Alumni Comments:

First I want to thank you personally for all the work you did to make this program happen.  Most of us would never have had the opportunity to travel to China had it not been for your initiative.  I know I would not have searched the possibilities to work and travel in China for the Summer.  Such a daunting task.  Again, thank you.

I think the program was great.  The tour was organized.  The hotels were of a 3+ to 4 star quality.  The restaurants we ate at were very nice.  The service was great.  The people were friendly and nice.  The tour guides were all friendly and professional.  The buses were comfortable and all air conditioned.  I feel that the tour agency and you went out of your way to have us experience as much of Chinese culture as possible within the 10 days of touring.  I've been on many tours before of Europe (EF) and these tours were often unpredictable, i.e. some did not do enough to show the culture, others were too ambitious where I felt exhausted.  I truly feel, that the Chinese tour was well balanced.

As for the teaching part,  I personally had a good relation with my homeroom teachers.  If I needed them, I could count on their help.  I generally didn't need them, as I was the one teaching.  I used the teachers only once to explain "battleship", a game which is complicated to understand.  One thing that did bother me somewhat was that many of the students did not seem that motivated to learn, even though I felt that my lessons were informative and entertaining.  I suppose this is due to this being a two week Summer program, and the students were there to learn other things as well, such as Chinese and Math, which may have had more importance than learning English.

Secondly, I would like to suggest that there be a good source that all teachers use to teach the various grade levels that is uniform, at least for the first period, leaving the teachers the second/third period to teach with materials we brought with us.   All the staff I met, Mr. Gong, Mr. Wang, Jimmy and the copy room lady, were friendly and nice.

The program was A+ quality.  That the airfare, hotels, food, tours, admissions to the numerous places we visited, flights to Xi'an etc. were included in the price of the program makes this a very profitable program for teachers who want to experience China with the only obligation of teaching 11 days.  I would like to participate again in the future, not next year but within the next three years.

Again, Thanks for everything.

Michael M.
2011 Nanjing Summer Program

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I feel that the program was a huge success this year. It was evident that the school officials put a great effort into making sure that everything ran smoothly. From day one I was able to tell that a lot of time and dedication had gone into the organization of the summer program. We were able to meet with the classroom teachers and discuss classroom setup as well as available technology. I also feel that the grade level assignments were well suited to our teaching expertise and profile. The Chinese teachers also played an important role in assuring the success of the program. They were very extremely supportive. I really appreciated the help I got from Becky, Susan and Sophia. I was also appreciative of the fact that they felt they were learning effective ESL teaching strategies from me. In addition, Maggie, the program coordinator, was very helpful, friendly, and supportive. And while I'm at it, i should say Mr. Mao took very good care of us. He was sensitive and catered to our every need and made every effort to fulfill our requests. Jason was also very helpful translating, channeling resources to us, or just answering questions.

As far as the food at the school, I have nothing but positive feedback. It was plentiful and was served promptly everyday; always included a variety of meats and vegetables. I especially liked the fish and the chicken. Oh and the afternoon snacks.

By the way some of us loved going for a foot massage after lunch ( a five minute walk from the school, top notch and inexpensive). I miss those.

I thought the accommodations were always adequate, comfortable and conveniently located. The hotel in Suzhou was within walking distance of the old section of the city, most of us loved strolling down the streets there in the evening. The only drawback about the Suzhou hotel, where we stayed the longest, was that we had to pay for internet service, unlike at other cities. I really didn't mind that because we were able to use the internet in the teacher's room at school. it would have been nice to get a special rate or something like that though in order to stay in touch with family in the evening or on weekends.

I really enjoyed the tours. They were very well planned and the guides provided outstanding service. They took very good care of us and were attentive to all our requests. I would have a hard time choosing my favorite city. I liked all of them. if I had to pick a favorite I might say Hangzhou. I loved the abundant greenery that seems to be found everywhere you go. One of the highlights of the tours was the Terracotta Warriors museum. That was a thrill. We loved Beijing also. Exploring Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden city was so exciting. However nothing will surpass the excitement of climbing the Great Wall.

I really enjoyed working and traveling with the group of teachers. They acted very professionally and showed a lot of dedication. A lot of effort was put into class preparation and there was plenty of collaboration among all of us.

I wish to express my gratitude to you and to Mr. Mao once again for the opportunity to gain such significant insight into the Chinese culture. I feel that I have broadened my understanding of the Chinese people as a result of this and my previous experience in China. Thank you so much. I hope I am afforded an opportunity to do it again in the future.
        
Ariel L.
2011 Suzhou Summer Program

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I thought the school was very well managed.  The administration seemed to do everything they could to "take care of us".  I really felt we were treated so special by the school.  Any changes made to the schedule were given to us with enough advance notice that we were able to adjust without a problem.

The food was okay at school.  I know the kitchen did their best to "Americanize" the lunch menu, and we appreciated that.  I did choose to bring my own lunches most days during teaching.
 
The accommodations were excellent.  The Holiday Inn in Shanghai was beautiful, and both hotels in Nanjing were great.  My favorite was the Grand Metro in Nanjing, which did feel like home after 2 weeks, and was in a wonderful location.  All of the hotels had pretty good breakfasts, no complaints there.  It would have been nice to have wireless internet in our hotels, especially for lesson planning purposes, but it seems that the Chinese hotels haven't gotten around to that yet.  We are spoiled with it here in the U.S., but my roommate and I made it work!  It wasn't really a problem.

The tour arrangement was fantastic.  Everything was planned out for us ahead of time, and was very, very organized.  The tour guides were great, and JJ was the best, as to be expected.  I do think future teachers should understand that these tours are organized far in advance, and that the tour guides don't have a lot of flexibility in the schedule.  I did not have a problem at all with the tour schedules.  I think we were very lucky to have everything set up for us.

Although it wasn't quite our first stop, Hangzhou was a great place to start our trip and get a feel for China.  The city was green and beautiful.  The day we went to the pagoda and took the boat ride on West Lake was one of my 2 favorite days of the tours (Great Wall was the other).  I also loved Nanjing, because it felt like home since we spent the most time there, and it was nice to know our way around a little bit.
       
Lori M.
2011 Nanjing Summer Program

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I couldn’t have been happier with all and everything that you did, planned, and made happen.  It was a wonderful experience, one which I have recommended to many of my teaching colleagues.  It was such an excellent teaching experience for me.  The teachers and admin at SIFLS were so helpful and appreciative.  The food was great, but too much.  I think that I gained a few pounds.  The hotels, guides, and tours were perfect.  I loved Suzhou the most because of the connection with the people, the students, the other teachers which afforded a more personal and up-close experience. My only complaint would be that of the pollution.  I could have supported the heat and humidity, but the air quality was and is tragic.

Ann C.
2011 Suzhou Summer Program

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Marbella and I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for giving us the opportunity to experience such a great country that is China. We greatly enjoyed every minute we were there, from the flight to Seoul all the way to our last meal in China. We were not happy that we had to return.
 
