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The stories are written by our past participant. They joined our programs of Learn Chinese with Homestay or Homestay
Only in Beijing and other cities in China . To read their stories, you will get
to know our homestay: the families, the people and our service. |
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Katherine with her Homestay family |
Katherine Michonski, from the University of Chicago, USA, joined Lotus 6 weeks Homestay Summer program in 2005.
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My host family was very kind and helpful in every way. They always offered to help with my homework when I was having difficulty, and every night at dinner our conversations provided me with ideal listening and oral practice, as well as a lesson in Chinese culture! I really enjoyed having them as a resource to ask all the inevitable questions that arise when traveling. In turn, having the answers to these common questions made me a reliable resource for my classmates and other travelers. In addition, doing the homestay through a program made the trip much more enjoyable and hassle free. I felt that everything I needed was provided for by Lotus; from cabs to and from the airport, to a dictionary, map, and most importantly enrollment at the University, health insurance and a visa! I feel that this made my stay less stressful than my classmates, who constantly had to deal with these important issues using their beginning Chinese. My advice to anyone planning an intensive language course and homestay in China is to coordinate your stay through a program, and Lotus Study is the best one to use!
Lotus Study is an excellent program for anyone who would like to learn Chinese- the correct way. While classes provide students with the necessary grammar background, family life gives homestay participants constant listening and oral practice that any native speaker receives when learning a language. This combination intensifies your language study giving you an unbelievable advantage over the rest of the class. Living with a family also educates you in everything from Chinese history and culture to common idioms and cooking.
Lotus was amazing. From the initial stages of my planning until the very end, the employees at Lotus were always prompt in their responses to my inquiries and very detailed in their answers. They were also very flexible and dedicated in helping me to achieve my goal of traveling to China. I honestly did not have a single problem, miscommunication, or bad experience with Lotus. I highly recommend this program. The employees are all incredibly kind and devoted to making Lotus Study the best program for travel and study in China. As the program continues to grow in popularity, they are definitely succeeding!
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Meagan with her Homestay family |
Meagan Smith, from the University of Michigan, USA, joined Lotus
5 weeks Homestay in summer 2005.
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My host family was wonderful! They were extremely helpful and welcoming that I felt
like I was with my own family. They were extremely hospitable and opened their home
and their hearts to me¡they did not stop at teaching me Chinese. They also introduced
me to the culture and customs. I went to so many places I can hardly count them,
including the Summer Palace, Great Wall, Tian-an-men Square, and the Forbidden City.
We also went to many restaurants with food from the different provincial regions
of China. What we couldn't experience in person, we discussed in great detail and
great length.
Some of my best memories are the intellectual conversations we had during dinner.
After only a month, I really bonded with the family and we became close. When it
was time to leave, I was very disappointed. However, the family and I have been
keeping in touch and they would like me to return. Hopefully, I can next year!
Besides the actual experience in China, my encounters with the Lotus staff prior
to my trip were very good. The American based office made sure all of my needs were
met and all of my questions answered. My decision to go to China was very last minute
but Patrick and Henry really helped me to understand all that I needed to obtain
before I could go to China, and helped to pair me with a compatible family. Once
in China, the Beijing office frequently emailed and called me to check on my status
and ensure that I was enjoying myself. I felt very safe and well tended to. The
staffs that picked me up from the airport and took me back were extremely friendly
and weren't daunted by my enormous bags. :-)
Meagan Smith
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Zoe( in the middle) with her host family |
Zoe Quan, from Chicago, USA, joined Lotus for a 4-week Homestay
summer program in 2003.
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A Thank-you note from Zoe to our staff in the US:
Dear Pat:
I just wanted to thank you very much for the excellent program that Lotus Educational
Foundation provided to make my stay in China so successful¡
I was also impressed by how well Lotus matched the host family and myself in terms
of interests and objectives. The family with whom I stayed was very friendly and
helpful, going out of their way to make me feel included and comfortable. They were
most generous in sharing their time and their lives with me. Because we shared some
common interests, we had much more room for deeper conversations and communication.
I developed a far better understanding of the business and cultural environment
in China than I could ever have done on my own.
Many thanks to you and your staff in-country for your marvelous support and service.
I look forward to using Lotus Study again in the future.
Kind Regards,
Zoe Quan
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Nicole with her Homestay family |
Nicole Figley, from Strayer University, USA, joined Lotus Homestay
program for 12 weeks in 2005.
