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Today was a quite day for Ms. Lee and I but the reports from the
students having a free day and their last day with their exchange
students were great. Some went sight seeing, shopping or finally gave
in to their American taste buds. What I mean by this is they talked
their exchange families into having McDonald’s or even Pizza Hut for
Lunch. I think this made them feel better after eating Chinese food for
12 days. All of the students are reporting a good time with all their
exchange students and could not believe their time had passed. Many
said it was nice to spend this day with not only with their exchange
student but their parents, because school here lasts until 9:00 PM most
times. Then the students do homework so it is hard to have
quality time with the parents.
Last night the students had a farewell dinner that was given by the
Hanan Experimental School. This was a buffet style dinner and was very
good. All the students received a gift from the school as a thank you
for being here. After the dinner we then showed the videos that the
class put together, this included the music video and stereotypes of
Americans. Both were a huge hit! Also parents be prepared for your son
or daughter to ask about Australia. The other day we meet a couple,
Diane and Dr. Paul, who teach at the school, they teach English, Science
and Math, plus they are from Queensland, Australia. Recently 25
students in the international program of Hanan Experimental School
passed the AISLE tests, which I believe is an ESL test for International
students to pass before they attend a University in Australia. This is
a huge ordeal for these students because now they can go to Australia at
a prep school and then to a University. This achievement is in large
part to what Diane and Dr. Paul was able to accomplish with the
Australia program. Anyway, Dr. Paul runs some adventure trips in
Australia and the kids were excited about what he does. It does sound
really neat from what I heard! So be prepared for questions about
this! Now back to the China Trip!
Overall the Cary Academy community should be very proud of the program
Ms. Lee has put together here with the Hanan Experimental School and the
way our kids acted and spoke Chinese. Many of the Chinese students and
other people were amazed at the conversation our students could carry on
with their host student or other people. I know I am because a couple
of times they helped me communicate what I wanted to drink or buy. The
Hanan Experimental School is also excited about the prospect of their
students being able to visit our school. This will be a big ordeal to
them since Cary Academy is the first American Sister School they have.
Also the best compliment we can get about the kids has happened two
times that I know of. Both times we were told that our kids were
respectful, paid attention, were kind and had great manners. Parents
and administrators are allowed to smile now, because I know we did.
On
a funny side the kids are starting to realize the trip is coming to an
end since we go to Beijing on Sunday, June 5th. Many have stated it
will be hard to step off the plane in America and not get stared at or
be asked for a picture, but at the same time it will be really nice not
to have this happen. So, when you see them give them a big hug first
because I know you will want to, and then ask for their picture and see
the look you will get.
Signing off for the night!
Shout out to:
Diane, Barrett, Alec and Jillian, I miss you all very much and will see
you soon. Mom and Dad in NJ all is well and I am safe (even the
chaperones have their parents to worry about them)! |
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