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April - June 2005
Inside this edition:
WLE trip to Henan - "Training with the Shaolin Monks"
Many of us on the WLE monthly trip to Henan province were martial arts students so the thought of going to the Shaolin temple was incredibly exciting. Imagine, being able to travel to the most famous martial arts site in the world. We could not believe that we were going to have the chance to make this type of pilgrimage.
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| WLE students Melissa and Susanne at the Shaolin Temple |
Group picture in front of the gate to the Shaolin Temple
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Ikumi and Ben climbed up to the top of the Iron Pagoda |
We took the train from Beijing “zhan”, Beijing’s oldest and most impressive train station where people from all over China gather on journeys across the country. Beijing is a transfer hub for the majority China’s westbound and southbound trains. It was a truly cultural experience to catch sight of people from across the country -- we could hear some many dialogues being spoken and many different traditional styles of dress. World Link Education Chinese Language students fortunately helped us negotiate for snacks and helped us talk to the other families on our train. This was one of the many highlights of the trip.
After arriving in Zheng Zhou and checking into our hotel we were taken to see the Yellow River and the scene of some ancient battles. Our guide was able to keep the tone light and amusing, even when describing to us the great history of the Yellow River in shaping China as it is today. That evening we returned to our hotel for a lively banquet and gorged ourselves on local delights such as small baked pancakes.
The next day’s itinerary centered around our entire reason for traveling to Zheng Zhou – the visit to the Shaolin temple. We were greeted by some of the training monks who showed us around the temple and into some of their private training areas. We were astonished by the training regimes these monks kept and the sheer level of commitment they had to their practice. Some of the young monks we met had been living there and training everyday since they were four years old.
Later that afternoon some of us stayed behind to do some simple training with the monks and shared a watermelon snack with them outside the temple. We felt so lucky to have had an insight into the world of Shaolin.
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| James, Lukas, Jimmy, Oscar, Luke, Jonathan, Michael, and Adam at the Yellow River |
Michael, Jimmy, and Andrew at the Shaolin Temple
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James, Adam and Joseph at the river bank of Yellow River |
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| John and Jon at the Shaolin Temple |
Sara at the Scenic Yellow River
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James was allowed punching a monk at the Martial Arts demonstration! |
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WLE students exploring the Beijing Hutongs - "A trip down Memory Lane"
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Beijingers say that if you are not from within the second ring road then you are not a true Beijinger; you’re an outsider, or a “Wai Di Ren”. Beijing now has six rings roads as the city explodes with development and so there are likely more outsiders than insiders these days.
It was on a beautiful April morning that we headed to the centuries old Hu Tongs within the second ring road in search of the past.
“Hu tong” means a street or lane between two courtyards; these lanes weave around the old city leading right up to the walls of the Forbidden City. We began our journey at the Drum and the Bell towers where we climbed the steep staircase to the upper most point to find a most spectacular view of Old Beijing. We then joined a tour of traditional bicycle rickshaws driven by friendly and enthusiastic peddlers, each able to recite the names of the hundreds of surrounding hu tong mazes.
Our peddling tour guides pointed out to us courtyards where some of China’s most famous authors and politicians once lived. For example, the old courtyard home of Mao Dun remains intact just off of a hu tong called Nanluoguxiang. It was like being in a living museum. We felt so lucky to be able to peek into this amazing world. We were even taken into the home of a Beijing family who had lived in their courtyard for six generations. They showed us some traditional methods for cooking and even treated us to a musical performance.
Most of us got on our bicycles and went back into the hu tongs the following weekend to get lost in the history and the tranquility of these quiet lanes. Unforgettable!
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| Stephanie amazed by the huge drums |
Hing and Edelita in a rickshaw
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Julie, Alexandra and Joanne inside a courtyard home |
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| The locals invited us in for a snack |
WLE students listening to the tour guide
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Makiko, Lily, Stefanie, Sara, James, Edelita, Jacqueline and Michelle exploring the old hutongs |
Student visit to two Beijing Temples - "A Beautiful Temple Escape"
Of the 30 students that gathered on a chilly April morning, not one had been to Beijing’s two most famous temples – the Confucius Temple, and the Lama Temple. We had no idea what to expect. Our tour guide was an energetic one and we were accompanied by Grace from WLE -- her love for everything cultural was infectious.
