Greenheart Travel

Author: Samuel Tew

  • The ABCD’s of Community Development

    by Molly Friend, Greenheart Outreach Coordinator

    Throughout my travels in rural Latin America I could easily be consumed by what was missing, no running water, the need for a longer school day, chickens running inside homes, the list goes on. However when I view a foreign community by all that is missing or what is wrong  according to my American view point, this creates a barrier to many things—my integration into a new community and my ability to be a catalyst for sustainable development.

    For many teachers and volunteers going abroad into a different culture it is hard to find your place as a respectful, understanding outsider, but even harder as a catalyst for development. You are stuck in a weird situation where you have the drive to create change but not necessarily the understanding of the inner-workings of the community.

    The first step for me in making sense of my early experiences abroad was to truly embrace the idea that one culture isn’t better or worse but just different. While this seems very obvious to any open minded person it’s a lot easier said than done. To finally give in to different cultural customs, eating habits and ways of life can be a challenge, however once accomplished it’s a very invigorating feeling.

    Something that has taken a bit longer for me to embrace is how to apply this understanding to community development. By this I mean to be truly respectful of how a community operates and how to work within their framework to begin development projects. In developing countries it is especially hard not to see all that is missing in our eyes.  Once the shift to viewing the assets, resources and treasures happens this is where sustainable development can truly begin.

    Recognizing and utilizing the assets of a community is described in the theory of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and it promotes the idea that sustainable development is possible through local assets as the basis for any development. The first step in this methodology is to map the assets or capacity within a community. Find your resources, these may be people with knowledge or materials or physical assets.

    I encourage anyone interested in making a positive change in their new community abroad to try this technique—make a map of assets and get feedback from others. The Asset Based Community Development Institute offers several techniques and inventories on how to map a community. From there you will see how women’s cooperatives, after-school groups, and construction projects could or could not be viable sustainable projects for your new community.

    And remember Greenheart wants to support you. Have you found a project that will be embraced by the community, that is created out of assets in the community? Apply for a Greenheart Travel Grant for help with funding of the project.

  • From Hong Kong to Thailand and the Lantern Festival

    by Sean Reed

    I have been in China for five months now and have experienced lots of new and interesting things. Towards the middle of December I realized that I was going to have a few days off surrounding the western New Year, (December 31st). At the same time, I realized that I was located in a city that was not going to celebrate the western holiday. What to do? I booked a hostel room in the heart of Hong Kong, a city that was bigger and more beautiful than the one where I am located. Plus, I knew from friends that Hong Kong was known for honoring and celebrating the Western New Year.

    As the day neared, I found myself purchasing a ticket on a sleeper bus to Shenzhen, (near Hong Kong). That’s right, a sleeper bus; a bus that is built with small beds inside of it instead of normal seats. You get on, find your bed, and lay down while someone else does the driving. Several hours and a 30 minute subway ride later, I arrived in Hong Kong. To me, Hong Kong resembled any major metropolis in America such as; New York, Chicago, or even Atlanta. Immediately, I took notice of England’s influence over the city. The cars all drive on the left side of the road and the stirring wheels are all on the right side of the cars. Also, a lot of the native people of Hong Kong speak with a British accent. This is of course because they were taught English by a British person.

    While in Hong Kong I visited some of the key sights and saw some of the most spectacular scenes in the world. One in particular is the view from Victoria Peak. From there, I was able to see the entire city and all of its amazing beauty. I also paid a visit to the avenue of stars and was able to see the monument that built to honor Bruce Lee. I also got to place my hand inside Jackie Chan’s hand print and Jet Li’s. For the New Year celebration, I met up with some of my friends at a block party in an area known as Lan Kwai Fong. There I discovered and endless stretch of bars and restaurants with a 7/11 convenience store stashed conveniently in the heart of the block. We drank and brought in the year 2012 the year of the dragon.

