Erik Ramp

Name: Erik Ramp Country of Residence: United States Citizenship: United States Profession: Student Educational Background: University of California San Diego , Bachelor of Political Science Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin Chinese Hobbies: Basketball, Reading , Travel

Q:Is this your first time in China ?
A:Yes

Q:How long have you been China ?
A:10 months

Q:Why did you decide to study Chinese Language?
A:I originally developed an interest in the country of China for purposes of doing business. I increasingly see the economic future of my own country closely linked with the future development of the Peoples Republic of China . Upon arriving. I discovered that my real passion was learning the language itself.

Q:How do you think about your Chinese Study?
A:I find studying Chinese to be infinitely interesting. From oral to literal aspects of the language, Chinese is unlike any other language spoken in our modern world. Through hard work and full emersion in a Chinese speaking environment, I have managed to tackle a language I never thought I could even attempt to learn.

Q:Why did you decide to come to China ?
A:See above answer. I came for business reasons, but stayed because of my love for the language, culture and people.

Q:Has it been what you had expected?
A:I came in absolutely expecting the unexpected. As a first time traveler to China it is almost impossible to have any kind of expectations for what you are going to encounter and learn. Coming to China has been my greatest adventure and smartest decision.

Q:How was your China trip in China last time?
A:Great, I still haven't left and my original intention was to only come for 6 months.

Q:How do you like Beijing ?
A:Depending on where you come from, living in Beijing can be either a huge shock or a really huge shock to you. Admittedly, Beijing is an overly crowded, polluted and bustling city. But at the heart of it is the culture that people come to China to see. Beijing has a little bit to offer everyone. If you're a student looking to come study and associate with other students then Beijing is perfect. If you are serious about learning the language then Beijing is absolutely the best place to come in the entire world. On the business front, Beijing is quickly catching up to China 's most business minded city, Shanghai .

Q:What do you find most interesting in Beijing ?
A:Its lightning fast development. In the mere ten months that I have been there I have watched it change so much. Everywhere you look skyscrapers are being raised, malls are popping up and bars and clubs are opening.

Q:What is your memorable experience in Beijing ?
A:My friends that I made there for sure. I have made some friends that I know I will keep in contact with for a long time to come. I never thought I would have so many friends now from Europe, Australia, Canada etc. Also, I have made some great Chinese friends that have traveled with me all through China . There is no better way to see the country then with people who really know it.

Q:How has your experience in China changed you, if it has?
A:Its made me so much more open-minded. Coming from the United States I feel that Americans often have an extremely isolationist view of the world and politics. Americans have the money and opportunity to see the world but often do not choose to do it. Risking the change that came with moving to China has given me such a more worldly view of things.

Q:What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
The culture. In America we kind of lack a distinctive culture of our own. America is such a melting pot that what we consider culture is really just the collective culture of many different kinds of people. But China has its own culture that still amazes me every day.

Q:Will you come to China/Beijing again?
A:I am actually working in Shanghai now for an American Company, so I guess the answer to that is yes.

Q:What advices/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China ?
A:The initial decision to come to China can be a scary one. I know I was scared to death, coming in with almost no language background whatsoever. But as long as you have an open mind and like to do crazy new things every day then you will be just fine. If you are studying the language and want to see real results, then you need to throw yourself at it one hundred percent. There is such a great variation in the speed in which foreigner pick up the language. But those that learn quickly are absolutely always the ones who are not scared to make some mistakes, sound like an idiot sometimes, and fully throw themselves at it.

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Liu Huan Qing

Name: Liu Huan Qing Country of Residence: China Citizenship: Chinese Profession: Retired Diplomat (Culture Counsellor of Chinese Embarcy in Brazil) Educational Background: Bachelor's Degree of Portuguese Languages Spoken: Chinese, Portuguese Hobbies: Reading Books, Calligraphy, Poesy, Concerts, Beijing Opera, TaiJiQuan

