Some Final Thoughts About China

Nin Hao (Hello),

I find it hard to believe that I will be returning home soon. It seems as though I just arrived. My time in China has been nothing short of amazing. My Chinese students have asked me what I will say if people want to know my impressions of China. I told them that I would say, "China is beautiful and so are its people and culture." I cannot find any better way to express my views of China.

As a developing world power, China faces many challenges: a huge population (1.3 billion people), pollution, expanding human rights' issues, housing issues, education, etc. But somehow, this culture of pragmatic people will find solutions to address many of these concerns. Please keep in mind, China opened her doors to the world just over 30 years ago in 1978. The progress this country has made during this period (often referred to as "economic China") is truly remarkable. For instance, China has become the major creditor nation for the United States. I can only see our relationship with China growing in the future.

Since the recent Olympics, I have witnessed from documentaries, lectures and discussions with government , academic officials and influential business personnel China's ever expanding influence throughout the world. China clearly will be a major force in the financial market. Many world leaders expect China to play a significant role in helping countries, including the United States, recover from the recession we face. At Shenzhen University, where I teach, the institution will soon break ground for the construction of a new medical school in joint partnership with Harvard University's medical school. I mention this only to underscore China's commitment to expanding the quality of higher education throughout China.

What I will miss most about China are the people, especially my students. I have received so many words of kindness and gifts from students and friends. I will treasure the memories that these gifts contain from these individuals. Many of them hope some day I will return to China. I do, too. They taught me far more about China than I taught them in my classes. I will miss their guidance on how to prepare, enjoy and drink the different types of tea for different times of the day or different seasons during the year. I will miss their patience with me in teaching me the Chinese language and culture and being able to enjoy a good laugh at my pitiful efforts at speaking Chinese, yet acting respectful of my position at the university in particular and society in general. Teachers are held in very high regard in the Chinese culture.

I will also miss the wonderful Chinese food prepared by a variety of ethnic Chinese microcultures. I plan to try and cook some of these wonderful, healthy meals when I return. I will miss the fantastic massages (and the low prices), snacks, crazy taxi drivers, going to the gym with my foreign friends (yes, that is what we are called in a nonjudgmental way) at 6:30 in the morning and sharing wonderful conversations about local topics or world issues. I will miss the once a week Irish coffee group meeting at Ivy's restaurant to discuss social issues and politics. I will miss the peaceful and scenic walks at Shenzhen. I will even miss dodging the million electric and ordinary bikes and the crowds of thousands of students walking on campus.

I need to stop listing what I will miss or I will not want to leave. No, I will leave because most of all I miss my family. It will be good to return home and see Linda and the kids, I will have so much to share with them that I need to be careful not to bore them with another "China story."

I have tried to have our officials at McKendree work with the appropriate officials at Shenzhen University to establish an exchange program with faculty and students attending each other's institution. I sincerely hope this comes to pass. The advantages of such a partnership, I believe, can truly create a win-win situation for both institutions.

I leave you with a few final pictures of China and my students and friends. See you soon!

Zia Jian (Good bye),

Dr. Haskins

Visiting with Administrators, Going to Red Forest, Morning Breakfast Tea, Thai Hair Wash

Nin Hao (hello),

I can't believe that I have only about six weeks left in China. Where did the time go. Since my last blog, I have experienced more of China's culture, and have made a number of new friends, including administrators who have invited me to come back and teach at Shenzhen. Who knows what the future holds on this issue, but I certainly would consider such an offer if my schedule allowed.

I met with Dr. Ben Wong, Dean of Adult Education at Shenzhen University. He is considered a high ranking administrator and he had invited me to teach one of his classes. I may do this in the next few weeks. His wife Judy works in the International Affairs Office, and was extremely helpful with guiding me through the visa process in China--no easy task! I spent the afternoon visiting with them and other quest that they had invited, including a judge, who I hope to have tea with and discuss the legal system in China, a U.S. American prof, a part-time teacher, and the Vice Dean of the School of Foreign Languages. We spent a delightful afternoon discussing everything from civil law in China to how can Shenzhen increase its economic output. I was told by the Vice Dean, at one point, that the university does not have to really worry about money. It gets what it needs from the government. I was further informed that the university is currently partnering with Harvard University to build a medical school in Shenzhen--not bad.

