, school on the weekend. The school is in session one weekend a month for a select group of students because SWU sends international students to work at the school one weekend a month. The school is anxious to have native English speaking students to interact with their students. The USI students were assigned to different classes. Two USI students and I gave oral English exams to the 9th graders. We met individually with them and went through a series of listening and speaking activities, then we scored them. I also taught a 9th grade English class; they were working on comprehension, verb tenses, and combining sentences using conjunctions. I was impressed with their English skills. I talked with them about my experiences as a teacher. Most of them were 15 or 16 years old. We talked about learning to drive in China - they must be 18. I also shared that my biggest challenge in China has been the food. We spent time talking about what foods they typically have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They were very cooperative, and I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to talk with them. They were interested in what I told them, and the 40 min. class period passed quickly.
I also spent time in the preschool and kindergarten area. They began their day with outside exercises and dance. Loud music played over a public address system and the teachers stood up front and led the activities. They wanted the students to remain in rows, and they sometimes had to quickly move to a child and put him back in line. It was very entertaining to watch. This area is right outside the classrooms and also has some playground equipment.
This was Sunday, and classes concluded a little before noon. The last period was an outside play time. Lots of boys played table tennis. There were a couple games of basketball, and a large group of boys played badminton (without a net). Some of the smaller girls and boys played with toy trucks in the dirt. The girls who were 4th-5th-6th grade level played a "rope game". It wrapped around their legs and they did different jumping sequences in and out of the rope. I tried to ask them the name of the game, but they didn't understand me. They kept telling me their names.
The principal and teachers at the school were so appreciative of our work. They gave us small gifts and took many pictures of us. We all wore a yellow SWU t-shirt that was given to us. They liked this, and commented that we were so organized and worked so well with their students. This was good to hear - for we didn't know what to expect. The USI students did great, thinking of activities on the spot to use with their students.
Our group was quite tired, and the bus ride back to Chongqing was quiet. On Sunday evening we attended an English Dubbing Contest, sponsored by SWU English Dept. It was very entertaining. Nine different groups of Chinese students had chosen a movie or television show. They showed the film on a big screen, and the students spoke the parts in English. Some of the movies and shows were: Rio, Kung Fu Panda, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Alice in Wonderland. After the winners were announced, we were invited to take a picture on stage with the participants. The event lasted over 2 hours and after a 20 minute walk back to our dorm, we were all ready for a shower and a nice long sleep.
It was a busy weekend. After visiting schools here on Wednesday and Thursday, we left Chongqing on Friday at noon. We traveled in an air-conditioned SWU van to a county school about 150 miles north of here. It was a pleasant drive - all smooth major highways, but with many toll gates and several long tunnels through the mountains. The school was large. They have preschool thru grade 9. There were about 1,200 preschool and kindergarten students! We worked at the school on Saturday and Sunday. Yes, school on the weekend. The school is in session one weekend a month for a select group of students because SWU sends international students to work at the school one weekend a month. The school is anxious to have native English speaking students to interact with their students. The USI students were assigned to different classes. Two USI students and I gave oral English exams to the 9th graders. We met individually with them and went through a series of listening and speaking activities, then we scored them. I also taught a 9th grade English class; they were working on comprehension, verb tenses, and combining sentences using conjunctions. I was impressed with their English skills. I talked with them about my experiences as a teacher. Most of them were 15 or 16 years old. We talked about learning to drive in China - they must be 18. I also shared that my biggest challenge in China has been the food. We spent time talking about what foods they typically have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They were very cooperative, and I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to talk with them. They were interested in what I told them, and the 40 min. class period passed quickly.
I also spent time in the preschool and kindergarten area. They began their day with outside exercises and dance. Loud music played over a public address system and the teachers stood up front and led the activities. They wanted the students to remain in rows, and they sometimes had to quickly move to a child and put him back in line. It was very entertaining to watch. This area is right outside the classrooms and also has some playground equipment.