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Dear Lotus Study,
I want to thank you for giving myself and
others the opportunity to actually live the Chinese culture during our stay in Beijing
and study of Mandarin¡
Life in Beijing, interacting with Chinese
everyday, has been incredible. Almost everyone I meet wants to talk to me and welcome
me to their country. While many of them want to practice English, everyone is so
proud of their country¡¯s culture and language that they are very eager to teach
me everything they can and appreciate my effort to speak Chinese. Everyone has been
incredibly hospitable, making sure I am always comfortable, happy, and full!!
My home stay family was a perfect match
for me. I am lucky to have been placed with them; I have felt comfortable from the
first day when I received a very warm welcome. All anxieties about my first time
in China disappeared. While they too wanted to improve their English, they have
been extremely helpful in my language study. We have sincerely enjoyed our time
together, and made learning English and Chinese a lot of fun. Luckily, they had
a cell phone for me upon arrival, and they have not only shared their home, but
also their family and friends. I was fortunate enough to go on a trip with their
family to the beach, and they were all very caring. My three-year-old ¡°Chinese nephew¡±
has learned a lot of English and is the best Chinese teacher I have ever met! Their
friends also took me in as if we had grown up together, teaching me about their
jobs and taking me to different tourist sites around Beijing. I don¡¯t doubt that
we will always be in touch. I am already planning my return¡it's the only way I
can leave with peace of mind! Everyone has been very patient and helpful as I have
become acquainted with everything from using chopsticks to finding my way around
the city through public transportation. The cultural lessons I have also learned
are invaluable.
I look forward to working with you next year! Thank you very much for finding me
a wonderful host family, providing me support I can have confidence in, finding
me a teaching position, and giving me the opportunity to meet such great people.
I have had an unforgettable experience, and I really appreciate all Lotus Study
in the U.S. and Beijing have done for me!
Sincerely,
Nicole Figley
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Wesley with the host family |
Wesley Wong, from USA, joined Lotus 4 weeks Homestay summer program
in 2006. |
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"Why you shoud do Homestay in China with Lotus"
I originally had planned to just teach English but liked learning the language so
much with my host family that I wanted to become fluent in it so I could experience
the Chinese culture even better. Unexpected things and problems happen of course
(particularly with me....) like the time I lost my wallet and had to have all new
info and cards sent to a safe address (Lotus offices). Lotus even mad a point of
hand delivering all my care packages from the U.S. so I wouldn't have to go to their
office (which by the way is very beautiful). One thing about going thru Lotus is
that I always felt I had a safety net if any mishap would occur (and I tend to get
into a lot of mishaps). They also are great matchmakers and set me up with the perfect
family. Not only was the family friendly, warm and hospitable, I even got set up
on a blind date by my host mother, what a riot...(won't go into the details about
that), talk about experiencing China differently if the latter is different I don't
know what is. My host family became such good friends that I regularly visit them
(I'm still in China by the way 9/06) and they consider me a good friend, which is
a big deal in China by the way. I also learned a lot of little cultural things like
proper dining etiquette from my host parents. Never eat with your hands and always
finish everything on your plate (believe me the not eating with your hands part
was a big challenge for me). For some reason I can't imagine you would learn that
while dining with other foreign students.........
Huang, Hong Jie (the man formerly known as Wesley Wong)
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Kevin(left) with other Lotus students at the gate of Lama Temple |
Kevin Busch, from the University of Chicago, USA, joined Lotus
4 weeks Homestay program in 2006.
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A Thank-you note from Kevin¡¯s mother Wendy Liang:
¡ my son chose the Homestay program which provided a very safe, worry-free environment
especially he has never been in China before. The host mother took really good care
of him. In fact, he was very ill for 3 days with fever and all and the host mother
took him to the hospital for necessary medical attention and nursed him back to
health. I wonder now if he had stayed in a dorm or apartment, could he have turned
out ok. Last but not least, through both the Lotus program and the host family,
my son was guided in various excursions to Beijing¡¯s favorite sights on the weekends.
Wendy Liang
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Thomas with his homestay brother |
Thomas Smithurst, from Australia, joined Lotus Homestay program in 2006.
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¡For the homestay, I stayed with a very hospitable husband and wife couple. Zhang
Xiansheng and Li Nushi were both decent and temperate, eager to help however they
could. Best of all, they and their neighboring friends had established an affable
social network. I spent a lot of time over meals and spare hours chatting with them
all. It was through these occasions that my conversational Chinese and cultural
knowledge received their greatest boost. Essentially, the homestay proved outstanding.
