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June - July 2007
Inside this edition:
WLE Excursion - Hutong trip
On a sunny Saturday, WLE organized a great trip to visit the Beijing Hutongs. A place where we could experience traditional architecture endangered by the westernization of Beijing!
Departure point of our journey: the Drum and Bell towers. Located in the center of town, after climbing the steep staircase to the upper-most point, we had the chance to listen to the drum parade and admire the oldest and the biggest drum in the world, conserved there. Wandering on the outside corridor, we found one of the most spectaculars views of Old Beijing and the Houhai lake.
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On our way to
the traditional Beijing Hutongs |
In the middle of our journey. |
We then joined a tour of traditional bicycle rickshaws driven by friendly and enthusiastic peddlers. The students had an enjoyable time during the rickshaw ride conversing in Chinese with their peddlers and learning the history and the tranquility of these quiet lanes.
During our trip, we learned not only about the traditional architecture but also about the life in this amazing world. We had the opportunity to be welcomed into the home of a Beijing family who had lived in their courtyard for over six generations. It was an unforgettable moment to hear from these Beijingers in such a friendly and hospitable atmosphere!
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| Jack with our speaking birds. |
Tea time with a Beijing family. |
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WLE Electives - Chinese Calligraphy
During Chinese Language Summer Programs, our students had the opportunity to attend our Chinese Calligraphy elective. During four sessions, they really enjoyed to learn more about this traditional art that has been practiced for thousands of years.
Feng Laoshi has been teaching calligraphy for nearly 20 years, and was invited to introduce the students to the art of Chinese calligraphy. As a member of the National Calligraphy and Painting Commission, she masters the different calligraphy styles, such as seal, clerical, cursive and regular.
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Feng Laoshi helping
the students with their strikes. |
Wendy (Mexico) enjoying her elective. |
With the generous help and advice from our teacher, our WLE student Wendy from Mexico tried her hand at mastering the art of Chinese Calligraphy during the class. Our Chinese calligraphy elective gave us this opportunity to practice our Mandarin, especially our characters outside a classroom through the culture and art.
It was an enjoyable time to further our understanding of the Chinese traditional culture and we were impressed by the progress we made with our brushes and ink!
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Paul (US), Harry (US), Wendy (Mexico)
and Daniel (Sweden) exercising their skills. |
Instructor Feng Laoshi proud of
Wendy's first calligraphy. |
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WLE Graduation Day June 29, 2007
The rain clouds disappeared just in time for our Graduation Ceremony at the new Wangjing Campus. We were all excited at the prospect of heading outside to the outdoor terrace area and luckily Beijing's weather was kind and allowed us to make the most of an unseasonably moderate evening.
Students and teachers gathered together to celebrate all the hard work and progress that has been made during the students' time studying at The Academy of Chinese Language Study. It was a day for reminiscing with the slide show of shared memories proving to be very popular if the audible sighs and laughter were any indication.
Teachers rose to the occasion and their words to the students were both funny and moving. The students too were very impressive as they demonstrated some of the fruits of their learning by thanking their teachers in Chinese. We were even treated to a song written and performed by one of the graduating classes. Classroom anecdotes were shared and certificates and gifts were given.
For many of the students their time in Beijing was soon coming to an end but hopefully they will be taking many happy memories home with them. The Graduation Ceremony was a perfect opportunity to celebrate with friends made in Beijing. The event ended on a sweet note of course as everyone grabbed a piece or two of the graduation cake.
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WLE Discovery Tours - Inner Mongolia
When you are studying in China, a busy schedule means you often won't find the time to plan trips outside of Beijing. World Link's expertise in helping organize and plan excursions makes seeing the other parts of China a breeze. This trip was to the fascinating Huitengxile Grasslands of Inner Mongolia. A truly unique China experience!
Saturday morning, we arrived to Hohot and then went to Huitengxile Grasslands where our traditional greeting at the Yurts was fantastic. Maidens and herdsmen adorned in their native dress sang welcome songs and offered welcome drinks including the traditional 'bai jiu'. -When offered a welcome drink one must first dip their right ring finger and flick it to the sky as an offering to the heavens, the second dip of the finger is then offered to the Land, the third is gently drawn across the forehead, then the whole bowl is downed in one big gulp! This is no easy task though if you don't succeed at the ritual you can practice as many times as you wish!
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| Welcome ceremony in the grassland |
Traditional Mongolian yurt. |
After checking in at our "yurt" we reassembled for a welcome lunch. It was a festive occasion and we were able to try some of the local delicacies. Music and singing precluded our lunch banquet. This feast, specially prepared for us, included 2 whole roasted lambs. When I say whole, I mean whole. Our very own Evan and Linda were chosen out of all the guests to be the king and queen to perform the ritual of beginning the feast.
