Hi,
just wanted to give everyone notice that sites have been blocked here.
I can't open my own blog or this blog, so I can't read the comment someone left on my post a little while ago.
I thought it was because of the URL, but it seems that blogger has been limited here.
Also, my aunt said that hotmail has been semi-limited. I haven't experienced it yet b/c I haven't sent a message, but some mail isn't going out.
I'll keep posting as I have access to a laptop.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Student ID
Hi,
Bring your student ID for discounts at museums, great wall, etc.
Also, there's a bank, post office, and two super markets near the complex.
Gotta go, see you soon!
also for some reason, I can't read the comments on this blog. maybe it's blocked...
Bring your student ID for discounts at museums, great wall, etc.
Also, there's a bank, post office, and two super markets near the complex.
Gotta go, see you soon!
also for some reason, I can't read the comments on this blog. maybe it's blocked...
Some general vague outline of the internship
Hi Everyone,
I've met with Brent and he's really nice, very animated.
The Beijing complex is in a neighborhood of apartment building/townhouses. CC rents ~20 units and we'll be living in one of the units. Each unit has a main room, kitchen, bathroom, and 2-3 bedrooms.
These are things he'll let you know later, but you might want to know now.
the children's homes and group homes, and offices are on the same complex. Staff live and work onsite. So we'll be seeing a lot of each other.
There is a washing machine, and AC, wireless. No microwave in the current unit I'm in. I'll be switching units soon, we'll all live on the fourth floor. It could be very hot.
There is a "general" store on the complex, and supermarkets within walking distance.
sorry if I'm redundant sometimes.
Bring a charge converter. Bring breakfast food if you don't want to spend money on it (which wouldn't be much money any ways, but if you have favorites, do bring some). Bring those bars, nutribars or something for snacking.
We don't have a microwave in the unit I'm currently in. Not sure if the new unit does.
Gas stoves.
Cold shower (heater was broken). but it's ok, you'll get used to it :)
We'll be issued cell phones. to be reached 24/7 (according to Brent).
um... one tourist book said to eat the scorpions on a stick. They are creepy looking, saw them yesterday. another book said only tourists eat the scorpions. They don't look very meaty.
Don't know what else to share. Post your comments/questions on a POST, not as a comment. I can't open blogs.
Oh, and some bathroom stalls, no door. There are two buttons to flush, I think the small one is for #1, and the moonshaped one for the other. Different amounts of water.
Probably bring a nalgene bottle, if you reuse the plastic ones here, supposedly there is a chemical released or something... not sure. Don't drink tap water. There is water in a big jug provided by CC for refilling bottles. When cooking noodles, use that water.
ok, not sure what else to say, hope things are well with you all. Someone please bring their laptop :) I can't focus on reading from a PDA.
I've met with Brent and he's really nice, very animated.
The Beijing complex is in a neighborhood of apartment building/townhouses. CC rents ~20 units and we'll be living in one of the units. Each unit has a main room, kitchen, bathroom, and 2-3 bedrooms.
These are things he'll let you know later, but you might want to know now.
the children's homes and group homes, and offices are on the same complex. Staff live and work onsite. So we'll be seeing a lot of each other.
There is a washing machine, and AC, wireless. No microwave in the current unit I'm in. I'll be switching units soon, we'll all live on the fourth floor. It could be very hot.
There is a "general" store on the complex, and supermarkets within walking distance.
sorry if I'm redundant sometimes.
Bring a charge converter. Bring breakfast food if you don't want to spend money on it (which wouldn't be much money any ways, but if you have favorites, do bring some). Bring those bars, nutribars or something for snacking.
We don't have a microwave in the unit I'm currently in. Not sure if the new unit does.
Gas stoves.
Cold shower (heater was broken). but it's ok, you'll get used to it :)
We'll be issued cell phones. to be reached 24/7 (according to Brent).
um... one tourist book said to eat the scorpions on a stick. They are creepy looking, saw them yesterday. another book said only tourists eat the scorpions. They don't look very meaty.
Don't know what else to share. Post your comments/questions on a POST, not as a comment. I can't open blogs.
Oh, and some bathroom stalls, no door. There are two buttons to flush, I think the small one is for #1, and the moonshaped one for the other. Different amounts of water.
Probably bring a nalgene bottle, if you reuse the plastic ones here, supposedly there is a chemical released or something... not sure. Don't drink tap water. There is water in a big jug provided by CC for refilling bottles. When cooking noodles, use that water.
ok, not sure what else to say, hope things are well with you all. Someone please bring their laptop :) I can't focus on reading from a PDA.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
arrived!
