Hello everyone!
It is not yet my turn to blog, but I am one of the few students with internet access, so I hope I can give enough information to get us started. You will have to forgive my English. I find myself speaking and writing all the time as though I were talking to a Chinese person in simple English with many gestures.
We arrived in Shaoguan on January 3rd.. I was in one small group that came from Hong Kong, while others came from Ghangzhou and other places. We were picked up at a bus stop by a group of very excited Shaoguan students. When we got on the bus that took us to the university, it was as though someone had pumped laughing gas into the bus - everyone was giddy with excitement. We got to campus and met our one-on-one Chinese buddies that accompany us almost everywhere. From the minute we stepped off the bus, we have been more than warmly welcomed. Everyone has been very eager to help us and we are very grateful. So far we have visited the Nan Hua temple in Shaoguan, seen a Chinese high school, and done a little shopping. It was very interesting to see the high school - the students treated us like celebrities, took photos with us, and even asked for our autographs. Many people are alarmed by the recent influx of westerners. We have found many differences in our cultures so far, but our goal is to focus on appreciating those differences and recognizing our similarities. As Nan Hu, our accompanying professor said in an opening ceremony we had on Shaoguan's campus, we hope to see both the good and bad with clear eyes and minds.
Well, we have a long day tomorrow beginning our on-campus courses. More details on our exciting trip are to come! But for now, zai jian!
- Ashley Krautkramer, marketing major
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