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October - November 2004
Inside this edition:
Discovering Beijing in the Fall
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The above photos were taken by visiting international WLE staff from our
Sweden, US, Germany and Japan offices – Beijing, October 2004 |
Beijing is probably its most beautiful in the fall. Vendors sell roasted sweet potatoes on the street, leaves are changing colors, and the days are crisp and cool, but sunny. This is the perfect season to explore the city and that is certainly what the WLE students have been doing in between classes for the past two months. From visits to local markets, to touring Beijing’s most popular sites, experiencing China’s artistic history, and taking part in a national television program, there has been something for everyone to help them immerse in China’s local culture and language.
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Student Excursion – “The Antique Market” Panjiayuan
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| Kirk especially fascinated by the lanterns |
WLE students gathering at Panjiayuan entrance |
Small treasures |
The ideal time to go to this bustling antique market is Saturday or Sunday morning – and the earlier the better if you want to find the best bargains. On a chilly Saturday morning in November a group of WLE students paired up with their Chinese language exchange partners and made their way to Panjiayuan, everyone ready to search for genuine antiques, try their hand at taojia huanjia (bargaining), and practice their Chinese language skills. There are about 3000 stalls at this market and the aisles between the stalls are often packed with other shoppers and antique enthusiasts. Here you can find anything from old clocks and photographs, to a wide array of ceramics, jewelry, history books about the Communist Party, antiques from Tibet, and Chinese paintings and calligraphy. “Duoshao qian?” – how much is it? “Tai gui le!” - we would often reply (too expensive). It is easy to want to spend an entire day here because there is so much to see. After several hours of conversation and wandering through this huge market our group was definitely ready for a hot noodle lunch before diving back into the piles of knick-knacks and throngs of people.
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| Robyn looking for holiday gifts with some help from her LEP (language exchange partner), Yun Yun |
Chinese artifacts and knick-knacks
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Yuko from Japan with her Chinese LEP, Gao, who also speaks Japanese |
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| Baltsezak showing off local fans |
Ancient Chinese statues |
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Social Activity - Kaoya Beijing-style 烤 鸭
How can WLE students study in Beijing and not taste the famous kaoya! This tasty duck is one of the city’s trademarks and definitely Beijing’s most well-known cuisine. Even if you don’t think that you like duck this version is worth a try because it is simple perfection – roasted crisp on the outside and tender meat on the inside.
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| David, Sebastian, Annli and Danielle smiling over their feast |
Rave reviews for the kaoya
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Kentaro and Adnan exchanging opinions on their favorite way to eat this Chinese delicacy |
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| Katie, Jim and Julia ready for the kaoya to arrive |
Friday night and kaoya - a perfect time for students to bond |
At the end of October the WLE group activity was to one of our favorite restaurants in Beijing for kaoya. Located right in the Haidian district and only about 20 minutes from the WLE office, we did not have far to go for this delectable meal. After navigating through some Friday night rush hour traffic we certainly were ready for a feast when we arrived at the restaurant and a feast it was! The chef carves the duck right at the table and the tradition is to enjoy the duck meat with a thin pancake together with plum sauce, scallions, garlic and cucumber. Feichang hao chi! There is nothing like a cold evening, a cozy restaurant in Beijing and a delicious local meal to make us feel like we are really a part of this city.
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After-Class Electives – Chinese Painting 中国 国 画
Chinese painting is an ancient art form in China, communicating many facets of Chinese culture and history in its presentation. Each month WLE students can choose from a variety of electives, including Traditional Chinese Massage, Chinese Calligraphy, Hanzi writing and also Chinese painting. In the Chinese painting elective students experience first-hand this amazing art style, taught by Zhou Hao, a graduate from the Central Institute of Fine Arts. Zhou Hao is currently one of the professors at that acclaimed institute. Previously Zhou Hao had been teaching art at Huazhong Normal University.
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| Adrian demonstrating smooth strokes |
Zhou Hao laoshi showing the perfect technique
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The class absorbed in improving their painting skills |
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Weekend Excursion – Ming Tombs 十 三 陵
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| In front of the Dragon-headed Turtle – Christopher, Thomas, Adrianna and Lily |
WLE students being introduced to the history of the Ming Tombs by the professional guide
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Dragon-headed Turtle Tablet Pavilion |
Thomas and Adrianna walking down the Spirit Way |
When it comes to Saturday, this means putting the books down for a while and heading out to discover some of the many fascinating aspects of China’s history. On October 23rd this was just the case when WLE students signed up for the excursion to the Ming Tombs. Emperors who ruled during the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) were buried in this location just 30 miles (19 km) from Beijing. The setting of these tombs is spectacular with mountains on three sides and visitors have the opportunity to view 18th century Ming sculptures in their original environment. Now only three of the tombs are open to the public, but we had the chance to look at the Dingling Tomb which is the tomb of Emperor Wanli who reigned for 48 years as the 13th emperor of the Ming dynasty. This tomb was discovered in 1956 and when the underground palace was unearthed a tremendous number of precious cultural relics were excavated. The entire palace is made of stone with exquisite construction. Nevertheless the highlight of this site is walking down the beautiful willow-lined Spirit Way between the stone figures, imagining the mourners of old carrying the emperors to their burial place. Being out of the city, viewing some of China’s rich history and geographical beauty made this outing superb!