Hi everyone,
just wanted to throw together a quick update on how things are here.
I arrived last night and I'm staying in an apartment with other volunteers. There is air conditioning, wireless, and it's a pretty quiet neighborhood.
I believe there is training today, so we'll see how that works.
So I think it's safe to bring your laptops, I'm wishing I did.
Don't forget a charge converter though!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
reply to Anna
Hi Anna,
Good to read about you, I was beginning to wonder if you really got the invitation to the blog or not :) I suppose you're on a quarterly schedule? you got out really late!
I'm really excited to meet a fellow non-Chinese speaker! I'm coming for the babies and the healthcare as well, it's all pretty new to me. You'll have to share all your baby tips with us :)
Linguistics, I think you should teach the kids different animal sounds. I'm sure you've already learned how different countries have different sounds for animals and I think that'd be amusing to play with the kids.
Answering questions...
1) coming early, coming at all. Make sure you contact ChinaCare to pick you up from the airport. If you don't plan on going straight to CC when you arrive, you should probably give them a heads up. I'm not sure where else you can stay if you don't go straight to CC, but I'd imagine there are hotels around. CC will provide your housing. I hope that answers your question.
2) alarm clock could be a good idea, or a cell phone with alarm. Bring a charge-converter!
3) a previous volunteer is Melanie. Her email address is mclabindao@gmail.com.
See you all over there!
Joan
Good to read about you, I was beginning to wonder if you really got the invitation to the blog or not :) I suppose you're on a quarterly schedule? you got out really late!
I'm really excited to meet a fellow non-Chinese speaker! I'm coming for the babies and the healthcare as well, it's all pretty new to me. You'll have to share all your baby tips with us :)
Linguistics, I think you should teach the kids different animal sounds. I'm sure you've already learned how different countries have different sounds for animals and I think that'd be amusing to play with the kids.
Answering questions...
1) coming early, coming at all. Make sure you contact ChinaCare to pick you up from the airport. If you don't plan on going straight to CC when you arrive, you should probably give them a heads up. I'm not sure where else you can stay if you don't go straight to CC, but I'd imagine there are hotels around. CC will provide your housing. I hope that answers your question.
2) alarm clock could be a good idea, or a cell phone with alarm. Bring a charge-converter!
3) a previous volunteer is Melanie. Her email address is mclabindao@gmail.com.
See you all over there!
Joan
prescription
bring a copy of your prescriptions for glasses/contacts.
Taiyuan is very dusty, it's recommended that you wear glasses for the trip.
Taiyuan is very dusty, it's recommended that you wear glasses for the trip.
hi all!
I'm sorry for the late introduction! School is finally over...
My name is Anna. I'm a junior at Brown University in RI, originally from Boston and New Jersey. I approached China Care more from the babies aspect than the China aspect, if that makes sense. (For instance, I don't speak a word of Chinese! I just borrowed some history books from a friend, though, so that I'll know at least something beyond ninth grade history & current international news). I took leave from school this past fall semester to work as a live-in nanny for a little four-month-old, and ended up night-nannying for a set of newborn twins after that. I really love this work and have been searching for a way to give this care to those who really need it; basically, I want to make use of my essentially selfish passion. :)
I've also thought a lot over many years about getting a nursing degree after college and am excited to observe the nurses at the children's homes where we'll stay. (Maybe Joan can teach me about this, too...and Ysabelle, as a former-pre-nursing student.)
Aside from CC-related things, I'm very active in Brown's Jewish and LGBTQ communities. I enjoy singing and nonfiction writing, and my concentration is linguistics.
Some practical thoughts about the trip...If we come in early, where can we stay?
Maybe an alarm clock is a good thing to bring? I have no idea what the living arrangement will be.
Has anyone else had Visa success yet?
If anyone has talked to previous CC interns and volunteers, I'd LOVE to hear anything they had to say in general. I am so curious and I can't even begin to imagine it.
Hope everyone is well,
Anna
My name is Anna. I'm a junior at Brown University in RI, originally from Boston and New Jersey. I approached China Care more from the babies aspect than the China aspect, if that makes sense. (For instance, I don't speak a word of Chinese! I just borrowed some history books from a friend, though, so that I'll know at least something beyond ninth grade history & current international news). I took leave from school this past fall semester to work as a live-in nanny for a little four-month-old, and ended up night-nannying for a set of newborn twins after that. I really love this work and have been searching for a way to give this care to those who really need it; basically, I want to make use of my essentially selfish passion. :)
I've also thought a lot over many years about getting a nursing degree after college and am excited to observe the nurses at the children's homes where we'll stay. (Maybe Joan can teach me about this, too...and Ysabelle, as a former-pre-nursing student.)
