Ruben has been studying at Yunnan University in Kunming since August, as part of his studies sinology. First, to improve his Chinese, but he teaches much more than that. He learned some Chinese quote in this article. Ruben: "It is an incredibly enriching experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life." I recommend it to everyone. ".
Ruben (21): "I follow some language courses with other foreign students (grammar, writing, reading, listening and speaking). However, studying is not the only thing that I do here. Last month I gave five weeks of English lessons at a primary school in the countryside. This was accompanied by Stepping Stones, a non-profit organization from Shanghai that sends volunteers to schools to teach English. The organization is committed to good and equal education for children from different backgrounds.
In the journal
It was the first time I stood in front of the classroom, and I learned masses of it. How to be creative for example. A class with 60 students buoys is not apparent. Game elements helped to make the lesson exciting and to make sure they got the learning material to master faster. Moreover, fixed routines with which I started the experience and ended as well. In the end, the children were very enthusiastic and motivated to learn English.
While I was there taught my colleague asked me if I saw it interview a friend of hers. I saw an interview for the local newspaper though, so said yes. Great was my surprise when a camera crew arrived a few days later. They followed me a whole afternoon, and the report came in the local journal. It was quite strange to see myself on television, but also a lovely reminder of my time as a teacher!
Large and diverse
China is a large and diverse country. When you are traveling, you notice that there are many differences between the north, east, south, and west. Not only regarding landscape-from mountain ranges across desert areas to idyllic beaches-but also regarding people and culture.
The food culture, for example, varies significantly from region to region. In Sichuan and Hunan provinces they eat a lot of hot dishes, while in the south they have a much more neutral kitchen. There are also 56 ethnic groups in China, each with their specific traditional costumes, rituals... Furthermore, the difference between the city and the countryside is enormous. In Shanghai, you are surrounded by skyscrapers, while the country is still quite primitive. This diversity is very fascinating.
Freedom and Responsibility
The first weeks were adjusting. You will find yourself in a new environment where you know no one and where everything, in the beginning, is still strange. That's getting used. However, I made friends quickly. Moreover, enjoyed stepping by step to discover my world. It helped Kunming to be a charming city to live. Just big enough. I live in a student house at the university. My room and bathroom are not very luxurious, but that doesn't bother me.
What I do if I do not study? I speak with friends, discover new places in the city and do chores: washing, shopping, arranging administrative things... I have much freedom, but also much responsibility. Here everything comes to my shoulders. Then you only realize how easy your life is in Belgium, where mum and dad take care of everything.
Snutten and spitting
By getting in touch with another culture, I am more consciously beginning to think about my own culture. In China, for example, you regularly see people spewing in public. We Belgians find this weird and dirty. On the other hand, we use fabric handkerchiefs that we put back in our pocket or handbag after use. This is what the Chinese look like, it teaches me not to judge too quickly about people and to bring their habits and respect for each other's differences.
Some things annoy me occasionally. It at times chaotic traffic for example. There is much to be said, but in contrast with Belgium, this rarely has an aggressive meaning. It's instead to let you know: "Beware, I'm there!". Moreover, I also don't like the exaggerated attention I sometimes get, just because I'm a foreigner.
Later
My year in China has so far been a great experience. Of course, there are times when I would have preferred to be at home with friends and family. With Christmas for example. However, all in all, I feel very well here. Moreover, what is the future? When I return to Belgium in July I have to study for one more year and then we see. "