In terms of administration for the stay, the Lotus staff in Beijing coordinated
things smoothly and proficiently. I was impressed by their degree of care and attention.
Thomas Smithurst
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Amanda (right) with her host mother |
Amanda Wong, from the University of California, Berkley, USA, joined
Lotus 4 weeks Homestay summer program in 2006.
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¡I have only good words to use to describe my Lotus experience. First, the staff,
both in the U.S. and in Beijing, was exceedingly helpful. Any question of mine was
always promptly and thoroughly answered. Most important, the staff seemed to genuinely
care about even our slightest concerns and offered immediate help when needed.
My host family was also excellent. They made me feel at home right away and always
offered me more than generous portions of food.
¡Thanks again for all your help during my 4 weeks stay.
Amanda
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Beatrice with the host brother at the Great Wall |
Beatrice Fong-Yan, from France, joined Lotus 12 weeks summer program
in 2006.
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My experience with Lotus was fantastic!
They were always attentive to every email/question i asked. The staff showed they
really cared and that was a great feeling. Since the very first day, I felt safe
in that big city because I knew that they were there in case of any problem.
As for my host family, I felt like I was part of the family from the very start.
They brought me around to different parts of the city and even outside Beijing,
I could enjoy the countryside during the week-end. I tasted Beijing specialities
with them, they gave me a lot of their free time. I was very lucky!!! I know better
Chinese history and now I can understand better Chinese culture! That was my first
goal: having Chinese blood, understand my grandparent's behavior.
I went back home rich of that experience.
Beatrice
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Howard with his Homestay family |
Howard Robinson, Assistant Clinical Professor of Social Work, Fordham
University, joined Lotus 4 weeks Homestay program in summer 2005.
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I am deeply impressed by the organization and care of Lotus Study while I studied
Mandarin in Beijing for one month. I was met at the airport and driven to my host
family, the Zhang's, who were remarkably warm, friendly and engaging -- just the
kind of family that I wished to meet. I felt safe and cared for in a location where
travel to any part of the city was possible¡Even though I was living many miles
away from my homeland ( USA), I experienced a personalized care that helped me to
gain the most from my time in China. I felt secure in the knowledge that personnel
from Lotus Study were willing to assist and that my host family really cared about
my enjoying Beijing and learning about China. I am indebted to Lotus Study for helping
me to organize and enjoy a safe and satisfying experience in China.
Howard Robinson
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Emily with her Homestay family parent |
Emily Ow, from the University of Western Ontario, Canada, joined
Lotus 5 weeks Homestay Summer program in 2005.
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I could not have asked for a better host family. They really helped me to improve
my Chinese listening and speaking skills. We often went shopping, to see movies
at the theatre, and to many different types of restaurants to eat. My host family
even organized short trips up into the mountains and to a holiday resort just so
I could see how people in Beijing like to spend their weekends. I was treated just
like a family member and I am going to miss them a lot. I highly recommend the Lotus
homestay program!
Emily Ow
Toronto , Canada
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Mattew with his Homestay family |
Matthew Cecil, from the University of Colorado, USA, joined Lotus
8 weeks Homestay Summer program in 2005.
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My experience coming to China with the Lotus program was great. I was given a friendly
greeting in an unfamiliar country in the form of the airport pick-up.
The host family they found for me to live with was also great. The family was incredibly
hospitable, cooking tasty dinners and taking great care of me. I enjoyed playing
with their two-year old and playing Go with the father¡Also, the many conversations
we had talking about cultural differences between the US and China were very enlightening
to me.
Matt
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Philip with his Homestay hostess |
Philip Shellhaas/US/Lenovo/IDE, Export Compliance Office, Lenovo
(United States) Inc, joined Lotus Homestay program in 2005.
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Lotus Foundation, and the Lotusstudy staff in the US and Beijing were able to work
out a homestay in very short notice. I was thoroughly impressed with their efficiency
and attentiveness, and their superb organizational support and resources.
In just a few days, the Beijing office located a wonderful family with a fully modern,
beautiful new apartment only 15 minutes walking distance from my work. This family
is just great, super supportive, attentive to my every need. But more importantly,
they are very open, interesting, funny, and friendly. We have much to talk about,
and we laugh together often. It is always a happy time together. We became friends
in short notice. And we learn from each other -- language, ideas, experiences, and
more. They push me to learn Chinese, made sure that I was eating well, even exercising
regularly with morning walks and weekend jaunts (to pick apples) into the countryside.
