My arrival in China was not without first having some prior knowledge of some of the Chinese customs and how Red River Center functions. My wife has been in Shenyang since Feb. 2004. However, even with some advanced knowledge, one is still hit with many contrasts between life in small town Alberta, were I live, and China. Three of the biggest contrasts are, the Volume of people, the varied activities on the streets, and the seemingly organized confusion on the gighways and other streets.
    Shortly after arriving in Shenyang at the beginning of August, a party of 4 went on a 2 week vacation through numerous parts of China from viewing the Great Wall at Shanghaiguan, to the Terra Cotta Warriers in Xi'an, to Beijing, the Yangzi River cruise, various other cities, and history and culture and witness much of the new construction that China is experiencing. However, with all the changes that is going on in China, the thing that impressed me most is the nature of the Chinese people. We experienced so many acts of kindness, assistance, and just felt genuine warmth from the people.
    China's history has been somewhat turblent, but I sense a country defiently on the rise. There is a feeling of quiet pride in the direction the country is going and at the same time remembering it's past. A defitite urge to forge ahead is evident.
    The staff here at Red River has been very kind and gracious in assisting in my transition to the operation of the school and life in China. My sincere hope is that I can return some of the favors and warmth you have shown me. Your actions and concerns have been greatly appreciated.

Peggy Reddekopp
(Canada)

The little town, Acme, Alberta, now has a residency rate of 597 people. Previously it had 600 people but three individuals are now instructing at Red River Center.  When Pat and Harry VanDerMark returned to Canada last November, they urged my husband and myself to come to China to teach.  At that time, no thought was given to the idea.  However, one day my husband said, ¡°You go. I¡¯ll stay home and tend the farm.¡±  The concept of a new adventure and a new challenge appealed to me.  And, what an adventure and what a challenge it has been, thus far. 
My teaching career has spanned thirty years, mostly in Alberta.  During the latter years I taught mathematics and Career and Technology modules along with developing modules for use in Alberta high schools.  Then, after my retirement from the public school system, I had a contract for revising and developing modules for Bow Valley College where I eventually began teaching part-time at a rural site in Drumheller. After being so involved for so many years with Technology modules, teaching ELS has been a refreshing new adventure.  And, of course, the new cultural setting in China, has given me an opportunity to view the world outside of my previous shell.  I feel like I am embarking on a new venture where the learning curve is steep, demanding and rewarding.
After the initial jet lag and cultural shock, I am amazed at how ¡°at home¡± I feel.  This must be due to the warmth and friendliness of the students and staff.  Somehow it feels like I am back in university experiencing the fun of dormitory life---the meetings in the hallway, the camaraderie of visiting back and forth, the borrowing and sharing are great fun!  Global communications make it seem like my family and friends are in the next province. Years ago my husband, two children and myself lived in Germany for three years and although the cultural differences are probably greater in my present situation, the former experience seemed much more remote and lonely. 
It is my desire to not only experience as much of this culture as I can, but to offer the students as much assistance in their quest to learn English as I possibly can.

This is also my first job in my new career as an EFL teacher.  I¡¯m getting a good variety of experience as I have classes with young children, college-aged students and adults.  All my students and many of the people I¡¯ve met on the streets and in the shops are anxious to learn and practice their English.  We¡¯ll begin lessons in Chinese soon so I will have a better understanding of the challenges my students are facing.

For older people seeking a new career all I can say is ¡°Come on in.  The water¡¯s fine.¡±

Peter Arponen
(Canada)

Harry Van Der Mark &
Patricia Van Der Mark
(Canada)

      After long careers in banking and education, we retired in June, 2000. We did some traveling, but soon realized that we needed new challenges, so we decided to come to China to teach English.
      Before we left Canada we tried to find out (through books, films, TV ¡°The Travel Channel¡± and the internet) what China would be like. Nothing could have prepared us for what we have experienced so far, even though we have only been here a month. The staff and teachers at SRRC have been very willing to show us around and help us settle into this new culture. We have been taken to different parts of the city, both nearby and at a distance. They¡¯ve shown us places to shop for food, clothing and other necessities (very inexpensive). We have also been taken to markets, restaurants, parks and cultural sites.
      The traffic, taxi rides and bus rides all look frightening, but are exhilarating. It is amazing the control that the drivers have over their vehicles.
      The food is wonderful, and you can even find North American-style food if you are feeling a little homesick.
      This is a great school with excellent staff and students.
      Everything here is a huge change for us coming from a small town in Alberta, but we are enjoying every minute of it.

