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February - March 2007
Inside this edition:
WLE Excursion - Gu Gong, the Forbidden City
After a week of intensive language study and exchange, it was time for some culture and history as we headed out in a bus for our WLE weekend excursion. This weekend we visited the great Forbidden City. Having just arrived a couple of weekends ago, most of us hadn't had the chance to visit this legendary historic attraction and it was great to be taken out by the friendly WLE staff and a tour guide to learn more about the world's largest palace complex.
Living in Beijing without visiting the Forbidden City is almost impossible and after listening carefully to our guide we really got a better understanding about the long and intricate history of this magnificent place. Having some sort of background on the culture and history really does compliment language learning, and visiting these places and seeing it with your own eyes further evokes the thirst to learn the language and more about this ancient country.
That day, we all went home with cameras full of pictures, spools of history & trivia floating in our heads, and the renewed desire to explore more of this great country and it's language.
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WLE Elective - Traditional Chinese Massage
Orientation at WLE
Having just traveled half way across the world, jet lagged and wide eyed in a completely new environment, attending the WLE orientation was just what the doctor ordered to set us on the right track for our time here in China! As soon as we arrived at the school, the staff were there to welcome us and seat us in the exchange area where we met fellow new arrivals. Not long after, orientation began and after the session one of the directors took the time to answer all our questions - queries about class schedules, how to open a bank account in China and even about bus routes - she answered them all. After this, it was time for oral and written placement tests for everybody except the total beginners. Each of us received undivided individual attention as the Chinese language teachers took the time to carefully assess each of our language levels.
Next on the agenda was lunch ?the friendly WLE staff took us out for our first real Chinese meal at one of the famous Chinese restaurants here in Beijing. We got to taste some of the most popular Chinese dishes including Gongbao Jiding (chicken and peanut dish) and more typical Beijing dishes such as Jijiang Rousi.
In the afternoon we met with our Language Exchange Partners (LEPs) - it was a lively and exciting time as we introduced ourselves and met more new people. We all chatted away in both English and Chinese about our backgrounds, hobbies, favourite movies and what life was like in our respective countries. Time flew by and before we knew it, a few hours had passed and it was dark outside! Some of us went out to dinner with our LEPs whilst others agreed to meet up later on in the week when our LEPs would take us out to discover Beijing's hot spots that only the locals know about.
By the end of our first day here, we had each made at least one local friend, and a fair few others from all over the world. Having gone through orientation, made some friends and gathered a bit of local insight, we were ready to learn some Chinese and take on Beijing!
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WLE Cultural Event - Spring Festival Celebration
Like Christmas in the West, the Spring Festival, also called Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China . The WLE student centre was brought to life with lively decorations - lanterns, Chinese paper cuttings and strings of firecrackers all gave an atmosphere of fun and festivity.
During our Spring Festival Celebration, our Chinese Language teachers introduced this important festival to our foreign students, and together with our Chinese students we welcomed the year of the Pig.
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| Samuel (US) sharing with the audience the myths behind Chinese New Year |
Andreas got the "Red Envelope" |
Elementary level students singing Chinese New Year folk songs
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This celebration was a wonderful opportunity for foreign students to learn about Chinese customs. WLE staff Michael and Ms. Zhang introduced us to the many interesting Chinese New Year stories and our World Link student Samuel told us about the myth of GuoNian (the words literally mean "spend/get through the new year", but the myth relates to a mythical beast called "Nian" and how the people in ancient times had to overcome it). It was great fun to take part in funny games together, hand out Hong Bao (red lucky money envelopes), learn about the character "Fu" (blessings or happiness) and find out which of our students were born in the year of the pig (who each received traditional red belts and bracelets).
The highlight of our celebration was learning how to make Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings), a staple New Year food found on every Chinese person's dining table during the Spring Festival. All students gathered around our guest, a famous Jiaozi Chef, Chef Li, from Beijing, eager to learn how these delicious dumplings are made. After the demonstration, all the students were welcome to make their own. Finally, delicious dumplings and traditional Chinese New Year food and snacks were served to celebrate the evening.
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WLE Business Seminar Series: Susan Derkach, Hewitt Associates
During our Business Seminar Series, a number of speakers from a diverse range of industries are invited to speak to our students on a variety of China business related topics. This spring, topics included the legal industry in China, talent management in companies working in China and the challenges faced by the IT industry here.