Also a tour of the old Summer Palace gardens. And many wonderful restaurants ¨C throughout
this part of Beijing. From great to greasy -- eating out was so much fun with this
family.
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Isaac at the Great Wall |
Isaac Harley, from University of Oklahoma, USA, joined Lotus 5
weeks Homestay Winter program in 2004.
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The Lotus Staff in Beijing helped immensely, as they placed me with a wonderful
family (the Lis), I went to Beijing knowing only a few indispensable key phrases
in Chinese, such as "Help", "I don't understand", and "I need to use the restroom".
The Lotus Foundation placed me with an ideal family for my language level. Having
lived in Canada for a while, Li xiansheng speaks fluent English and was able to
help me find my way from their apartment to school and his presence eased the shock
and frustration of being unable to communicate. Li taitai, however, spoke very little
English (the extent of her spoken English included shopping mall, Mercedes Benz,
etc.). As I progressed in my language abilities, her presence forced me to put my
newly acquired Chinese skills into practice.¡ By placing me with an interesting, interested, and incredibly
gracious family, Lotus enabled me to get the most out of my month in Beijing.
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Rovert with his Homestay family |
Robert Sachse, from USA, joined Lotus 4 weeks Homestay program
in summer 2006.
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My experience in Beijing was absolutely phenomenal. My host family was warm, caring
and very helpful when it came to learning Mandarin. In the one month that I was
in Beijing, I hold so many fond memories with them in my heart. We cooked, watched
TV, played computer games and grocery shopped. Their lifestyles quickly became mine
without any problem, though I still don¡¯t like eating chicken¡¯s feet!
Robert Sachse
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George with his Homestay family |
George Mohyla, from USA, joined Lotus 6 weeks summer Homestay program
in 2006.
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My host family was perfect. They opened their home and hearts the moment I stepped
into their modern apartment. My family invited their friends over several times
for a party, a wonderful way to make new friends. When we were not having home cooked
meals, my friends, they were friends now, took me out to several local eating-places
that I never would have experienced on my own. My family helped me with Chinese,
shopping and transportation. They just made everything so easy.
George Mohyla
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Selena with her Homestay family |
Selena Russ, from Smith College, USA, joined Lotus 7 weeks Homestay
Summer program in 2005.
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My experience with Lotus was fantastic! They were always attentive to every email/question
or problem I ever experienced. Their staff showed they really cared and that was
a great feeling. It was a comfort knowing I didn ¡¯t have to worry about doing too
much by myself.
As for my host family, I never expected such caring and selfless generosity. I really
felt like I was part of the family from the very start. They helped me get settled
and brought me around to different parts of the city with them when they went out
as a family. The tutor was also very attentive and useful in getting adjusted into
Beijing life. I feel like I have a strong foundation of my Chinese because of this
experience.
Selena
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Gabriel with his Homestay family |
Gabriel Gaudette, from Quebec, Canada, joined Lotus Homestay program
in Nov 2003.
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My family is a caring one. They do their best to accommodate me and to help me improve
my Mandarin. They are good-humored people and each day, Mr. Yang tries to teach
me some new Chinese expressions in a humorous way.
The family brought me to restaurants every weekend. Mr. Yang registered me with
his sporting club, and every day we go swimming. On the weekend, he also invites
me to go mountain climbing. When I wanted to go shopping, they came with me and
helped me with bargaining...
So, I can say I live the life they do really live. Of course, this family is quite
wealthy, but I think it gives me the experience of a day-to-day life of a Chinese
family in the new China. I do really appreciate them.
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Joseph with his Homestay parent |
Joseph Pearson£¬from Kansas State University, USA, joined Lotus
Homestay program in 2005.
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Dear Lotus Study,
I want to say that your program is very good and helpful in many ways at learning
Chinese and meeting people. The host family I am currently with is very good, loving,
and helpful. Wang the mother knows English and is helping me out in many ways even
taking me to places I didn't know. I have been learning Chinese with the family
and it's like they adopted me in a way.
Wang's mother and father I even call Papa and Mama. The whole family is really nice
and accepting.
Joseph D. Pearson
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Davide with his Homestay family |
Davide Ben-Dror, from Haifa University, Israel, joined Lotus
6 weeks Homestay Summer program in 2004.
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Dear Lisa,
A week has passed since my return from China and my six weeks program with Lotus.
I look back at these six weeks with great pleasure. The time I spent in Beijing
in general and with my host family specifically, the Huaiyuan family, was very good.
