So, finally after about a month, I get to actually update my blog!  Well, there is a lot to say but I’ll try to keep it concise!

I love my host families! I have one at Chengdu University (CDU), and I just met another at Liupanshui Normal University! They are both amazing and are a family of teachers!  We have been divided into 3 groups for training and I have been living with the CDU PCT family, who are just fabulous people!  I’ll talk more about my other host family next time!

For the past month, we had TEFL training and Chinese language classes Mon-Sat. morning till evening.   It’s a lot but because of this intensive training, I can speak and understand the necessary daily Mandarin already!  We also had Model school for 2 weeks, which is similar to student teaching.  My partner, Libby, and I were a perfect combo for our middle school students so it worked out really well! Model school, was also a time where I learned a lot about myself as a teacher, PCV (to be) and Chinese students. It was eye-opening to see how I adapted to the class and how the TEFL training came in use as a new teacher who never taught in a classroom setting.  In the midst of doing all this, CDU peeps have become really close together and became like a mini family.  Of course, I would travel out to the other training universities to meet with other PCT peeps but when you spend about 8 hours 6 days a week, its inevitable to not form a bond.

Last Thursday, the site placements were announced.  There was so much anxiety in the room that the affects of it lasted the whole night, maybe even to the weekend.  We were all holding our breath as each name was called and given a folder with all the necessary information regarding their site.  I honestly didn’t have a preference on where I went.  At first, I thought getting away from the heat and humidity may be good but as time passed and had adjusted to it the weather didn’t matter anymore.  So I really didn’t have any preference.  I got placed at Guizhou province, Liupanshui Normal University.  I know that Guizhou is one of the cooler province and has a high population in different Chinese minorities.  I have a lot to research and learn about this beautiful province.  When I arrived to my site for my site visit, I couldn’t keep my month closed.  It was absolutely beautiful because of the clear sky, the mountains of all sizes and the people.  I was able to point out the differences in appearance between the minorities.  However, I don’t know all the different minorities since there are 60+ minorities living in Guizhou.  By the end of my service, I hope to be able to know more about the different minorities and their cultures!

All in all, everything is going really well for me at China.  I’m creating some amazing bonds with some amazing people and learning a lot.  :D

So, some may ask why I didn’t get a chance to update my blog until now.  Well, I didn’t have access to my blog until my site visit where I was able to use my VPN.  I’ll have to talk about my site visit and my apartment next time after I actually move in to my own apartment.  So continue to stay on the look out! 

CDU peeps going to Guizhou! with Xia Laoshi!

Model School students with co-teacher Libby!