Q: Nowadays, in some countries, some prominent universities have started to set up Chinese departments or Chinese programs. What do you think of this?
A: This situation has emerged due to China's development of international relations with the rest of the world, there is a close correlation here with China's growing world position. China 's reforms and opening of its doors to the world is growing at a rapid pace each day. China's position in the world is getting bigger, The relationship between China and other countries is get closer. This has resulted into an increasing number ofpeople wanting to study China's rapid development and increasing relationship with the world. More and more people want to come to China to forge partnerships of economy, policy, technology and culture. Attracted by the huge China market, more and more people are coming to China to conduct business activities. All the more, foreigners are going to need knowledge of the Chinese language as a tool for communication and achieving the purpose of their activities in the country.
The social requirement of Chinese is increasing and exigent. Therefore, the Chinese teaching institutions emerge as the times require for the effective demand of application. Chinese is essentially a big language in the world It has unparalleled advantages and expression veracity It is the faithful expression of 5,000 years of history. Many people think it is hard to learn Chinese, but that is not true. In earlier times, Chinese was hard to learn because of the writing of the Chinese characters. Nowadays, the problem has been readily solved by the development of the computer. It is sometimes faster to type in Chinese than to type in any other languge including English. This has cleared away the obstruction presented by the dispersal of Chinese around the world. This is also good news to people willing to learn Chinese.

Q: In Europe and America , more and more people are studying Chinese, but the environment for studying Chinese is not yet very good. How, do you think, the language environment affects language study?
A: Good results can come only from a good environment. Youneed to be in river or sea to learn how to swim. You need to be in a country to speak its native language. To learn Chinese,you need to be in China .The country provides a good environment, pure language learning, high level teachers, passionate and hospitable locals. All these can help you learn Chinese. School libraries, book shops, book stores and newsstands all offer excellent study conditions. The study environment here will push you everyday to watch, listen and speak, to promote your understanding and application of the language, and improve your Chinese skills rapidly. One month study here is worth more than months of study in your country. Good environment is a kind of resource. By using it properly, you can get twice the result with half the effort. You don't believe it? Come and see for yourself.

Q: Chinese culture has a very long history. What do you think of the Chinese culture vis a vis world culture?
A: With so much progress in history, Chinese culture is the longest one without intermission. It gained momentum during 5000 years of development. Three thousand years ago, China already invented puddling iron and bronze. Four of China's inventions: powder, paper making, printing and compass made immeasurable contribution to the world's technical development. Chinese stoneware and silk have made its way to Western Asia , Europe and other places. Chinese medicine, philosophy and specific literature and arts have all made an important contribution to the world's cultural development. Chinese culture is insightful as well as fascinating. It can impart profound knowledge, lift one's sentiments and assist one to enjoy a more meaningful life.

Q: Do you think leaning a language helps in the study of culture and vice versa? If you think they are of mutual benefit to each other, then what is the relationship between language study and culture study?
A: From my point of view, language is an important part as well as a faithful expression of a nation's culture. To study a culture, one must learn the language. Studying a culture without the language is, to speak very candidly, just like to tickle on shoes, or to eat the bread which is chawed. Not to learn English, but only to study the culture of England and America , is superficial learning , an overview that could not possibly unravel the charms and undertones. It is only to repeat and convey other's treatise, impossible to get the essential spirit. Especially, not to learn English, but to study the literature and arts, the pith of a national culture, has no way to feel it's endopsychic distillate and hypostases. It is supplement between language study and culture study. To learn a language well can help make one learn and understand a culture deeper.

Q: EastBound Train provides service that study in china. Not only does it offer Chinese language study, culture study (such as martial arts and traditional medicine), but also arranges numbers of special EBT Trips with Chinese culture. How do you think of the service?
A:EastBound Train supplies service for Chinese language and culture study, as well as culture trips at the same time. It is such a good way. Culture trips display many sides of Chinese culture, can help students to understand what they study in class. The trips impress the class knowledge under an easy circumstance, and make people to learn more things. In fact, it is a alive practice class. When you sightsee Beijing, Xi'An, not only see the culture establishment, ethnic architecture and excavated cultural relic, but also feel the old line Chinese culture. When you visit ShaoLin Temple , enjoying the culture relics and the monks' kongfu performance, you understand more about kongfu, the archaic arts, as well as comprehend the deep connotation of Chinese culture.

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Evan L. Tepperman

Name: Evan L. Tepperman Country of Residence: China Nationality: USA Profession: English Teacher Educational Background: Bachelor's Degree of Industrial Design Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin Hobbies: Reading, Tai Chi, Meditating

Q:Is this your first time in China?
A:Yes, although I have been living here for nearly three and half years now. I came in 2001 to work as an English teacher at Beijing Language & Culture University.

Q:How long have you been in China?
A:As I said, about three and a half years. For most of that time I have been living in Beijing, but I lived down south in Shantou for about three months.