One of our seminar presenters was Ms. Susan Derkach, a Senior Talent and Organization Consultant, at Hewitt Associations. Over 50 WLE Chinese and English students attended this seminar to listen to what Ms. Derkach had to say on talent management in China.
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Business students listening attentively to the seminar |
Susan Derkach's presentation |
Susan Derkach taking the time to answer Jeff's (US) questions |
After a brief introduction on her professional background and Hewitt Associates, Ms. Derkach gave us a clear overall picture of the employment market in China and how companies, locally owned as well as foreign, manage their human resources in China. She went on to talk about the differences between Chinese and western approaches, as well as the scale of China's economy and the typical challenges with employment and cultural differences for companies working in China. Ms. Derkach also presented case studies of companies in China, and described the rewards and challenges that these companies have met.
Seminar attendees each walked away at the end of the seminar with a better understanding of talent management, as well as a clearer picture of the business environment here in China.
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WLE Martial Arts - The Warriors Competition
Our World Link Warriors did it! Beijing 's premiere University for Sports, where the WLE Martial Arts programs are held hosted their annual Martial Arts Invitational Championships this month. The event brought many Martial Arts practitioners together in a friendly and competitive environment. Many styles were represented, such as Nanquan, Changquan, Taijiquan, weapons (swords, staffs, chains, fans,) Shaolin Animal forms (eagle, tiger, praying mantis, scorpion, monkey, drunken style) and all levels from beginner to advanced.
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| Our WLE Warriors |
Our Warriors performing
at the closing ceremony |
Kristian warming up before the battle |
The competition started early in the morning with students ready to go. Vividly colored, flowing silk costumes were being worn and added a sense of drama. As each division was preparing to perform, you could feel the adrenaline pulsating in the room. Cheers rang out from every corner of the hall as supporters egged their favorites on with " jia you, jia you !" which literally means "add gas, add gas". Fueling the fire even more was the presence of the Chinese Government representative as well as the University's Governing board.
Throughout the day, one by one, each performer dazzled us with their gravity defying movements, amazing control of their bodies and precision. Each routine had been mercilessly practiced until perfection was achieved.
Our WLE Warriors faced stiff competition from each other as well as from the Chinese Wushu majoring students. Categories and divisions entered were Taijiquan, Nanquan, and Changquan.
All competitors worked extremely diligently and were fantastic! Our students were crowd favorites. The audience supported each and every one of our Wushu students by shouting encouragement and applause. Impressed with and appreciating their efforts, they received a tremendous applause from the audience as well as fellow competitors at the completion of their performances. Placing 1st and 3rd in their division of Men's Nanquan were, respectively, our very own WLE Warriors, Neil Cook and Kristian Utama. Placing 1st in the Taijiquan women's division was our very own Tasha Salveron. Placing 1 st in the Changquan women's division was our very own Junko Oshima. But truth be told, all of our Warriors are winners! This was definitely an experience to remember!
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| Changquan champion Junko Oshima
posing with the judges |
Neil (UK) recieving the Nan Quan
1st place certificate |
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Q&A@WLE
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| Paul D'Ambrosio |
Paul D'Ambrosio (Boston, USA)
Graduating MA Brock University,
12 weeks Chinese Language Total Program at ACLS
What are your first impressions of China?
This is my first time in China. Everyone is really friendly. I was expecting culture shock. China is different but there is nothing you cannot get over. I'm as surprised to see so many people working yesterday even on a Sunday.
How do you find the program so far?
Awesome. My room mate that I was placed with has been here for a few months and it was great going grocery shopping with him and getting around.
I am extremely happy with the program so far. I looked around several study program. This is a little more expensive but a lot better. It is all the little things from being picked up from the airport, orientation, visa etc. It is so good to know that you have everything taken care of.
How would you describe the facilities at ACLS?
Great! Nicer than what I expected!
What about your apartment accommodation?
Amazing ?I did not expect it to be this good. You normally think that the pictures on the web are the best but this is way better. I actually took pictures when I got to my apartment and sent it home.
What are you goals?
I hope to be able to carry a short conversation. I would like to improve my speaking and am excited to be able to practice with the Chinese language exchange partner. I study Chinese philosophy and it's very important to study the culture. You cannot get this by just reading books. I will be practicing my reading and writing on my own but hope to improve on my speaking skills.
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Lori Hairston |
Lori Hairston (Georgia, USA)
Registered Nurse,
8 weeks Chinese Language Total Program at ACLS
What are your initial impressions of China?
