Francesco Angrisani joined our projects in Villas Royal School in Dongguan in the summer of 2017. Please read on to hear about his experience:

 

Please can you tell us about some of your most enjoyable moments of the trip?

The Chinese people, with whom we worked, were friendly, nice and kind. They made me feel very welcome. My students were amazing, so friendly; I started to miss them the day after that my programme was finished. I really appreciate to be in contact with a culture and traditions different from mine, I enjoyed talking about our differences and our similarities. The Chinese dishes were delicious. In addition, the last week in Yangshou was the icing on the cake.

Which were the highlights of the lessons, cultural excursions and outdoor activities?

After teaching, I organised some games or activities about the topics covered in which. Generally students challenged each other. This was one of the best parts of the lessons because the students were really engaged and motivated. I have to say that my Chinese students were really friendly so during excursions, it was nice to spend time with them, talk and do activities together. I remember an episode that I enjoyed particularly, in which we had to prepare dumplings. We had a lot of fun, we were covered in flour, but at the end, we ate all together the food that we have prepared.

How would you say the overall experience has benefited you?

Actually, I am trying to become a fully qualified maths teacher, therefore, even if the subject is different, this experience helped me improve my teaching skills. I made a lot of new friends, with whom I am still in touch, and not only between the other participants of the Gotoco project, but also between locals. I am thinking to go back to China to meet them. In addition, I was able to discover one of the most ancient cultures, which has always fascinated me.

What was the best thing about your experience in China?

The best thing was to be in contact with a culture different from the Western one. I travelled a lot in my life and I have been in contact with different cultures, and any of the latter taught me something. Therefore, it was amazing to discover something new about the Chinese culture every day, about their traditions, their dishes, etc. Chinese people are nice and friendly and I really enjoyed the time spent with them.

Would you recommend participating to a friend and if so why?

I will definitely recommend to my friends to participate in the Gotoco project. I am thinking of participating again next year if I have the time. It was a great experience, flying to the other side of the world and be in contact with one of the most ancient and fascinating culture. In addition, you will have the possibility to make new friends, not only from England but also from many different places around the world.