Q:How important do you think language will be in the future?
A:Of course all languages are important, but if you are referring to the importance of Mandarin, then I'd say yes. At this time, English is clearly the dominant language in world affairs, and business. Seeing so many Chinese students studying English makes that pretty obvious. However, I think Mandarin will certainly become a major world language as China develops and becomes a larger player in world politics and economics. I actually studied Mandarin for fun, but when I talk with business associates in the U.S., they see speaking Mandarin as a desirable skill, since many companies are looking at China as a profitable marketplace for their goods and services. Watch CNN everyday and you will see that China is constantly coming up in the news.

Q:Do you think there is a relationship between culture and language? Do they interact?
A:Yes, I believe there is a relationship, but how important that relationship is depends on the needs of the student. If you are looking to use a language for survival, i.e. shopping, travel, making plans, or conducting business, then cultural aspects of the language may not be so important. However, if you are studying with the intention of becoming 100% fluent in a language, then understanding the cultural aspect of a language would be mandatory if you wish to understand creative aspects of language: poetry, literature, idioms, etc. Mind you, I am not referring to a culture's customs and values, which I think anyone planning to live or do business within that culture should be familiar with.

Q:Why did you decide to come to China?
A:Mostly, I was unhappy with my job. I was a self-employed marketing consultant. Working for myself was nice, but ultimately, I didn't find my work fulfilling. Some of the projects were interesting, but I didn't feel like I was making a difference. I had planned to travel in China, so I was taking Mandarin lessons back in New York. I had the good fortune of meeting two fellow students who had both taught in China. It sounded like a new challenge; one that might give me the opportunity to help other people achieve their goals. Of course, it also gave me the opportunity to experience China on a deeper level than I would have as a simple tourist.

Q:Has it been what you had expected?
A:I think for the most part, yes. Prior to coming to China, I had many opportunities to meet people from China and learn about the culture. It took some adjusting, but I think I settled in pretty quickly. My only real surprise came when I began teaching. China's educational system is quite different from that of the U.S. I think that was my biggest 'culture shock'. I had to change my methods a bit, but I got used to it.

Q:How do you like Beijing?
A:It's really big. Sometimes too big, I think. However, the public transportation system is improving and making intra-city travel more convenient. Traffic isn't so good, but since I don't drive it doesn't affect me too much. As for culture, I think it's great. You can try all different styles of Chinese cooking, see Beijing Opera, or go to a club to see a rock band perform. Also, it has a good range of services that cater to overseas residents, like supermarkets carrying western foods, and movie theaters with films in English. Of course, it also has lots of cultural sights: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Lama Temple, etc. If you are interested in business, politics, or culture, then Beijing would be an ideal city for you.

Q:What do you find most interesting in Beijing?
A:Being a Buddhist, I think the Lama Temple is my favorite Beijing destination. The huge gold-leafed sandalwood Buddha is an amazing sight. I like the smell of all that incense being burned, and the fantastic Tibetan Buddhist icons and statues.

Q:What is your most memorable experience in Beijing?
A:Spending a Spring Festival day in the apartment of a very eccentric, Chinese film director, eating so-so dumplings, drinking cheap Chinese liquor, and listening to him tell me and a friend how he had a moment of eye-contact (romantic, in his opinion) with Chelsea Clinton in front of the Lama Temple. He was quite a character.

Q:How has your experience in China changed you?
A:I think I have a deeper understanding of China and its people. Prior to coming to China, I had read numerous books about culture, politics and history, but it wasn't until I experienced life in China firsthand that things I read about began to make sense. It's also very exciting to live in a country that changes from day to day. Everything changes, but here changes can be quite radical and quite noticeable. New buildings practically appear as if by magic. It's really amazing.

Q:What do you like best about Beijing / China?
A:The temples. I love visiting Buddhist temples. There are several in Beijing, and tons in China. What I like most is that the styles of the temples change from region to region. Some of the differences are due to different periods of construction, while others come from the different styles that have developed in different parts of the country. The large number of minorities in China also gives travelers the opportunity to experience cultures very different from the typical Chinese culture. They have different languages, clothing, architectural styles, customs and values. Visiting minority areas can be a welcome break from all of the imperial sights in Beijing.

Q:Will you come to Beijing / China again?
A:Of course. I don't know if I will ever come back to work here, but I will definitely come back as a traveler. There are so many things to see in China, and although I think I have seen a lot, it is just a drop in the bucket.

