Volunteer in Yangshuo, Guilin and Learn Chinese

Unlike four years ago, when I first visited China, it is no longer possible to install a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your cellphone or tablet after arriving in China. VPNs are necessary if you want to use Gmail or visit common websites, such as Facebook, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and TripAdvisor. Sometimes the government is successful in blocking the VPN for days. So, it makes sense to set up an Outlook account through Microsoft prior to going to China, as the government does not interfere with Outlook.

If you study Chinese, you can take Mandarin lessons for a half-day or a full day. My lessons ran from 9:25 in the morning until noon, with two short breaks during which students would socialize, play a quick game of foosball and get some tea or coffee. At noon, we went into the basement (see attached picture), where about 100 students from both schools would gather to take lunch together. After lunch, I would rest, then study some Mandarin, take care of email and read the news.

Some afternoons, I would meet for an hour with a Chinese language partner. We tried to split the time between Chinese and English, so both of us got a chance to practice the language we were studying. At 5 pm, I would meet with a Chinese national student for one on one discussion in English. At 6 pm, I took dinner with the other students. At 7 pm, I returned to the English Academy for one hour, providing English conversation for 3-6 English language students.

On Wednesdays at 4 pm, the school would have free cultural activities, such as a lecture about the Beijing Opera, making Chinese moon cakes, tea tasting and learning about other aspects of Chinese culture. Thursdays are Social Nights from 7-8 pm, at which time students from both schools took part in activities together at the English School.

I have traveled extensively for many decades, so I did not have any fears. I was concerned, however, whether I would be able to master the ability to use Asian squat toilets, as squatting in a low position is a challenge. Fortunately, there were Western toilets not only at the Chinese Language School but also in most public parks. Remember to bring your own toilet paper.

Yangshuo is a small city of some 400,000. It is a throwback, a trip back in time. It has no skyscrapers. The tallest structures are apartment buildings, which are generally only seven floors. There is an open-air vegetable and fruit market. It is common to see vendors at random places in town, spreading vegetables and fruit on mats on the sidewalk. Periodically pick-up trucks appear, carrying truckloads of pomelos, walnuts, watermelons, and other fresh produce. Traffic is very light and moves at a leisurely pace of perhaps 20 mph. The city is extremely safe. For breakfast, I got most of my food - mei fun, bean pancakes, dumplings, etc. - from street vendors. It was tasty and very inexpensive.

Yangshuo is surrounded by karats, beautiful steep mountains that are shaped like upside-down ice cream cones. It has been said that the producers of the movie Avatar drew their inspiration for the movie's scenery from Yangshuo.

What type of people attend both schools? The students in the English Language school generally range from 25-35 years of age. They come from all over eastern China. In many cases, they have quit the jobs and left their spouses and children to spend three months, six months or even a year at Omeida, so they can improve their English skills and get an even better job upon returning home. They are very hard-working.

The students attending the Chinese Language school are mostly in the 18-35-year-old range, although perhaps 15% were older, with the oldest one being 68 years of age. They come from all over the world. Some are taking a gap year after high school or university. Others are studying Chinese to enhance their job prospects in the fields of engineering and finance. Then there are those with considerable job experience in one field but have stopped in order to explore other career options. There is a wonderful camaraderie between the students of both schools.

It is very hard to choose one, as the list is endless. But one of the most favorite would be hitch-hiking to Morocco from Spain and meeting a local student in Tanger, who then invited us to visit and stay with his family in another town called Tetouen. We spent a night in his place and it was unbelievable.

His family opened not only their arms, but their hearts to us, strangers from another part of the world. We cooked food together, drank tea, shared stories with each other. His family trusted us; wanted to share everything they have, even though they did not have a lot themselves. They even gave us gifts! Moroccan hospitality at its best! World IS a beautiful place, let’s just not be afraid to embrace it.

Omeida Chinese Academy is like a big family. There is this very warm and positive atmosphere around the school, everyone is smiley and happy, willing to help each other, share stories and laughs. Students tell me that they never feel alone here!

We (Chinese teachers and other staff) do many outdoor activities together with students. Last weekend for example we went camping to this huge cave that has a mind blowing view to the Limestone Mountains, we made a fire, sang songs and cooked food. Unforgettable memories for sure!