I also had the opportunity to spend a delightful afternoon during the week at the Red Forest. We walked along the water front and could see Hong Kong in the distance. I commented in a joking manner that perhaps we could swim over to Hong Kong. My student David, who is a serious young man said, "Bill, I don't think that you want to do that." I said why and he responded in a serious tone. ". . . because the soldiers will shot you!" I told him that was a good reasoning for not swimming to Hong Kong. We spent some time playing frisbee with young children who wanted to follow us around. We later walked along a garden-like path that was incredibly beautiful.

With a group of four students, I was invited to join them in a traditional morning tea breakfast, which is more like a brunch. I was expecting to have some tea and light snacks. As you can see, we ended up having a feast. I said is this typical and they responded, yes! I asked them: "How can Chinese eat all this food and not have the weigh problems we have in the U.S.?". They said this food did not contain that many calories and that Chinese do allot of walking, which I have experienced and have lost weight! I also liked the fact that we spent time socializing as we ate. We must have been there for about one and a half hours. I think we need to do more of this in the U.S. to truly communicate with family and friends. I never realized how hurried we are in the U.S. I, for one, when in the U.S., would try to do way too much within a short amount of time. Since I have been in China, I am still a busy person, but I have learned from my Chinese friends to enjoy life more by slowing the pace whenever possible and enjoying the "conversation," food and surroundings that I'm in. I hope to continue these habits with family and friends.

My final experience involves a Thai style hair wash and a Chinese haircut. Ms. Li has washed my hair before but this time she asked if I wanted to try a Thai style hair wash. I said: "Why not!" I want to tell you that you have got to experience this. She spent almost an hour massaging my head, shoulders, arms, back and hands. She washed my hair three times while gently scrapping her fingernails on my scalp. She then washed my face and cleaned my ears!!! I asked if she would come back to the U.S. and open up a business. I then had my haircut from Mr. number one (yes, that is what he wants me to call him). We discussed politics (my student acted as translator) and the beautiful weather occurring in December (People are wearing shorts.). My hair was washed a fourth time to remove the hair clippings. The price-get this--for the Thai hair wash and the haircut was about $5!!! I am going to be in for sticker shock went I return.

I hope all is going well for you and that you experience balance and harmony during this holiday season.

Dr. Haskins

From Chinese Dancing to Fruit Smoothie and Meeting a McKendree Alumna

Nin Hao (Hello),

During these last few weeks, I was afforded the opportunity to witness a variety of cultural events and sampling of various foods. I was invited to watch Chinese students practice their dance lessons in the Cha Cha, Vienna Waltz, and the Rumba. I have included pictures of some of the dance instructors and students. They all seem to be having a terrific time.

My student mentor, David, who is an economic major and graduating senior, convinced me to try a Chinese grapefruit. This thing is the size of a watermelon and has lasted for a week in my small refrig. The grapefruit is sweet in taste and similar in texture to our grapefruit. David and his friend, Crystal, invited me to share a hotpot meal with them. You can place all type of meat, fish, and veggies in the boiling pot of water that contains different spices. The meal was delicious and the conversation was excellent.

I have included a picture of Dr. Kong who performed the minor surgery on my in-grown toe nail. He smiled all the time I was there and even asked to have our picture taken together. How could I refuse, especially when he had to stick a big needle in my toe!

I have include a picture of a Chinese massage--yes this is a cultural event. I went with my friend Mark, a professor from Australia and his grad student name Chin. We were there for one hour and twenty minutes. Besides the massage, the steaming hot towels place on your legs and feet, and the free ice-coffee, we were able to watch TV in very comfortable chairs--all for the price of $4. WalMart can't compete with these prices!

My friend Mark plans to start an institute at Shenzhen called The Institute of Positive Psychology, which deals with the science of happiness. He has been giving me all types of scientific data on the topic. It's quite interested and a former president of the American Psychological Association, has spearheaded a movement to make this better known in the U.S.

David has invited us to his home this weekend. Both his parents are medical doctors. It was in his mom's clinic that I had the minor surgery performed. I looked forward to meeting his parents and thanking his mom for helping deal with a very painful toe.