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In the Spotlight – CCTV 9’s UP CLOSE
As part of the Total Program in China, WLE offers a number of different opportunities for students to be immersed in Chinese language and also in the local Beijing social and business communities. Recently we presented our WLE students the chance to gain an insight into China’s broadcasting and be a part of a show that is viewed by millions. CCTV is China’s major national broadcasting station that offers a wide range of channels and programs for the country’s viewers, including an interesting and informative channel, CCTV 9, geared to the English-speaking community in China.
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| Robyn and Fabien eagerly waiting for the start of the program |
Before the taping, WLE student Fabien has a chance to present information about WLE…and sing a song
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'Up Close' guest Fidel Ramos, greeting our students |
One of the interactive talk shows on CCTV 9 is UP CLOSE with host Liu Feifei who interviews different people from various walks of life. On this particular occasion the guest was former President of the Philippines, Fedel Ramos. Members of the audience had a chance to ask questions and then shake Mr. Ramos’ hand at the end of the taping. Robyn Mar who was there said “it was all very exciting and even though I didn’t know a lot about the Philippines beforehand, I am sure glad I went!”
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Touch Rugby Team – The World Link Warriors
With all of the excellent food that Beijing has to offer and with the colder days, one needs a way to work off the extra pounds that may accumulate when you are studying here in the fall. Joining the local touch rugby league is one way of staying fit! This year our WLE touch rugby team was second-to-none, boasting an enthusiastic group of students who joined forces to play some competitive rugby on Saturday afternoons in October and November.
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| Emma advancing |
The World Link Warriors with coach Johnson-Hill before the first game of the season
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Dominic, Santiago and Julia on defense |
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Student Interview: Paul Hardy
 Name: Paul Hardy
Country of Residence: USA
Citizenship: American
Profession: Student
Educational Background: BA in Administration with an emphasis in Law
Brief Work History: Intern at a start-up software company, loan officer
Languages Spoken: English, Chinese and survival French
Hobbies: My hobbies vary from sports (such as basketball and swimming) to drawing and food sampling. Most recently I have been converted to rugby and am now a proud member of “Beijing Di Tunr,” BLCU’s rugby team.
Is this your first time in China?
No, I spent a year in Chengdu and Sichuan, and some time in Hong Kong.
Why did you decide to study Chinese Language and Business?
I believe China is the future of international business and I have aspirations to start a consulting firm here. After researching programs online WLE was the obvious choice considering the comprehensive Total Program offered.
How are you finding your studies in China?
The advancement in my spoken Chinese far exceeds my goals and my professors/tutors have been a great help through my struggles.
Have they been what you expected them to be?
WLE has surpassed my expectations of service, especially outside the classroom. As a Total Program student I have enjoyed many benefits, from the newly improved Total Program Lounge to the step by step assistance that I received while acquiring my residency permit.
How do you like Beijing?
Beijing has a culture of its own which I enjoy. I also love experiencing the diversity of outlying cities. My all time favorite part is the Pizza Hut when my stomach desires a taste of home.
What do you find most interesting in Beijing?
On top of China’s diversity, I enjoy its rich history. It’s incredible to see a place that’s been influenced by thousands of years of culture.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Beijing/China?
My favorite memory is my trip to the Great Wall at Si Ma Tai with Mr. Jing, a WLE driver, and my family. It was a beautiful day of quality time with my family while I practiced my Chinese with Mr. Jing. He also showed us great local attractions and one of the best restaurants in the area.
How has your experience in China changed you?
This experience has solidified my dream of working in China as well as changed my perspective on many things.
What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
The diversity of the landscape throughout China, from the mountains and plateaus of Tibet to the deserts and grasslands of Inner Mongolia. But my favorite aspect, by far, are the people and their friendly disposition.
Will you come to China/Beijing again?
Beyond a shadow of a doubt
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
Be patient and open-minded because China is a world of its own and is going to surpass all of your expectations. Also be flexible because the Chinese do a massive amount of tasks in their own time and fashion which may not be yours. |
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