Project Details

Organisation:	Tianjin Yaohua High School, China
Mentor:	Tianjin Yaohua Binhai School
Members:	Chua Shi Yan Woo Shu En Sheryl Tan Pin Sing Loh Han Le Ng Jin Li Tan Li Si Grace Edwin Lee Kok Yong Kenny Chen Han Teng Teo Wan En Lim Xin Yi Tan Chen Yin Say Xian Jue Chan Sau Yee
Project Title:	A 19-day immersion programme in China

A. Brief Description of Project
From calligraphy to tea to history, we learnt about different aspects of the Chinese culture. Lessons were prepared by the staff at our partner school, Tianjin Yaohua Bin Hai High School, and we boarded with the local students. We spent two weeks in Tianjin and the remaining days in China's historic capital, namely Beijing. It was like having an intensive China Studies course for three weeks – but instead of being confined in the classroom, we got to travel to China and have a first-hand experience of the Chinese culture.

B. Results
After the trip, we did reports on the aspects of Chinese culture we learnt during the trip. Some of the reports we did are on the Beijing trip, while others are about the activities we had in Tianjin Yaohuan Binhai School (eg. pottery lessons, driving lessons).

C. Reflection

Three content knowledge/skills that we have learnt

1. We examined the various elements in Beijing opera (京剧, a form of traditional Chinese theatre). For example, the aesthetic aspect, which encompasses a sophisticated system of makeup patterns and colour code (red represents righteousness, etc). To further our appreciation, we each hand-painted a mask.
2. We also learnt about China's economy and how diverse it is. The teacher told us that the east side of China is more advanced because it is near the sea, has better weather conditions, etc., as compared to other parts of China.
3. We had elementary Tai Chi and Chinese dance courses.


Two interesting aspects about our learning

1. Besides the academic content, we got to ski!
2. Explored state-of-the-arts facilities at Yaohua Binhai School, including driving simulators and pottery.

One take-away for life

1. Do not judge.
Somehow, the Chinese nationals have never been portrayed favourably in the media – they are the ones emitting tons of carbon dioxide and raping the Earth, the ones generating ugly social problems and the ones churning out lethal milk and poisonous dumplings (amongst others).
While it’s true that the Chinese people do spit and litter and use squat toilets, it appeared to me that this is merely the local way of life. It does not sound justifiable that the Chinese are labeled as “uncivilized” and whatnot, just because certain elements of their lifestyle are incompatible with Western standards. Despite the negative perceptions that most people seem to have, I found my stay in Tianjin and particularly my home stay experience immensely enjoyable.

Gallery


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