We started at the Lama Temple, which boasted over five hundred years of history. The story behind the Temple was fascinating and complicated to say the least, and with China’s ancient history it can sometimes take you back so far in the past that it is mind-boggling! My personal highlight was watching a whole family of about 30 Beijingers coming to pray together and light incense sticks. Our tour guide informed us that many families have been doing this for years. I was fortunate enough to have a short conversation with two of them. They were so interested in where I came from, about my home, and my customs. They seemed impressed that I had chosen to visit their Temple. I told them I was honored that I was able to be a visitor in such a place.
After we finished touring the Lama Temple we moved onto the Confucius Temple, which on arrival seemed like it had been unchanged for centuries. Most impressive of all were the extensive gardens that were so beautifully kept. Surrounding the Temple are the old “hu tongs” or alleyways of Beijing where many of the old courtyard doors were open. We couldn’t help but sneak a peek inside and saw families relaxing together, playing chess, or just enjoying a family meal. We were told that many of these people come to the gardens of the Temple to play games like chess and badminton. We spent quite a lot of time just wandering through the gardens and watching the local residents going about their daily lives. Just having spent a morning in these Temples, I felt as if I’d experienced more history and culture than I had all year.
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| Wle group gathering around the tour guide |
Melissa in the Lama Temple grounds
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Katherine, Jaclyn and Louise |
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| Melissa and friend |
Ikumi
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Takata and Edelita in
the Confucius temple garden |
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| Michelle & Jacqueline |
Natascha and Clementine
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Taylor admiring the Lama Temple |
Fortune Global Forum
Students from WLE were able to take part as interns at the ninth Fortune Global Forum: China and the New Asian Century. The three-day Forum held workshops and sessions to discuss issues in world business. The China Sports Roundtable focused on Beijing’s development in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The WLE students provided translation for the participants of the Forum. Other volunteers welcomed participants at hotels throughout the city to provide them with city information to and from the Forum.
It was an excellent way for the students to use their Chinese to translate and show off their skills of Beijing. |
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Participants of the Sports
Roundtable |
Rory and Huiling with
another volunteer |
Keith and Huiling at
Diao Yu Tai. |
Student Interview: Huiling Chau
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 Name: Huiling Chau
Country of Residence: UK
Citizenship: British
Profession: Category & NPD Manager
Educational Background: BA Design Management, MA Design & Manufacture, and currently on final year of my DL MBA program.
Brief Work History: 3< years in FMCG Food Retailing sector (mainly Marketing roles) and
4< years in the Health & Beauty sector (working for Avon Cosmetics) as Category & NPD Manager (Personal Care, Hair Care, Skin Care) for the EMEA region.
Languages Spoken: English, Cantonese, basic Mandarin and Hakka.
Hobbies: Travelling, eating out/socialising with friends, meeting new people, listening to music, cooking, reading.
Is this your first time in China?
No, this is my fourth time in mainland China. The first time I visited China was 7 years ago. I came to visit Keith (now my husband) who then had a 6-month attachment studying Mandarin and working in Beijing (and has since returned to Beijing to work and study again). I grew attached to Beijing immediately and promised myself that I would come back one day either to study or travel….and here I am in Beijing 7 years later!
Why did you decide to participate in the Chinese Language and China Business Program?
My personal reasons/motivation for coming to China were compelling and since making that step, I can say that it has been THE most rewarding experience of my life:
1) Having been so absorbed in my work for the past 7 years, I really needed to step out of my comfort zone, invest time back into my own personal development, travel more and to just experience something completely new and different.
2) From a career perspective, I believe being able to communicate well in Mandarin and understand the culture will open up more doors for me in the future.
3) And finally, being a British Born Chinese and having lived in the UK all my life, I thought this was also a great way/opportunity to ‘get back to my roots’…to learn more about China’s history and culture.
How are you finding your studies in China?