About a year ago I came to China for two weeks with friends for a visit. Back then I was trying to learn Chinese and I love it! Coming here again is just as wonderful. I feel like home here! I feel very comfortable even though, yes, I look different. I love the culture. I want to go back to the US, and embrace the Asian community. There are more than 100,000 Asians from where I come from, and we assist in finding the accommodation etc.
What are your impressions of the program?
Great! The staff, my airport greeter, they're phenomenal! I could not have asked for a better reception. I came with no expectations and I am now finding it very nice ?what a lovely surprise. I enjoy the hubbub, coming to this busy school ?I feel like I am back in student life.
How about your accommodation?
I love the apartment. I got here last Wednesday, went out to Century Mart, shopped and made the apartment look as I want it. The apartments are a lot better than what I expected.
What are you current goals?
I hope to be able to at least hold a conversation in Chinese. I want to learn about the culture. For me, it is not about wanting to change this country to be more American, but more about how I can change when learning about this country. It is about celebrating the differences the countries have.
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Wendy Torres Alamilla |
Wendy Torres Alamilla (Monterrey, Mexico)
Studying an MBA at Texas University
1 month Chinese language Total Program – Total Beginner
Why did you come to China?
As a global manager for a company such as Whirlpool, we purchase components from China and Asia. For successful negotiations, knowledge of language and culture is the key. This is why I decided to come to China.
How is your accommodation?
I am living with a host family ?my family is great! They are more than what I expected. They have a girl who is 6 years old and I am learning quite a lot of Chinese from her already! Also my host mother is like a mother. I was quite unsure before coming to China but I really like it.
Great! I really like it. The staff are very friendly and everyone is helpful. I round the orientation very useful ?information about medical services, what to do, where to go and differences between China and other cultures.
What do you hope to achieve?
I want to be able to understand the culture and to speak Chinese. I love languages. This is my 5 th language. My time is short and I would like to do everything I possibly can!
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Student Interview: Robert Kehoe
 Name: Robert Kehoe
Country of Residence: USA
Citizenship: USA
Profession: Business: Business owner, serial entrepreneur, early stage business consultant
Educational background: MBA Finance and Logistics, B.S Industrial Engineer, B.A English (All from the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio USA)
Brief Work History: After working for several large U.S corporations founded a software development company which, after ten years of hard struggle, became a very successful company and affiliate of Microsoft Corporation. Ultimately sold this company, and went on to launch three small companies in the Medical and Software Industries, plus opened a café serving sandwiches, salads, soups, and espresso coffee. Director of a small business development incubator for three years, and offered advice and business training to many small start-up companies.
Languages spoken: English (native), can read Spanish fairly well, am a beginner level student in Mandarin Chinese at World Link.
Hobbies: Read history books, play piano, dabble in oil painting, short story writing, and music composition.
Is this your first time in China?
Yes.
How are you finding your studies here?
World Link's programs, teachers, and facilities have exceeded my expectations, and provide as close as you can get to an optimal learning environment. The obvious advantages of being in China while learning the language are offset somewhat by the desire to explore the area and experience the local culture. However, the value of absorbing the Chinese culture is worth the distraction to the language studies.
How do you like Beijing?
Beijing is fascinating and exciting. The people are friendly and helpful. I love the food (especially dumplings) and the food prices. In most restaurants and grocery stores, food costs from half to one third of what you would expect to pay in the U.S. The warm temperatures during winter are very nice.
What do you find most interesting about Beijing?
The high energy level of the people, who are all hungry to benefit from the booming economy and new entrepreneurial opportunities, and dealing with constant large crowds of people in the streets and stores.
Tell us one memorable experience in Beijing or China.
My first visit to the huge book store in the Wang Fu Jing shopping district was a major eye-opener. The bookstore averages 6000 customers per day and it is packed with people who are hungry to learn. Hundreds of parents sitting on the floor reading to their children. Nothing like this in the U.S. I came away from this experience feeling that the U.S is doomed to be a second rate power very soon.
How has your China experience changed you?
The experience has fired me up to learn Chinese as fast as possible.
What do you like best/most about Beijing/China?
I like most the feeling of experiencing something very different from the usual, plus the sense of adventure and the energy level. It makes me feel younger.
Will you come back to Beijing/China?
I hope to find a way to live in China for at least half of every year from now on. Maybe even move to China permanently.
What advice would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
If you are a beginner, do not try to learn any words before coming here. I am still plagued by having to unlearn the incorrect pronunciations that of many words I learned from "teach yourself" Chinese books. |
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