Q:What advice / tips would you give to other planning to come to China to live and study?
A:Most of all, be patient. People in China may do things very differently from what you are used to. Remember, you are in China, not your country, so when someone does something you may not like, don't immediately freak out. Do a lot of people watching; see how people interact, how they behave in different situations. Keep an open mind. One of the best things about living in a different country is that even the simplest interactions can be interesting; especially if you are here studying. It's a great feeling that first time you successfully bargain with a shopkeeper over price in Chinese. You know that you are really using the language and you begin to feel more a part of things, rather than a bystander. Enjoy yourself, and be grateful for the opportunity to experience life in another part of the world. And when you get to Beijing, find a copy of that's Beijing ; it's a free English language magazine that will introduce to you good restaurants, bars, local events, concerts, and many services geared to expats.

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NicolÃs Arriaga Agrelo

Name: NicolÃs Arriaga Agrelo Country of Residence: I live now in Hong Kong Profession: I am a University teacher in Hong Kong Educational Background: BA in Philology, Certificate of Education, Ph. D. Candidate in Second Language Acquisition (Universidad de La Laguna) Languages Spoken: My native language is Spanish. I studied English in Spain but I am not too bad at other European languages (Portuguese, Italian, Greek). Finally I decided to start learning Chinese.

Q: Why did you decide to go to China ?
A: It is a long story. It was 1999 when I had to choose among several universities abroad to teach Spanish and I finally thought that China was the most exotic place to go. It was the right choice, I have never ever regretted it.

Q: During your 4 years life in Beijing, what's the feeling before and after visit China ?
A: I lived in Beijing for about 4 years, and I can't take that city from my heart. I miss it everyday when I am not there.

Q:What is your impression of Beijing ? And what's most impressed you?
A: Food, people, way of life, Some people don't understand why I like it so much, even friends who live there. Beijing is a city that you love or hate. With the proper open-mindedness you easily found yourself among the first category.

Q: What is the key point you think for learning and understanding of a language as a language teacher?
A:The key point is feeling that learning the language is necessary. And Beijing offers you this. Everybody speaks Mandarin, even many of the foreigner residents. There is no place like Beijing to learn Mandarin. The city offers you not only the local way of life, but also a wider menu being the capital of China and changing for better everyday.

Q:After one-year study, what's about your Chinese language level? And what changes brought to you?
A:Well, as a language teacher myself I was really surprised about what two semesters of intense language learning in any of the Chinese universities can do to the average language learner. It is surely enough to feel good with the language and eager to learn more. However it wouldn't be fair to say that I have studied only for this time, as I have been there longer.

Q: What do you think about the future of learning Chinese?
A:There is no need to say how important is to know languages in today's changing and global world. A fifth of the population live in Chinese, what means that there must be lots of opportunities to exploit the knowledge of Chinese. But even if you are not aiming at becoming a professional translator, nor to make Chinese your working language (that, of course, cannot be done in less than 4 intense years) learning a language as Mandarin Chinese is one of those things that definetely changes anybody's life. Not to mention the unforgettable chance to live life the Chinese way and travel around the country.

Q: What's your opinion about study & travel: learning Chinese culture and improving Chinese language by traveling in China .
A:Well, what can I say it is just ideal. This is what almost every person who comes to China wishes to do. Learning and travelling, enjoying the language acquisition experience on the road.

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Cinthia Choi

Name: Cinthia Choi Place of Birth: Argentina Country of Residence: Orange CA , USA Citizenship: USA Profession: Business Owner Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese Hobbies: Travel

Q:How long were you in China?
A:The first trip I made to China was for 9 months. The second trip I made was for 2 months.

Q:Why did you decide to study Chinese Language?
A:My dad insisted that I learn that language of the country that would soon become the center of all significant international business and trade.

Q:How do you think about Chinese Study?
A:Learning Chinese is challenging but well worth it.

Q:Why did you decide to come to China?
A:It is futile to try to learn a language without being completely immersed in it.

Q:How are you finding your trips in China?
A:My trips to China are my most memorable.

Q:Had it been what you had expected?
China was much much more than what I had expected.

Q:How do you like Beijing ? And will you go Beijing again?
A:Going to Beijing is like entering a black and white photo. It's romantic and sincere. I would love to go to Beijing again.

Q:What do you find most interesting in Beijing?
A:There are many interesting things in Beijing including all the historical sites, the people are definitely interesting and it's always in the midst of transition and change.