    A few days into January, I found myself with a whole month off. Chinese people celebrated the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival on January the 23rd. With a month off from school, I like most other foreigners had only one destination in mind. That destination was, Thailand! More specifically, I was going to visit Bangkok. I have always heard that Thailand was a terrific vacation spot. I actually have a sister in law who is half Thai on her mother’s side. So, I knew that the Thai people were extremely friendly and charming. Of course, I was also aware of the dangers of visiting a place like this. I knew to be careful while having a good time.

    I was in amazement at some of the wonderful attractions I witnessed there. I saw the Temple of the Dawn or Wat Arun Rajwararam as it is known. A large pyramid shaped temple with four smaller pyramid shaped buildings surrounding it. The most impressive thing about this marvel was the fascinating detailed art work carved into its sides. From the small men in mask who appear to be holding up its walls to the three headed elephant in the middle of its tower. It is unbelievable to me that men were able to build such things with their hands and so long ago.

    I also saw many Buddha statues in Bangkok. Some of these were the Standing Buddha over 45 meters tall. There I set two birds free for good luck. I also saw the Black Buddha which is only open to tourist one day a year. It was lucky that I happen to be there on that very day. I also saw the Sitting Buddha which wasn’t nearly as impressive as the Standing Buddha but still nice to see. One of the last things I did was to take a tour away from Bangkok to an area near the Kwai River. Here I rode an elephant, took a bamboo raft trip, and got to see some Asian tigers at their sanctuary known as the Tiger Temple. Two words I would use to describe Thailand would have to be beautiful and cheap.

    I returned to my home in Fuzhou and continued enjoying my time off from school. On the 6th of February I witnessed the coming and the going of the lantern festival. The lantern festival signals the last day of lunisolar Chinese New Year. It is marked by dozens of lanterns hanging from the trees or power lines around the city. Most of these lanterns are red in color but some of them are other colors. Some are even made to look like animals or cartoon characters. At the same time, dozens of small Christmas style lights are hung up as added decorations. Some of these lights are hung in amazing designs. Some of the designs are made to look like dragons or even peacocks. Hundreds of people walk up and down the streets admiring the collection of lights and lanterns. Even the local Starbucks is decorated with lanterns. I stopped in to enjoy a tall mocha. The next day after the festival, was our first day back to school; the beginning of the second semester.

  • Scholarship Winner Reflects on Life-Changing Experiences

    by Luzmaria Guzman , Greenheart Travel Costa Rica Scholarship alumna

    I once heard an interesting quip about 2012, which was different from the usual morose outlooks: Twenty twelve, according to Mayan calendars and varying beliefs, is supposed to bring an end of days; however, it was not meant to be of the physical world, but of global mindset. It is the end of old perspectives, and lifestyles—things that are rooted within the human person.

    As January closes and my second semester of freshman year college draws near, my internship at Greenheart has begun a year that I am hopeful about for many reasons. I have begun to give back to the people, communities, and organizations that have helped me out so much in the past, and I am on track for a major that I love.

    Greenheart is the beginning of these organizations. In 2010, I was a part of the first group of scholars to go to Costa Rica under the Environmental Service Learning Scholarship. The trip to Costa Rica was unforgettable because of the volunteer work with Proyecto Asis and the wonderful host family I was allowed to stay with. It is an experience I wish everyone could have.

    This past month I had the opportunity to work with Greenheart Travel as an intern under Sara Dorsey and Jason Nusser. My time was spent helping them with the Environmental Service Learning Scholarship, and begin the process of sending new scholars this year to Costa Rica. I reiterate: I want everyone to have this experience!

    For me, January was well-spent. I got the chance to help out something that influenced me in choosing a major in college. But, I also had a wonderful time working alongside the people in Greenheart. I am grateful for the time spent with them. In my future, I now know that I want to be in a work environment and organization with qualities like what I found here in Greenheart Travel.  Travel is a word that I often heard, and experiences and stories about where one has gone were often shared.