Last Sunday, I met Corin Forester (Scherf) and her husband Pete. Corine is a 2003 grad from McKendree. She works in graphic design in Hong Kong. Her husband works for the National Australia Bank as head of business development in Hong Kong. They enjoy their work and love living in Hong Kong and traveling throughout Asia. They will be in the U.S. for Christmas and during the holiday plan to ski in Switzerland--not a bad was to enjoy life. Corin asked me to say hi to all at McKendree. I will probably see them again before I leave in January. I plan to show them the university and then take them to one of my favorite restaurants, "Old Beijing" for a Peking Duck dinner.

I have become something of a marketing agent for a small business near the university. I had a fruit drink and a meatball (yes, they sell meatballs, too.) at the store and told the owner that in the U.S. we would call this drink a "smoothie." She asked me to write the word on a piece of paper. About a week later, I returned for another smoothie. When I arrived, I was greeted with a big smile form one of the workers. I looked at the wall behind him that held a huge sign with different types of drinks advertised. At the top part was a big melon with a crown on it. (See the picture.). Under the melon, was the word "smoothy." I didn't have the hearth to tell him that we spell it differently. My wife believes that it was probably my handwriting that lead to the mistake. She's probably right--as usual.

Well, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I will probably have duck or chicken. It appears that turkey is a rare bird in this part of China.

Zai Jian (Good bye),

Dr. Haskins

Harbin Presentation

Nin Hao (Hello),

On November 4th, I was invited to give a presentation at Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen Graduate School. I was invited by Dr.Qiang Lu, professor and supervisor in Business Management. My topic was entitled "Becoming a Global Leader in Management." My audience consisted mainly of masters and doctoral students and faculty. I found out just shortly before giving the presentation that Dr. Lu had several of his students advertise and place posters around campus. I have provided a picture of one. The school is in a plaza with several other universities' grad programs. For instance, University of Beijing (considered the number one school in China) was invited to attend. As a result, I had the honor of addressing students and faculty from different institutions located in University City Plaza.

I spoke for one hour and a half which was then followed by a flurry of questions from students and faculty. I thought that I was back in grad school defending my dissertation before my committee! Actually, I truly enjoyed the exchange of ideas and the many good observations raised about the topic, as well as being questioned about the recent election in the U.S.

After the speech, a number of students approached me, asking if I would have my picture taken with them (why not!). I have included some pictures of these events. This will probably be my last presentation in China. I have only a few months left (can't believe the time is going by so quickly) and I want to focus more on my class lectures and the three research projects that are underway. I have been invited by Dr. Lu to do some future research with him. Clearly, this experience has proven to be mutually beneficial which is often the way things get done in China.

I should also quickly mention that I needed to visit a Chinese clinic at the end of that week. I had a painful in-grown toe nail develop. To say I was nervous about visiting a clinic where the doctor did not speak English and I do not speak Chinese, is an understatement. Fortunately, I had a Chinese student (whose parents are doctors and whose mom runs the clinic) with me. He helped to translate and keep my mind occupied while the doctor, who constantly smiled and asked if I would take a picture with him--that's a first for me--did the procedure. The doctor originally asked if I wanted the whole toe nail or only half the toe nail removed. I hope he was kidding!! The procedure went well and I thanked the doctor, his staff, and my student for helping to relax a very nervous "U.S. American" patient and for doing such a professional job. By the way, the bill for his services, the clinic room and the medicine cost approximately $13!!! It will be hard getting use to the prices in the U.S. when I return.

Zai Jian (Good bye)

Dr. Haskins

Halloween Chinese Style

Nin Hao (Hello),

Sunday, I had a chance to experience Halloween in China. Yes, they do celebrate Halloween, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's day. Of course, Chinese give their own special "spin" for each of these holidays. I have been told that the younger Chinese are the ones pushing for China to celebrate these holidays.

The English Association, run mainly by students, hosted the Halloween Party held outside our International Student Dorm. They invited the entire campus to show. Their hope was to have more international students and faculty mix with the Chinese students. Given the turnout, I would have the say that their hard work and efforts paid off. The association hosted games and songs, as well as served drinks and food.