Aside from CC-related things, I'm very active in Brown's Jewish and LGBTQ communities. I enjoy singing and nonfiction writing, and my concentration is linguistics.
Some practical thoughts about the trip...If we come in early, where can we stay?
Maybe an alarm clock is a good thing to bring? I have no idea what the living arrangement will be.
Has anyone else had Visa success yet?
If anyone has talked to previous CC interns and volunteers, I'd LOVE to hear anything they had to say in general. I am so curious and I can't even begin to imagine it.
Hope everyone is well,
Anna
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wireless availability
To the best of mine and Barbara's knowledge, we don't think that the Homes have wireless access. However, whether it is available elsewherein China is something you should inquire with maybe family members or friends who live there.
I would think that Beijing would be the most probable city that you might be able to find a wireless signal. There is a computer with internet access though in the Beijing Home...
-D
I would think that Beijing would be the most probable city that you might be able to find a wireless signal. There is a computer with internet access though in the Beijing Home...
-D
Monday, May 19, 2008
success at the consulate
I'm super tired...this last weekend and today combined was just too many hours of driving.
Any ways, I did get my visa today :) (thank God).
This was my second time going to the consulate in Chicago and my dad came up with some tips/strong suggestions/pointers.
1) Don't mention the following phrases/words: internship, ChinaCare. If you're really curious why, email Diana or me about the details. Basically, if you go, or even if you do agency, this is not an internship per se, so NO, not an internship. Based on the rhetoric used on the websites of the consulates, any thing that has "internship" written on it will be denied a tourist visa immediately. Believe me, when I was waiting hours in the waiting area, I saw several people denied that way.
2) Have an itinerary made of when and where you will be. Please ask Diana for some tips or email me apart from commenting here.
3) Have a set script of how you, the other interns, and Brent are related. It's too farfetched to say we all met at XYZ. You should have a reason prepared just in case though, once again, please ask Diana/Barbara for sample script. Mine was, we're connected through the same intervarsity organizations.
4) You are there to SIGHTSEE. If you indicate in any way that you have other reasons, you will put yourself in a position to be denied a tourist visa. Once again, you're not lying, you will see things, lots of kids, and some Chinese stuff, but don't put yourself through the trouble of looking like you should be applying for a business visa.
5) I STRONGLY suggest you use agency, like VisaRite or something like that. I saw a bunch of those companies come in with stacks of applications and zipped through the lines with no hassle at all, I bet all of their visas were granted. Be one of those people, pay the $50 or so, save some gas, save a lot of time, and save a whole heck of a lot of headache and stress.
Good luck, have some idea of what you'll say, have an itinerary set, use agency, use your brains and watch your rhetoric.
I know I'm missing some things here, but it's been a long day. Please email me and I'll reply all to your questions. Or email Barbara or Diana, but I believe they're swamped. They might have something that I missed, so it'd be good to talk to them too.
Just curious, who's still thinking about going to the consulate now?
Any ways, I did get my visa today :) (thank God).
This was my second time going to the consulate in Chicago and my dad came up with some tips/strong suggestions/pointers.
1) Don't mention the following phrases/words: internship, ChinaCare. If you're really curious why, email Diana or me about the details. Basically, if you go, or even if you do agency, this is not an internship per se, so NO, not an internship. Based on the rhetoric used on the websites of the consulates, any thing that has "internship" written on it will be denied a tourist visa immediately. Believe me, when I was waiting hours in the waiting area, I saw several people denied that way.
2) Have an itinerary made of when and where you will be. Please ask Diana for some tips or email me apart from commenting here.
3) Have a set script of how you, the other interns, and Brent are related. It's too farfetched to say we all met at XYZ. You should have a reason prepared just in case though, once again, please ask Diana/Barbara for sample script. Mine was, we're connected through the same intervarsity organizations.
4) You are there to SIGHTSEE. If you indicate in any way that you have other reasons, you will put yourself in a position to be denied a tourist visa. Once again, you're not lying, you will see things, lots of kids, and some Chinese stuff, but don't put yourself through the trouble of looking like you should be applying for a business visa.
5) I STRONGLY suggest you use agency, like VisaRite or something like that. I saw a bunch of those companies come in with stacks of applications and zipped through the lines with no hassle at all, I bet all of their visas were granted. Be one of those people, pay the $50 or so, save some gas, save a lot of time, and save a whole heck of a lot of headache and stress.