    So, what has Greenheart helped me choose as a prospective major? Environmental Studies, with a possible focus on Environmental Design. Over this month, I have become more serious about civil engineering in terms of environmental studies. The questions I am most concerned about deal with making environmental conservation at the forefront of growing populations, especially towards dealing with lower socioeconomic classes. If it’s in 2012 or an upcoming year, I know I change in global mindset is coming—most likely about the environment.

    I am very hopeful about this year because of what I’ve seen happening in Greenheart Travel, and the changes that have begun in my own life.

  • An Unexpected Piece of Home, in Italy

    by Courtney Bettin, Greenheart Travel High School Student in Italy

    I’m finally beginning to feel like a true Italian. I know the perfect time to get up for school while allowing maximum sleep time, the best place to stop for coffee, how to cross the street safely, and that only skinny jeans are allowed out of the house. I even crave Napoleon Margarita pizza in the middle of the night.

    Last weekend was San Sebastiano day so I went with Avery and a friend from school to see a play. It was in Italian, obviously, so I didn’t pick up a lot of it but it was funny anyways and the actors were fantastic. As we drove home you could see rows and rows of little stalls down the streets of the town all lit up by light bulbs hanging down from the awnings. It was beautiful.

    Yesterday, Alessandra took me out for my first Italian coffee. The cups are so small they look like they belong to a child’s tea set and I felt like a giant holding it, but it’s no wonder the cups are that small, the coffee is so strong! It’s delicious, everything here is, but it’s very distinct.

    Last week I was sick so I didn’t get back to school until today and Mr.Guarnaccia’s asked me to put together a spelling bee for his students. I was also introduced to an English teacher from England who will be teaching a couple days a week for the next little while. She’s really nice and I’ve agreed to help out with one of her lessons about education and the difference between European and Canadian school systems.

    This weekend for the first time since I got here I found myself truly bored. My host sisters were both out, it was too early to talk to anyone from home and Avery was busy. When you’re going to go on an exchange you have to try and prepare yourself for everything both packing wise and emotionally. I had prepared myself for the homesickness, although tough at times, I prepared myself for culture shock, I even prepared myself for the possibility that I wouldn’t get along with my host family, or that I would get along too well and wouldn’t want to come home. I was completely ready to come here and BECOME Italian. To participate in whatever unusual activity they asked, try whatever strange looking food they offered and laugh at myself when I can’t pronounce that one word correctly. The last thing on my mind was that I might be bored at some point. And, as weird as it sounds, it was a comforting feeling. I may be thousands of miles away from home, with no family or friends, in a country famous for it’s dazzling colors and awe-inspiring landmarks, but I can still get bored.

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  • Teaching in Korea; Exactly What I Should Be Doing Right Now

    by Carrie Richardson, Greenheart Travel Teacher in South Korea

    Thus far, teaching in Korea has been so good to me. I live in Daegu, but I have three schools in Seongju, about an hour west of Daegu. Definitely the countryside. I carpool to all of them and the commute really isn’t bad. I hop in a car, put some headphones in, and I’m on my way. All of my co-teachers/coworkers have been so accommodating and kind. I have a native Korean teacher in every class I teach, but I really only have five actual co-teachers. All of my schools are incredibly small; 47, 22, and 11 students. I teach K-6 grade and all the students are almost always fun and respectful. I did have to do my first serious reprimanding of a student today which included me having a talk with the student during their recess, but that all went over smoothly.

    Living in Daegu has been great! My first choice was Busan. I visited Busan over Chuseok and I actually became even more grateful for being able to live in Daegu! I loved Busan, but Daegu seems like a more adaptable speed for me, being a foreigner in a new country. Only two subway lines and everything is rather accessible and easy to get to. Lots to do, and the deals on shoes are amazing!

    My apartment is rather spacious compared to some of my friends apartments, I hear. I have an extremely pink toilet… and sink. Adds character, I guess. It’s basically three rooms: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom. I think the best thing about living in this apartment really is that I live right across from Keimyung University, so everyone around my area is young and hip and there’s plenty of things to do right where I live. There’s also a plethora of university students that want to practice English so I’ve been approached a lot, which has been kind of nice.

