The Delta, Vol.4, No.5 in February 10, 1999 (college news paper) From this issue, I was promoted to the Managing Editor.
Missouri Valley College has established a sister relationship with Yuxi Teachers' College in Yunnan province, China. Last October, MVC welcomed two teachers, Liyong Zhu and Qixuan Liu from the college in the Teacher Exchange Program.
Although a few of us may recognize them from their real names, most of us probably know their nicknames as Julia and Ann. They are so friendly that they always show us a big smile.
These teachers who hold important positions in Yuxi Teachers' College came here. They want to learn how to administer a college in an American way, and to observe classes and to work on the Teacher Exchange Program as well as to improve their English.
"I'm here to learn something new and advanced from this college." Julia said. "When we go back to China, if what we are learning is appropriate for the college, we can use those methods. My college will change its 3 year academic program to a 4 year one."
Last year, they spent most of their time in classes observing and giving the lectures when asked, and participating in MVC activities such as intramurals and Pi Gamma Mu. And they sometimes had discussion on Chinese culture in classes "to help them(MVC students) think and understand Chinese culture." Ann said. "I'm impressed. Students asked me many questions about China enthusiastically."
This semester, they will focus on their respective purposes. Julia will engage in "teaching administration" which means learning how to administer the college. She is expecting to do that in all offices such as in the admission office and in the president's office.
Meanwhile, as she's been painting for years, Ann will stand on the platform in a Chinese painting class. Painting is one of the best ways to help people understand different cultures. "It's important to teach them (Chinese) language and how important (Chinese) painting is in Chinese culture." She is excited to teach Chinese painting and her culture to American students. The class time is from 6 to 8:30 on Tuesday.
Also Ann offers 30 topics on China to professors so that they can pick one of them and ask her to give a lecture on China in their classes.
It's been 4 months since they came. Julia and Ann seems to have gotten used to being here. "Teachers have good skills to instruct, and students study so hard." Ann said. "And this college has a good atmosphere for them."
Fortunately there is time for us to learn more from them before they go home. Since MVC is in the middle of the U.S., this is a rare yet wonderful opportunity to have such a relationship with a foreign college. Although the Exchange Teachers Program is only 4 months old, it seems that it will continue to be successful. Julia said, "I really love this college. I feel at home."