Their hospitality, the time they devoted helping me, the family feeling they created
at their home made the difference. Thanks to their warm welcome my stay in the language
course turned from just another language course to a wonderful and fascinating experience
of getting to know China and Beijing in general and the Chinese people and the Huaiyuan
family in particular.
Obviously participating in a home-stay program is not an easy decision and it took
me some time to make this decision. Even after I made the decision I had some second
thought about it. All my concerns were soon gone, thanks to the Huaiyuan family,
their warmth and their easy going approach to things¡
I would like to express my thanks both to the Lotus staff at Beijing and to the
Huaiyuan family for the great time.
Regards,
Davidi Ben-Dror.
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Jnai with her Homestay sister |
Jnai Gaither from Carleton College, USA, joined Lotus Homestay
program in 2003.
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Lotus Study is an excellent program. The support is wonderful. I got much help while
in the States before I came to China. I really wanted to use this program to come
to China to study and I was having many problems. I made frequent calls to Lotus'
headquarters in California. My calls were returned promptly and were always friendly.
Patrick, at the California Lotus office, was extremely helpful. I greatly appreciate
all his time and patience he had with me.
My two families in China are wonderful. I had two because my first family had to
unexpectedly go on a business trip and I was sent to another family. They are very
gracious and will do anything in their power to keep you happy. They definitely
aim to please. I had a lot of fun with both families and they taught me a lot. They
are so well versed in their culture so they taught me a lot about different aspects
of Chinese culture and history. I will never forget either family and hope to stay
in touch with both when I "hui guo" ( return to the states.) So, all in all, Lotus
is an excellent program that puts the students first and make sure that everything
is going smoothly. I highly recommend the program to anyone who wishes to study
in China and stay with a Chinese family. Thanks for everything, Lotus!!!
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Rodney with his Homestay family |
Rodney Mantle , from the UK, joined Lotus Homestay program in June
2004.
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Dear Henry:
Thank you very much for the excellent host family that Lotus Educational Foundation
provided to make my stay in Beijing so successful. I wanted to live with a family,
rather than in a student dorm, which for me at age 61 did not seem ideal. LiQang
and his wife were wonderful hosts, attentive, generous, flexible and patient with
my halting Chinese and helpful with my homework. I was also impressed by how well
Lotus matched the host family and me. The food was excellent, and I greatly appreciated
the wife's playing of a traditional Chinese instrument, as well as meeting other
members of the family.
My thanks are also due to your staff in-country for their marvelous support and
service.
I would wholeheartedly recommend your organization to others who wish to learn and
understand Chinese by immersion. Should I ever have the opportunity to return to
Beijing for another course, I would certainly turn to you again.
Best wishes,
Rodney Mantle
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Randy with his host family Lee |
Randy Baum, from Kansas University, USA, joined Lotus Homestay
program in 2003 and 2004. |
My host family Lee is charismatic, clean, lively, and invaluable tool to my understanding
China. From observing the way in which the couples interact with themselves and
with their friends to the manner in which the bill is dealt with at a restaurant,
living with my host-family has broadened my understanding of Chinese culture. More
simply, my family is fantastic at without hesitation or inquiry teaching me pieces
of Chinese history, geography, music, and of course culture. Every time we sit down
for dinner I leave feeling I better understand the way China works and why.
I thoroughly enjoy the times I spend in China due mainly to Lotus homestay program
and my host family and would recommend this process to anyone.
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David with his Homestay family Wu |
David Pickus, Lecturer of Arizona State University, joined Lotus
Homestay program in May 2004.
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I came for a few weeks to travel on my own and see what China was like. For someone
like me, coming to China "cold," Lotus was excellent. I had the same good experiences
with my hosts as other people had. They were extremely kind and generous to me.
They answered all my questions and really wanted to help me understand life in China.
At the same time, they left me enough space to travel and explore on my own. It
would have been much harder for me to get this flavor of Chinese life had I only
stayed in hotels. I left China with a great deal of respect and affection for the
people I met. I definitely plan to return to China, and hope to participate in Lotus
homestay again.
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Dan with his homestay father Jason |
Dan Harrison, from San Francisco, USA, joined Lotus Homestay program
in Dec 2002
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Jason Huang and his wife made my visit to Beijing very special. As this was my first
visit to China, Jason really helped me get a feel for what his city and country
are like. During my stay, Jason and his wife introduced me to lots of new foods
(they are both excellent cooks), and helped me figure out many practical things,
like how to get around town on the bus and how to get a cell phone. As I roamed
around Beijing, I noticed all kinds of new things and it was great to head home
and ask Jason, "I saw this thing, what does it mean?" Jason's English is very good,
and him and his wife were very interested in finding out about me, and really enjoyed
sharing their vast knowledge of Beijing and Chinese culture.