    In fact, on my first night in my apartment I didn’t have internet. I went and sat on some random stoop with my iPod touch to Skype with a girl from orientation who was feeling equally as lonely. I was mainly focused on the screen but I soon looked up and saw 9 lanky middle school-aged boys surrounding me, and they were just wanting to talk. It was kind of nice. Anyway, so as far my apartment goes, come February I am able to move to a different apartment if I want to, which I might do. I have no objection to living in a nicer place, maybe not above a restaurant so there aren’t any strange smells. I think that’s my apartments only downside, but it’s not really that bad at all.

    There have been periods of no internet, or having little time at school to write since all my free time is regularly taken up by trying to communicate with and learn about my coworkers. I have so much I’d like to share with people though. I feel as if I am doing exactly what I should be doing with my life and I’m so excited. I’m so thankful I came across Greenheart while researching teaching in Korea. I’m so grateful for EPIK orientation as well. You meet a ton of people, all of who are in the same boat as you, not to mention all of the potential couch surfing opportunities you leave orientation with! I now know quite a number of culturally diverse and supportive people in a wide array of Korean provinces. Currently the only real dilemma I have, and can’t stop thinking about, is where to take my vacation!

    I still haven’t been to Seoul but I’m sure that’s coming soon. When I got to Korea a friend of mine that I was close with in high school but hadn’t seen in a couple of years, messaged me telling me he was teaching at a Hagwon with his girlfriend in Seoul. They headed down to Daegu the first weekend I was here, and hopefully I’ll be visiting them soon. So far I’ve been to Jonju, Daegu, Seongju, Goryeong, Busan, and Ulsan. Hopefully Seoul, and Gumi soon.

  • 12 Days and Counting; Reflections on How Studying in New Zealand Was Different than Expected

    by Paige Diller, CCI Greenheart Travel High School Abroad Participant in New Zealand

    Coming into my last 12 days in New Zealand, I’m finding myself quite confused. Though 12 is a very small number, I still feel as if I’m ages away from coming home. I have less than two weeks left here, and I find that the individual days go by slow, while the countdown is reaching top speed. Though I’m very excited to come home, I’m equally as sad to leave my family and home here.

    My stay here has resulted in being much different than I expected. When I left the States, I expected more of a vacation for 4 months than anything. Though I’ve been to many exciting places and seen many beautiful views, these four months have been an experience of meeting new people and building friendships. The family and friends that I’ve met here have proven to be the most important part of my stay.

    For anyone that is considering traveling abroad, or preparing to travel, you should prepare yourself not for a vacation, but for a normal life, with the excitement being meeting new people from all over the world, learning about them, understanding their perspectives and personalities, and appreciating them for the heritage and culture they live in. I can say from my experience, that though it’s definitely been hard a points, meeting new people from all over the world (in my experience: Japan, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand, England, etc) has been wonderful. I surprised myself by how fast I was able to make friends, and have really enjoyed the time I’ve been able to spend with them.

    I’ve also found it to be a wonderful experience to live with a host family. This also comes with it’s difficult times, but once you start to know them, and spend more and more time with them, you’ll start to really love and appreciate them more then you ever thought you would.

    With only a week and a half left, I’ll start packing soon and saying my goodbyes. The rest of this week we will have a few more field trips, tomorrow’s trip (weather permitting) will be a surfing lesson. In the past week or so we’ve been kayaking and sailing on the Wellington Harbor, visited a bird sanctuary, fed chicken legs to pet eels, been to the beach (a few times), went swimming, and many more things.