Good luck, have some idea of what you'll say, have an itinerary set, use agency, use your brains and watch your rhetoric.
I know I'm missing some things here, but it's been a long day. Please email me and I'll reply all to your questions. Or email Barbara or Diana, but I believe they're swamped. They might have something that I missed, so it'd be good to talk to them too.
Just curious, who's still thinking about going to the consulate now?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Answers to Ysabelle, Visa, good news
Hi Everyone,
I suppose that everyone has received their papers from ChinaCare for the visa. I wouldn't say you can relax quite yet. Tomorrow I'll head back to Chicago and try and get the visa again. My dad and the staff at ChinaCare in CT have found a couple slight bumps that might derail attempts to get visas. But don't freak out, other volunteers going to China, non-interns have been successful with getting their visas.
If you haven't already, you may want to consider going through a visa service, which will cost you extra but may be the magic touch that could be the tipping point. If tomorrow I can't the visa, I'll express my documents to VisaRite and hopefully that'll be it.
I'll post Tuesday or Wednesday how the visa trip goes tomorrow. Hopefully a good result will come of this.
Immunizations... so if you haven't already talked to a travel doctor or gone to a travel clinic, you'll want to get the typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines. Where we are located will be too far north for the malaria vaccine to be necessary.
On a side of good news, my trip to the clinic was definitely a blessed trip. My arms were crazy sore but I was able to speak with the doctor about gathering some free samples of supplies on the ChinaCare donation list. He passed that list to the person who works with sales representatives of Enfamil, Similac, Tylenol, and drug companies. I was called back a couple days later and the lady gave me 55 pounds of formula and other medications to bring to China.
I highly encourage you to speak with your travel doctor and talk about what we'll be doing and how they can help. It was a huge surprise for me when she let me take all of that specialized formula and infant medications, she said that it was "doing her a favor" because they had so much! So maybe you could speak with your physicians and possibly score some goods :)
Thank you Ysabelle for posting about yourself :)
thank you Lauren for the bon voyage! hopefully I'll be flying out, assuming the visa passes without a glitch.
I'll keep posting up until I fly out, and I'll try and post as much as I can out there about what you can expect.
I suppose that everyone has received their papers from ChinaCare for the visa. I wouldn't say you can relax quite yet. Tomorrow I'll head back to Chicago and try and get the visa again. My dad and the staff at ChinaCare in CT have found a couple slight bumps that might derail attempts to get visas. But don't freak out, other volunteers going to China, non-interns have been successful with getting their visas.
If you haven't already, you may want to consider going through a visa service, which will cost you extra but may be the magic touch that could be the tipping point. If tomorrow I can't the visa, I'll express my documents to VisaRite and hopefully that'll be it.
I'll post Tuesday or Wednesday how the visa trip goes tomorrow. Hopefully a good result will come of this.
Immunizations... so if you haven't already talked to a travel doctor or gone to a travel clinic, you'll want to get the typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines. Where we are located will be too far north for the malaria vaccine to be necessary.
On a side of good news, my trip to the clinic was definitely a blessed trip. My arms were crazy sore but I was able to speak with the doctor about gathering some free samples of supplies on the ChinaCare donation list. He passed that list to the person who works with sales representatives of Enfamil, Similac, Tylenol, and drug companies. I was called back a couple days later and the lady gave me 55 pounds of formula and other medications to bring to China.
I highly encourage you to speak with your travel doctor and talk about what we'll be doing and how they can help. It was a huge surprise for me when she let me take all of that specialized formula and infant medications, she said that it was "doing her a favor" because they had so much! So maybe you could speak with your physicians and possibly score some goods :)
Thank you Ysabelle for posting about yourself :)
thank you Lauren for the bon voyage! hopefully I'll be flying out, assuming the visa passes without a glitch.
I'll keep posting up until I fly out, and I'll try and post as much as I can out there about what you can expect.
Friday, May 16, 2008
hi everyone!
i'm sorry it has taken so long for me to post to this blog!
how're you guys doing?
i have a couple of questions about the things we need to get done.
i just feel so overwhelmed by everything we need to do right now.
but, that's great that the papers have come in from china!
so that means we need to bring the form and all the documentations we need
in person to the chinese consulate?
also, how're you all doing in getting all your immunizations?
that's exciting that one of us is already going to china!
i'll be leaving sunday, june 22 and arriving on monday at 6:00pm.
i can't wait to meet all of you!
do you guys know how to speak chinese?
i am filipino and all i know how to say are 3 words: foot, nose, and ear.
maybe i'll be able to use those at some point. =)
anyways, im sure i have several more questions but blanked out at the moment.
