An American Teacher's Experience Near Zhengzhou, China

I've had [still having] an incredible time in China. I thought I would share a bit of my travelogue about this country and through my student connections at Sheng Da College near Zhengzhou [2003-2004 academic year].

While near Zhengzhou, which is the capital of Henan Province [central China], my wife and I had the opportunity to experience a great deal of the country's culture. And what made it even more meaningful was being able to share this experience with my students and their families.

Unless you've had a similar opportunity overseas, you'll never know what it's like to experience another country/culture beyond the tourist phase. The intimacy of friendship with my students and their families gave us unprecedented access to local landmarks and activities. And our knowledge base was expanded from a native perspective.

And as a documentary photographer, I was also able to meet and team up with Chinese photographers to not only make images, but also celebrate an East-West union with a common purpose. Again, I credit my student connections for this opportunity.

One aspect of traveling overseas, frankly that people don't do, is experiencing the rural areas [villages] up close and personal, which in my mind is the indispensable quality of the country. Again, I credit my student connections for this opportunity to meet, greet and sometimes get to know the people in the countryside.

An American Teacher's Experience Near Zhengzhou, China

The People of Longhu Town

Tom R. Chambers
http://tomrchambers.com