Their flat is on the top floor of a brand new high-rise apartment building, with
an amazing view of the city. Their apartment is very modern and clean(similar to
a 5-star hotel!) and I got to have my own room, bathroom and shower.
I really enjoyed my homestay with them, and would recommend it to anyone who wants
to have an experience in China that you just can't get from staying in dorms and
eating in restaurants.
I also want to praise the Lotus Educational Foundation for helping me arrange my
stay in Beijing. I was a bit worried at first about booking my stay over the Internet,
but I found the Lotus Educational Foundation to be quite reliable; they mean what
they say on their website, and there were no hidden surprises. I plan to use their
services again in the future.
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Justin with his homestay brother |
Justin Allen, From Texas, USA, joined Lotus Homestay program 2003.
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As far as the program, I must say that it has catered well to my needs. I have learned
a significant amount of Chinese. Your on site staff have always asked me if everything
is going well. The service has spoiled me.
I would certainly recommend my current host family since the family has really,
really been great. They are so open and well-traveled. They took me to many interesting
sites around Beijing during the weekends. They are comfortable and easy going, especially
with me. Plus, their home is really lovely and luxurious.
The people in the family are great, the food is great, and their home is great.
The experience has been great!
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Ross with his homestay brother Pandong |
Ross Gadenne, from Sydney, Australia, joined Lotus Homestay program
in Nov 2003
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I write to express my appreciation for the very efficient and professional service
provided by your Beijing Office in arranging my Homestay program.
The Homestay family of Pan Dong and Karen was most enjoyable and we shared a few
laughs. Importantly both Pan Dong and Karen were always available in the evening
to answer some of the more difficult questions about the 'Han
Yu' language.
¡ The Homestay program is by far, more rewarding than the Hotel, but with the conveniences
that are normally provided in hotel environments¡
I was so impressed by the Homestay program that I am already arranging another Homestay
visit with your organization to reinforce my current learning, and to enjoy some
more China experiences.
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John with his homestay father Yang |
John Bliss, from the University of Washington, USA, joined Lotus
Homestay program in Beijing and Chengdu in Dec 2003.
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My host family in Chengdu--Xuyong was very kind. He helped in my recovery (having
just been flown to chengdu from a Tibetan hospital, due to serious altitude sickness)
as much as he could. Brought me food, took me to rent movies, arranged to have someone
take me to the hospital. Although I was recuperating, taking it easy, throughout
the two weeks, I still had a fun time. Xuyong took me out almost every evening to
dine with friends (dining out, dining in with families, or hosted by friends, or
at his mother's place.) I had some language exchange with Xuyong, and with a couple
friends he introduced me. They taught me Chinese poems. I didn't do any sightseeing,
but I think the interaction with modern Chinese culture was more valuable. I made
some real friends in Chengdu.
Staying with Yangbin and his parents in Beijing was a great experience. His folks
don't speak English, but were very happy to make an effort to be understood in Chinese.
They taught me new words, offered conversation practice, and were very sweet people
to get to know. Yangbin arranged for his girlfriend to take me to a Chinese medicine
hospital about my finger tendonitis. We exchanged language lessons in the evening.
I feel that we helped each other immensely. He gave me free museum tickets and a
tour of the Temple of Heaven, where he works. I also visited the museum where his
mom works.
Lisa (Lotus resident director) found a good deal and purchased my plane ticket for
me. She's great. I didn't need much extra help in Beijing, but I'm sure that Lisa
would have helped me with anything I needed.
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Genevieve (left) with her Homestay family |
Genevieve Chew, from London School of Economics, joined Lotus 4
weeks Homestay Summer program in 2005
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In short, I would say that my experience in Beijing was a very educational one.
I learnt so much in just 4 weeks. When I arrived home from Beijing, friends and
family were surprised that I was able to speak quite fluently, read and write many
Chinese characters because I was only there for 4 weeks.
I chose the homestay program which I think is a very challenging yet fun experience
in many ways - challenging because I had to first adapt to a very different culture
and lifestyle and fun because I was able to learn more about the Chinese people.
My host family even taught me how to cook some simple Beijing dishes which I found
very helpful!!