i hope to get reassurance from you guys.
ysabelle
how're you guys doing?
i have a couple of questions about the things we need to get done.
i just feel so overwhelmed by everything we need to do right now.
but, that's great that the papers have come in from china!
so that means we need to bring the form and all the documentations we need
in person to the chinese consulate?
also, how're you all doing in getting all your immunizations?
that's exciting that one of us is already going to china!
i'll be leaving sunday, june 22 and arriving on monday at 6:00pm.
i can't wait to meet all of you!
do you guys know how to speak chinese?
i am filipino and all i know how to say are 3 words: foot, nose, and ear.
maybe i'll be able to use those at some point. =)
anyways, im sure i have several more questions but blanked out at the moment.
i hope to get reassurance from you guys.
ysabelle
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Bon Voyage Joan!
Joan,
I spoke to Diana over the phone the other day about passports and visas, etc, and I hear you're leaving for China very soon. I hope everything worked out with your visa on time. Just wanted to wish you a safe trip, and a wonderful time there before we come over to join you! Maybe you can give us the in on what a typical day is like in the homes, or send us more tips since you'll be the first one of us to begin interning. Again, safe travels and enjoy!
See you soon,
lauren.
I spoke to Diana over the phone the other day about passports and visas, etc, and I hear you're leaving for China very soon. I hope everything worked out with your visa on time. Just wanted to wish you a safe trip, and a wonderful time there before we come over to join you! Maybe you can give us the in on what a typical day is like in the homes, or send us more tips since you'll be the first one of us to begin interning. Again, safe travels and enjoy!
See you soon,
lauren.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
laundry, shifts
Hi,
I learned that there is a laundry machine onsite. But you'll probably want to hand wash, because that machine is usually used for soiled reusable diapers.
Also, last year they signed up for shifts, not sure if this year is similar.
Papers for visas were expressed from China Monday night (American time). Hopefully they'll be here very soon!
I learned that there is a laundry machine onsite. But you'll probably want to hand wash, because that machine is usually used for soiled reusable diapers.
Also, last year they signed up for shifts, not sure if this year is similar.
Papers for visas were expressed from China Monday night (American time). Hopefully they'll be here very soon!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Taxi tip
Hi Everyone,
Here's a taxi tip I got (should you ever need a taxi).
1) Ride a government taxi. It's got something special on the license plate that I can't put into character here. But it's (one character) B.
2) when you get off, ask for a receipt, it has a lot of info on it. KEEP IT. I suppose, if the receipts don't have plate numbers on there, maybe take down the plate number just in case.
**and another housekeeping thing. Do we have breaks when we can leave the orphanage? like a day or two a week/two weeks?
Here's a taxi tip I got (should you ever need a taxi).
1) Ride a government taxi. It's got something special on the license plate that I can't put into character here. But it's (one character) B.
2) when you get off, ask for a receipt, it has a lot of info on it. KEEP IT. I suppose, if the receipts don't have plate numbers on there, maybe take down the plate number just in case.
**and another housekeeping thing. Do we have breaks when we can leave the orphanage? like a day or two a week/two weeks?
intro!
Hey guys, I'm Callie. I go to school at Gettysburg College in PA, but I'm from North Carolina. I'm a junior there, majoring in Chinese Studies. I've had two years of Chinese language, so maybe I can survive in China! My school doesn't have a China Care club, but I am a part of a China Club, which mostly focuses on cultural events. Though this year I ran an event to raise money for China Care, and we got enough money to sponsor a China Care child, and I'm really excited about it!
I've done after-school tutoring with young students - like 3rd grade. But I'm definately out of practice with babies! I'm a member of a community service organization at Gettysburg as well.
When I found out about the China Care internship I was really excited because I've been trying to get people on my campus interested in it because I think it is an amazing organization. I'm also going to be doing a senior thesis on the one-child policy and adoption in China so the opportunity to work with China Care is really exciting.
I'm also going to be coming at the end of June - arriving June 23 I think.
And thanks Joan for all the tips! which reminds me - do we know where we are staying? I was under the impression there was somewhere at the actual orphanages, but I have no idea.
Callie
I've done after-school tutoring with young students - like 3rd grade. But I'm definately out of practice with babies! I'm a member of a community service organization at Gettysburg as well.
When I found out about the China Care internship I was really excited because I've been trying to get people on my campus interested in it because I think it is an amazing organization. I'm also going to be doing a senior thesis on the one-child policy and adoption in China so the opportunity to work with China Care is really exciting.
I'm also going to be coming at the end of June - arriving June 23 I think.