Jason and Mr. Mao were both amazing. They are both exceptional human beings and treated us like royalty and beyond. They, and the whole experience itself, went far beyond our expectations. We both love China and it's people. We are looking to take Chinese classes now and hope to get back there soon.
 
Teaching in Suzhou was awesome. Everyone, from the principal to the cleaning ladies, was a pleasure to be around. We loved our students and instantly connected with them.
 
You did a great job putting the program together.  Thank you again.
 
Jose and Marbella
2011 Suzhou Summer Program

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School management was excellent! Things were organized and if there were any changes we were notified immediately. Everything went smooth.
I was not used to the bony fish but the taste was great. Overall, the food was good and plentiful. Mr. Mao always made sure we had enough to eat.
The accommodations were very good. After a night of getting accustomed to the firmer beds, the rest of the stay was pleasant. The tours were enjoyable and would love to go back.
The air conditioning in the rooms would have been nice if they were cooler. This is minor though, the experience was great and would love to work for the program full-time. My wife and I both enjoyed it greatly and have only positive comments about the program.

Thank you very much for the great opportunity,

Jose S.
2011 Suzhou Summer Program

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This was my first trip to China. I was very impressed with SIFLS. The administrators of the school were very accommodating and helpful. They were visible on campus and in our classrooms. The overall management of the school was excellent!

I am vegetarian and I was able to find many delicious dishes for both lunch and dinner at SIFLS. We had tasty warm dishes and we were spoiled with delicious desserts and fruit at all hours of the day.

 I was very pleased with the Gloria Plaza Hotel. It is a great location and within a short walking distance to historic Suzhou and to the shopping areas. I had plenty of room to shower and to plan my lessons in. It felt like home.

The tour arrangement was excellent. I enjoyed every part of the tour. I also appreciated the scheduled free time in each tour so that we could go and shop and experience local life. The tour guides were very professional, fun, and knowledgeable.

 My favorite city was Suzhou. I fell in love with that city. I want to return there in the near future. Hangzhou was also really nice as well as X'ian. I liked all of the cities but Suzhou was magical.

I appreciate the diversity in the group of teachers that were chosen to teach in Suzhou. We were all very different from one another but we learned from one another and we were able to collaborate very well when we were planning our lessons. I liked working with a small group of teachers because we were able to bond and in the end we were like a family. I really don't have any constructive suggestions. I would like to return to Suzhou next summer. Thank you very much for the opportunity to experience this wonderful and unique experience.
      
Marbella A.
2011 Suzhou Summer Program

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I believe the school is very well organized and goes above and beyond to make sure we are taken care. If they can provide some additional information of where the student levels are it would be great to be a little more prepared.  If the teachers could have some kind of contact with the local teachers before we arrive, I think it would help because they have knowledge of the students in the classes.
    
I honestly did not have much because of my personal preference to eat elsewhere, but they do a great job to accommodate the best for us.  I feel that there was plenty of options where to eat in or around the school and highly appreciate all they did for us.

The tour arrangements where great!! I learned so much about China's culture, food and history that I'm thinking of going to teach out there in an American School, if I get an opportunity.  I do feel that we could use some additional leisure time to be able to get to know more about the local traditions.  In Xi'an I was able to take a TUC TUC taxi and he took us through the back streets where the locals live and I felt that was the real China for me to be able to experience how people live day to day.  I do understand not everyone want to do that, so if there was more evening opened it would give different opportunities to explore the cities.

Overall, the program is great.  It has many things to offer and the country is awesome.  I always felt safe in China and the people where very nice.  I have a greater understanding of what it feels to be in another country and not understand the language.  It has given me a different view on how I will teach my immigrant students and greater understanding for those who don't speak our language in our country.
 
Once again I would like to express my gratitude for all your program does and giving me this opportunity.  I have made many new friends and hope to return another summer with the your group in the future.  I went to China without reading any guidebooks or reviews I wanted to experience the real thing, with the locals and learning from the tours.  I came back home with so much knowledge and much more than what I expected to encounter in the month stay.  I will cherish those moments and take with me the memories of your great country.  
 
Oscar G.
2011 Nanjing Summer Program

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The management at the Suzhou School was absolutely top notch. I especially liked how we were able to rotate groups and teach four different classes of students. I also enjoyed the noon day culture classes and after school activities that the school offered the teachers, such as the boat ride down the canal, visiting Embroidery town, and touring the lake area. I could tell a lot of thought had gone into making our experience in Suzhou meaningful. Because of this, I got a much better feel for Suzhou than if I had explored the city on my own. Please THANK the individual responsible for this extra planning, because it greatly enhanced my experience in China. 
There was a wide variety of food offered at lunch and always enough to eat. I appreciated the snacks that were provided for the teachers throughout the day, especially the apples and bananas. The availability of cold bottled water in the refrigerator was also appreciated. Unfortunately, once or twice, I was getting things finished up in the teacher workroom and missed eating lunch because they started cleaning up the food earlier and earlier.

The hotel we stayed in while teaching in Suzhou was located in a “wonderful” part of the city, which allowed us to conveniently explore Suzhou in the evenings. We couldn’t have asked for a better spot. I would definitely keep the same location for future groups. The rooms were large and comfortable, and the breakfasts at the hotel had a wide variety of choices. The only complaint I ever heard from anyone about the hotel in Suzhou was it didn’t provide free internet. I solved this problem by emailing home during lunchtime while I was at the school; though, it would have been nice to have access to free internet in the evening to get last minute teaching ideas to supplement my lessons for the next day. If I could have chosen free internet with a less convenient location versus this location, I would still have chosen this location. On a positive note, not having access to free internet encouraged everyone to go out and explore Suzhou in the evenings, rather than sit at their computers.

Most of the tour guides were great, but it was difficult to hear the tour guide we had in Beijing. This was a little disappointing when we got to The Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, and Great Wall. (I think she may have been nervous and a little shy.) The tour guide we had in Xi’an was excellent.
My favorite city was Suzhou, and my favorite part of the trip was TEACHING! The major reason I would return is to be able to work with the students again. That was the part of the trip that touched my life the most! Thank you so much for the opportunity.

This has been a life changing experience! I have fallen in love with the children I teach and have enjoyed learning more about this wonderful country. Thank you once again for providing such an incredible experience. Coming to China this summer has literally changed my life and the way I see the world.


Anita B.
2011 Suzhou Summer Program

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I thank you again for the wonderful experience....again...in China. I can't even decide which time has been the best, they have all been adventures that I will never forget, and I hope to do it again and again.

The management of the school was good. The teachers were good to work with, and were very helpful. I liked the way we switched 1/2 way thru and could use our same lessons over again. That made it easier. I appreciated how they would have people like Jenny take us out at night to do things. Very helpful.
The food at the school was okay. It was the same thing the kids ate, cause I went to eat in the lunch room with them one day. We were NEVER hungry! There were always snacks and drinks for us!