Tony Bray
(Australia)

      My first sight of China was after I had been picked up at Shen Yang Airport by staff from the Red River Center.
      The weather was warm and sunny. My first impression was of a wide tree lined motorway. In the distance were the tall buildings of ShenYang City shimmering in the distant haze.
      In China there is always the unexpected that no one tells you about. Beiling with, its park and beautiful buildings just a short walk from the Red River Center. The shops and markets selling everything and anything.
      On summer evenings, Ballroom dancing on the side walks. Local people, playing classical Chinese music for appreciative local audiences. Everywhere  kites flying. People singing to the accompaniment of flutes or accordions.  Traditional dancing, colourful , loud, flamboyant. A Peoples Liberation Army band in full flight.
      The prosperous and traditional life of the country people away from the city. There are places that we got to see in trips arranged by the Red River Center places such as Anshan and its temples. Fushun, Benxi and the Guan Men mountains.
      But when I leave China I think that my abiding memories will be of colour, friendliness and the beautiful songs of local people.
      E-mail: Tony_bray@hotmail.com

Ariel Lee
(Malaysia)

    
      I love to travel and I have been to many places around the world. I could write a book based on my experiences that I have on China ever since I came to China way back in year 1992. At that time, China was very much different from now. I couldn¡¯t believe my eyes when I first saw Beijing in year 2002.
      I am originally from Malaysia. And even though I look like Chinese, I have difficulties in speaking the Chinese language. Most of the time, people here in China would mistake me as one of them. But I have an advantage, which is, I can get things or items at bargain price. (They won¡¯t mark up the price when they see you) Which would normally happen to any foreigner.
      I am honor and grateful to Red River Centre to give me a chance to work with their outstanding team. Ever since I came to Shen Yang, I couldn¡¯t find people to talk with, as most of them speak only Chinese. But ever since I work here in Red River Centre, I have never felt lonely or homesick. The team and the other lecturers have given me all the comfort and support I need when I am thousand of miles away from my love ones. I like to take this opportunity to thank Red River Centre Team and the lecturers for their help and support. If ever I have another chance to work with Red River Centre I would never give it a second thought.   Email: nuskin2002@sina.com

Robyn Osmond
(Canada)

      I have never seen change happen so quickly ever!  I was born and raised in the province of Manitoba, Canada.  For me, coming to China was an adventure of a lifetime, a chance to experience new culture, food and environments.
      When I got off the train in Shenyang it had rained so hard the streets were flooded everywhere.  People were riding bicycles to work and vendors were on the streets selling food, and other trinkets.  In the first few days I noticed the pollution and of course the flooded streets, but it seemed everywhere I went people were fascinated by the fact that I was a foreigner.  Now that I¡¯ve been in China for 5 months people still stare at me on the street, but the hospitality that I¡¯ve received has been incredible.  Every time I get lost there are people who want to help me, and the students have been extremely helpful in many ways.  I¡¯ve received countless invitations and social offers helping me feel at home. 
      I still can¡¯t believe how fast change occurs here.  Just when I thought I¡¯ve seen it all, there is always a new surprise.

Douglas Steeves
(Canada)

      Since childhood I¡¯ve wanted to visit China.  An artist aunt impressed me with her love of Chinese art and culture.  Joseph Wong, my father-in-law, and I have had long discussions on Chinese culture and philosophy.  He said, ¡°If you have the opportunity to visit China you will never be the same again.¡±  After 36 years of teaching the opportunity arose for the wish of a lifetime.
      My impression of being in Shenyang is one of change in this large city in regards to construction of buildings and roads.  A vast difference it is with my little hamlet of 40 in New Brunswick, Canada.  Though there is great change one can still go to the many markets and buy off the street.  People are very willing to help despite the language barrier.
      Students are eager to learn and exchange experiences of culture both Chinese and foreign.  It helps one to grow in meeting the various people from different cities and provinces of China.  People readily know their history and it was an excellent backdrop when visiting the Great Wall of China and the Emperor¡¯s Palace.
      On of the joys of life is eating and trying new foods.  In Shenyang there is no dirth of ethnic dishes to sample.  Korean bar-b-que is an excellent way of cooking part of one¡¯s own meal.  Various types of Chinese cuisine are available from mild to spicy to a combination when using a hotpot.
       In summation, I am enjoying the time spent in China.  It is a joy to experience a different country and all it has to offer in regards to people, culture, and food.
       E-mail: unkledougie@hotmail.com

Dr. Agnes Glenn
(Canada)

        Do you want to teach and live where

• students are respectful and become your friends

• foreign teachers are supportive and caring

• Chinese staff is always helpful

• teaching facilities and equipment are adequate

• living facilities are convenient and comfortable

• community is friendly and has inexpensive shopping

• Chinese friends from outside your workplace enrich your cultural experience

• holidays and vacations offer travel time to see the unique sights of China

• work time is reasonable leaving time for socializing and travel

        I know that school, SRRC in NE China. I was there  in 1998 to help open it and stayed for two years. Now, every year, I return for six months because it is a place to enjoy all of the above. (2003)   My E-mail: amarieglenn@hotmail.com          
                   

