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February - March 2008
Inside this edition:
WLE Events - Welcoming the Year of the Rat!
Chinese New Year is one of the most exciting times of the year in China! All our WLE students got together with the Real Life English students to welcome the Year of the Rat and learn a little bit more about the customs and origins surrounding the Spring Festival. The festival marks the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar and is therefore often referred to as Chinese New Year. This holiday is celebrated throughout China and some parts of Asia and is a time for families to gather in welcoming the New Year and saying farewell to the old year.
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| Our 2 MCs of the night, Wang Laoshi and James (US) |
Kristian (Australia) and Patricia (US) tasting their home-made Chinese dumplings! |
Students singing "Laoshu Ai Dami", aka "Mice Love Rice" |
In the week before the celebration, the campus was transformed into a colorful red space as red is the traditional colour for happiness and good luck in China. Hanging up 灯笼 (Deng Long) - red lanterns, posting decorations of 福字 (Fuzi) - character Fu, 老鼠画 (Laoshu Hua) –posters of Rat, and 对脸 (Dui Lian) – sayings of Chinese New Year greetings, brought the spirit of the Year of the Rat to our school
The WLE teachers and staff had prepared a wonderful celebration full of tradition, culture and surprises! As a first surprise, each of us received a 红包 (Hong Bao) red envelope, which is traditionally filled with money and given to children and young people. This is a Chinese New Year custom in order to bring good luck for the upcoming year! Even though our red envelopes were filled with traditional Chinese sayings instead of money we still felt the luck with 5 of us even receiving traditional paper cuttings or big boxes of traditional Chinese candies.
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| Jens (Denmark) learning first hand how to make a dumpling |
Our WLE teachers demonstrating their cooking skills! |
Students receiving traditional Chinese door prizes! |
Our teachers gave us a short but insightful introduction to the origins and traditions of 年 Nian, the Rat and the custom of eating 饺子 Jiaozi on Chinese New Year’s Eve. The second surprise of the evening came when one of BTV-3’s Gourmet Gala expert chefs demonstrated how to make traditional dumplings. Then, with the assistance of our WLE teachers, all the students had the chance to try their own skills making dumplings. The most successful attempts were cooked and all the students enjoyed a dumpling banquet combined with other traditional Chinese New Year foods such as nian gao (rice cakes), hua sheng (peanuts) and kui hua zi (sunflower seeds). |
WLE Events - Getting ready for the Olympics
On 28th and 29th of February, WLE was invited by China’s Public Security Bureau to guest judge their "Speak English for the Olympics" competition.
Held at the Beijing PSB Headquarters, WLE’s Assistant Director of Studies, Pauline Foo and "Teach in China" trainer, David Milner, were chosen to sit on the panel of judges for over 40 performances competing to qualify for the final round. More than 100 of Beijing’s bravest police officers participated in the competition, demonstrating their impressive English speaking skills in a colorful variety of performances that included singing, dancing and passionate displays of acting.
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| Beijing Police Bureau's English speaking competition |
WLE’s Assistant Director of Studies Pauline Foo, Police officer Yang, and WLE English teacher David Milner |
Chaoyang District Competitors |
With the Beijing Olympic Games just 5 months away and the city’s streets fast becoming filled with the chatter of English-speaking tourists, this competition was a great way for the Beijing PSB to show-off their months of hard work in preparation for their role both in the lead up and during the Olympics.
WLE would like to thank the Beijing PSB and Officer Yang for the chance to be honorary judges of such an important event. With the finals just a few months away, our advice is 'practise makes perfect'.
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WLE Events - An Insight to Chinese Media: China National Radio Interview
One Thursday morning, one of our WLE students, Jens had the opportunity to step into the studios of China National Radio. For the past several years, China National Radio has been broadcasting its popular daily program FORTUNE. FORTUNE is a talk show where the CNR presenter discusses Chinese culture and history, and China today alongside the personal views and perspectives of the guest. On this occasion Jens was the guest of honour for the recording session!