I loved where the hotel was in Suzhou. Next to shopping and the old city, and I met some nice ladies dancing in the evening. Great place to stay. I was quite disappointed in there being no free internet at the hotel, but made it thru ok. It would have been very helpful in planning lessons to have it available at night.
       
Diane T.
2011 Suzhou Summer Program

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The school seemed very efficient and orderly. The teachers were extremely helpful and accommodating. I was impressed with how positive everyone was and how they seemed truly concerned with making us feel comfortable and welcome. 
I have the impression that the cafeteria staff went to extra trouble to serve us excellent meals and I appreciate that. The food was very good, and the room for the teachers to eat in was also very comfortable. The fact that they provided us with all the water and Coke we could drink was very hospitable.
The tours really kept us hopping! We didn't have a single moment to get homesick. I liked that we were kept so busy. JJ is an amazing tour guide. He has a way of being personal yet professional. I felt that I learned a great deal about Chinese attitudes and outlooks from JJ.  Hangzhou was absolutely the most beautiful city. I loved the greenery and the walk along the canal. The night market was great fun. But my favorite city would have to be Nanjing, simply because of the park and lake at XuanWu. We spent a great deal of time there and thoroughly enjoyed it. Everywhere we went, the people we were friendly and helpful.
      
Susan P.
2011 Nanjing Summer Program

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1) Overall management of school:  I personally felt like everything was very well organized!  I knew what was expected of me and our schedules were clearly laid out.  The Chinese teachers, for the most part, were very helpful and very sweet and kind!  The children were pretty well behaved and the bells and expectations were clear.  I loved the school staff and management and really appreciated the beautiful workspace that we were given, along with all of the wonderful cultural classes!
2) Food: I thought the food was delicious!  I wasn't used to the MSG (the oil stuff), but other than that, I loved it.  I am a vegetarian and I never went hungry.  There were TONS of vegetable options!  I also loved the food staff.  You could tell they always wanted to make us happy and would throw a little American flair in daily, in the form of french fries or muffins.  The food was plentiful and varied!
3) Accommodation: Again, I LOVED the accommodation.  Maybe because I have traveled around the world with a backpack and tent and the occasional hostel, but these were the NICEST hotels that I have EVER stayed at!  The breakfast was yummy, the rooms were clean, the beds had silkworm comforters, and the locations were perfect for walking to local restaurants, massage spas, and walking/running around the beautiful lakes for exercise!
4) Tour arrangement: For the most part, the tour arrangements were great.  I definitely would have liked more time at the amazing sites (Great Wall, Soldiers, etc) and LESS time at the sales places/factories (pearls, jade, etc), but I understand that money needs to be made.  JJ and the last guide were extremely friendly and knowledgeable!  I loved them!  I was so grateful that we got to see and experience so many cities and places!  I never could have done all of that on my own!
5) Hangzhou was my favorite city.  I loved the low-key, laid back pace and the beautiful west lake.  That being said, I loved all of the cities and all that they had to offer!
 
I really got so much out of it and am truly grateful!

Natalie B.
2011 Nanjing Summer Program

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I wanted to take the time to tell you how much I enjoyed my experience in Nanjing and the wonderful tour as well. I really enjoyed my students and I picked up some great teaching strategies and ideas from Lewie, which were successful in my classroom. The classroom teachers in my rooms were great people and so helpful. I feel the staff as a whole and the administration of the program was very supportive and helpful. Your father was also a great and positive help in our experience, so I hope that you pass on some compliments to him. My fondest memories of China are the ones where I am interacting and teaching the students. Thank you for the experience. Of course, I rather enjoyed Hang Zhou, Xi'an and going and seeing the terra cotta warriors. I also loved trekking to the top of the wall and just getting to see so much of China. I praise the program and will be sure to tell my colleagues of this great experience and recommend that a few incredible teachers apply for next summer's program. I feel very fortunate that I was part of the group of teachers in 2010 and I just wanted to send you this note of gratitude.

- Kari M. from 2010 Nanjing Summer Program

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Once again I thought everything went well. Here are my specific comments: I feel the administrators at the school worked very hard to make sure everyone had what they needed. I worked mostly with the upper grades, so that's where most of my comments pertain to. I didn't care too much for the food at the school, however, I did feel that the cooks went to great lengths to give us a selection of both meats and vegetables, so there was always something to eat. The accommodations were good. I especially appreciated that the one hotel in Nanjing was located so close to the S & G store (for a quick pick up of anything needed) and so close to the dumpling restaurant and the massage facility. It's a nice hotel. All the places we stayed were good The cities we visited were very nice. There is always so much to see and learn about in China. My favorite city was Beijing. Excellent tour guides - Both JJ and Leena were friendly, supportive and knowledgeable.

- Sharon S. from 2010 NanjingSummer Program

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Thank you so much! It was an amazing experience. I can't tell you enough how grateful I am for the opportunity to have gone to China. I took over 1,000 pictures, have completed my album and constantly talk (to anyone who will listen) about my experiences. It was incredible how all of us teachers from all over the U.S. came together, worked together, and had fun creating lasting memories and new-found friendships.

To answer your questions:

1)  The staff at the school was very supportive. I felt appreciated. Everyone was kind, helpful and respectful towards me. Teaching the children was rewarding. Like any child, they wanted to learn. I was touched by the emotions and tears on my last day. Definitely felt the love. My Co-Teachers were helpful, and eager to learn from me. They were supportive and welcoming. Jim & Patrick were extremely helpful and always had a smile on their faces. I loved the exposure to the cultural classes provided. The water and fruit in the work room was very welcomed. The extra money and necklace given to each of us at the closing dinner was very thoughtful and an added bonus.
2)  I always felt like I was eating. I thought the food at school was great. I loved the variety and tried it all. I was amazed at the amount of food we were given, especially on the opening day.
3) The accommodations were great. Each hotel was clean and welcoming. The hotel in Nanjing was close to shopping, restaurants and the massage place! We especially loved the dumpling restaurant around the corner.
4)  The itinerary was awesome! I'd be hard pressed to mention a favorite. I loved the serenity of West Lake in Hangzhou. Didn't feel we had enough time to shop at the Silk Market. Cycling on the Xi'an City Wall was a different experience than touring. Hard to describe the thrill I felt at the Great Wall of China. Knowing I was able to climb the wall was an amazing feat. The Terracotta Warriors was fabulous. I loved visiting the Dragon Wells Tea Plantation and learning about green teas. I am constantly reminded of it, since I purchased tea and drink it daily.
5)  J.J. was an outstanding tour guide. He was very knowledgeable, always willing to help, cared about us and was funny. I loved hearing about his family and Grandma. We all wanted to meet her and "gossip" with her over tea. I had a situation at the Turkish Carpet place and J.J.'s help was invaluable. Eric and Lena went out of their way to change plans/schedules for us. They were both very well-informed about the sights we were seeing with them. Having water for sale on the bus was very helpful to us.
6)  I had never been to China. The tours you set up were amazing. The attention to detail was above and beyond. It was clear to me that you wanted us to experience China. As wonderful as it was, we were all exhausted at the end of the day. In a good way, though!
Thank you so much for a wonderful trip. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime!