  • Chicago Scholarship Winners Define What it Means to be Rich in Costa Rica

    Last July, Greenheart Travel awarded Chicago high school students with a volunteer trip of a lifetime to Costa Rica. Not only were these students able to immerse themselves in a new culture, they were also able to get a glimpse of the role they play within the global community. Below, each student shares a bit of insight into what it meant to travel to a foreign country and how this adventure changed their perspective on what it truly means to have a “rich” life.

    by Liliana Devila

    I think it’s extremely important to get out of your comfort zone, because it allows you to experience so many new things. Plus, this trip allows you to be someone you may have always wanted to be. With the hike and zip-lining, I learned that I’m a really brave person and can do all that I have set my mind to do. As long as I believe in myself, all is good. I would describe it as being a rich day, we do so much that showed us a lot. Live in the moment, take it all as it comes. Get closer to your buddies that came along, build bonds, be grateful that you got such an amazing opportunity. You are one of a few. And last of all, enjoy yourself wholeheartedly. The advantages and opportunities I’ve been able to experience have helped me learn to be more grateful as a person.

    By Shakira Gibson

    Upon arrival to Costa Rica I noticed a certain sweet presence from people. When I saw all the trees and mountains and exotic animals, that’s when I knew I wasn’t in the U.S. anymore. I’m learning that it is so good to try new things. If you don’t you’ll never know what anything is. Pura Vida! The living style of Pura Vida is the smartest way of life to me. It’s so calm and happy. It seems as if everything is handled calmly and everyone approaches life with open arms. I may try to live this way. Try new things just to say “Yeah, I did that.” When hiking, I learned that there is way more to me than people see. All people see is the surface when there really is much more. I also learned that I am able to try new things and step outside the box. The greatest take away I have is to be grateful for what I have at home. After being here, I learned that being rich has nothing to do with the materials you own. It’s about using what you have; appreciating what you have and not taking things for granted. Family, necessities, shelter, that is what being rich is about.

    by Maricarmen de la Rosa

    Today we went to volunteer and feed the animals at Proyecto Asis. There were monkeys, pigs, birds, racoons and a sloth. When the guide described the history of Proyecto Asis, I was happy to know that there are people that care a lot about the animals. Some of the animals have been mistreated by other people, and Proyecto Asis took them in. My favorite animal, I will say, is the monkey Cebollito. He is the youngest monkey. It was an amazing opportunity to feed those beautiful animals.

    I was lucky to see Costa Rica from many angles and see how truly beautiful it is. I would describe it as a rich life, not many people get the opportunity to do what I did. To be surrounded by nature in the middle of the forest is a rich life. This program has made me grateful of what I have and even prouder to be bilingual. I am more aware of the environment now and have different views.

    I will continue to live Pura Vida in Chicago by being more environmentally conscious, not only myself, but I will inform the peers that surround me. I will also be more thankful about the small things in life because those small things make a big difference. The past week in Costa Rica has proven to me that being rich is not about having big luxurious things, but by having basic essentials like food, water, shelter and a loving family.

    If someone was unsure about traveling, I would tell them that traveling will give them an experience that would last a lifetime. I think I have been shaped by Costa Rica in a positive way, and I became more confident and calm. By volunteering, people are promoting helping others and it’s even better to volunteer abroad because then other people from different parts of the world get influenced to help out as well. People then get a sense that they are not alone.

    by Eric Garcia

    I will continue to live the Pura Vida in Chicago by becoming more environmentally friendly. This trip has definitely changed the way I viewed things. I realize that being rich and having it all doesn’t mean anything. You can be less fortunate and still have a home, a family, a car and a garden full of fruit trees. Not having money with you all of the time can contribute to your happiness. I managed to live without my cell phone for 10 days, and it felt great to not use it and spend time with my host family. I feel sad to leave a beautiful family behind, but I know I’ll visit them in the future. My trip to Costa Rica has definitely been a shape changer for me. Helping feed the wild animals was one opportunity many will have have, and I was very lucky to be able to go through that experience.

    by Erica Valentin

    There is nothing more enriching than knowing that you are surrounded by nature. There is no car, train, bus, or machinery voice like in the city. Every day is a new beginning, new adventure here. There is no stress, no problems, no city blue toxic smoke to breath in that slowly poisons your soul. I really had an amazing experience in Costa Rica. My host mother Dona Maria was the nicest and most heart-warming person you will ever meet. Her food was so delicious and she was always smiling. If one of my family members was unsure about traveling I would tell them to just go for it. They need to open themselves up to new things and learn from experiences. This trip has made me appreciate my family and everything that I have in my life. Volunteering could make people realize how much the world is in need and teach them to be less selfish. Traveling to different countries to do volunteer work would make people more aware of the problems around the world and give them a change to help change it.