Q:What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
A:The Food.

Q:How would you think the luxuriant electives and culture activities? Do they help studying language?
A:It is imperative that you understand the culture and history before you can really grasp the language. The way people express themselves is completely imbedded in their culture and history.

Q:What advices/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China?
A:Be adventurous. Don't just hang out with people who can speak your language. Learn to make friends with those you will have to speak Chinese with.

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Corinne LI-THIAO-TE

Name: Corinne LI-THIAO-TE Country of Residence: FRANCE Citizenship: French Profession: looking for a job Educational Background: BBA Finance Languages Spoken: French, English, German, Spanish, Chinese Hobbies: books, movies, martial arts, tennis, concerts, meet people

Q:How many times have you gone to China ?
A:4 times

Q:How long were you living in China ?
A:9 months

Q:Why did you decide to study Chinese Language?
A:Because I have Chinese origins and also for professional reasons as the Chinese market is opening more and more to the rest of the world business wise.

Q:How do you think about Chinese Study?
A:I started studying Chinese from my own will. Getting a certificate/degree in Chinese language was not what motivated the most. The important thing for me was to be able to communicate verbally first in Chinese. Learning how to write characters was also a totally different experience for me from learning other European languages. However I actually learned more practical things by speaking to Chinese people living around me than actually attending classes at the university. I had difficulty adapting to the Chinese way of teaching. It's tough!

Q:Why did you decide to come to China ?
A:I always wanted to go to China to learn the language and also learn more about my roots as my grand parents came from South China .

Q:Has it been what you had expected?
A:I was very happy with my stay in China . I only regret I didn't have more opportunities to travel outside Beijing to other provinces.

Q:How was your China trip in China last time?
A:My trip was great. Although I had to go home at the same time SARS erupted in China , I have great memories of my stay in Beijing . I met great people and learned a lot about “modern” Chinese culture and way of life.

Q:How do you like Beijing ?
A:Beijing is a big city that has a lot to offer to foreign eyes. It's a mix of traditional hutongs and massive modern buildings like in Wang Fu Jing. On the other side, I have to admit the streets are a bit dirty but I guess any big city has its own problems with pollution.

Q:What do you find most interesting in Beijing ?
A:I think it's the diversity of all things that I find most interesting in Beijing : small traditional shops Vs big shopping malls, restaurants, etc. The site I liked the most was the Summer Palace . It's actually great to go there in winter too

Q:What is your memorable experience in Beijing ?
A:One of my most memorable experience in Beijing is biking through the capital from Wudaokou to Wang fujin several times a week, back and forth, to go to Wushu classes, -which happen to take place at the last floor of a building with no lift.

Q:What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
A:Everything is cheaaaappp!!!

Q:What would you advise others who plan to come to china?
A:I would advise them to prepare their trip and get good information before they come to China ( or else they may have big surprises) and most importantly, to keep an open mind . Enjoy!

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Juan Martin

Name: Juan Martin Country of Residence: USA Citizenship: Spain Profession: Student Educational Background: High school, and currently university Languages Spoken: Spanish, Portuguese, English Hobbies: Golf, tennis, (all types of sports)

Q:How long were you in China ?
A: Month and a half

Q:Why did you decide to study Martial Arts in China ?
A: It's the home of kung-fu (mother of all martial arts)

Q:How do you think about your Martial Arts Study?
A: It's was ok. Thought it was going to be more intense, but it was ok.

Q:Why did you decide to come to China ?
A: Thought I would have the intense training I imagined

Q:Had it been what you had expected?
A: it was nice, but not what I expected

Q:How was your China trip in China last time?
A: It was amazing

Q:How do you like Beijing ?
A: Incredible, beautiful, speechless

Q:What do you find most interesting in Beijing ?
A: The parks which where constructed under the various dynasties and the amazing culture of the Chinese people, certainly the self discipline.

Q:What is your memorable experience in Beijing ?
A: The amazing landscapes, architectures, and the cities. Also the Great Wall

Q:How has your experience in China changed you, if it has?
A: It has taught me the importance of travel and the importance of knowing other cultures and experiencing them.

Q:What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China?
A: food, parks, temples, Chinese markets

Q:Will you come to China/Beijing again?
A: yes

Q:What would you advise others who plan to come to China ?
A: To visit as much as they can and experience as much as they possibly can

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