- Sharon S. from 2010 Nanjing Summer Program

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The school management was superior to any I have experienced in former teaching situations in other countries. Faye, our main liaison was competent as well as gracious. How fortunate I was to have her niece Wendy in my class and to get to know Faye. You two were a great pair. Other officials maintained good professionalism as well as willingness to learn from us about possible ways to augment their already fine programs. The gracious and extravagant meals and extra gifts were so appreciated. The food at the school was kindly served and had good variety, but like school food in the United States, was adequate. Our accommodations were fine. I appreciated all that was available to us in close proximity to our hotel in Nanjing. The cities and sites we visited were very memorable. I have spent a good deal of time and have several speaking opportunities and classroom visits to share all we experienced. I enjoyed each city for different reasons, so cannot narrow my favorite to just one city. Nonetheless, seeing the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors were second only to the Chinese people and relationships with students and staff. Our tour guides, especially JJ were excellent. I must say that your program information was more complete that the other programs I have experienced. I congratulate you for that, as well as the school administrators, teachers and staff. Bravo and my deepest thanks.

- Sally R. from 2010 Nanjing Summer Program

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Here is my feedback on the following:

1) Management of the school was fine. The staff was always so welcoming and friendly. Mr. Mao was so caring. Thank you for the number lessons on the bus too!
2) The food at the school was not bad except that the smell of the cafeteria was unpleasant and caused some to lose their appetite. The snacks (fruit and ice cream) in between meals were great!
3)  The accommodations were excellent. The hotels were clean and the staff was always hospitable and kind.
4) Each city we visited was exceptional. It's hard to choose a favorite. Hangzhou was beautiful and I would like to have seen more of Xi'an.
5)  Our tour guides were very accommodating and PATIENT!!!!!! JJ was so knowledgeable and always tried to please everyone. He was wonderful! Sharon was also very helpful. She over-extended herself from the very beginning of the trip. She offered to meet early travelers in Los Angeles. In China, she was always available to give advice and even set us up at the massage parlor in Nanjing. She never missed a beat and we relied on her knowledge from past experience on many occasions in school.

All in all, it was an amazing experience for me. I am very grateful to have been chosen to participate in this remarkable program. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to visit China and learn about your culture through your program. I met very interesting people and have made special friends as a result.

- Pepita L. from 2010 Nanjing Summer Program

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     We wanted to say, “Thank you!” again and again for wonderful summer experience.  Every single one of us had the time of our lives.  Again you did a masterful job of putting together this complex program with so many facets.  Everything was just perfect – the organization, the hotels, the meals, the tours, the school, the precious students, and the kind, supportive, and dedicated teachers and administrators. We honestly cannot think of one thing that you could have done better or differently. Although the flu scare may have been a struggle for you, you made it a simple matter for us.  We never felt inconvenienced.  

            We hope that we American teachers did a satisfactory job for you and the school.   It is such an honor to be able to participate in this program with you two.

            Thank you for all your dedication and service to promote international understanding and a global perspective. This experience and last year’s trip have changed our own lives and given us a greater appreciation for China.   
 
            Lewie and Maureen J. from California
            2008 & 2009 Tongxiang Summer Program
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            The management and organization by the school was truly superior.  I commend them for their great work and dedication to make this an effective summer program for the students, the American teachers, and the school. The food was superb.  The chef could not have been better.  We appreciated him so much.  We were overwhelmed by the personal interest and effort that he put into creating banquets for us as every meal. The hotel was VERY nice.  The rooms were clean, well air-conditioned, easy access to the school, good breakfast, good TV, fast internet connection.  This hotel is a great find. We loved the visits to Xi’an and Beijing.  Not only were the treasures we saw by day tops, but the shows that we saw in the evening were truly spectacular.  Although I missed the Hangzhou/Wuzhen portion of the trip, I had seen it before, and I got to see a whole new aspect of China in the schools where I did my presentations.  It was an honor to be invited to Karen’s home for dinner.  The visit to the Humble Administrator’s Garden by Michael was a great morning to remember. The tour guides were very good.  Charley was always there and available for anything that we needed.   His services made the extensive travels seem so carefree.  I was so impressed that he called our room in Xi’an to make sure the room was OK and to give us his room number in case we needed anything.   Lina in Xi’an and Eric in Beijing couldn’t have been better. Thank you for all that you did to put together this valuable experience.  We loved every minute of it.
 
     Lewie J. from California
     2008 & 2009 Tongxiang Summer Program ************************************************************************************
1.  School management was excellent.  Everything ran as smoothly as possible.
2.  Our food was bordering on gourmet.  Every meal was a feast with the chef's checking with us frequently to make sure everything was fine.
3.  The hotel in Tongxiang was great.  I highly recommend it for next year.  The Xian hotel had some problems with drainage in the shower, but that was minor.
4.  Xian was my favorite tourist city, but we enjoyed Hangzhou, Shanghai, Tongxiang, and Beijing as well.  Wuzhen is nice too.  I think future groups would enjoy all of these as well.
5.  This year's guides were great.  Charlie's English is fantastic, and he was very patient with us and knowledgeable.  Lena and Eric were also excellent.
6.  I thought that last year's trip was the best possible, but this year's school experience, tours, hotels, and meals were even better.  I don't know how it could be better.
 
PS:  The dim sum dinner was so great!
 
     Maureen J. from California
     2008 & 2009 Tongxiang Summer Program ************************************************************************************
 

            Thank you a million times for such an amazing opportunity to teach and travel in China!!!  I had a blast meeting and working with so many interesting and talented teachers.  I also appreciated and enjoyed working with Sabrina and Lu, my host teachers for the 6th grade classrooms in Nanjing.  They were so welcoming and really made me feel comfortable in their classrooms.  Teaching was challenging but so rewarding, and I love my memories of Bronwyn & I staying up late laughing and revising lesson plans for the next day.  This type of teaching really required active, flexible plans and it was fun trying to make that happen for the students.  The students were so kind, and we ended up teaching each other many things in that busy two-week period.  Thanks again, Sally!!!! I am still organizing photos and enjoying all the incredible sights I captured in the photos!  What a great time!!! Thanks for making this happen.
 
1. How was the management of the school?  Excellent!!!! 
 
2. How was the food at school?  Good... Thanks for the yummy baked goods, fruit, and ice cream treats. 
 
3. How was the accommodation? Nice... I liked having the grocery store and restaurants so close by.  It was a perfect location to get a cab if you needed to go some place that wasn't in walking distance.
 
4. How were the cities you visited?  Which city was your favorite city?  The cities were great.  I liked Hangzhou and Suzhou because there was something tranquil and peaceful about the people there.  I liked Beijing for the crazy bargain shopping opportunities. Oh, that was a blast!!!  I also loved Xi'an because of the Terracotta Warriors.... Obviously, I am having trouble picking just one favorite city!!!! I really loved them all!!!
 