  • Photo Essay of an Outdoor Adventure in New Zealand

    photo essay by Paige Diller, CCI-Greenheart Travel High School Abroad Student in New Zealand

    My last post explained the New Zealand adventure hiking and rafting. Included are the photos from one particular course that I did, that was terrifying, but I’m so proud of myself that I did it. You had to climb up a ladder, then continue up a tree (with pegs in it), to about… 30 meters in the air. Once you get to the top, you have to stand on the top of the pole, which had a diameter a little smaller than the length of my foot (and I wear a size 6).

    You don’t have anything to hold on to while you’re up there, other than your own harness ropes. Once I finally got both feet on the top, my legs were shaking like crazy. From there, I had to jump a few feet into the air and catch a bar, like a trapeze act. It was unbelievably scary. But I did it! It was awesome. I was also the first person to do it, so it was a special honor.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Hiking Through Swampland, Paddling Through Rapids and Jumping Off Tree Tops in New Zealand

    by Paige Diller, CCI-Greenheart Travel High School Abroad participant in New Zealand
    This past weekend in New Zealand has been very exciting (as well as very tiring)! On Thursday, we left school and headed to Otaki for our Outdoor Education Class trip. It took only an hour to get to our camp site, but it felt like we were in a different world. The first task of the day was a 5 hour tramp. We walked/hiked through the green hills of Otaki up the inclines, then down again, then around the swamp, then through the swamp, through the wind, through the wind, and through the cold. Though the conditions were extreme, it was an incredible experience. Anywhere we went, there was nothing to see but rolling hills cut into a valley by three rivers that met in the middle. We tramped across open fields and through dense bush that made me think we were in the tropics somewhere. Regarding the swamp, our group was very lucky. We only have to walk through with the mud going up to our knees, but other groups, didn’t realize it was shallow at parts, and waded through with the mud up to their chests!

    When we finally finished our tramp, we set up the camp site and settled in for the night. After a scary story or two (one about possums…), we headed to bed. Quite honestly, I was not excited for the next day. I slept for a grand total of maybe 4 hours that first night. All that time that I laid awake was spend thinking about the white water rafting we were doing the next morning. I was NOT looking forward to jumping in cold water after a cold night of no sleep.

    The next day, we got up, packed up camp, and attempted to mentally prepare ourselves for rafting. At the rafting place, we got suited up in our wetsuits, splash jackets, and life vests. We separated into groups for each boat and set off down the river. White water rafting that day was incredible. I can’t believe I started off the day dreading it. The water was cold, but I got used to it very quickly and couldn’t have enjoyed myself more than I did. We learned the commands from the guide in our boat; “Forward paddle,” “back paddle,” “left side forward,” and so on. Our boat worked great together, we got pretty good with keeping our paddling in time. At one point, we had to jump out of the boat so that another person on the boat could rescue us. When our boat’s guide, Steve, asked for a volunteer, I was the first to go in- flipping backwards of the side. After we practiced rescues, we had to do another exercise, this one quite scary. We were told that we had to flip the boat upside-down and then climb onto, while still floating down the stream. It was the scariest part of the whole experience, but very, very cool. I’m glad I got the chance to do it.

