Summer That Wasn't A Bummer, because it was in China! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I have no background teaching, so I felt challenged on a daily basis trying to teach kids English (also another less desirable subject in high school.) However, I felt very confident after a few classes, because if you can teach something as foreign as English to young Chinese kids, then I think you could almost be prepared for any teaching challenge. The computers in the rooms (CCDGUT campus) were a little older model, and usually the printer broke down because it would have difficulties handling the rigors of worksheets being printed off. Thankfully, they have a copy machine that was more heavy duty of printing off the worksheets. Great experience!

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes it felt like things were running smoothly, other times not. The first day was very chaotic due to the initial assessments not being ready yet. However, there was a communication link at times that was either kinked or flawless. Might be a cultural thing.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorm was very comfortable. There was laundry facilities and a community fridge. Also each room had air conditioning, and a living room. The beds were hard at first (compared to American standards) but you got used to them shortly.

Aside from the first breakfast (local flavor of chicken feet and pig liver) I enjoyed all the meals, even the meals in the canteen. Sure they got repetitive, but their is a reason that rice is a staple of the Chinese diet (it's delicious and fills you up.) If you get sick of Chinese food, McDonalds will deliver straight to the building. Also, there is Papa Johns, KFC, Pizza Hut in the city center area.Outside of the camp (like Beijing), we went to restaraunts that served group meals with many dishes. Reminds me a little bit of American Chinese food except more veggies.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In Beijing, we saw the main tourist sites like Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall. These were all wonderful historical sites that we were lucky enough to see. In Dongguan, the first day there we visited a museum about the history of Dongguan, and a small tour of the city. On Sundays, if we were lucky enough, one of our students we ask us for a home visit that gave you a more in-depth view of Chinese homes and families.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never needed any health procedures, the closest thing I did was buying some ointment at the Wal-Mart, but from what I heard they provided adequate care.

I felt safe at all times, even in the big cities like Hong Kong and Beijing. It is always a good idea to travel in a group/pairs (especially if you get lost.) The Chinese natural curiosity of westerners made some of the other UNI students feel a little uneasy because of the pictures or posing with the students, however it is just because they may have never seen a caucasian person before.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

China is cheap, Hong Kong is a little more pricey. Meals were provided so the only thing you really needed to buy were gifts/souviners. The markets are the places that can make a dent in your pocket, especially if your a shopper.

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• Dorm

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• Americans

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• Other

• Price of Chinese living
• Food
• Making new friends

• Preparation
• Communication

The Academic or Linguist