From the pictures, you can get an idea as to how most folks reacted to the festivities. The Chinese students were interested to learn how the tradition of Halloween started, why we carve pumpkins, if adults get dressed in funny costumes, or do children really get that much candy when going from door to door.

While at the party, I was surrounded by a number of students and local citizens from the area eager to practice their English. So we talked about the tradition of Halloween, how Chinese celebrate Halloween , (They do not go around knocking on doors for candy.), the Presidential election, where McKendree is located, and a host of other topics. I was happy to respond to their questions but also wanted to enjoy the party. Somehow we managed to do both.

Anyway, it was a great time and I can now state with certainty that China does celebrate Halloween! Take care and try to maintain balance and harmony in your life.

Zai Jian (Good bye),

Dr. Haskins

My Students

Nin Hao (Hello),

By far, my best memories of China will focus upon my students. First, to get into a university in China, you must take a national exam. Only the top 10% qualify to enter the university system. As a result, you end up with very bright, and, for the most part, hard working and highly motivated students.The first day I walked into class I was greeted with applause. That has never happened to me. I am teaching three classes at Shenzhen University. One is a graduate class in intercultural communication methodology. We explore major research methodologies from stats to postmoderism, postcolonialism, phenomenology or ethnography. Clearly, these are not easy topics but we are working our way through them. I also teach two undergrad classes. One is in organizational communication and the other is intercultural communication. I have approximately 170 students in all three classes. Clearly, these classes are much larger than what I normally experience at McKendree.

For the most part, we seem to understand each other. Language is definitely an issue. But I try to work around it by using examples, stories, analogies (just about anything that I think might work) to define, clarity, or explain my point. They bring their electronic dictionaries to classs or ask their classmate what I said. I use powerpoint in all my classes except in the grad class. I try to get the ppt out in advance for them to review.

I guess things must be going reasonably well because the students in all my classes want me to stay. I tried to explain to them that I would love to stay another semester, but I miss my family and I am on a sabbatical leave for only one semester. I must return to McKendree in January. Anyway, it's a nice feeling knowing that your students care enough to want you to stay longer. I have invited my students in my undergrad intercultural communication to e-mail Dr. Gordon's students in her interpersonal communication class. Students have started to e-mail their U.S. counterparts. I hope that they truly get to know each other and, at the end of the day, make a new friend.

Any time I seem to run into a problem, my students seem more than willing to help. Several have commented to me that "It is their duty and honor to help a professor." I can get use this type of treatment! For instance, I had some computer problems with my computer. One student left a party to come to my apartment to fix the problem. I felt bad that he left his friends and the party. I told him that he could have come on another day, but he insisted on coming over to "help his professor." I had brought a cell phone to China which I was told would work but of course didn't. A student volunteered to go to the store, buy a phone, buy a credit card for the phone, and then instruct me on how to use it in China. I of course insisted on paying the student and thanked her for help. Another student bought me a mouse for my computer. She thought that this would help me use my computer more effectively. A student not in my class insisted on walking me back to my dorm to keep me company and make sure that I was safe. What treatment!

I had mentioned the other day in my grad class that the mosquitoes in China can be vicious and leave a very itchy bite. The next day one of my grad students showed up at my office door with a tall, thin bottle of green liquid for bug bites. It's the best stuff I have ever used for relieving bug bites. I of course thanked my student; she insisted that it was a gift for her teacher to help him.