    After rafting, we changed back into dry clothes, had lunch and then headed to the high ropes course. (I didn’t know what that meant at first, so: high ropes is beams and ladders and wires that are stretched high up between trees. You wear a harness, and have a belayer on the ground keeping your harness rope taunt. You have to maneuver through the course that you are on. The main part is keeping your balance and not letting your nerves get a complete hold over you.) I was completely terrified at first. Well, I still was every time I climbed up a tree. But it was awesome! I’d never done anything like that before, and I’m not so sure I’ll ever get the chance to do it again. There was one particular course that I did, that was terrifying, but I’m so proud of myself that I did it. You had to climb up a ladder, then continue up a tree (with pegs in it), to about… 30 meters in the air. Once you get to the top, you have to stand on the top of the pole, which had a diameter a little smaller than the length of my foot (and I wear a size 6). You don’t have anything to hold on to while you’re up there, other than your own harness ropes. Once I finally got both feet on the top, my legs were shaking like crazy. From there, I had to jump a few feet into the air and catch a bar, like a trapeze act. It was unbelievably scary. But I did it! It was awesome. I was also the first person to do it, so it was a special honor.

    Though I was very nervous about the trip to begin with, with not knowing many people, and being apprehensive about rafting and camping in general, I’m so very glad I went. It was an amazing experience. The rafting was definitely my favorite part. Not only was the activity exciting, but the river we were on was absolutely beautiful. When the sun finally came out, you could see all the rounded rocks at the bottom of the river. The walls of the river were green and covered in beautiful trees and vegetation. During a calm part of the river, we even saw a sheep and her two baby lambs! They were so cute!

    Thank you to everyone who has sent me letters or cards. They are much appreciated. It’s so very exciting to hear from you on the other side of the world!

  • Observations on the Price of Beer, Bathroom Conditions and Classroom Behavior While Teaching in China

    by Sean Reed, Greenheart Travel Teach Abroad Participant in China

    Getting to China for my English teaching position was not that easy. It took 3 flights and over 20 hours of flying. I arrived in the Fujian Province’s capital city of Fuzhou (Fu joe) around 11PM Saturday the 27th of August. Immediately I realized how hot it was there. I mean it is hot in South Georgia too but it is a different kind of heat. To me it is more dry. I meet Helen, she is my school’s (Fuzhou #8 Middle School) contact person who is responsible for taking care of all of us foreign teachers. She arranged a ride into Fuzhou for me and had me dropped off at my apartment. Once there I saw that it was a nice looking one bedroom studio with a nice view of the city and an actual, “Western toilet,” that you could sit on. This was a huge step up from my living situation in the Republic of Georgia.

    The next day I met Amy and Tess, the two other Greenheart Travel teachers that were assigned to my school. They had arrived in Fuzhou two days before I did. They took me to get my phone service and to show me around. The first thing I noticed was that there was a McDonald’s right down the street from my apartment. The second thing that I noticed was that it was open 24 hours a day. However, unlike the ones in Eastern Europe, this one did not serve beer (pea joe).

    I spent the first couple of days in my new city getting my medical exam done and buying the things that I would need for my apartment, like beer. Right away, I noticed the price differences between China and the U.S. A beer only cost 4 Chinese dollars, which is about 80 cents in the States. You can easily spend 20-30 Chinese dollars on a meal which is only 3 to 4.50 U.S. dollars. However, some things are more expensive here then they are in the U.S. For example, Nike shoes are about 50 dollars more then back home.

    We were invited to a dinner at the school prior to the first day of school. At that dinner we met all of the principals and the headmaster and some of the other teachers. We ate a delicious assortment of seafood (the big industry in Fujian). It was all very nice. Two days later, school started. My class sizes are any where from 25 students to 57 students and last 45 minutes long. I have found that most of the kids are well behaved and polite. Obviously, there a couple of bad ones here and there but good for the most part.

    One problem with the students is getting them to stop talking. They talk constantly, and of course, in Chinese. I am able to teach my lesson and get them to be quiet when it is important but I have noticed a constant lack of respect. I believe that the Chinese students will never respect me as much as they respect their Chinese teachers. I suppose that is normal. Either way, I am very happy to be teaching here and proud to be involved in this experience.