Most students came to Shanghai for the first time so the first thing they have to learn is how to live in such a big city.
‘Teachers told us how to take the metro and how to use the shared bike.’
‘In Shanghai, you not only talk to the locals and people from other provinces, you also have to talk to foreigners. So it is important to learn English’.
Students have class focusing on communication and it is also asked to one student to share a piece of news and a poem before class to encourage them to speak in front of public.
‘I have made improvement on communication. I used to refuse to talk to others proactively’
‘I don’t like to talk but it’s much better now. It is partly because of Life Skills classes which teaches us how to communicate with people and the way of communication.’
Leaving their families, students have to clean their dorms, wash their clothes by themselves and learn to manage their time and money.
‘Everyone will help to tidy up the dorm. Now I have a regular life and standard. It does good to me.’
Within 6 months students really realized that is was not that easy to be responsible and they have learned a lot on how to take their own responsibilities.
‘Such as the debate today, it helps us to broaden our thinking. We also have classes teaching us to use money wisely. Last time there was a class about finance and economy and I think it is very interesting.’
‘I am interested in psychology and I will learn more about it after class. I like this class. Learning this helps me to be more matured and I would act more like an adult.’
‘Yes! And I have never regretted for my choice.’
‘This program helps me a lot and this is really a good chance for me. I am deeply touched . I am so lucky to be here.’
I have been really impressed to observe how our students have grown up so much in one semester. They will go back home soon for a deserved break at home. They will then come back to start the second and last semester before to start their professional life. I hope each of them have a bright future!
Mitty
Communication Coordinator