On Wednesday nights, I teach at the Language Corner outside my dorm. About 100 Chinese students show up to practice their English and I have a chance to learn some more Chinese. We discuss a range of topics from politics, arguing, dating practices, architecture, and Halloween (Yes, they celebrate Halloween but don't practice the art of trick or treat. They also celebrate Thanksgiving and allow the "foreign teachers" to take Christmas day off.). Some students will be hosting a Halloween party in front of the International Student Dorm (where I stay) on the Sunday after Halloween. They want students to wear costumes, play games, and give out candy. At last week's Language Conrner, one of our discussions was on the drinking of tea. Tea drinking in China is taken very seriously. You must do it properly, especially when you are hosting family and friends. I told them that I sometimes put milk and sugar in my tea. I also sometimes use the microwave to heat my tea water, and that I sometimes dunk cookies in my tea. The expressions on their faces suggested that I committed major mistakes in the way I prepare and drink tea. They decided to teach me the proper way to prepare and drink tea. So on the following Monday, four students (I invited them to do this.) came to my apartment to show me the Chinese tea ceremony. They first heated the water in a kettle; they then poured the water over the small tea cups, tea leaves, and tea picture to clean them. They then poured tea into the cups. But you don't drink it because the first cup may contain tea leaves. You dump this cup in a bowl. You drink the second cup (which is considered the best cup to drink), but before drinking it, you must first smell and enjoy the aroma of the tea. You then drink the tea quickly and dump some of it in the pan, because it may still contain some tea leaves. You do this about 6-7 times. One tea serving in the pot can be used over and over again until it loses its flavor. During this process, you socialize and discuss the day's events with your family or friends--it's a wonderful process for developing harmony and balance. There are so many different types of tea in China, I find it difficult to imagine the vast assortment of teas described by my students. The tea, they claim, is very healthy and good for digestion. I have had few stomach problems since I have been drink this tea. My wife and I plan to demonstrate the tea ceremony when I return.

Sorry about not having pictures in this blog. I have been very busy teaching three classes and working on three research projects. I will attach pictures of my students in future blogs.

Hope all is going well, and may you experience harmony and balance in your life!

Zai Jien (good bye),

Dr. Haskins

Trip Through China

,

Nin Hao (hello),

My wife Linda and I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to some of China's major cities. We did this during China's national holiday. This holiday celebrates Chairman Mao's announcement on October 1, 1949, that China was a new country. We traveled to Beijing, Xi'-an, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The Chinese says if you want to know how China was 20 years ago, then visit Shenzhen. If you want to know how China was 500 years ago, then visit Beijing. But if you want to know how China was 2,500 years ago, then visit Xi-an (pronounced she-on). The first capital of China is in Xi'-An; 72 of approximately 350 emperors are buried in this city. One of the most interesting areas that we visited in this city was the site of the Terra-Catta warriers discovered by archaeologists. Emperor Qin, who was the first emporer of China and who both united China and gave the order for building the Great Wall, died in 210 B.C. The emperor at that time had 6,000 of these warriors made (see picture) to protect him in the after life. No two warriors look the same.

In Beijing, we visited the Summer Palace of the emperors, the Forbidden City, climbed the Great Wall (outside of Beijing), had pictures taken with Chinese children in Tienanmen Square and got lost in the Hau-tong district (considered old Peking). In this district, we toured a family's house that contained a lovely garden courtyard. On the gentleman's table were three pictures of people who had visited his home. One picture was of Henry Kissinger; the other pictures were the Prime Ministers of Norway and Belgium--not bad company!

In Shanghai, we took a delightful night boat trip that went pass the city's downtown district. One of the landmarks was a building containing several ball-like shapes (see picture). Shanghai is known as the commercial center of China, while Beijing is considered the political center (It also has great Peiking Duck.). Shanghai is also known for its world famous dumplings--they are to die for!!!

The people we met along the way were wonderful to us. Even though we could barely speak Chinese, they were very patient with us and invariably someone would know enough English to help us. My wife and I encountered numerous intercultural episodes from trying to order breakfast and having four people trying to figure out what we wanted (I actually had to call a friend on the phone in Shenzhen to explain to the waiter what we wanted.) to bartering in Beijing with merchants--which is an experience to behold!

In Shenzhen, we visited the city and the university. I showed Linda around the beautiful campus and my 0ffice. She had a chance to met some of my colleagues and the dean in my college, as well as have dinner with some of my friends. Linda and I both found the people at the university delightful and the campus with its beautiful trees, flowers, gardens, ponds, meandering walkways a joy to see. The environment helps to make you feel at peace with nature as you travel the campus grounds.

Linda left with many good memories and numerous gifts for family and friends. Her trip home went smoothly. I look forward to seeing her and our family and friends in the next few months.

Zai Jian (good-bye) and may you experience peace and harmony in your life.

Dr. Haskins