|
 -
October - November 2007
Inside this edition:
WLE Shanghai - Experience Old Shanghai
After an intense week of Chinese language studies, we had the opportunity to go back in time and visit Shanghai as it was some thousands years ago.
Arriving at the main entrance of an old part of town, we were eager to learn about the famous history of this cosmopolitan city.
 |
 |
 |
| Students and Chen Laoshi in front of the oldest Tea House in Shanghai |
Juan (Colombia) and Helene (Cyprus) posing inside the garden |
A magnificent view inside the Yuyuan Gardens |
Starting off as a small harbor and then transforming itself into a large international metropolis, Shanghai represents a thriving intersection of Western and Eastern culture.
The wonderful Mr. Alex Xue, our tour guide, introduced us to the many faces of this modern city by first taking us to one of the most famous classical gardens in China, the Yuyuan Garden . This garden was build by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) named Pan Yunduan. Originally built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age, the garden was named 'Yu' because of its Chinese meaning ( 'pleasing and satisfying'). Wandering between the long corridors, pavilions, streams and courtyards, we learnt about Chinese gardens as well as the history of Shanghai!
 |
Chefs preparing the most famous Xiaolongbao in Shanghai |
Having been informed by a fellow classmate who had heard that one of the most famous Shanghai snacks was the 'Xiao Long Bao', we decided to eat at one of the most prestigious restaurants in old Shanghai. After lining up and waiting for our turn, we finally got a chance to bite into our Xiao Long Bao! And what delicacies they were!
The Xiao Long Bao was truly one of the finest Chinese Bao's I had ever tried! After the meal, we decided to stay on and wander between the many antique shops and learn more about the Chinese culture.
|
WLE Beijing - Wandering Around the Forbidden City and its 9, 999 Rooms
On a beautiful and sunny Saturday morning, a group of students went to visit the Forbidden City - one of the most popular tourist attractions world-wide. It was time for some culture and history as we headed out for our WLE weekend excursion.
 |
 |
Students learning about the history of
the Forbidden City from our guide, Richard |
Mariana (US) appreciating the sheer
immensity of the Forbidden City |
Most of us had not had the chance to visit this legendary historic attraction, while others had been there several times before. It was great to be taken out by the friendly WLE staff and the English speaking tour guide to learn more about the world's largest palace complex.
The Forbidden City is surrounded by a six meter deep moat and a ten meter high wall, inside there is a total of 9,999 rooms, all located in different buildings. Within the walls there are spaced out houses, surrounded with exquisite gardens and parks.
 |
 |
| The spectacular Forbidden City |
Collection of ancient soldier uniforms |
Living in Beijing without visiting the Forbidden City is almost impossible and after listening carefully to our guide we truly gained a better understanding about the long and intricate history of this magnificent place.
This visit to the magnificent Forbidden City gave us a deeper understanding of the background, culture and history of China. Gaining such gems of knowledge undoubtedly complemented the language skills we were learning in classes. Visiting these places and seeing them with our own eyes further evokes the thirst to learn the language and more about this ancient country.
That day, we all went home with cameras full of pictures, spools of history and trivia facts floating in our heads, and the renewed desire to explore more of this great country and its language.
|
WLE Events - Insight into the Chinese Media: CCTV9's "Up-Close" Program
On a Sunday morning, our WLE students stepped into the CCTV9 television studio. At first, we were quite intimidated by the sight of cameras moving around and capturing shots of us smiling nervously.
 |
 |
Jan (Germany), Sabrina (Germany),
Cynthia (Canada) and Julien (US)
in the audience of Up-Close Program |
Jan (Germany) listening to the cautious
advices of Mr. Ghaffar Pourazar |
The host of the show 'Close Up' introduced Gaffar Pourazar, a British animator who was consequently moved by a showing of the Beijing Opera in London, that he left everything he had in England to join the Beijing Opera.
Gaffar's experience as a member of the Beijing Opera was very interesting. Gaffar not only struggled as a foreigner facing language barriers in China , like many WLE students, he also had a difficult time learning the movements seen in the Beijing opera, due to his late training. He began training at the age of 36, and portrayed that most members of the Beijing Opera begin training at the age of 7!