5. How was the service of your tour guides? Fantastic!!!  I cannot say enough good things about JJ.  He was so patient, calm, and wise! I wish that I could provide for him a tour of Alaska that was just as great as the one he created in China for all of us.
 
     Christie M. from Alaska
     2009 Nanjing Summer Program 
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1. How was the management of the school?
Great!  Teachers were friendly and respectful.  Middle School VP was always willing to help and Jim was beyond gracious and helpful.  What would we have done without him and Yifei.  They never said no to us.
2. How was the food at school?
Okay but there was nothing to complain about.  It was good enough for students so it was good enough for us also. I wished there were chopsticks so we practice our eating skills during the day.
3. How was the accommodation? Great.  4. How were the cities you visited?  Which city was your favorite city?
Amazing.  I would have to say my favorite city was Nanjing because we spent more time there so it felt more like "home."  After Nanjing, I would say Beijing.  The city just seemed really beautiful, organized, clean (except for the air), and driving was a lot better.  Shanghai was nice but there was so much construction going on that I don't think we really got to appreciate the incredible architecture that it has to offer.  Also, the first couple of nights that we were there, it was raining so we weren't able to see as much of the lights & splendor.
5. How was the service of your tour guides?
Excellent.  JJ was incredible.  I'm so thankful for him.
6. Any other constructive suggestions?
Thank you for an incredible, unforgettable trip.  I hear from students almost daily and teaching was by far my favorite part!
 
     Kafi P. from California
     2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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First of all I would like to thank you for helping to make this summer such a success.  The whole trip was fantastic! 

1.  The management of the school was well organized.  As you know Yifei and Jimmy did a remarkable job of coordinating all the school related activities from meals, to bus, to classes and any other need we had.  They both were so willing to do anything and everything we asked.  
 
2.  The food at the school was cafeteria style food and after a few days everything tasted the same.  That being said I did eat everyday in the cafeteria and was able to find something I could eat.  I am glad that we were able to eat dinner out as that gave me an opportunity to taste other types of Chinese food and have a little more free time.
 
3.  The accommodations were great.  I usually don't travel that well when on my own.  Thank You!! 
 
4.  All the touring was excellent and it is very hard for me to pick a favorite city because there were special places in each city.  However I did really enjoy the beauty of Hangzhou. The Lake is very special and I loved watching the people dance in the evening and exercise in the early morning.  Also in Hangzhou the visit to the Lingyin Buddha temple was interesting and a great place to explore.  I also enjoyed the visit to the tea plantation and getting out of the city and seeing some countryside. In Suzhou The Humble administrators garden was special and the night cruise on the canals (an extra) was not to be missed.
However, being able to see the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall are definitely on the list of "have to do" when visiting China.
 
4.  JJ our tour guide was GREAT!  He had a good feel for our group and his personal skills were excellent.  He was very informative but did not give sooo much information as to seem overwhelming.  In all of my traveling this was the first time I have traveled on a tour and i think JJ helped to make the experience very positive.
 
5. As for the teaching experience, mine was very positive.  My homeroom teachers were helpful, the students fairly well behaved and it was FUN.  I think that future teachers should be told that this is a summer camp and the students need to have fun and be active. I know you mentioned it but I don't think I really realized what you meant until I was there.  A combination of literature, hands-on, music and games that require listening and oral language, and some quiet follow-up activities to the literature or theme (just to give the teacher a little break) is a good combination.  I mentioned to my host teachers that it would be helpful next year if all the students brought markers or crayons, scissors and a pencil or pen and they thought it a good idea.  In addition to the list of materials you suggested I would add chart paper.
 
     Terry C. from California
     2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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1. Management at school was good. Michelle and Angela were very helpful.
2. The food was outstanding.
3. The hotel was great. Mr. Mao and his laundry service was a real perk.
4. I liked all the cities we visited, especially Xi'an. The Terra Cotta soldiers, and the Great Wall were highlights, plus Beijing and the Olympic village.
5.Tour guides were excellent, very helpful and informative.
 
P.S I am already recruiting for next year!  Perhaps I will return as well.
 
     Gayle T. from California
     2009 Tongxiang Summer Program
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1. How was the management of the school?

Sally was an excellent liaison and advocate for the teachers.

The support that Jim gave with computers, sound system for the dance, transportation timeliness, etc… was excellent. 

The enforcement of discipline at the Junior High level was ineffectual, except when Mr. Gong was present in the room.

I was touched that the school felt that we deserved a bonus, and the going away party, with all the singing, was really fun.

The Chinese and other classes were nice to have. I was pleased that the computer lab was open for me, even when I was the only user (three times.)

2. How was the food at school? For me, it was fine. I’m not picky. Having the fruit snacks in the afternoon was GREAT, and I really liked the ice cream.

3. How was the accommodation? It was very good. The Nanjing hotel was beautiful.

4. How were the cities you visited?  Which city was your favorite city?

All the tours were interesting. It was good that there was flexibility for those who had been to China before to explore on their own. I loved the West Lake in Hangzhou, the canals in Suzhou, cycling on the Xi’an Walls and wandering the Muslim market.

5. How was the service of your tour guides? Very good. I liked it when they told about their personal lives and history. They were also nice to modify the last day for the 1.5 hour shopping spree in Beijing.

 

 
     Marya I. from California
     2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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The program this year was well-organized and a huge improvemnent from last year's! The opening and closing ceremony were good in length and didn't last too long. A lot of us felt that the school went way over and beyond their call of duty. The addition of Jim and Yi-fei made life a lot easier for all of the teachers. In addition, the new workroom and restrooms were way superior.
 
As for the food, it was as good as cafeteria style food is going to get. However, I felt like the school made too much and there were a lot of leftovers at the end of each day, which is a waste. The accommodations were excellent, with the hotels in Suzhou and Nanjing being the best. Our tour guides were very good and patient with our many demands, although I felt that the tour schedule was extremely hectic the day we left Nanjing for Xian. Many of us were bone tired by the time we arrived in Xian. By far, Beijing was my favorite! There's so much history and culture there, I wish we could've spent more time there!
 
I feel extremely lucky to experience the program again this time around, with all its improvements. The school is very good to us and I'm humbled by the amount of work that goes into making this program the success that it is. I really did learn a lot from the other teachers.
 
Thank you for accepting me into the program this summer.
 
     Leng T. from California
     2008 & 2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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1. How was the management of the school?
 
It was managed very well. It was nice having two people who were there to support us if needed. It was nice to have a written schedule and notes when things changed.

2. How was the food at school?
 
The food was better this year than last year, but to be honest with you I only had it a few times. I found that I liked to eat Chinese food better when I only eat it one time a day.

3. How was the accommodation?
 
The accommodations were wonderful!

