On Campuses

SYSU international students voluntary teaching at Zhuhai Experimental Middle School

Source: School of International Studies
Written by: School of International Studies
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On the afternoon of December 13, organized by the International Students Organization of School of International Studies, six international students from Britain, Germany, France, Portugal and Spain went to Zhuhai Experimental Middle School for voluntary teaching. This voluntary teaching program themed on “Realizing the China Dream by You and Me” is the highlight of the “International Bridge” campus public program 2013 supported by the Students Affairs Office of Sun Yat-sen University, and it is the first voluntary activity on Zhuhai Campus that involved international students as the main participants. The international students brought their own styles into the class and interacted actively with the high school students after class. They both reaped the happiness of making new friends.

Group photo
 
The voluntary teaching program was divided into two parts — the indoor class activity and the outdoor class activity. Given a hearty welcome, international students gave English lessons to four classes of grade one in senior high by presenting their well-prepared PPTs. Bringing the topics of "Stereotype", "Portugal", "Germany" and “France” respectively, the volunteers introduced the history, culture, food and religion of different countries. During the Q&A part, Barbara, a German student, was asked to teach some German. So the whole class became active in learning German greetings like “hello”, "I’m fine", and “how are you”.
 
The 45-minute class was full of fun and joy. Students frequently raised their hands to answer questions, and invited their volunteer teachers to take a picture with them to memorize this moment. Several high school students interviewed said that it was a meaningful activity because they were able to experience different cultures from other countries and to practice their oral English and improve listening skills. More importantly, they fostered friendship even though they were a little nervous at first.

Following the English class, the exciting outdoor Frisbee class began. After the explanations of the game rules by the volunteer teachers, students started to play the game. The cooperation between volunteer teachers and students created a delightful scene on the playground.

With the Frisbee game finished, the international students voluntary teaching activity came to an end. This activity not only provided a chance for international students to get involved in voluntary activity but also promoted the communication between Chinese students and international students.