This was Sunday, and classes concluded a little before noon. The last period was an outside play time. Lots of boys played table tennis. There were a couple games of basketball, and a large group of boys played badminton (without a net). Some of the smaller girls and boys played with toy trucks in the dirt. The girls who were 4th-5th-6th grade level played a "rope game". It wrapped around their legs and they did different jumping sequences in and out of the rope. I tried to ask them the name of the game, but they didn't understand me. They kept telling me their names.
The principal and teachers at the school were so appreciative of our work. They gave us small gifts and took many pictures of us. We all wore a yellow SWU t-shirt that was given to us. They liked this, and commented that we were so organized and worked so well with their students. This was good to hear - for we didn't know what to expect. The USI students did great, thinking of activities on the spot to use with their students.
Our group was quite tired, and the bus ride back to Chongqing was quiet. On Sunday evening we attended an English Dubbing Contest, sponsored by SWU English Dept. It was very entertaining. Nine different groups of Chinese students had chosen a movie or television show. They showed the film on a big screen, and the students spoke the parts in English. Some of the movies and shows were: Rio, Kung Fu Panda, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Alice in Wonderland. After the winners were announced, we were invited to take a picture on stage with the participants. The event lasted over 2 hours and after a 20 minute walk back to our dorm, we were all ready for a shower and a nice long sleep.
May 30, 2013
Our second week is going well. Chinese language class is getting more difficult, especially for Shannon, Jessica, and me. We do not have any prior experience with the language. We have a very good teacher, and he is patient with us. Like all good teachers, he encourages us and varies the activities. The class is three hours long with a couple breaks.
The afternoon seminars are interesting. We learned about martial arts and tried a few moves. Yesterday we attended a presentation on ancient and modern Chinese music. The Chinese people are very proud of their history and traditions and are very eager to share this with Americans.
I am so proud of our USI students. They are embracing every new adventure that comes their way. We have become closer and are sharing our feelings. I know that this experience in another culture will be an asset to them in whatever career they follow in the future. They are fortunate to have this opportunity at their age and I think they know that.
Our second week is going well. Chinese language class is getting more difficult, especially for Shannon, Jessica, and me. We do not have any prior experience with the language. We have a very good teacher, and he is patient with us. Like all good teachers, he encourages us and varies the activities. The class is three hours long with a couple breaks.
The afternoon seminars are interesting. We learned about martial arts and tried a few moves. Yesterday we attended a presentation on ancient and modern Chinese music. The Chinese people are very proud of their history and traditions and are very eager to share this with Americans.
I am so proud of our USI students. They are embracing every new adventure that comes their way. We have become closer and are sharing our feelings. I know that this experience in another culture will be an asset to them in whatever career they follow in the future. They are fortunate to have this opportunity at their age and I think they know that.
June 3, 2013
We had an amazing weekend. We became tourists and visited some very famous Chinese sites. On Saturday we went to the ancient carvings at Dazu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On Sunday we visited Ciqikou, an ancient city area that now contains hundreds of small shops with ethinic foods, crafts, clothes, etc. We felt like tourists in these areas, getting many stares and a few requests for pictures. We ate in a restaurant that had a live, traditional, Chinese band. When Lin told them we were from the US, they wanted to dedicate a song to us. They played, "Jingle Bells"! Another stop on Sunday was the Three Gorges Museum, a huge, modern facility. It was very interesting and full of people. Our last stop was downtown Chongqing. This area reminded me of Time Square in New York City.
All of our adventures this weekend showed me that people in every culture/country seem to have a need to connect to and honor their past. The Chinese people are certainly proud of their heritage, just as we are in the US. The places we went this weekend were very crowded. People of all ages were out enjoying the weekend.
Our team returned to the dorm hot, tired, and hungry. We need to recharge for our last week at SWU. There are many activities, classes, and seminars planned. We also plan to Skype with some classes at USI. It should be another interesting week.