4. How were the cities you visited?  Which city was your favorite city?
 
The cities we visited were great. I really liked Xian. Guilin was a great city to see also.

5. How was the service of your tour guides?
 
The tours were great.

6. Any other constructive suggestions?
 
The program was wonderful.
 
Thank you for letting me go twice. It was such a wonderful experience. The group of teachers was so positive and the teaching was great.
 
     Christina C. from California
     2008 & 2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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            I want to thank you and everyone from the school for organizing such a wonderful program. I have to say that one thing I enjoyed most about my time in China was the teaching. I appreciate all of the time and effort that you and everyone at the school put in to organizing our teaching and traveling. To answer your questions:
 
1. I did not have any management problems in my classrooms. The room teachers were helpful when they were in the room and the students were respectful towards me.
2. The food at school was ok.
3. The accommodations were fine. The hotel in Nanjing was very nice- great to be able to stay at such a nice hotel for an extended period of time. The location of our Beijing hotel was great- close to many points of interest. The hotel in Shanghai was a bit out of the city and not as centrally located as other hotels in the other cities we stayed in.
4. The cities that we toured were great. I had traveled to several of them the previous summer, but was still excited to return (Beijing, Xi'an) because there was so much to see in each. My favorite city was Hangzhou because it was so beautiful and there was lots to do- biking, exploring around the lake, etc.
5. The tour guides were great. They were very accommodating and helpful.
 
Once again, thank you for the opportunity to participate in your program. I really had such a fantastic time teaching and traveling.
 
      Kelly M. from California
     2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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     I first want to say thank you so much for the opportunity to travel to China and have such a wonderful experience.  It was my second trip to China, but I think this trip was such a better experience than the first time around (5 years ago).  I found myself falling in love with China this time, its people, its food, etc. You were such a great director to work for and I really appreciate all of your hard work to make sure we had such a great trip.  I had such a great summer and am so thankful for the entire experience.  Here are my thoughts on your questions:
 
1. How was the management of the school?
     I found the school to be incredibly supportive.  Jim and E-Fai (I can't remember how to spell her name!) were so enthusiastic and helpful.  I thought the school officials were very appreciative of us and sought to make our teaching experience fun and smooth.  They were kind, helpful and when I was observed, the woman observing made a point to thank me and gave positive comments about my teaching.  I thought that was above and beyond what was needed. I thought the rewards of travel, airfare reimbursement, etc. were well worth the small amount of teaching we did.  
 
2 How was the accommodation?
     The hotels were wonderful. I felt that the hotels, especially Nanjing, were really comfortable, clean and safe.  I also liked the locations of the hotels - they seemed to be close to grocery stores, other shopping, and it was easy to get to places from them. Again, as compensation from the school for our teaching, they were above and beyond what was necessary, which was so nice to experience. 
 
4. How were the cities you visited?  Which city was your favorite city?
     I really liked Shanghai the best.  I wish we had a bit more time there.  I also really enjoyed Nanjing, which was a new city for me.  I thought that the cities you picked to visit were a great representation of China and we were lucky to see such great things - like the Great Wall, Terra Cotta Warriors, etc. It was a great itinerary and a fun trip! 
 
5. How was the service of your tour guides?
     I thought JJ really made the touring fun. We found ourselves laughing a lot at him and his jokes!  He seemed to know exactly how long to give us at some of the sites and understood when we were hot and needed to get back on the bus.  He always thought about personal needs (water, bathrooms) and pointed them out whenever he saw places to take care of ourselves.  He was really great! The other tour guides were competent and very knowledgeable.
6. Any other constructive suggestions?
     You did such an amazing job preparing us!  I know you spent hours and hours preparing for the trip and then worked tirelessly to make sure everything was smooth.  I appreciate your graciousness and helpfulness whenever we needed it. You were so laid back with us and treated us as professionals, which was really nice.  It was such a great experience!
     It might be easier if the school could give a very brief overview (a few sentences) of what each grade level has learned in their English instruction (for example, the 1st graders have learned about American holidays and songs) and what specific supplies the students have. Then, the American teachers might have a better idea of what they could teach as enrichment, especially in the higher grades, and they could gear their instruction a bit more strategically. 
             Thanks again - I can't say thank you enough for the opportunity.  It was such an amazing experience that I will remember forever!
 
     Kim F. from Colorado
     2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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    As always, I cannot express how thankful I am for having had the opportunity to go to China. Before ever having gone, I never considered it one of my priorities, although Agustin did. I wasn't very educated on China, then. After going 2 years ago, I always recommend it to whomever I talk to about traveling and I tell them it is my favorite country so far.
In regards to the evaluation:
 
1. How was the management of the school?
   Everything seemed to flow very smoothly for us. We knew exactly where we needed to be, when to be there, and what we were expected to do. It couldn't have been better!
 
2. How was the food at school?
   The chef was the best!!!! The food was delicious every single day. We loved how he would come talk to us on some occasions and having the opportunity to put a face to the chef of such wonderful meals. He was very accommodating to our preferences, but he also tried to give us opportunities to try new things he thought we should try. That speaks very highly of him and his considerations. Oh! And he also went out of his way to teach us a little bit about the meals. It couldn't have been better!
 
3. How was the accommodation?
   Before arriving in Tongxiang, we were told that the hotel was not going to be in a central place as it was before. I was a little sad because I remembered having great experiences in the area, but once we got there, the hotel was excellent!!! It had great service, great food, and beautiful rooms. And, more than being at a walking distance from the school, if you chose to walk, you crossed a beautiful park with so many new things to see and learn. I loved it. We did not miss out on anything for not being centrally located. Taxis were always available and accessible. It couldn't have been better!
 
4. How were the cities you visited?  Which city was your favorite city?
   Every city we visited was fantastic. Each activity we had was unforgettable. I don't think I can pick a favorite. Perhaps I can say I enjoyed Beijing very much because we had more time to be there, let everything sink in, and explore some. It couldn't have been better!
 
5. How was the service of your tour guides?
   The three tour guides were exceptional. They made us feel comfortable and forget we were in a completely foreign environment. They also went out of their way so many times! For example, Charlie helped us organize a surprise dinner cake for Agustin one day by arranging it all, Lena helped us get our camera back once we thought we had lost it forever by calling the hotel and making sure they did their best to help us, and Eric never hesitated when plans did not work out as they were supposed to after the storm in Beijing and rearranged everything for us as well as finding extra things for us to enjoy like the night food markets. They couldn't have been better!
 
6. Any other constructive suggestions?
 
   I just want to express how happy I was with the group. It was such a wonderful group of people. It was amazing to be surrounded by such expertise and yet such humility. The team was AWESOME!!! It couldn't have been better!!!  Thanks again!
 