And thanks Joan for all the tips! which reminds me - do we know where we are staying? I was under the impression there was somewhere at the actual orphanages, but I have no idea.
Callie
Another tip and some questions
Hi Everyone,
Just remembered that while in China, you may do bucket baths. My mom suggests bringing a small washcloth-small towel to dry yourself off and wring out and hang to dry.
Also, I've been wondering about the housekeeping types of things.
Do we need to bring a bed sheet? Will we room separately or double?
Remember to never go any where alone especially at night. Not sure what the facility looks like, but someone suggested to me that you wake up your roommate each time you go to the bathroom. Sounds a little extreme, but I suppose these people know what they're talking about.
Just remembered that while in China, you may do bucket baths. My mom suggests bringing a small washcloth-small towel to dry yourself off and wring out and hang to dry.
Also, I've been wondering about the housekeeping types of things.
Do we need to bring a bed sheet? Will we room separately or double?
Remember to never go any where alone especially at night. Not sure what the facility looks like, but someone suggested to me that you wake up your roommate each time you go to the bathroom. Sounds a little extreme, but I suppose these people know what they're talking about.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Donations List
Hi everyone,
I was just wondering if your respective ChinaCare clubs were raising funds to purchase things from the needs list to bring along to China.
I felt very inexperienced when I walked through Walgreens and purchased a couple things from the list, babies aren't cheap ^_^ So...just curious if any one else is bringing things from the list, every gift helps but it's quite surprising what little you can purchase with a fair amount of money.
See you soon :)
I was just wondering if your respective ChinaCare clubs were raising funds to purchase things from the needs list to bring along to China.
I felt very inexperienced when I walked through Walgreens and purchased a couple things from the list, babies aren't cheap ^_^ So...just curious if any one else is bringing things from the list, every gift helps but it's quite surprising what little you can purchase with a fair amount of money.
See you soon :)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Visa Situations
Hi Everyone,
Yesterday my dad and I went to the Chicago Consulate and were rejected for the Tourist Visa. We anticipate that you all will be denied as well and have already contacted ChinaCare to talk about getting papers ready to apply for Business Visas. Barbara should be getting back to us with extra forms to take to the consulate.
So yeah, finals, hope you're all doing well.
John Speed, you and my Dad went(are going) to the same university.
If you haven't yet replied in email or on the blog about who you are and all that kind of stuff, please do it soon, curious :)
a self-introduction
Hi everyone!
First, I've really enjoyed reading your e-mails and getting to know you all a bit better. It'll be nice to have an idea of who we'll be meeting in Beijing. Thanks for sharing! As a continuation of my brief introduction via e-mail, I'd like to share a little bit more about myself and where my interest in this summer's China Care internship began.
As I said, I am a Montreal, Quebec native. Despite my francophone family name (my relatives in Ontario pronounce it Boy-vin) :) my mother tongue is English. I am also fluent in French, as French courses are mandatory in Quebec all throughout your years of elementary and high school.
Summer vacation is now in full swing, after my final paper was triumphantly handed in on April 21st. Ohyes! I've been spending these last few weeks soakin' up some rays, spending time with friends, and recently started working for an old boss of mine at Second Cup cafe, serving coffee and muffins to early morning risers on their way to work downtown.
I just finished up my second year in East Asian Studies at McGill University. I am doing a double-minor in Environment and Advanced East Asian languages. I started to get involved with China Care's McGill chapter at the beginning of my second year, volunteering at their annual second-hand clothing sale to fundraise for the international organization. It was a great success. I've met lots of great people through the organization and plan on getting more involved next year. Similar to what goes on at Ysabelle's university, McGill also runs playgroups for Chinese-adopted children that I hope to participate in next semester.
My mother is Canadian-born Chinese, and my father was born in Southern Quebec. My grandmother is originally from Guangdong, and arrived and settled in Montreal in 1950 after my grandfather made his way here to open Montreal's first Chinese grocery store. My mother therefore, speaks her mum's village dialect, Toysan hua (excuse the spelling!)... "Cantonese slang". Ever since childhood, my mother has spoken to my brother and I in English, so neither of us speak our grandmother's dialect. I therefore began learning Mandarin Chinese in my first semester at McGill in order to get more in touch my with Chinese roots. I spent three months last summer in Beijing (an amazing city!) taking an intensive second-level Chinese course, and completed Third level Chinese at McGill this past year. McGill offers up to Fourth level Chinese, by which time I may not be entirely fluent, but will have a pretty solid base. It's been a while since I've heard or spoken the language, so upon arriving in Beijing this summer I may have some practicing to do!