Genevieve Chew
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An (Left) with her Homestay family |
An Lam, from USA, joined Lotus Homestay program in 2005.
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My host family was a perfect match for me. They were a down to earth, modern family.
My stay there was great. My host mother was a busy professional, but always spent
the time to show me around and teach me about Chinese Culture. This stay in Beijing
reinforced my knowledge of the Chinese as generous, caring and intelligent people.
Going to China after living in America for 28 years is definitely a culture shock.
I was so glad to have Lotus guide me through the process of trying to blend in and
learning the ways of the Chinese. I was privileged to live in Beijing during this
decade of great development. The mix of old ways and new attitudes leaves you with
a raw experience that is quite unforgettable.
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Lisa with her homestay mother and sister. |
Lisa Hughes, from Villanova University , USA, joined Lotus Homestay
summer program in 2004.
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My host family Ting were incredibly welcoming and constantly asked if I was comfortable
and if I needed anything. Ms. Ting even took me out one day and helped get a cellular
phone and find a bicycle. I greatly appreciated her assistance with both. Also,
when I would ask to help with anything they would always tell me not to worry. Ms.
Ting??s mother also came and stayed with us for the duration of my stay. She was
quite possibly the cutest woman ever! She was an incredible cook too. I cannot say
enough about how helpful and welcoming they were. They weren't picky about when
I came home (I had my own set of keys) and would simply ask things for informational
purposes. I had a beautiful room, and access to the phone and the internet. Again
I cannot say enough about how wonderful this family was and I would recommend them
to anyone looking for a pleasurable time abroad in Beijing .
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Brian with his Homestay father Yu |
Brian Yoder , from the US, joined Lotus Homestay program in July
2004.
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I've found my host family Yu to be a very good place to stay. The apartment is clean
and well kept. Zhenquan is a good cook. I've enjoyed watching Asian Cup soccer matches
with him on evenings I've been home. Breakfast is always ready for me when I get
up. The apartment is a nice distance from BLCU and I commute by bike everyday.
Zhenquan was very helpful when I first arrived making sure that I got everything
done related to processing paperwork at BLCU. The first day he walked with me to
BLCU and stayed with me until I had completed everything. He helped my purchase
a good used bike at a very good price. He's been very helpful with suggestions on
how to get to different places in Beijing and has always been helpful with language
related questions when I ask.
I really like the fact that Zhenquan doesn't speak English, which forces us to use
Chinese.
I give my stay at the Yu family apartment high marks.
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Nigel is playing chess game with his Homestay family |
Nigel Doran, British journalist, joined Lotus Homestay program
in Nov 2004.
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The Zhang family offered me a warm and friendly welcome in Beijing. My aim was to
learn as much Chinese as possible as well as understanding more about Chinese culture,
and my time with the Zhangs helped me do that. They spoke to me like they would
to their friends and family, meaning that I improved my spoken Chinese a lot. They
also invited me out to eat with their friends two times during my four week stay,
which again helped me to learn more about modern China and its language. Needless
to say, the food was great!
Mrs Zhang makes good, nourishing Chinese food in great quantities! The flat was
modern and comfortable with a huge TV set and broadband. It was only a 20 minute
walk away from Andingmen station, and there are buses that can take you to Sanlitun,
the railway station, Wangfujing (the main shopping
area) and the Drum Tower area very easily and cheaply. I would recommed staying
with this family if you would like to really immerse yourself in Chinese, but would
suggest that to make the most of your time there, your Chinese should be quite advanced
as the three family members speak very little English indeed.
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Camilo with his Homestay sister |
Camilo Collados Valenzuela, from Chile, joined Lotus 5 weeks Homestay
Winter program in 2004
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When you get to china everything is new and interesting but when you arrive to your
Chinese family everything feels like home, I never felt uncomfortable, always received
with a friendly smile. Both Niu Niu and Li qiang where very helping and understood
that I could barely speak mandarin in the beginning. I only knew how to speak a
little bit of Chinese but I couldn¡¯t write or read very well so Niu Niu helped me
a lot during the course, she said I could ask her anything at anytime, it is something
I appreciated very much. My house was about 25 minutes from BLCU, every morning
I took the bus, it was clearly one of the most interesting things of my day in the
beginning, you could get to see how ordinary people live each day and mix with them,
interact and learn how to get to places in Chinese. The lessons started early in
the morning and finished around 12pm, after that you had lunch with other classmates
and probably go home after. The fact that you had to speak Chinese after you finish
your regular lessons was one of the best things of the program. University was very
good for learning new words and something about grammar but after that you need
to practice and that was given at home.