Gaffar's explanations were accompanied by a number of visuals and demonstrations presented by Gaffar himself, and other members of the opera. Yan (Germany) and myself, Mariana (USA), volunteered to try some of the instruments on stage! Apparently it takes 7 years of training to master playing each of the four instruments!
 |
 |
Mariana (US) learning the
traditional Peking Opera music |
Waiting before the checking to enter
the State Media Center in Beijing |
Thanks to the talk show, we learned a lot about the music, movements, costumes, and stories behind the Beijing Opera. It was a very educational and fun experience for us WLE students, who not only gained an understanding of many aspects of the Beijing opera, but will also appear on Chinese television!
|
WLE Electives - The Chinese Go Game
|
During the month of November, we were immersed into a worldwide game that more than 50 million people currently play, the Chinese Go or . With Mr. Allan Gao's experience and knowledge, he gave us a valuable introduction to this traditional game, one of the four Chinese Arts, along with Music, Calligraphy, and painting. Developed in China between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago, this game is the oldest strategic game contains astronomy, philosophy, psychology, tactics, tai-chi and Taoism.
 |
 |
| Joseph (UK) and Lisa (Australia) listening carefully to Professor’s Gao advice |
Jan (Germany) learning the strategies from Professor Gao |
During the eighth session of this elective, we were introduced to the specific features of the Chinese Go. Thanks to interactive sessions with our Chinese Go professor, Mr. Gao, we learned the different basic rules of this game that any computer can win!
It was a great cultural experience!! Now, we can practice with our Language Exchange Partners during the afternoons and week-end in our Exchange Area!!
 |
 |
Jan (Germany) and Ashley (UK)
practicing their strategy |
Professor Gao briefing the students
about the basic rules of Chinese Go |
|
WLE Business Program - Consulting in China Seminar
In our most recent Business Seminar Series, WLE welcomed Mr. Kent Matla, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of GNS CHINA and Director & Treasurer of AUSTCHAM BEIJING to give a presentation to our Business students.
With an impressive background over more than 13 years working and living in China, Mr. Matla offered a multitude of insights into doing business in this country.
 |
 |
Mr. Matla, giving a presentation
about operations in China |
Students listening carefully to the
valuable tips of Mr. Kent Matla |
Students were really eager to learn from the consulting industry in China and thanks to Mr. Matla, obtained first-hand knowledge about the market, the cultural differences between the east and the west and managing projects in this local environment. During the presentation, students gained valuable advice about personal and practical approaches to living and working in China .This experience offered an excellent introduction into the challenges of operating and doing business in beautiful dynamic China .
|
WLE Martial Arts Elective - The Qin Na Technique
Our WLE students (a.k.a. the World Link "Warriors") were not sure what to expect when the elective series featured Qin Na. Our instructor gave us a quick verbal introduction of Qin Na and its application and practical instruction.
Qin Na is a set of techniques intended to restrain an opponent by manipulating soft tissue regions and joints. Qin Na also makes use of sensitive pressure points derived from acupressure in order to inflict pain on an opponent when necessary.
 |
 |
Tom (Ire) and Aytene (Ger) practicing
what they have learned in class |
Sara (Swe) and Anton (Neth)
How dare you touch my baozi! |
The term Qin in Chinese means "to seize or catch", and describes the way a snake seizes a mouse or a crane seizes an insect. Na means "to hold and control". Therefore the term Qin Na can be translated as "seize and control".
 |
 |
Tasha (PI) ready to take on the world!
Sara (Swe) and Aytene (Ger) |
Anton (Neth), Aytene (Ger), Tom (Ire)
getting expert instruction from Cui Laoshi |
 |
Tasha (PI) and Cui Laoshi, how to
effectively neutralize your opponent |
These are a few of the applications that were presented: grabbing techniques to control and lock the opponents joints or tendons, pressing techniques to numb limbs, and striking techniques applied to nerve ending sites. We were given warnings that if applied correctly and with precision, these strikes were extremely lethal and could even cause death! Our instructor was very careful in showing us just the basics of this intricate and deadly style.
Coming away from class with this newfound knowledge, we were all thrilled that this was part of WLE's fantastic elective series. It was a fantastic experience to learn one of the effective styles in Martial Arts!
|
WLE Beijing - Student Interview: Lara Verdugo
|
Name: Lara Verdugo
Country of Residence:
China
Citizenship:
Spanish
Profession:
Student
Educational Background:
High School Diploma from Thailand, previously educated in Spain & US.
Languages Spoken:
English, Spanish, French and a bit of Chinese
Hobbies:
Learning languages, meeting new people...
Is this your first time in China?
Yes, it is.
Why did you decide to participate in the Chinese Language and China Business Program?