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| Jens (Denmark) with CNR FORTUNE's presenter |
During the hour long program on CNR, Jens discussed his interest in Chinese language, Chinese culture, travel and the reasons that brought him to study Chinese here in Beijing . He even had the chance to sing "Molihua", a traditional song known to most Chinese people.
It was a very educational and fun experience for Jens, who not only gained a deeper understanding of Chinese Media but also had his voice broadcasted to millions of listeners! Oh and we seem to have forgotten one minor detail - The entire interview was held in Chinese! Great job Jens!
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WLE Fall semester Graduation Day
How did the fall semester pass by so quickly? It feels as though I arrived in Beijing just a few days ago, when in reality it has already been 5 months! It was a wonderful experience studying Chinese language with WLE during the fall semester. The classes were fantastic! I arrived as a Total Beginner yet now when I go to the Silk Market I can purchase my clothes at an even cheaper rate than any Chinese locals could ever imagine.
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| Graduation cake! |
Susanna, Qphill, Rebecca, Jenny, Joakim with our WLE teacher, Wang Laoshi |
Joel, Michael, Dino, Emily, Eva and Kathrin with their WLE teacher |
You are probably saying to yourself, "How on earth is this possible?" Well this is the result of 5 months studying 20 hours a week with the wonderful WLE teachers. In my beginner class there were only 6 students and I’m sure this is one of the reasons we all progressed very quickly in the language. Our teacher Li Laoshi was really devoted to us and she gave us plenty of good advice and tips on how to live and survive in Beijing. She made sure we learnt how to give directions, order food in restaurants, and bargain at markets and shops. These and many other useful topics were covered during the first couple of months and made our lives so much easier!
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| Holly, Kelsi, Simon, Jean-Claude, Boris and Patricia with our WLE teacher Li Yu Ping |
Lara (Spain) and Eric (Sweden) thanking their teacher |
Nicholas and Avram (US) with Liu Laoshi |
It was such a great experience coming to Beijing to learn Chinese with WLE! I really enjoyed learning not only a new language but also a new culture and it was an amazing opportunity to meet new people and also make new friends. The WLE staff always cared about each student’s individual comfort and needs. I will really miss my classmates and all the friends that I met during the semester here! But as we say in French, "Ce n’est qu’un au revoir, mes frères!"
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WLE Elective - Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy (书法) at WLE Shanghai
At our Shanghai campus WLE students had the opportunity to learn the basic forms of Chinese calligraphy. They really enjoyed discovering the ins and outs of this traditional art that has been practiced for thousands of years.
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He Laoshi teaching Jacob the basic
rules of Chinese calligraphy |
Juan (Colombia) and our WLE teacher |
As most of the students had only recently arrived in Shanghai, this interactive elective allowed everyone the opportunity to practice new found Chinese skills outside of the classroom while learning about this traditional Chinese art. During the four sessions of the elective many Chinese calligraphic skills were developed, from the way we hold the brush, the movements of the brush and all the way through to learning Chinese characters!
It was an enjoyable way in which to gain further understanding of traditional Chinese culture. For nearly everyone it was the first time in writing calligraphy and learning about it. This hands-on approach to learning was enjoyed by all, and everyone had the chance to see the masterpieces that were created displayed throughout the WLE Shanghai campus!
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WLE Excursions - The legend of Gong Fu
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On the third Friday in March, our WLE students were invited to watch one of the most famous Gongfu shows in Beijing, The Legend of Kung Fu. The show follows the story of a young boy found wandering outside an ancient temple. Like every boy in China, he dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master. On the road to enlightenment the young monk encounters many difficulties and temptations.
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Group picture in front of
the Red Theater |
Athletes in action |
At the end of the amazing show |
It was a very memorable evening! With an average age of 17 years old, the performers were all well-trained and put in one of the most energetic performances in Beijing!
Everyone has their own highlights from the show, but were all in awe at the diversity of skills on display. From the strength and athleticism of the male performers, to the grace and balance of the female performers, the show is a fusion of modern dance and Chinese traditional arts and was certainly a unique and spectacular performance.