It was a serene experience horse-riding under the clear and bright sky of the grasslands. After visiting a herdsman's home, we climbed the pyramid of rocks that Genghis Khan's grandson built and the Great Wall (which is just a few meters high now). We then headed back to our yurt to prepare for dinner. Under the magnificent star studded sky outside on the plaza, we were warmed by a bon fire, entertained by dancing, music, and singing.
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One of the most exciting moments... horsebackriding as the locals do on our way to the ancient wall |
Group picture climbing remains of the wall |
Sunday morning we were up early for quick breakfast and then the journey to the Xiangshawan Desert. We arrived and were taken by jeep to the sand dune area, and the views were truly amazing. Sand as far as the eye could see. All the aspects of what you would expect a desert to look like were there, the ripples in the sand from the wind gently blowing across the dunes, plants sporadically popping up in unexpected places and of course, camels! We all had to go for a camel ride.
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One of the most fascinating
moment... camel riding |
Traditional Mongolian Dinner |
The whole weekend was a unique and unforgettable experience. We were exposed to a culture that if it were not for World Link, we might never have known. We came away from Inner Mongolia with a sense of compassion, great pictures, and fond memories... and last but not least, some unintentional souvenirs...sand that was stuck to our skin! All in all a most incredible trip!
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WLE Business Course - Visit to the new Complex Block 8
WLE's summer China Business Program included an onsite visit to learn from one of China's leading restaurant entrepreneurs Mr. Alan Wong, owner of award winning restaurants Hatsune and Kagen. His latest restaurant / bar / lounge project - Block 8 situated in the prime west gate of Chaoyang Park location, opened just a few weeks ago. Block 8 is a joint-venture between Mr Wong and two partners seeking to create a unique high-end culinary and bar experience in one space: Haiku, a Japanese restaurant, i Ultra, a bar lounge and the Med, a Mediterranean restaurant. The onsite visit gave us a comprehensive insight into the start and finish of this exciting project.
Following a guided tour of Block 8, Mr Wong shared his professional perspectives on entrepreneurial startups in China discussing issues such as operations, production, quality and management systems, and staff training. From concept and design to construction we remained at the edge of our seats as we listened intently to the nuances of developing a successful business.
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Great presentation inside
the lounge of the project |
Michaela (Germany) visiting
the new restaurant Haiku |
As one of China's leading foreigners succeeding in doing business in China, Alan came from the US to China in August 2001 to open Hatsune, the first of four restaurants. We were told ' one of the most important things in being successful in China is knowing your market and being a people person'.
Thanks to Mr Wong's advice, tips and candid talk, we certainly learnt more about how business actually operates in China from a foreign entrepreneur's perspective. We left with little doubt that i Ultra would succeed in its aim to be a flagship for champagne culture in Beijing, attracting those 'who look the best, drink the best'.
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WLE Martial Arts Elective - Soaring with Eagles ying zhao quan
WLE was honored to have a world renowned master, famous star member of the Beijing National Wushu Team and Multiple National Wushu Champion Title Holder, Zhao Qing Jian, instruct our Wushu Warriors in a WLE exclusive elective series of Yingzhao Quan. The English name of this style is "Eagle Claw boxing" and is one of the more difficult styles to master. This traditional animal-imitating style incorporates and imitates the movements of an eagle. For example, the eagle boxing which stresses both the claw and the flapping and fanning of wings, and the rock eagle boxing which imitates an eagle flying up and down a rock cliff, plus many, many more.
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| Greeting Our Eagle Claw Master |
Eagles & Eaglettes |
After an official greeting, a thorough warm up and a stretching session, demonstrations and instructions of the basics was given. How to use the hand like the claw of the Eagle to capture and lock an opponent, the long arm techniques, the low and high kicks, and the circular techniques combined with beautiful yet deadly flower techniques, were all demonstrated flawlessly. With instruction and visuals such as this, they could hardly wait to give it a go.
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Daniel, Garrett,
Zhao Lao Shi, & Lydia.
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The students in action. |
Zhao Lao Shi & Tasha |
Soon our WLE Warriors were jumping high in the air one minute and walking in a low position like an eagle diving into the woods for prey the next. Sometimes they ran as fast as a shooting arrow while at other times they stood steadily like an age-old pine. It definitely was not easy but the students did their best to demonstrate the bravery and flexibility of an eagle with amazing results. The National Champion was extremely patient, smiled and laughed a lot. At most times it seemed like play, which made it even that much more of a rewarding experience. With focused and dedicated practice, there is no doubt that they will soon be soaring like eagles!
