All posts tagged: campus

International Culture Week 2011 – Grand Finale

Published by Sula H.

We’ve done it! Finished another culture week. And today was the grand finale, celebrating songs and dances from various cultural backgrounds. Being me, of course, I’m gonna allow you a peek of some of the eye candy we got to have. Here are some pics … And here’s a short clip to give you an even better idea of some of the performances …   Saying Thanks … Lastly, I want to say thanks for living in such a culturally diverse environment, which really helps me to look at life from a different perspective.

Culture Week – Day 5: North America & Australia

Published by Sula H.

Of course, next to China Day, North America Day is probably the most popular day of culture week. No wonder – Most foreign teachers don’t need to teach on Fridays, which means they have plenty of time for games and fun activities. It’s about America, and of course it’s a pride thing to make sure America is well represented. Right after lunch, I made my tour of the square and I was quite entertained by what I saw … My Canadian friends organized a street hockey game. And probably the most interesting part of all was when the students saw the hockey sticks and asked us what they were for! So, I learned today that the average Chinese person doesn’t have a clue what hockey is! Of course, once they started playing, the students figured things pretty quickly. Lady Gaga & Lady Liberty posing back to back, and the students (though clueless as to who those figures were) loved to pose with them for a photo opportunity. Saying Thanks … Finally, I don’t want to …

Fest of Cultures – Day 4: Europe

Published by Sula H.

Finally, Europe Day has arrived! This means playing on home turf for me. Except that it’s basically looking at Europe from an American perspective since as the only European around, I’m just a tiny minority! So, I’m never really sure whether I should be amused or annoyed at all the medieval artifacts my American colleagues dig up to represent Europe. It’s not quite what Europe is like, and it’s certainly not the way the Chinese perceive Europe, in whose eyes the European continent is highly developed, modern and sophisticated. But I’ve given up hope trying to convince my American colleagues to point out some of Europe’s modern accomplishments (such as soccer, European cars, developments in renewable energies/environmental protection, tourism, etc. to mention just a few). And so I’m puttering around between medieval castles, Viking ships, and the guillotine, thinking to myself: “I’m sure I’ve ran into one of those Vikings in Europe before … just can’t quite remember where exactly … but certainly, they must be out there somewhere …!” Anyways, I still had fun …

Culture Fest – Day Two: Asia

Published by Sula H.

I was having fun at culture week again, today. This time, I took some of my students to the main square, and I had a blast just watching them. Seeing their faces light with excitement at all the things they could try or play – it was almost like Christmas! We took lots of pictures, tried some Indian tea (chai tea), and  some snacks from Bangladesh. They were eager to fill their (fake) passports with (fake) stamps from various countries, and took part in making origami frogs that they’d have to race afterwards. And I? I got to be the celebrated celebrity once more (whether I like it or not). Just being out there, surrounded by my group of students, made other students assume that I was part of the fairground attractions – ergo: a constant flow of requests to pose for pictures with them. So, my pointer for you today: If you ever want to feel like a celebrity, just come to China, and you can be sure to get lots of attention, I …

Culture Week 2011 Day 1: China

Published by Sula H.

The biggest event of the year is here: Culture Week. Every year, for a whole week, our school celebrates the different cultures of the world, and as usual, China makes the start. So, right after lunch I went to check out the square, and look at all the things I found … I have to admit, it still fascinates me to watch Chinese university students get all excited about buying stuff no one really needs, or eating cotton candy, or blowing bubbles, but hey, there’s a child in every one of us, right? By the way, wanna take a look at some real action? Watch this guy: He only needs a couple of seconds for each painting. I guess that’s the way to make money – after all, his paintings sell like hotcakes!

Piece of Evidence

Published by Sula H.

There is a German idiom, which literally translated says “to have a stone in someone’s board,” and which means to be in someone’s good books. I didn’t have a stone in someone’s board this morning, but I did have a stone in my breakfast; that is in my breakfast cereals. I guess that would mean I fell out of someone’s favor? Anyways, here’s the evidence: The truth is, I didn’t just have one stone; I actually had two! I must be in pretty serious trouble then, am I not – getting rocks thrown at me in the morning already? Well, it all started with this one little rock. It felt quite unpleasant to unexpectedly bite on something so hard that it almost hurt. But after I found the stone and got rid of it, I didn’t think much of it. After all, this time, I didn’t lose part of my tooth, like a couple of years ago when there was a pretty decent sized stone in the salad that I had gotten in our dining …

What the Midterm Exam Has to Do With Tennis

Published by Sula H.

I’m sure, most students hate midterm’s week. After all, they are being tested. I, however, like the time of midterm exam. Not because I get to give the exam (the freshman exams usually are later than everyone else’s since their classes started late, due to their military training in September). I like midterm’s week, because it means I get to play tennis a little more. All the students who would have tennis class, have to take their exams, which consist of running around the track. So, the tennis courts are open for whoever wants to play, and one of those people enjoying that extra time of tennis would be me! Photo Challenge Day 27: From a Distance

Back to School

Published by Sula H.

Here we go again: a new year of school with new students, a new schedule, new policies & procedures, new lesson plans, and lots of work! But I’m happy to get back to business as usual, and I’m excited to meet my new students; and they are excited because for the vast majority of them I’m the first foreigner they’ve ever talked to! Talking about students who are excited to be in class!

Classes Begin

Published by Sula H.

As of today, the Fall Semester 2011 has finally begun for the freshman students. In order to make up for Thursday’s and Friday’s classes, teachers and students have to attend classes on Saturday and Sunday, a common practice in China.