     Gloria M. from Texas
     2007 & 2009 Tongxiang Summer Program
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     Although I am back home, my heart and memory are still beaming with fond memories of my China experience. I want to thank you again for giving me this amazing opportunity. I have been in email contact with several of my students and we have been sharing pictures and information. The students are looking forward to starting their school year on August 31st. OK and now... on to the evaluation:
 
1. How was the management of the school?
I dealt mostly with Edward Gong (and sometimes with the technology support team). I was supported when needed. I really didn't have any problems. You kept me (all of us) informed and supported. You did an excellent job and it was greatly appreciated.
2. How was the food at school?
I actually enjoyed trying the foods that they eat. I guess it just took a little getting used to.
3. How was the accommodation?
The hotels were fine. I liked that the hotel was so close to the shopping area. It allowed for us to walk to the store to pick up materials to use at the school. I felt safe where we were and the people at the hotels were friendly and always tried to address our needs. Accommodations were fine.
4. How were the cities you visited?  Which city was your favorite city?
All of the places we visited were amazing, interesting and enlightening. There was always so much to see and learn about - I loved it all! Our tour guide, JJ helped make our visit to China that much more enjoyable. He was nice, knowledgeable, friendly and always looking after our needs. As far as a favorite city... I honestly loved them all. Maybe Shanghai and Beijing come to mind for some amazing sights, shopping and venues.
5. How was the service of your tour guides?
The tour guides were wonderful. JJ was especially great. Having water provided for us on the bus was greatly appreciated.
6. Any other constructive suggestions?
Having a strong background in special education and behavior management, I didn't find student behavior to be a concern. Because it was a summer camp-like program, I think some of the students just didn't want to have the two weeks seem like drilling and lectures (as you mentioned several times in your pre-trip packet information). Learning can and should be fun.
 
     I had an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL TIME working with my students, the administrators, the other American teachers in the program and of course you. I can't thank you enough for an amazing summer experience! I have made new and wonderful life-long friends. I hope to visit my new Eskimo friends (from Alaska) sometime soon. My teacher friends here in Chicago are hearing all about my adventures. Next month I will be having a Chinese dinner party at my home (for friends and family) and I will be showing a slide show of my pictures from my trip. I plan to serve Chinese food, but I do not plan to include heads, whiskers and tails of things. I have been wearing my pearl earrings and necklace and I really love them so much. I think of China every day. … So again (and again and again), thanks for arranging massages, giving me tips on purses, and making this wonderful summer experience so AMAZING!!!
Thank you so much for your time, dedication and friendship.   (Xie Xie)
 
     Sharon S. from Illinois
     2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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            The scope of my China experience still resonates with me today.  I feel very grateful to have had this opportunity!  I enjoyed meeting my diverse, well traveled, fellow American teachers, working with my hard working, respectful sixth graders, collaborating with my kind, flexible Chinese teachers and experiencing the wonders of Chinese culture and history.  I actually have a hard time responding to the question, "How was your trip to China?" because it is difficult to say all of that with one word!  I usually say, "Amazing"!  Your efforts with organization and hospitality did not go unnoticed.  This was my first trip to Asia, and I felt treated like an honored guest.  It is nearly impossible to go hungry on this trip even with dietary limitations.  I am a vegetarian with a funky stomach.  I found the food delicious, plentiful and full of variety. Our accommodations were clean and comfortable.  Even when we were sick, you brought comfort and medicine.  The communication prior to the trip was helpful in my preparation.  I also appreciated the communication throughout the trip.  I felt respected and professional throughout the trip.  It is clear that you want to provide a positive experience for everyone involved in the program.  Thank you! 

 

 
In response to your questions: 
 1. The Management of the School-If this is in regard to E-Fay and Jim, I cannot help but say excellent.  They were easy to talk to and accommodating.  I appreciated their time and management of the program getting us to places we needed to be and getting us the materials we needed to teach.  I was pleased with my overall experience in school. 
 
2.  The food at the school-It was so thoughtful and generous of the school to provide our lunches. It is difficult to be critical.  Everything tasted fine going down. 
 
3.  Accommodations-I found our accommodations mostly very good.  I liked the comfort of a western hotel for being away from home for such a long period of time.  Most of them were clean and spacious.  I particularly liked our hotel in Nanjing especially for our long-term stay.  The staff was friendly and helpful.
 
4.  The Visited Cities-I honestly had a favorite part in each of the cities!  Hangzhou stood out for its beauty near the water and the temple.  However, my all time favorite, most memorable part of the trip was climbing the Great Wall in Beijing.  I am still in awe!  Looking back, I can't believe I was on two domestic flights in China.  I saw a remarkable amount of Chinese treasures in a short period of time! 
 
5.  Tour Guides- JJ was awesome!  How can you not love a guy who clearly loves his country and can laugh at his own jokes?  JJ was informative and helpful.  He set a nice tone throughout our visit.  He listened when we had questions or concerns.  Some of us were teasing him that we would not know what to do in the airport by ourselves on the way home.  Who was going to hold our flag and tell us where to go?  
 
     Debbie N. from New York City
     2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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            Hello! Before I answer your questions I would like to thank you for the opportunity of teaching my students in Nanjing and working with such positive Chinese professionals and dedicated American teachers. I very much appreciate having been part of this program. One moment that speaks to my experience is when I felt so comfortable in my Chinese classroom that I had to remind myself that I wasn’t in my classroom in the US. Before the trip I had so many questions about what China would be like and I was envious of family members and friends who had visited the country. My experiences exceeded my expectations and I came away feeling connected to the vibrant people and communities I encountered in China.  
 
Answers to your questions:
  1. Management of the school: I think I interpreted this word several ways. I Faye and Jim created an amazingly positive connection between the school and the American teachers. They were so hospitable and served as wonderful ambassadors for the school. They did everything they could to meet our needs. Our cultural programs were excellent.
I was very fortunate with my two room teachers. They were always present and very supportive of me and our students. From the moment I met them they were very welcoming to me.
 
