Margaret Kuhns joined our project at Shenzhen No. 2 Vocational School in summer 2017. Please read on to find out more about her experience:

 

Could you please tell us about some of your most enjoyable moments of the trip?

The students were really kind and funny and I enjoyed feeling independent and adventurous. I saw really interesting sights that were very different from my home. My best experience was renting a moped in Yangshuo and driving around the countryside and seeing Waterbuffalo.

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

My school did not have a lot of organized activities and had no excursions or outdoor activities. There seemed to be poor organization. They mostly left me to myself. The best activity was a Chinese cooking lesson.

How would you say the overall experience has benefited you?

It improved my confidence and perspective as well as gave me experience travelling abroad on my own. It improved my maturity and ability to command a room and instruct students. Helped me to navigate travelling on my own and dealing with unfamiliar situations.

What was the best thing about your experience in China?

The overall uniqueness and adventure of the experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to challenge myself, I saw how people live outside the US and it gave me a better understanding of how things work beyond my small realm of past experiences. As well as the friendliness of the Chinese people and that you never knew what each day could hold.

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

Yes, because I had a great experience.