Max Armitage joined our project at Zhuoyue English College in Yangshuo in the summer of 2017. Please read on to view his feedback:
Could you please tell us about some of your most enjoyable moments of the trip?
The children were great, so energetic and fun. One of my favourite moments of the trip was the big water fight we had with the kids on a Friday afternoon. What started off as a simple water game turned into a fully fledged water fight where everyone got completely soaked.
Which were the highlights of the lessons, cultural excursions and outdoor activities?
Cycling and driving around Yangshuo on a moped was always very enjoyable and relaxing and arguably that was one of the highlights of the trip. Just exploring the countryside truly is amazing.
How would you say the overall experience has benefited you?
It has benefitted me as I have more of an understanding of Chinese culture and the customs and I have made so many friends and it has really opened my eyes to China which before I thought was a bit of a hostile place to foreigners but in reality everyone is so welcoming and friendly.
What was the best thing about your experience in China?
Interaction with the students was always extremely enjoyable and it is such an amazing feeling to feel needed and wanted by the students. so probably the best thing was just speaking to the natives and making friends with them.
Would you recommend participating to a friend and if so why?
Yes definitely, it is so much fun and you learn so much about Chinese language, culture, the people as well as learning a lot about yourself in the process and who you are as a person. In addition, China is such an amazing and beautiful place.