Learning Mandarin in Beijing so far has been both stimulating and rewarding! It’s a great place to learn - the locals are open, encouraging and extremely patient. Besides learning the language, it has also been very interesting learning about the different cultures from the large international mix of students here.
Generally, the standard of teaching has been high. Classroom sizes have been quite small so far which has allowed ample opportunity for classroom participation. I have found both the Chinese language teachers and administration team at WLE extremely professional, helpful and personable.
Have they been what you expected them to be?
The study environment (based in the CBD) is much better than I had expected – very friendly and comfortable atmosphere, new and modern, clean and fully air-conditioned – far better than some of the schools/classrooms, which I’ve personally witnessed.
The high standard of teaching is what I expected, although probably slightly higher, especially the one to one tutoring sessions.
How do you like Beijing?
In all my travels, Beijing is the one place in the world that I’ve had the desire to revisit time and time again. Its rich in its cultural diversity – there’s a different flavor to suit every mood ...whether you like pubs, clubs, tea houses, eating out, shopping for a bargain, sight-seeing or hiking…. for sure, you will never run out of things to do or places to see.
What do you find most interesting in Beijing?
I think Beijing is a fascinating city where ‘East meets West’…. the most interesting thing I guess is seeing the city modernize so rapidly against the backdrop of the old Beijing (as it gets ready for the 2008 Olympics).
People’s quality of life and outlook has also changed dramatically (since I last came to Beijing 7 years ago)…. this change is quite evident and very visible.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Beijing/China?
Going to the Great Wall for an Easter ‘Sunrise’ service with the international Beijing church (BICF) – a truly spectacular and unforgettable experience!
Spending a night in the countryside with friends and interacting with the locals. The place where we stayed cost 15 kuai (that’s £1) per night, including breakfast!! It was a truly ‘rural’ experience - breakfast was cooked over a fire on the roof and water boiled in a pot for a shower. A different and refreshing way to escape from the city!
How has your experience in China changed you?
Whilst coming to China has not changed me as such it has been quite a humbling experience and an eye opener (expanding my perspective on life in general). It has also made me more appreciative of the little things (that maybe I once took for granted)….and I have also noticed myself progressively becoming more tolerant.…or maybe I’m just ‘adapting’.
What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
The food ….of course! (and the Beijing people who are extremely warm and friendly).
Will you come to China/Beijing again?
Most definitely! Hopefully, the next time I return it will be in a professional capacity. It has been a great experience so far and time well invested.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
1. Do it in Beijing as opposed to Shanghai or any other city as the spoken Mandarin is as they say more ‘pure’ here.
2. Once here, don’t be afraid to use your Chinese outside of the classroom – it’s the best way to learn. Beijing locals are very receptive, patient and willing to put up with your minimal Chinese skills. Interact as much as possible with the locals!
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Student Interview: Neil Gibson
 Name: Neil Gibson
Country of Residence: USA
Citizenship: American
Profession: Student
Educational Background: B.A. – Agriculture Business at California State University Fresno.
Brief Work History: Internships with Governor Schwarzenegger, Congressman Dooley, and University Fundraising.
Languages Spoken: English
Hobbies: Watching movies, hanging out with friends.
Is this your first time in China?
Yes
Why did you decide to study Chinese Language?
China is growing rapidly, and it is becoming a very important language to study.
How are you finding your studies in China?
I am enjoying them greatly. I feel that I am quickly learning Chinese and becoming more proficient.
Have they been what you expected them to be?
The classes are better than I expected. The teachers are willing to work with you and help you succeed. The class environment is very friendly.
How do you like Beijing?
Beijing is great. The people are fantastic, and there is an adventure around every corner.
What do you find most interesting in Beijing?
The people. They are very kind, funny, and a bit quirky.
How has your experience in China changed you, if it has?
Yes, I have a new perspective of the Chinese people, and their growing economy and world influence.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Beijing/China?
Spending time with my host family, and attempting to communicate with them.
What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
The people (see above).
Will you come to China/Beijing again?
Yes, I now plan to work here for a year before beginning my Master’s program.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
Read books about China and prepare yourself as much as you can before you come. This way, you have the proper mindset before arriving and you can enjoy the experiences around you. |
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