We had an amazing weekend. We became tourists and visited some very famous Chinese sites. On Saturday we went to the ancient carvings at Dazu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On Sunday we visited Ciqikou, an ancient city area that now contains hundreds of small shops with ethinic foods, crafts, clothes, etc. We felt like tourists in these areas, getting many stares and a few requests for pictures. We ate in a restaurant that had a live, traditional, Chinese band. When Lin told them we were from the US, they wanted to dedicate a song to us. They played, "Jingle Bells"! Another stop on Sunday was the Three Gorges Museum, a huge, modern facility. It was very interesting and full of people. Our last stop was downtown Chongqing. This area reminded me of Time Square in New York City.
All of our adventures this weekend showed me that people in every culture/country seem to have a need to connect to and honor their past. The Chinese people are certainly proud of their heritage, just as we are in the US. The places we went this weekend were very crowded. People of all ages were out enjoying the weekend.
Our team returned to the dorm hot, tired, and hungry. We need to recharge for our last week at SWU. There are many activities, classes, and seminars planned. We also plan to Skype with some classes at USI. It should be another interesting week.
June 5, 2013
While walking on the campus or on the city streets, I find myself drawn to the Chinese children. We usually see several children under the age of 5 with their parents. The parents are playing with their children or sometimes feeding them. The children are always smiling and seem very happy. After asking the parents, I like to take pictures of the children. Some of them gladly pose and smile; others walk away or turn their faces. The parents seem so proud of their children - just like in the US.
We attended an English class last night, consisting of second year students who are preparing to be high school English teachers in China. The USI students each gave short presentations on their majors and activities at USI. The professor and students are very interested in our experiences in the US. We broke into small groups and had discussions. The two girls I spoke with explained that their parents want them to become independent. Both of them lived in dorms while in high school but were able to go home on weekends. Now that they are in college, their parents do not visit them, and they only go home during the summer break. They explained that they spend a lot of time studying and are sometimes frustrated with the classes they are required to take. They believe that some of them do not relate to their majors. They were interested in the weather where I live. They have never seen snow and I showed them some pictures I had on my phone of the snow in Evansville last winter. As usual, everyone wanted to have their picture taken with the Americans. It seems that all of them have smart phones and they are quick to move into groups and take pictures.
While walking on the campus or on the city streets, I find myself drawn to the Chinese children. We usually see several children under the age of 5 with their parents. The parents are playing with their children or sometimes feeding them. The children are always smiling and seem very happy. After asking the parents, I like to take pictures of the children. Some of them gladly pose and smile; others walk away or turn their faces. The parents seem so proud of their children - just like in the US.
We attended an English class last night, consisting of second year students who are preparing to be high school English teachers in China. The USI students each gave short presentations on their majors and activities at USI. The professor and students are very interested in our experiences in the US. We broke into small groups and had discussions. The two girls I spoke with explained that their parents want them to become independent. Both of them lived in dorms while in high school but were able to go home on weekends. Now that they are in college, their parents do not visit them, and they only go home during the summer break. They explained that they spend a lot of time studying and are sometimes frustrated with the classes they are required to take. They believe that some of them do not relate to their majors. They were interested in the weather where I live. They have never seen snow and I showed them some pictures I had on my phone of the snow in Evansville last winter. As usual, everyone wanted to have their picture taken with the Americans. It seems that all of them have smart phones and they are quick to move into groups and take pictures.
June 6, 2013
The highlight of my day was giving a presentation on the teacher education program at USI. The audience consisted of students who were preparing to be teachers in China. The event had been advertised for several days . . . including a large poster with my picture, name, and title of the presentation in English . . . the rest in Chinese. The students were so attentive; I could see them taking notes as I spoke. After the hour presentation, there was an hour of questions and answers. I know I enjoy talking to American students. Tonight I found out that I also enjoy talking to Chinese students. The common theme is preparing teachers for the future. I realized I had the same passion in China as I do in the US.
