First Term Memories 1999 2003 update - visit    HVTTC today

!! And so our first term this year came to an end - and the firecrackers started. The New Year Celebrations began in December and continued right on until February - with delicious Jouzi and beautiful fireworks. Students departed and Staff and children alike excitedly began preparations for the Spring Festival !!

We had two 'highlights' to our first term. The first was the '50th Celebrations of the People's Republic of China' and the other special highlight was our production of the play 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. Everyone could participate in the wonderful 50th Celebrations - and they did!! Our 'troupe' who performed 'A Christmas Carol' - astounded everyone - particularly themselves - by learning their parts off by heart in the few weeks we had to prepare.  Our performance was so popular that we were asked to perform at another College.  Thanks to the excellent actors and artists - a real 'team' effort.

The other highlights of this term have been to visit Kaifeng (above) the ancient Capital City, and..... the wonderful mountainous area, Taihang, where we ascended some 1000s of feet on a 'railess staircase'.  Views are absolutely 'breathtaking'.>>

As well as teaching and sight seeing - I have been delighted to entertain - and be entertained by numerous visitors.   As this year I am the only 'foreigner' at our College - there are lots of people who like to say 'hello'.

We have used classic and contemporary  articles, poetry and literature as our mediums for study. Particular emphasis has been  given to speaking and listening skills. Encouragement has been given for using the existing programs in English in the media.  These are of a high standard and have contrasting viewpoints as the sources are from within China and  various countries outside.

This first term has been so rewarding.  I've taught  7 - 2 hour classes and English Corner.  My students are undergraduates and post doctoral students/teachers. We have used excellent set text books and have also used individual studies and ideas. All students are particularly interested in contrasting cultures and customs between different countries.  This makes an excellent platform for the learning of English.

First Term Memories 1999 2003 update - visit    HVTTC today

Student's >>

Since coming to Henan Vocational Technical Teachers College in September of 1999, I have been astounded by the kindness, diligence and generousity of the students. I have enjoyed so many delicious meals that the students have prepared.  I have been given so many lovely cards, foods and other gifts.  The generousity that has been shown to me is quite amazing and I am full of gratitude. Not only are students hardworking, respectful and innovative;  they are also very polite and humble.    I believe these are special qualities found amongst these students particularly, in my experience, which makes teaching a joy!!

Fellow English Teachers at HVTTC

I have received many wonderful essays and letters Here is one that is typical of so many. It shows the pride students have in their College, their Country and their Families.

The Museum in Nearby Zhenzhou

Hello - Greetings from China ! China is an ancient country with a history about more than 5,000 years.  The Ancient China has achieved a brilliant civilization.  She has many outstanding scientists, thinkers and artists, such as ... KONG ZHI, BI SHENG, XU BEI HONG, CHEN JING REN, oh, and I nearly forgot LI BAI and DU PU.  They were great poets in the Tang Dynasty.  They have made outstanding contributions to the progress of the human being.  China is very large and beautiful.  She is rich in resources and population.  She covers 9600 thousand kilometers in land and has several thousand kilometers of sea belongings.  This adds up to 23,000  km.  There are about 1.25 billion people, this number was praised to be a good one in the 70's of this past century.  It indicated a strong country, and we had a population increase.  Now we have a policy 'one child, one family' which is also beneficial to China. I was born in 1980, my birth beyond the plan, which is difficult for my parents.  They have worked very hard for us and I want to honor them. I was very happy to be admitted to Henan Vocational Technical Teachers College where I can study IT/computing and have a chance to study well. Since the reforming and opening up, China has taken a new look.  We have established our own system of industry, the excess of export has increased steadily for many years. Since 1840, China has always been under a situation of being influenced by western countries.  Now she is becoming stronger and stronger.  Lots of foreign capital has followed in. We also have many famous factories.  Chinese fridges, VCDs, colour TV sets and washing machines are famous and competitive. China has 23 Provinces and 4 Special Cities, which belong to the Central Government.  Beijing is the Capital, which is the political and cultural center of China.  Shaghai is the largest economic center.  China is progressing quickly. Because of former policies - China has a strong desire to know more about the West, but there are still strict controls concerning morality in the forms of magazines and contents of TVs and radio programs.  Our Foreign English Teacher appreciates this very much because she tells us there are not such controls in the West. You will enjoy visiting China greatly, Fen Cheng Hua

Me outside our beautiful New Library

Zaijian - Thank You for Visiting and Come Again.