The Diaries

August 24, 2009

Posted by Christine Schrage

Renewing friendships

Posted by Christine Schrage

Recently I went back to Dalian Nationalities University to work with administration on several projects between UNI and DLNU. While there, I discovered most of the DLNU students from our Global Skills class were on campus. We decided to meet at a local coffee house just across the street from campus. For three hours the students shared hopes of coming to Iowa, about their current studies, and reminisced about being with the UNI students. It was a delightful afternoon of keeping our new relationships alive.

June 14, 2009

Direct vs. Indirect

Posted by Christine Schrage

One of the cultural complexities between the Chinese and U.S. citizens is the way communication is carried out. U.S. people are very forthright and "cut to the chase" but telling things as these are. That is not the case with Chinese people. For example: on weekends we had cultural events planned by our hosts that involved bus transport. One evening the student host Hubert called me late in the evening. He made the statement that we must all be very tired and might like to sleep a little longer the next morning. My answer was that we would all be ready at 8 to meet the bus as usual. He again reiterated the tiredness of some of the students to which I replied we were all fine. Finally after several attempts for me to accept his gracious offer to "let us sleep" and my assurance all was fine, Hubert indicated the bus driver could not come until 9.

This is just another example of how people from opposite cultural communication styles can have problems. What if we had been discussing something more critical and neither had been patient with the situation? Well, anyone can guess that relationships and potential opportunities could be missed.

I smile when I think of Hubert being a wonderful host while I was assuring him all was just fine, when in fact a totally different issue was at hand.

June 10, 2009

A birthday to remember

Posted by Christine Schrage

It has been many years since my birthday has been celebrated. Last real celebration may have been my 40th and we won't discuss how long ago that was. But one of my colleagues shared the fact my birthday was on the the 10th to our host Tian Sen. Due to that fact, a party was planned in my honor at the Dumpling House. This party included a WONDERFUL cake, presents, flowers, good food and friends. Even my Chinese students provided a gift of a lovely picture of a Chinese maiden made of shells and other natural materials. The musical candle ornament on the top of the cake was something never seen by our group. It is a memory to cherish....

June 8, 2009

Memories of Beijing

Posted by Christine Schrage

Our adventure began visiting the historical and cultural sites around Beijing. It is always great to visit such sites as the Great Wall but even more exciting to view these through the fresh eyes of students outside the country for the first time. Fortunately research of a former graduate assistant found an excellent service that provided all the logistical support for our time in Beijing. Jessie, our wonderful guide for two and a half days, picked us up from the airport, guided and instructed us, shared her stories and then delivered us to the train station for our trip to Dalian. Although the touring company added a few site stops at various "manufacturers" of Chinese arts and crafts, the service was great and every aspect of our time there well taken care of.

I have to admit, watching the students handle the long flight and adjust to the new time zone was interesting. Each one dealt with the situation differently. Nick literally hit his bed and didn't move for over 14 hours. Just the same the two days in Beijing were great in spite of the rain on Friday and photos of us looking like drowned rats in photos at the Forbidden City.

Group at Great Wall

Posted by Christine Schrage

China Diaries

Kelly

China Tour

Samantha

Nick

Stewart

Joe

Alex

Faculty Members

Christine

Gordon

David

Map of China

August 24, 2009

August 24, 2009

Renewing friendships

June 14, 2009

Direct vs. Indirect

June 10, 2009

A birthday to remember

June 8, 2009

Memories of Beijing

June 8, 2009

Group at Great Wall

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