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| Mark (US), Juan (Colombia), Arjun and Martin (Sweden) posing with the performers |
Students learning from the youngest athletes of the show! |
Paula and Eileen (US) having the chance to pose! |
We were all left impressed, amazed and almost speechless at the tremendous skills and artistry that were demonstrated
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WLE Social Night - Tasting Traditional Chinese Hot Pot (火锅)
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After settling in at the school and having already started Chinese Language classes, it was time to attend a WLE social dinner to get to know each other a bit better outside of a classroom too. Celebrating the surprisingly quick end of the Beijing winter, we ventured out in Haidian district to taste traditional Chinese Hot Pot.
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| Ivan (US), Usa (Indonesia) and Juan Pablo (Mexico) trying Hotpot for the first time |
Shawn, Joseph, Conor and Juan enjoying cooking their own meal |
At the restaurant, we were greeted by the very enthusiastic wait staff who had already prepared individual hot pots for us. Who knew that in China you can go to a restaurant and cook your own meal?! We took our seats and with the help of the WLE staff and the waiters we started ordering vegetables, fish, and meat for the pots. After a short briefing on Chinese Hot Pot - first, choose a broth for your pot (from non spicy to extremely spicy!), then choose a sauce (favourite sauces include the sesame sauce majiang and the spicy oil la jiao you), then start boiling the ingredients in your own individual pot - we were then able enjoy the most important part, the eating!
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| Welcome to the traditional Hotpot Restaurant |
Students enjoying the delicacies |
Our new students enjoying their first social dinner |
It was great meeting with all the new students and the friendly WLE staff where we could all talk and laugh over a traditional Chinese hot pot.
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WLE Martial Arts - Benefits Of Practicing Martial Arts
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Many are finally beginning to realize all the wonderful benefits that martial arts have to offer. Properly practiced martial arts can bring about a number of beneficial physical and psychological effects. Many of the physical benefits of training resemble those achieved by any other form of exercise usually which involves a period of warming up, stretching, then training. The exercise one gets from martial arts training improves balance, flexibility, stamina, and posture. Weight loss is promoted through extended cardiovascular activity. On average, those who practiced martial arts had 12% less body fat than those who had no training.
These are all results of long term martial arts training and these physical changes are easily noticed. Other health benefits associated with Martial Arts include, but not limited to, lowering of blood pressure, increase in anaerobic power, fat loss and encouraging a healthy way of life.
Overall, studies have verified that properly practiced marital arts can bring about positive physical and psychological changes.
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WLE Beijing Chinese Language and Business Program Interview
 Name: Eva-Maria Glatz
Country of Residence: Germany
Citizenship: German
Profession: Student
Educational Background:
general qualification for university entrance
Brief Work History: part-time work as a fashion guru for Pepe Jeans
Languages Spoken:
German, English, French, Spanish, Romanian and Chinese
Hobbies:
Thai boxing, dancing Salsa, going to the gym, partying (laughs)
Is this your first time in China?
No, the 2nd time!!!
How are you finding your studies in China?
Generally pretty cool and exciting, but also exhausting at the same time.
Why did you decide to participate in the Chinese Language and China Business Program?
I needed a timeout from Germany and I didn't want to "waste" my time as I still haven't finished my Business Languages and Management studies in Munich.
As Chinese is becoming more and more popular and as I am – of course- interested in management and learning foreign languages, I decided to come to Beijing and participate in the Chinese Language and Business Program.
Have they been what you expected them to be?
Except from the holiday part: Yes!
How do you like Beijing?
I love Beijing even though living here is sometimes a real challenge. You have to get used to how certain things work here! The city never sleeps and it changes constantly.
What do you find most interesting in Beijing?
The contrast between the sights and the really modern business towers, life generally and Beijing being a real melting pot. I also have to mention Sanlitun!
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Beijing/China?
Shopping at the supermarket! Quite adventurous if you don't speak any Chinese!
The whole grocery shopping procedure took me 3h the first time!!!!
