Did you say China? By Jacqueline Thomas

Did you say China? 

By Jacqueline Thomas 

Yes, it’s an amazing place where I had the opportunity to spend the month of July as a volunteer English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in Jiaozuo, Henan Province.    The trip was organized by the Crane House, Louisville’s own Asian cultural center offering educational and cultural programs to help Americans and Asians become better acquainted..  You, too, can volunteer for the summer of 2011 ! (http://www.cranehouse.org)

Before my voyage, I was probably like most Americans who know little about China, its geography, language, food, and people.  My eyes, ears, taste buds were ready for my Chinese reality check! 

My expectations of old buildings were shattered when we landed in Shanghai where the population is estimated between 13 and 17 million.  With the current World Expo 2010 in progress, the city has exploded with new roads, buildings, offerings for travelers.  We rose to the  100th, and top, floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center.    Quite a view and a glass floor to see down!  Then, back to our hotel on the Transrapid Shanghai Maglev Train.  It runs via electromagnetic levitation about 1/2 an inch above the track at a speed of nearly 250 miles/hour.  That’s modern! 

Then on to Jiaozuo, Henan province where many more surprises awaited me. 

Jiaozuo is about 450 miles southwest of Beijing, a little bit further than from Louisville to Atlanta.  It is inland and has the same climate as Louisville, just add about 50% more humidity and more pollution.  The town was considered middle-sized for China with a population of 3.5 million inhabitants.  Henan Province, one of China’s 34 provinces, is about the size of Kentucky and West Virginia combined.  BUT, it has a population of 92 million people i.e the equivalent of the populations of California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, AND Kentucky combined! 

My teaching assignment took me to the Jiaozuo Teachers‘ College, a three-year college which prepares students to join the ranks as educators.  My first surprise was to learn that 40 to 50 students in a class was a ‘normal’ size for China.  Yes, that’s normal with so many students to educate.  On the other hand, with no discipline problems, I’ve never experienced such an easy task dealing with such serious, enthusiastic, warm students!  It was a pleasure to help  them in their quest to master the English language.  One student stated at the final evaluation session, “I have now addicted myself to the gorgeous world of English!”   What teacher wouldn’t be proud...   

Go to China for yourself and be amazed!