 
Mr. Havard and his family
(Canada)

        As retired Canadian educators, my family and I found that our time in SRRC was a very positive experience. The 18-hour work weeks, as well as term breaks, left plenty of time for us to meet people and to travel within China.  The Chinese staff and students at the school, as well as the public in general, without exception were extremely helpful and friendly to us at all times.  One of our goals in coming to China was to seek adventure.  In terms of developing an understanding of a country with 1.4 billion people, reading articles, texts or watching documentaries can never replace the real experience of being here.  From our perspective; you will feel you are watching history unfold before your eyes.  If you like shopping, this site presents excellent choices. This is my family¡¯s second time to work at SRRC and this time our adult son Troy joined us as a teacher, as well as our youngest son who was home schooled while here.

        E-mail: allenhavard@canada.com           
                                                           

Robin McFarland
(the United States)

        I have taught English at Red River Center for three of my six years in China.  It has been a very satisfying experience.  The school has students have many different levels of English.  Their ages range from high school (senior middle school) to doctors and scientists and businessmen.   The resource library at the Center is good and grows continually as teachers bring and leave some of their favorite material.  The staff is extremely knowledgeable about western customs and very helpful.  The apartments are comfortable.

      Teachers have activities and trips with the staff and the students.  Some of the places we have gone are historic, some are scenic and some are holy places and temples.  Shopping in this area is always interesting. In my opinion, Red River Center is a good school that offers teachers a fine way to experience Chinese life firsthand.
      E-mail: robinm9@hotmail.com

Teng Yun
(Daytime Class Student)

    
        As a student who has been studying in Shenyang Red River Advanced Technical Training Centre (SRRC) since one year ago, I really appreciate that the SRRC facilitates everything for us to study English.  Now I can talk with foreign teachers fluently and my essay has been printed in Centre Voice ¨C newsletter of the centre, but can you imagine  I started with only simple words and incomplete sentences? 

        A very friendly Chinese staff helped me to arrange a schedule to meet my needs. Teachers have proved to be real professional and it made my stay very pleasant and valuable.  If you want, you can enjoy a lot here ¨C that¡¯s for sure.
       E-mail: grace1977313@yahoo.com

Kang Bo
 (Evening Class Student)

       I studied four, nine week long, courses in the evenings, at Shenyang Red River Centre.  My first impression was the foreign teachers¡¯ humour.  The classroom atmosphere was active and students did not feel nervous just because their teachers were foreigners. The instructors encouraged each student to speak as much as possible. 

        When I began to study here, my oral English was just so-so; it was difficult for me to communicate with others in English.  But with the teachers¡¯ smiles, we all relaxed. We practised our courage too because we learned how to give speeches in the second language in front of the whole class.

        We talked about the differences between Chinese and foreign cultures so that we learned about other ways of living to ours. After classes, we could go on communicating with them even make friends with them. Without their help, my English would not have improved as fast as it did.  Another important change was my thinking. I became very interested in English and foreign culture.

        My experience of studying here has been one of the turning points in my life. I turned my dreams into reality at Shenyang Red River Centre as I prepare to take further education in Australia before I begin work in China. This Centre is a place where you can communicate with the world.

        Email: denniskang1982@sina.com   

Wang Qian
(Daytime Class Student)

      I have been studying English in Shenyang Red River Centre from level 1. I¡¯m now studying level 2.
      I can feel the changes: I¡¯m able to listen to fast English a lot time, and I¡¯m not emotionally upset.  I am not afraid to talk to foreign teachers, and I even like talking to them.   As you can see, now I like English.  But when I studied in school, I disliked English¡ªthat¡¯s for sure.
     My opinion is that the mood in the classroom is most important. If you dislike English, you can¡¯t study very well. Here, teachers are very friendly, so you aren¡¯t afraid of them. If you have some problems, you can ask them to help you.  The teachers are very patient, so you can understand all the questions.  They like talking so you have a lot of time to practice English conversation, That is very helpful!  If you only study foreign teachers¡¯ lessons, you can¡¯t understand grammar and some vocabulary, because foreign teachers don¡¯t speak a lot of Chinese.  In this school, Chinese teachers teach grammar and vocabulary. 
     I think Shenyang Red River Center is a very good place to study English.

He Yiqing
(Daytime Class Student)

Shenyang Red River Advanced Technical Training Centre  Copyright© 2002
Address: No.18, 3^rd Zheng-yi Road, Dao-yi Economic Zone, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China  110136
Phone: 86-24-31975845    Fax: 86-24-31975845
E-mail: syrrc1998@yahoo.com.cn