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Teacher Interview: Wang Yan Ling
During the Graduation Ceremony, one of the teachers teaching in the World Link Education Mandarin program, Wang Yan Lin was interviewed to share her teaching experience, tips and advice to international students learning Mandarin.
Wang Lao Shi's formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese Language from Yantai University, and a Masters degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from China's famous and leading university the Beijing Language and Culture University. With such outstanding qualifications and experience Wang Lao Shi was selected to join the Academy of Chinese Language Study as has been working at ACLS for more than 2 years.
Why did you become a teacher?
Since I was young, I had always wanted to be a teacher, which led me to choose Chinese Language as my major when entered university. Not only do I enjoy teaching my students but I also enjoy learning from them ¨C their different backgrounds, varied learning styles, linguistic and cultural diversity.
Why is that you like to teach foreigners Chinese?
To see my students so enthusiastic to learn about China is one of the main reasons why I enjoy teaching so much. This is why, during my classes, I bring everyday situations and respond to their questions and inquiries so that they can use what they learn in class in their daily lives and gain confidence in speaking with the local Chinese on the streets. I really enjoy creating a better learning environment and work hard to make our students' classes more interesting and effective. I am always in search of effective teaching methods and techniques for them so that they can better understand Chinese language.
Why do you think foreigners should learn Chinese?
Learning a new language is always an asset. Our students are dedicated to learn Chinese to better understand the locals and learn more about China on a deeper level. Many students once to China for different goals and reasons. Some learn Mandarin because of a deep interest in its culture. Others are fascinated with China's growing economy and want to learn Chinese so they can work or do business with the Chinese.
Whether to work or do business as a non-Mandarin speaker, being able to speak at least some Chinese will greatly assist you in achieving your goal and succeeding. Choose a course that does not only teach you the language but also the culture and you will learn more than just how to speak but also understand why Chinese act, do business or think in the way that we do.
Do you feel that Chinese is a difficult language to teach?
Just like many other languages, Chinese may be regarded by some as a difficult language to teach. However in my view when a teacher has good training, practical experience and close academic support Chinese is not a difficult language to teach. A good teacher uses effective teaching techniques, tips and advice during this learning process making learning and teaching the language easier. As a teacher my goal is to guide my students, provide them with practical tips and learning so that they form a solid foundation which grows their confidence in using Chinese and in turn grow their interest to continue to learn. I do not feel that it is difficult. There are systematic ways to teach but you need to be aware of the different learning styles that your students have so that you balance this and put it in your daily teaching.
What do you think makes a good teacher?
I believe passion, enthusiasm, excellent communication skills, and patience are ideal characteristics of a good teacher. They are my principles in my Chinese teaching and what I aim to apply when teaching my students Chinese. In addition to those, a good teacher must have a great understanding of the Chinese language and strong teaching methods to give ensure students effectively learn any language!
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Student Interview: Nalani Foreman
Name: Nalani Foreman
Country of Residence: Hawaii, USA
Citizenship: USA
Profession: HR Director
Languages spoken: English (native)
Hobbies: Mandarin language, read books
Is this your first time in China?
No, it's already my third time in China. I first came by myself for a 2 week trip around the country and then 3 weeks with my husband.
How are you finding your studies here?
I really enjoyed my studies at WorldLink. The Mandarin programs, teachers, and facilities have been fabulous. As it's the first foreign language that I'm learning, it was a hard work but my teacher was really attentive and helpful to each student progress. World Link's Chinese Language programs have exceeded all my expectations.
How do you like Beijing?
Beijing is really an amazing city. I really enjoyed walking around the old Beijing and its small alleys, called Hutongs. Beijingers are really friendly that it was a pleasure to wander between all these alleys and learn about the traditional Chinese culture.
Tell us one memorable experience in Beijing or China.
My most memorable experience was to live with a host family. I really love spending time with them, learning from their experience and culture. It was a great time to experience the real life of a Chinese family and to be finally considered as part of the family. Besides, my language skills improved a lot thanks to their care and daily conversation at home.
How has your China experience changed you?
This experience gave me more willingness to master the language fluently.
What do you like best/most about Beijing/China?
Meeting people, Chinese people are all very friendly and very eager to share their culture if you know them.
Will you come back to Beijing/China?
Absolutely
What advice would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
Come to Beijing and learn the language! You will experience a lot more than you never expect! If you have the opportunity, choose the option of living with a host family, which is a good complement to your Chinese Language classes.
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