Volunteer Stories  |  Lotte

My first weeks at Heng Sha Island.

After a long trip on the plane Jessie picked me and the other volunteers up at the airport. We had one weekend to go around in Shanghai, before going to the schools. Jessie took really good care of us those first days. How does it work in the metro (just push your way in), where can I shop, where can I eat, how do I come back to the flat (in Shanghai T2T has a flat where all the volunteers can sleep during the weekend). Jessie will answer all there questions and a lot more for you. Shanghai is a city you should just experience - don’t think just jump in to it and you will see the most strange, but also the most beautiful things.

There are three Islands near Shanghai. I’m teaching at one of these islands. On Monday morning I took the ferry together with Bonnie. It’s takes you one hour by ferry and then you are at a nice island without pollution, but still with 20,000 inhabitants. On the island they're not used to seeing foreigners, so that means a lot of people staring and a lot of autographs to sign (sometimes you feel like a famous movie star).

I teach at Heng Sha middle school. The children are aged from 11 to 18. They actually know a lot of English words, but the biggest problem is to let them speak out. Also they’re not used to hearing somebody talking English. So slowly speaking is advised, but with some non-verbale communication and a lot of games you will make them less shy and speak a bit. They like to do games so if you are planning to go teach start thinking about games you can do with the children.

The children are really excited that I’m here, so every break some students will come to my office and talk with me. Also teachers are interested in talking to me. In the break I usually go outside to talk and play with the children on the school ground.

I share an apartment with an English teacher. She speaks English very well. She also took me around on the island and showed me everything. At night she takes me to go dancing on the city square (don’t image a big disco it’s the rural area so… one car radio is enough to have some fun with local people! Watch out because it can happen that the local people suddenly have more interest in you than in the music). The English teacher also teaches me some Chinese words (pretty difficult; my advice try to learn some words before you go Chinese people appreciate that) and Chinese cooking!

If you want to learn something about the real Chinese culture (more then just being a tourist) and you like to work with children. I advice you to go and teach! And remember don’t forget your chopsticks!!!