June 7, 201
Jessica, Shannon, and I skyped with Mrs. Branson's class at USI this morning. It was great to see familiar faces and hear English. Mrs. Branson even noticed that we were wearing our newly purchased traditional Chinese clothing!
In the afternoon, Jessica, Shannon, and I visited a local kindergarten. This is one of the premiere kindergartens in the area, and it was great. The students were doing many of the same activities as US kindergartners. They also had centers set up for different subjects. We saw students painting, writing their own books, playing with blocks, role playing buying and selling at a grocery store, and many more. The school included beautiful outside areas where the students had their own garden. They even had a small train that the students could ride around the grounds. As the director and several teachers gave us a tour, there was an interpreter to translate everything to English for us. There were also two photographers who followed us and constantly took video and photographs. We were really impressed with this school.
June 8, 2013
There was a fancy dinner tonight with the administrators from the Education Dept. They wanted to again thank us for our work on the presentation to their students.
It is customary in China to treat guests to large, fancy meals to show hospitality and gratitude. I have lost count of how many events like this we have had. A few of us had fun talking about what restaurants in the Evansville area we would take our Chinese friends to if they came to USI.
June 9, 2013
This afternoon we attended the closing ceremony of our program at SWU. We watched a slide show of pictures taken during the last 3 weeks. Everyone was invited to speak about their experience here and what it has meant to them. We gave gifts to our Chinese teacher, and the students received their certificate of program completion and a "report card". It is a bittersweet time. Although we miss our homes and families, we have really made friends here, and it is difficult to find the words to adequately express our gratitude and feelings. Tonight will be the farewell banquet. We are being treated at the restaurant, "Hotpot Dragon".
The highlight of my day was giving a presentation on the teacher education program at USI. The audience consisted of students who were preparing to be teachers in China. The event had been advertised for several days . . . including a large poster with my picture, name, and title of the presentation in English . . . the rest in Chinese. The students were so attentive; I could see them taking notes as I spoke. After the hour presentation, there was an hour of questions and answers. I know I enjoy talking to American students. Tonight I found out that I also enjoy talking to Chinese students. The common theme is preparing teachers for the future. I realized I had the same passion in China as I do in the US.
June 7, 201
Jessica, Shannon, and I skyped with Mrs. Branson's class at USI this morning. It was great to see familiar faces and hear English. Mrs. Branson even noticed that we were wearing our newly purchased traditional Chinese clothing!
In the afternoon, Jessica, Shannon, and I visited a local kindergarten. This is one of the premiere kindergartens in the area, and it was great. The students were doing many of the same activities as US kindergartners. They also had centers set up for different subjects. We saw students painting, writing their own books, playing with blocks, role playing buying and selling at a grocery store, and many more. The school included beautiful outside areas where the students had their own garden. They even had a small train that the students could ride around the grounds. As the director and several teachers gave us a tour, there was an interpreter to translate everything to English for us. There were also two photographers who followed us and constantly took video and photographs. We were really impressed with this school.
June 8, 2013
There was a fancy dinner tonight with the administrators from the Education Dept. They wanted to again thank us for our work on the presentation to their students.
It is customary in China to treat guests to large, fancy meals to show hospitality and gratitude. I have lost count of how many events like this we have had. A few of us had fun talking about what restaurants in the Evansville area we would take our Chinese friends to if they came to USI.
June 9, 2013
This afternoon we attended the closing ceremony of our program at SWU. We watched a slide show of pictures taken during the last 3 weeks. Everyone was invited to speak about their experience here and what it has meant to them. We gave gifts to our Chinese teacher, and the students received their certificate of program completion and a "report card". It is a bittersweet time. Although we miss our homes and families, we have really made friends here, and it is difficult to find the words to adequately express our gratitude and feelings. Tonight will be the farewell banquet. We are being treated at the restaurant, "Hotpot Dragon".