Robert Jenkins joined our project at Yangzhou Global IELTS in summer 2017. Please read on for his feedback:

 

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

I went on trips to Nanjing, Hangzhou, Shanghai and the Yellow Mountains, all of which were fantastic – Shanghai and the Yellow Mountains were particularly impressive, for different reasons. Yangzhou truly is an excellent base for traveling.

I played in a football tournament in a truly international team of expats against Chinese teams through Spencer, a member of staff from the school who always made me feel very welcome. He was a great guy. Playing football gave me the chance to meet new people and see how Chinese people view several important features of life; competition, athleticism and relaxation.

I anticipated enjoying the travelling; what I did not expect was how fun I would find the teaching.

The other interns were lovely.

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

Discussing fascinating elements of Chinese and global history with the students was always enjoyable. Meeting hundreds of new people in the classroom was always enjoyable.

In terms of outdoor activities, I loved experiencing the natural beauty of Yangzhou and more widely, China. Yangzhou is home to a number of beautiful gardens which I enjoyed roaming during my free time.

How would you say the overall experience has benefited you?

It has increased my confidence no end and made me realise I want to travel more in my working life.

It has also changed my perceptions of Chinese society, if not the Chinese state/CCP. I found myself surprised at the level of freedom many people enjoyed, particularly having come from a Western country where the state restricts some personal liberties.

What was the best thing about your experience in China?

Being able to take each day as it came in an environment that illustrated both the East’s natural beauty, its economic progress and that challenged and massively rewarded me.

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

I would massively recommend it; it is a fantastic opportunity.