Oh yes! My first day at school! It was so exciting to meet all the people and of course writing my first characters was really cool and unforgettable….
Yeah, seeing all the people I met last time in Beijing was amazing, too.
How has your experience in China changed you?
It has definitely changed me! I am definitely more open because I met so many people from so many different countries. I made a lot of friends here and taking the challenge to live in a foreign country like China definitely improves your self-confidence!!!!
What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
Sanlitun and the blue WLE sofa.
Will you come to China/Beijing again?
Definitely I will come back as I would like to work here after finishing my studies in Germany!
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
Study hard guys cause the characters are really hard to memorize ( I know what I am talking about!!!). Don’t sit on the blue WLE sofa cause once you sit on it you’ll never make it to class! Ask Laurianne if you have any problems or questions
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WLE Shanghai Chinese Language Program Interview
 Name: Ronny Muetschele aka 莫瑞宁
Country of Residence: Germany - 德国
Citizenship: German
Profession: Diplom-Kaufmann (German Business Degree)
Educational Background:
Alumnus of Humboldt University Berlin 校友的洪堡大学，柏林
Brief Work History: Since 2003 - Managing Director of Takom Technologies IT-Services
Languages Spoken:
German,English
Hobbies:
sailing 航海 Table tennis 打乒乓球, travel 旅 行
Is this your first time in China?
No, I've been in China for one week 3 years ago.
How are you finding your studies in China?
Amazing! The staff at ACLS Shanghai is extremely nice, friendly and helpful. I especially like the small size of the classes and the intimate atmosphere at the school. All the teachers are very professional. In my opinion it's very positive that the staff at ACLS Shanghai is rather young. Learning from people of the same age facilitates discovering as well as understanding cultural differences and creates a relaxed learning environment. The most interesting experience while studying in China is continuously discovering aforementioned cultural differences. Especially between Chinese and Western people, but also between the various people from all over the world studying at the school.
Have they been what you expected them to be?
Yes, and the vast majority of surprises have been pleasant ones. It was interesting to see that there are surprisingly many cultural differences between people from all over the world often carelessly - even by themselves - summarized as "Westerners".
How do you like Shanghai?
Shanghai is an awesome city! Although it is just as little China as New York City is the US or Paris is France. Coming from a western country a city like Shanghai eases becoming accustomed to the Chinese way of life and thinking. As far as nightlife is concerned Shanghai definitely ranks among the top cities in the world. Whether you're looking for expat-laden venues or real Chinese places with a mainly local crowd, Shanghai is the place to be! The city doesn't offer much in terms of ancient Chinese culture, but its own history over the past 100 years, especially in the 1920s and 1930s, makes it a very interesting terrain to explore.
What do you find most interesting in Shanghai?
The strife of China to become a global superpower is probably nowhere in this country as evident as in Shanghai. The sharp contrast between economic superlatives and a people deeply rooted in their fascinating more than 3000-year old cultural history is highly interesting and sometimes even breathtaking. That's Shanghai! In Shanghai it's easy to forget that China is a Communist country - a system I, as a full-fledged democrat, do not at all believe in.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Shanghai/China?
-The 10km hike on the Great Wall between Jinshangling and Simatai was the most spiritual experience in China, probably one of the most spiritual experiences in my life.
-Eating Beijing kaoya in Beijing was definitely the most tasty experience. Closely followed by eating xiao long bao at that bustling place on Shuicheng Nan Lu.
-Finding a taxi in the Shanghainese rush hour on a rainy day was the most annoying experience. -Enjoying the nightlife in Shanghai was the most partysome experience.
How has your experience in China changed you?
I truly believe so. Although I'm not yet able to grasp the full extend of the change.
What is the thing you like best about Shanghai/China?
It's so much different from what I've experienced so far!
Will you come to China/Shanghai again?
Definitely, in fact I'm glad to be able to stay for at least 6 more months after the end of the ACLS program.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
Do it! It depends on your personal preferences if you'll come like China or not, but there is no arguing about the fact that it is an experience worth making. As far as I'm concerned I very much cherish my time here.
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