Fall 1998
Vol 7 Issue 1
IN THIS ISSUE...
Signposts for the New Millennium
Year 2000: Same, but Different
Chinese Higher Education, In My Eyes
Fibber McGee's Closet: Peeking Around the Corner into the Next Millennium
A China Experience
SEE ALSO...
The Labyrinth
Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction
A China Experience: Making Connections With International Colleagues
Carmella Arnoldt, GCC
An Ancient Chinese proverb says that a man is not a great man until he goes to the Great Wall. Metaphorically, this was true for seventeen MCCD faculty who took part in the 1998 Teaching Exchange Program at Wuyi University in Jiangmen City, one & a half hours from Guangdong (Canton), China. Three months have passed since our return; along with many of the other Fellows, I'm sure, this time has allowed me to reflect on a most valuable personal and professional experience.
One of the most striking aspects of spending five weeks in our dorm-like Cultural Exchange Center were the connections developed among the participants. Indeed, we became family, with all of the responsibilities and ties the word implies. If one of us had a difficulty, any number of the others rallied to help. Beyond this, many Fellows developed close ties with our Chinese colleagues and students. Along with knowledge gained from Chinese scholars in history, education, law, politics, and the arts, these classes will influence our teaching in MCCD. After many hours of the traditional lecture methodology, other teaching styles offer great appeal.
Our initiation began after a grueling 15-hour flight and 24 hours of travel; we arrived on a gloomy afternoon in downpouring rain. Half of us did not have our luggage for five days. A two-hour minibus ride to Wuyi offered a first glimpse of the varied countryside: paddies, farms, new and old buildings, and people everywhere. On the bus we were asked to practice a skit or song to present after dinner that night when we would be introduced at the closing ceremonies of the annual Spring Festival. We discovered two important aspects of teaching -- ingenuity and grace under pressure!
It rained that first night, and, with the exception of one or two days, the rain continued for the next three weeks. We were grateful to have air-conditioned sleeping quarters, but we were challenged in other ways. Coming from a dry climate, the humidity took its toll on all of us. Many relied on dry cleaning for clean clothing; other changed shirts several times a day. At mealtimes, where the plentiful and sometimes exotic food was prepared by the gracious and accommodating staff, we exchanged tales of the morning or afternoon's events. Have you tasted night fragrance, a delicate, leafy green vegetable that looks like a cluster of grapes? We loved it. Nevertheless, after several weeks, familiar foods were missed. Despite these minor hurdles, the experience was one of intense satisfaction. It would be difficult to name each of the many pleasures our hosts and friends provided, but a few must be mentioned.
Our colleagues endeared themselves to us in many ways. For example, one rainy night a teacher of foreign language, (English!) hired a van to transport us to the English Salon held in a local hotel conference room. Here, with a few students and workers who meet weekly to practice English, we had tea. Others invited us to their homes for ritual tea ceremonies or exquisite home-cooked meals. The husband of one of the English instructors prepared one of the best. As he hailed from Sichuan, his wife claimed her spouse's dishes were superior to any she could prepare. In addition, her son entertained us with piano music while we ate. These experiences were truly special and often emotionally moving.
Likewise, our professional relationships with many students were special. One delightful young woman invited me to be her American "mother," and Gloria will forever hold a special place in my heart. Perhaps the six of us assigned to the Foreign Language Department had some of the best opportunities, since we were able to communicate closely with the faculty and students. Many of them are preparing for careers in business or education. We talked to them, played cards and games with them, read their papers in the evenings, or simply sat with them. They loved us, and we loved them for many reasons. Their thirst for knowledge, kind manners, and genuine appreciation for us as American teachers were gratifying. This experience will greatly enhance our teaching of our own diverse population.
Our departure receptions gave us the opportunity to speak heartfelt farewells. The room overflowed with camaraderie, joy, and a touch of sadness. But we were not simply left with our photos and memories. We won't forget Tristan; he captivated us with unfailing good humor and love for the English language and American culture. He was also an immense help with the dressmaker, acting as both interpreter and courier. One of our dearest friends in the Foreign Language Department, English instructor Becky Guo, is now at Mesa Community College. With others, by post and email, we continue to enjoy the benefits of sharing professional and personal stories with some very special people -- the students, faculty, and staff of Wuyi University.