Besides my love for the Chinese language and my desire to explore my family history, my interest in interning in China this summer also comes from my love for working with children. I have babysat, tutored, worked as a junior counselor at my childhood sleepaway camp, and been employed as a ski instructor for the past 4 years. Though most of my work has been with children as young as five years old and less with infants, I believe there are countless rewards in working with children of any age. They have the potential to absorb and learn so much, as well as teach us in return. I feel that this summer will no doubt be challenging in many ways, yet incredibly rewarding as well. I'm looking forward to it very much.
I also believe I've exhausted my biographical information, so I will end here. Looking forward to meeting all of you. And thanks again Joan, for the tips! (i especially like the one about squatting... it's true! haha). Take care everyone and we'll be in touch I'm sure.
-lauren.
First, I've really enjoyed reading your e-mails and getting to know you all a bit better. It'll be nice to have an idea of who we'll be meeting in Beijing. Thanks for sharing! As a continuation of my brief introduction via e-mail, I'd like to share a little bit more about myself and where my interest in this summer's China Care internship began.
As I said, I am a Montreal, Quebec native. Despite my francophone family name (my relatives in Ontario pronounce it Boy-vin) :) my mother tongue is English. I am also fluent in French, as French courses are mandatory in Quebec all throughout your years of elementary and high school.
Summer vacation is now in full swing, after my final paper was triumphantly handed in on April 21st. Ohyes! I've been spending these last few weeks soakin' up some rays, spending time with friends, and recently started working for an old boss of mine at Second Cup cafe, serving coffee and muffins to early morning risers on their way to work downtown.
I just finished up my second year in East Asian Studies at McGill University. I am doing a double-minor in Environment and Advanced East Asian languages. I started to get involved with China Care's McGill chapter at the beginning of my second year, volunteering at their annual second-hand clothing sale to fundraise for the international organization. It was a great success. I've met lots of great people through the organization and plan on getting more involved next year. Similar to what goes on at Ysabelle's university, McGill also runs playgroups for Chinese-adopted children that I hope to participate in next semester.
My mother is Canadian-born Chinese, and my father was born in Southern Quebec. My grandmother is originally from Guangdong, and arrived and settled in Montreal in 1950 after my grandfather made his way here to open Montreal's first Chinese grocery store. My mother therefore, speaks her mum's village dialect, Toysan hua (excuse the spelling!)... "Cantonese slang". Ever since childhood, my mother has spoken to my brother and I in English, so neither of us speak our grandmother's dialect. I therefore began learning Mandarin Chinese in my first semester at McGill in order to get more in touch my with Chinese roots. I spent three months last summer in Beijing (an amazing city!) taking an intensive second-level Chinese course, and completed Third level Chinese at McGill this past year. McGill offers up to Fourth level Chinese, by which time I may not be entirely fluent, but will have a pretty solid base. It's been a while since I've heard or spoken the language, so upon arriving in Beijing this summer I may have some practicing to do!
Besides my love for the Chinese language and my desire to explore my family history, my interest in interning in China this summer also comes from my love for working with children. I have babysat, tutored, worked as a junior counselor at my childhood sleepaway camp, and been employed as a ski instructor for the past 4 years. Though most of my work has been with children as young as five years old and less with infants, I believe there are countless rewards in working with children of any age. They have the potential to absorb and learn so much, as well as teach us in return. I feel that this summer will no doubt be challenging in many ways, yet incredibly rewarding as well. I'm looking forward to it very much.
I also believe I've exhausted my biographical information, so I will end here. Looking forward to meeting all of you. And thanks again Joan, for the tips! (i especially like the one about squatting... it's true! haha). Take care everyone and we'll be in touch I'm sure.
-lauren.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Tips
I go to a Chinese church and most of our congregation is from Mainland China. My family is from Taiwan, so between my family and the families at church, I've gathered a lot of miscellaneous tips :) I'll try and roughly categorize them...
I realize that this may be excessive or not enough, pick and choose what you'd like to do, but here's everything:
Things to Bring
I realize that this may be excessive or not enough, pick and choose what you'd like to do, but here's everything:
Things to Bring
- Medications/health stuff
- Tylenol Immodium (for diarrhea?)
