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Published: March 19th 2006
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my chinese family
Arthur, Emma, and Katherine made me feel so much at home. Each have adopted their English name. Many of the fascinating impressions that have remained with me from my visit to China, come from the people I had the fortune to meet. As I prepare for the return-journey to this amazing country, in May '06, and I ponder the coming year at Taizhou College, it has become easier to anticipate the adventures ahead. I am constantly reminded, how Mr. A. Lee, a teacher and administrator at the college, had so personalized my visit to his country. He made surprising efforts, and provided every opportunity to meet very special people, his family, his many friends at the College, and people from all walks of life and of all ages.
Meeting the President of Taizhou Normal (Teachers) College was one of those highligths. he had just returned from Germany, and we discussed his impressions. Mr. Xu had been visiting various cities in Southern Germany to observe first hand the German School System, and he seemed to have enjoyed his time and his experiences. Such educational exchange need to be encouraged in all countries, for it provides unique opportunities for productive, international understanding. He greeted me kindly and warmly in his understated, though elegant office, and invited me to spend
some friends
Arthur introduced me to this warm family, he is on left, Emma in the middle left, and to the right Katherine. I apologize to their friends, for not remembering their name, but the meal together was special. a year at the College as teacher, and he made me feel very welcome. He seemed pleased, that Arthur had been such a great host during my stay,and though I needed Arthur to translate, for I speak no Chinese, nor does Mr. Xu speak English, our conversation had a frequent of moments of humor. He is much respected, and having offered his gentleness and homor during our conversation, made me glad to know him.
The contract we signed was the standard contract for native English speaker with two Masters. It is openly advertised on the schools Website. Taizhou Normal College offers to qualified individuals of unspecified age, I am 61:
contract for one or more years,
16-18 periods per week. (45 min. per period),
Monthly Salary (dep. on degree) 3,500-5,000 (RMB),
Courses to teach: Oral English, English Conv., Reading, Writing, etc.
Comfortable and modern Apartment on Campus with TV, telephone,
AC, furniture, fridge, kitchen, western bathroom, broadband internet and
washing machine,
International airfare: Round trip or US$800 per year,
travel within Jiangsu Province is arranged by College,
free local calls,
free Chinese course of 3 periods per week,
Check out their website with Taizhou-College-Campus Photos at: http://www.tzsz.net.Contact
two inquisitive teenagers
I'm honored to have met their acquaintance. Look at the proud parents on either side, while Arthur takes the photo. During this meal, Emma and her best friend, remind me to show more patience in their romantic conquests. There is little time to for such endeavors, and I shouldn't be rushing them. Wouldn't we in the West love to hear such "Common Sense" from our children and students. I will keep my eyes open and see if College Students think similarly. Mr. A. Lee, who speaks wonderful English at: arthurlee65@yahoo.com.cn
Another exceptional human being, who became a kind friend, was the wife of Arthur. I would love to introduce Katherine to my family and my friends, for she is an articulate, intelligent, and dilligent English Teacher at a High School. She is proud of her vocation, but often feels overwhelmed, as most teachers do in all countries of the world. The Lee family opened their home to me a number of times, and tempted me with local delicacies and treats, and engaged me in stimulating and frank conversations on all topics. Humor was always an important ingredient in our socializing, and it was simply amazing to hear their English. The home consisted of two floors, and though humble compared to our standards, it contained all of the modern amenities for the home and the kitchen, including access to the internet. I noticed the beautiful Chinese water-colors decorating the walls, and the open space in front of their home has the potential for a small little sitting-garden. :-))
And there was Arthurs and Katherine's delightful 17year old daughter. Though she never had the opportunity to visit an English speaking country,
room with a view
My view from the Apartment provided to me by the College. There was little student traffic around me, since all students had their summer break. I understand, that during the school-semesters, the population explodes. The flatness of the vista did not surprise me; Miami also has no elevations. During the evenings, fireworks were everywhere, pointing out the spots, where two people were about to tie the knot. she conversed with ease and flawless grammar. She dreams of working on Television or Radio and has little time to socialize as our teenagers do. Once we sat at the table of a restaurant, and she introduced me to her very best friend, a young girl of the same age. As you can see in the photo, her family was also introduced and the girls engaged me in typical teenage questions about the West, and there was no doubt,that each was testing their English skills. The parents looked on in admiration. I complemented them on how pretty they are, and suggested that many boys in their school must certainly be keeping their eyes on them. There came a quick rebuke from each, and with the approval of their parents. They left no doubt, that their focus was on their education, and dating was too much of a distraction from their goal to excel in their upcoming examination. These examinations are their gateway to a good University and hold the promise of a certain future, far less economically challenged. There would be sufficient time in their 20's, though I could tell, that they too are occupied with thoughts of puppy-love. The
college-campus
The campus is green and very pedestrian friendly. opening of the doors between East and West blow strong winds, and it is easy to fantisize for the young of all countries, "That the grass is always greener on the other side"
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Amaya
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Best Wishes!!!
I can only wish you the best and it doesn't surprise me that you've made so many friends, you are a great person and your students are blessed to have you as a teacher. Good luck in your trip, I will certainly follow your adventure!