I studied Chinese in Thailand during my last two years of high school and I decided I would take a gap year to truly get to know the culture and improve my Chinese to a level at which it could be useful. I plan on majoring in International Business and Relations so Chinese is a very important language to have, considering how fast China is growing. The Business part of the program was also a plus for the same reason. I received a lot of insight from the seminars, lectures and on-site study trips. The course was very well organized, varied, and made me feel a bit more confident about doing business with China!
Have they been what you expected them to be?
I had very high expectations of WLE from what I had been reading in the other students' interviews, and they have definitely been exceeded. Teachers and staff are always willing to help you. When you arrive in a country you know absolutely nothing about, including the language, and you have a warm welcome at the airport and are taken to your house, you feel relieved that you don't have to worry about not being able to deal with the police or get around in a cab by yourself on the first day.
I highly recommend the Total Program, as it takes care of all of the details. Also, the different activities, trips and electives spice up the classroom routine, so it's all a good balance.
How do you like Beijing?
It's an awesome city to live in! Especially since it's growing so fast. You meet new many people every day, find yet another great market, and the nightlife is a lot of fun! You have many sightseeing opportunities within a short distance. Things aren't expensive as long as you don't eat out all the time and are a good bargainer.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Beijing/China?
The first time I survived an unexpected phone call in Chinese. I wasn't prepared for it but I was forced by the situation to concentrate, listen and try to respond in my best Chinese. I must have done it well because they delivered my groceries without a problem!
Also, your first bargaining session always marks you. If they say 400 kuai, go down to 40. Seems crazy, but you'll find a middle ground between 50 and 90. You'll still be getting ripped off, but it beats thinking 200 is a good price to pay if they start off at 400.
How has your experience in China changed you?
I feel it had made me mature a lot. Having to live on my own for the first time all of this builds character. Thinking of the future and seeing what knowing Chinese will mean for me when I look for a job, I know I have made the right decision. You could try and learn Chinese in your home country, but coming to Beijing, living the experience and being truly immersed in the culture cannot be topped. You learn a lot outside of the classroom, which is where you're mostly able to practice what you've learned. It's something you can't miss out on.
What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
The opportunities. Just being in the country and learning the language opens up so many doors for you. Chinese food is very tasty in my opinion, but if you feel like Thai one day and Italian the next, it's readily available. Also, the Chinese culture and language are beautiful. You gain insight into their customs, their history, and learn to appreciate what makes them a unique culture. Out of the countries in Asia that I have visited, China is definitely my favorite.
Will you come to China/Beijing again?
Definitely! After being here for a month I was already considering going to university here. Once you arrive, you see so many possibilities for yourself you don't want to leave. Beijing is a very dynamic city to live in, and I would really like to have a chance to visit the rest of China.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
It may sound stupid, but almost every person you meet in China will have a business card. I encourage you to get some made. Another thing, don't be afraid to try street food. It is VERY tasty, a bit fatty at times, but nothing that will kill you.
|
WLE Shanghai - Student Interview: Olga Oosterhof
Name: Olga Oosterhof
Country of Residence: China
Citizenship:
Dutch
Profession:
Bachelor Degree in Hospitality Management
Brief Work History:
• 2003 - 2007: Financial consultant
• 2000 - 2003: Sales officer
Languages Spoken:
Dutch, English, French
Hobbies:
To go out for dinner, traveling and skiing
Is this your first time in China?
Yes.
How are you finding your studies in China?
Very interesting. The Chinese language is difficult, but it is not impossible to learn. I would say you can speak, write and read pretty well in less than one year.
Have they been what you expected them to be?
I expected it to be even more difficult, but the group is small so you can learn quickly.
How do you like Shanghai?
Shanghai is a buzzing city. There is a lot going on here. It is really multicultural and it is much more modern than I expected. There are plenty of restaurants, theaters, sport-clubs and anything you need.
What do you find most interesting in Shanghai?
It is a multicultural city. It is changing and developing every day. It is modern and ready to grow bigger and stronger.
How has your experience in China changed you?
It has not really changed me yet, but I do have another look on China. It is such a great huge country. There is so much going on. It is growing so fast and they seem to keep up with it pretty well. Amazing!
What is the thing you like best about Shanghai/China?
It is a life! It is busy, it is changing, it is the future. I'd love to be back in 20 years' time to see how it has developed.
Will you come to China/Shanghai again?
I will stay in China for the next couple of years. After that I don't know yet, but probably I will come back at least once.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
Go for it!
|
« BACK
|
|
|
Print Page
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)