  1. School Food: Overall I would say it was satisfactory most days. I went to all lunches and selected foods for my meal. Some days the food was more appetizing than others. The cafeteria staff seemed to try to meet our American sweet tooth by providing several baked goods each day.
  1. Accommodations in Nanjing: Very good and the housekeepers always did a very nice job taking care of our room! I also liked the location in the city very much.
  1.  Cities we visited: I was very glad we visited each city, each for its own special characteristics and the sites visited. My favorite city was Suzhou- I loved the optional evening boat cruise on the canal. Everyone of us who was on that ride was so enthralled by the beauty and charm of the canal and the lighted lanterns and reflections along the way. Our hotel location was in a smaller, less urban part of the city and that made it very comfortable and relaxing to walk around and explore. I loved seeking out the twin pagodas with fellow teachers. Visiting this city in the first week was very good timing.  I was so appreciative to visit so many Chinese cities. Seeing the terracotta soldiers in Xi’an and visiting major sites in Beijing were major highlights for me- the Olympic site, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
  1. Service of tour guides: JJ, excellent, for many reasons, as you know! Jason in Beijing: good. He is a very pleasant man. He accommodated the desire for shopping in Silk Street. 
     Sue H. from New York City
     2009 Nanjing Summer Program
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For me the entire experience was fabulous. 
1. The school management was great.  I felt very supported by the staff members who were there to help us (we were treated like royalty).  The students were wonderful, so well behaved and appreciative and open to learning. The supplies that were available were all that I needed.  I especially appreciated the water supply...I drank a lot.  The classes offered at lunch time were both interesting and informative.  Mr Mao was kind, gentle, understanding and supportive.  The banquets were delicious and so FUN!
2.The food was wonderful, the chef so accommodating.  I loved every meal.
3. The hotel was perfect...the distance to the school allowed us to walk to and from when we felt so inspired, the proximity to the town was also great for wandering and exploring when we had a few minutes of free time, the room was light, clean, comfortable and roomy, the breakfasts were good, the air-conditioning was a god-send, the laundry service was timely and inexpensive.
4. The touring was great.  The place I liked the most was Tongxiang - our home. After that probably Beijing because there was so much to see and do.  We had time to wander on our own in the evenings, something that I missed earlier in the traveling. 
5. The tour guides were all great.  My favorite was the one we had in Beijing.  He seemed so responsive to our needs...willing to change the itinerary a bit when we wanted and he allowed us more time to wander on our own during our touring.  Perhaps it's just the nature of traveling in China to be in such a controlled situation.  Generally it would have been nice to have more time to wander or shop.  We always seemed to be on such a tight schedule.

I have no complaints...
Thank you for allowing me to participate in the program, I feel honored to have been a part of it.  I worked hard and learned so much.  It has colored the way I'm teaching this year.
 
     Kathleen J. from California
     2009 Tongxiang Summer Program
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First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being given the opportunity to teach in the Summer China Travel and Teaching Program. I had extremely high expectations about the program and was thrilled beyond imagination. It was an experience of a lifetime! Everyone in the program was so welcoming and helpful. I don’t believe that I have ever been so well taken care of. I would like to give special thanks to Michele and Angela for all of the extra attention given to everyone after their work day. They spent every evening planning and chaperoning all of us teachers to try new Chinese experiences; including foot Massages, hair/head massages, manicures/pedicures/, restaurants and my personal favorite Karaoke! At school they attended to our every need. I was impressed by the professionalism of the entire school staff and would like to thank them for presenting us with cultural lessons during their lunch breaks! The cuisine at the school was delicious! We were so spoiled; the chef even came in to meet us and ask us what we preferred to eat.
 
All of the hotels were nice; especially our home/hotel in Tongxiang! I enjoyed every city we visited. It was especially nice to be able to climb the Great Wall! The best part of the travel experience was visiting the cultural sites! The history of China is so rich and ancient. My favorite places were The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, Hangzhou (West Lake), Wuzhen, and the gardens in Shanghai and Xi’an. The guides were very knowledgeable. The only thing that I longed more for was, free time to explore outdoor markets and back alleys.
 
The best and most memorable part of the experience was in our hometown of Tongxiang. I truly enjoyed teaching the children and learning so much from them and making friends with the Chinese teachers. To be honest, I don’t know who learned more, the children or me. The cultural exchange in class was exciting and inspiring. The parting at the end of the closing ceremony was a testimony to the intrinsic value a program such as this. The students were emotional to the point of tears pouring down their faces. They grabbed me, clung to me and told me that they loved me! We all parted crying. I left emotionally drained yet heart filled. I know that I have left an imprint of caring love from the United States in Tongxiang and I have also brought home the same love from China to share with my family, friends and students here in the United State. Imagine a world where everyone could exchange such wonderful cultural experiences? The song my classes sang at the Closing Ceremony says it all; “Imagine” by John Lennon.
 
     Tonya I. from California
     2009 Tongxiang Summer Program
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I certainly learned a great deal about Chinese cultural and geography.  I benefited greatly from my experience.  I believe that teachers who return for a second or third time are probably more effective in the classroom because they have greater familiarity with the school set-up and the language needs of learners.  I commend Chinese schools for desiring proficiency in a second language.  English speaking Chinese will likely have many doors open for future employment.
     I found the people with whom I dealt to be helpful and friendly.  I could see cultural differences, but similarities are profoundly evident.  I have
been a walking advertisement for the program.  Many of my co-teachers and friends are amazed at my experiences.  I hope to encourage a teacher or two to consider applying for the program.  I know several teachers who would work very hard to provide excellent language lessons.
     I also think you did a great job in recruiting teachers who worked well together, who were versatile, and open to new experiences.  My group mingled well with one another.  I enjoyed my experiences with them very much.  I met many adventurers! 
     China is exciting and beautiful.  I now have the "bug" to visit other Chinese destinations and Asian areas beyond. 
     – Sandi D. From Iowa, 2008 Summer Program
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     Overall, I thought the program was wonderful! I had a great time and hope to return next year.
     I thought they (school officials) tried their best to accommodate our needs, and I was happy with their efforts. The accommodations were superb!  The tour was fantastic! All the cities were so wonderful; it's hard to pick a favorite. I did like Hangzhou and Guilin a lot and wished we had more time in those cities.  I think the program offered all of us participants a wonderful experience in China's rich and vibrant culture! I do wish the program were longer! I enjoyed every minute of it!
     Thank you for all your hard work and for including us in such a wonderful experience!! 
     - Leng T. From California, 2008 Summer Program
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     The school was wonderful and I felt I had enough materials for my lessons.
     The food was excellent once again.  I enjoyed the lectures and the work of so many people to offer us some cultural content.  The accommodations were much better than last year with the location being central to the city and market being a few blocks away. I would keep the hotel for next year if I were you. I enjoyed the tour- JJ was an excellent tour guide. He is a born storyteller and filled us in on a family's life in China.  I gained a great deal of knowledge from him. I also like the way the tour was laid out to cope with our jet lag and continue to show us parts of China. Guilin was exquisite! I love Hangzhou and had a wonderful time there. Suchou was a good stop as jet lag set in on the third day! The way the luggage was taken care of was also logistically better.
     The students enjoyed learning more about history and science through English and through cooperative learning. They could speak more and work together to complete the oral presentations throughout the lessons. 
     - Janice S. From Alaska, 2008 Summer Program
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     I just want to thank you again for giving me the wonderful opportunity of going to China with the group.  I probably never would have gone to China if not for this program and I had the most amazing time and will remember it forever.  Now that I am home I realize that I definitely want to go back some day.  In fact I am already missing it!!  Your program is great, and I think you are providing a fabulous service for both teachers and the schools. 
     Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
     - Jon F. From Alaska, 2008 Summer Program
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     We had a safe and comfortable trip home.   The laundry is done, and the gifts have been distributed or put away until the next occasion.   We have been reunited with the grandchildren and have watered the neglected plants.   The four weeks' worth of mail has been sorted, and the bills paid.
     We are still excited about the trip and agree that it was a wonderful experience that we would like to enjoy again.
     The management and support at the school including scheduling, facilities, programs,