- Sewyer insect repellent
- suncreen
- portable eye solution (or wear glasses if possible, can be very sandy)
- PURELL - small bottles for travel
- Weather and Culture of China
- good sneakers
- sandals
- toilet paper wipes (most places do not have toilet paper)
- socks
- light days pads (for long travelling, so you don't have to switch underwear)
- flashlight
- whistle
- under clothing small money purse
- hat to shield off sun, umbrella, raincoat
- Converter (220V in China, 110V in US)
- Cell phone with sim card technology
Do's and Don'ts
1) Change money into renminbi (RNB) from USD in America, or in the airport, or in a Chinese bank, in that order of reliability. Do NOT change money with another vendor, you may get fakes. Remember that $1 US is roughly 7-8 RNB.
2) Don't carry valuables around. Carry your purse backpack in front of you, around your neck and arm, securely under your armpit.
3) Have extra copies of important documents and always keep your passport safe.
4) Do Not expect readily available internet
5) if you buy something, you will probably have to barter. Make friends with a local and they can barter better for you
6) Do Not go out by yourself after dark.
7) Sew pockets inside of your clothing for money (I think this is slightly excessive but everyone has said this to me so far)
8) Do Not give your camera to someone to take a photo of you. Unless if you're a fast runner and they have short legs...
9) Do Not eat pre-cut food or salad, your stomach is not made for that kind of stuff.
10) Use a mosquito net if possible
11) Do NOT give money to beggars. Not all beggars are real beggars, and once they see you have money, they'll never leave you alone.
12) Watch first, don't participate immediately.
13) Practice squatting, you will probably use a bunch of squat toilets...which could range from a ceramic hole in the ground in a stall, to a room with a trough down the middle with no stalls. BRING TOILET PAPER!!
I hope this helps a little, I've been very overwhelmed with this advice and I hope that this doesn't blow you away. You're doing a good thing, but it's always good to be extra prepared. I'll probably get tons more advice in the coming weeks and will post them as time goes on :) Please post what you know, it'll help everyone, even if you accidently repeat something, that probably means it's a good thing to know.
Intros
Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if you could each post a small bit about yourself, kind of like an ice breaker...
I'm curious about ...
1) who you are
2) what your major is
3) a photo of yourself (click the third button from the right on the compose bar)
4) what you enjoy doing
5) why you applied for the internship
6) what you'll miss most about being out of the country
7) any background you have with travelling or Chinese language/culture
8) when you're leaving the US
9) and any thing else about the trip or yourself that you'd like to share.
I'll post a bunch of advice later that I received from people I know from parts of China.
Looking forward to reading about you all!
Joan
I was wondering if you could each post a small bit about yourself, kind of like an ice breaker...
I'm curious about ...
1) who you are
2) what your major is
3) a photo of yourself (click the third button from the right on the compose bar)
4) what you enjoy doing
5) why you applied for the internship
6) what you'll miss most about being out of the country
7) any background you have with travelling or Chinese language/culture
8) when you're leaving the US
9) and any thing else about the trip or yourself that you'd like to share.
I'll post a bunch of advice later that I received from people I know from parts of China.
Looking forward to reading about you all!
Joan
visa
Hey,
I've been looking into a visa too. If you can't go yourself to a consulate (NC isn't near one either!) there are various visa companies out there that will take all of your info and will go to the consulate to get your visa for you. I'm probably going to get mine that way. Hope that helps!
Callie
I've been looking into a visa too. If you can't go yourself to a consulate (NC isn't near one either!) there are various visa companies out there that will take all of your info and will go to the consulate to get your visa for you. I'm probably going to get mine that way. Hope that helps!
Callie
Sunday, May 4, 2008
visa complications
I am going home to Kentucky in just a few days, and it seems that there is no Chinese consulate in my home state. (suprising) Must I go to a consulate in person? How do I handle this process if I can't go personally? P.S. I am so excited for China Care!
1st post :)
Hi Everyone,
I sent invites to all the interns to be able to post on this blog any advice, knowledge, experiences, whatever that will help prepare for the trip and make it as smooth and productive as possible.
Since this is a blog, no one should be spammed with a ton of emails, and you can choose yourself if you'd like to read what others have typed or not.
Each time you make a post, please put a descriptive title on that describes what the post is about. If there's a bunch of posts, then it'll be easier to reference from the archive as the month closes.
Thanks a bunch, and I look forward to seeing what people have to share.
I sent invites to all the interns to be able to post on this blog any advice, knowledge, experiences, whatever that will help prepare for the trip and make it as smooth and productive as possible.
Since this is a blog, no one should be spammed with a ton of emails, and you can choose yourself if you'd like to read what others have typed or not.
Each time you make a post, please put a descriptive title on that describes what the post is about. If there's a bunch of posts, then it'll be easier to reference from the archive as the month closes.
Thanks a bunch, and I look forward to seeing what people have to share.
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