The apartment where I lived was located near the campus, inside they had everything
you have at home, computer, TV, DVD, washing machine and a nice and comfortable
room for my own. My family was very respectful and understanding. I did everything
they did if I wanted to join them. Everyday she cooked for us magnificent food,
the taste of real Chinese food it¡¯s awesome. I was included as a member of their
family, we could go out, drink some tea, go to a restaurant and have something to
eat or drink.
It was an amazing experience I¡¯ll never forget.
Camilo
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Richard with his Homestay sister |
Richard Hickey, from York University, UK, joined Lotus 8 weeks
Homestay Winter program in 2005 |
The family were really nice. The food was tasty, and it was good to see what real
Beijingers eat every day. They were all remarkably patient with my faltering Chinese,
especially as I had start with "wo" and go from there. Zhou Jia Yi, the daughter,
speaks quite good English, but her parents don't speak much. For me this was the
perfect combination, since I could practice with her mum and dad, but if i got stuck
we could generally work it out. The flat was good, and well-located for BLCU. They
even lent me a bicycle, which i came to love, even when I nearly went under a bus
one day. Beijing is a very interesting place, the energy really is palpable.
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Dietlind with her Homestay hostess |
Dietlind Wuensche, International Exchange Program officer, University
of Heidelberg, Germany, joined Lotus Homestay program in 2005
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During the two weeks I stayed at two different families. Both families were wonderful
and I felt at home immediately. Zhu Danqing is an intelligent, lively, helpful and
open-hearted woman who loves talking and chatting. She is a journalist and has many
connections with important persons in China. One day she invited me to join a business-banquet
and I got an interesting insight in this specific world of Chinese society. Zhu
Danqing and I felt that we share many interests and we loved to cycle through Beijing.
I would always choose her place again as a homestay - as soon as the dreadful noisy
construction of the underground next to Zhus house is finished!
The stay at Yung Fangs and Liu Yanlings home was also great. They are a very warm-hearted,
refined and good-humored couple. They are hard working people but in their free
time we went out together. On Sunday we spent a great morning at the Zizhuyuan Park
and at the Houhai-Area, and in the afternoon we went to meet their relatives and
played Majiang. I will never forget this day. When I got a cold Yung Fang advised
me which Chinese Medicine to take. In the subsequent days he was very concerned
about whether I took my pills or not. These two people really feel responsible for
their guest and care about you. At the same time they let you go and you are free
to do what you want. I would really have liked to stay much longer than just 10
days!
So altogether the homestay was very successful and I think it has changed a lot
my own perspective of Chinese families. I know that these two families represent
a very small part of Chinese society only but you always have to start with something
and I hope there will be other similar experiences to follow at a later stage!
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Maria with her Homestay family |
Maria Isabel Loaiza, from Ecuador, joined Lotus 20 weeks Homestay
program in 2006
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My experience with my family here has been great and quite helpful of course. I
would have nothing to recommend them; I think they are very nice and made me feel
part of the family every single minute while in China. They have been very helpful
and lovely to me! I am very sad for leaving! Anyway, they told me that we can still
hang out together and I will for sure visit them from times to times next year.
I am very thankful with you for introducing me to such a nice family and making
my stay in Beijing such an interesting sojourn, and of course of helping my Chinese
to improve a lot faster than what it would had if not living together with a Chinese
family.
Thank you again,
Maria Isabel
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Spence Jemelka |
Spence Jemelka, |
Last year I was lucky to choose Lotus Educational Foundation as my Chinese language program. After comparing many such programs I chose Lotus because of it¡¯s low price and variety of services.
Looking back on this past summer, I could never have imagined Lotus would provide such an amazing and unique program. My experience in Beijing was absolutely invaluable, both in Chinese instruction and understanding Chinese culture. Lotus tailored their program to my specific needs, something I feel no other program could have provided. Lotus had personnel on call every day and were very helpful and personable. My Beijing experience, I feel, was exceptionally unique. Along with studying Chinese I also I wanted to study Buddhism in Beijing. Lotus not only provided me with a family that practiced Buddhism, but also made special arrangements and contacts for me that I could not have done by myself. This is the commitment that Lotus has to its students.
I really can¡¯t thank Lotus enough for my wonderful, unforgettable summer. Lotus provided all the services they had promised and went out of their way to make the program even more meaningful and exciting. I highly recommend this program to any future students wanting to study Chinese in China.
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