Fulbright FLTA Newsletter

Mistakes That Change Your Life

When I applied for a Fulbright grant in November 2006, little did I know I was making a mistake. Incidentally, I also thought the Fulbright Program was making a bigger mistake by choosing me. No matter how wrong the selection committee was, I had my expectations and goals. I wanted to be a part of a different culture; to be able to teach at the college level in the United States, to transmit my culture and language to my students and the community; to teach the language I love and learn new slang terms, words and expressions in English; to eat Thanksgiving turkey and celebrate a White Christmas; to have a Big Mac for breakfast and a Coke whenever I wanted; to learn new technology and teaching methods; to go to an NBA game; to get a picture of the Statue of Liberty and the White House; to sum it all up, to be a better and more complete professional - a more experienced and wiser human being.

Carlos Andres Bertoglio, 2007-2008, Argentina

Did I mention you that I had high expectations or you just find out? Did I tell you that I was wrong? If not, this is when I come clean; I was wrong. The Fulbright Program staff never told me that besides fulfilling all my unimaginative expectations, I was going to meet the entire world through this experience. They never told me that I, who came from a poor background in a poor country, was going to discover what being rich is all about. They never told me I was going to become the richest person on earth. They never told me I was going to learn so much about life - not to mention all I would discover about myself. They never mentioned anything about learning about what really matters in this life or that they were going to open my eyes to a completely new reality. They never disclosed the possibility of my heart swelling up with international kindness. They never revealed the fact that I would have to become an octopus to hug all of my new friends. To their credit, I must admit they said my life would not be the same after this year. How true that statement is! How fortunate I feel, how truly fortunate! For those of you thinking of applying for next year, I have a message; they will fool you. I also have a recommendation; let them.

Teaching Chinese at Virginia Commonwealth University

As a Fulbright FLTA at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), I am really enjoying life and work in Virginia and I am sure that my teaching and learning experiences, and engagement with the local community will be cherished in the future.

Teaching American students elementary Chinese is not as easy as I thought it would be, but I still enjoy just talking and exchanging experiences with students. I work as a teaching assistant for the Intensive Chinese Program at VCU, and most of my students chose this 8-credit course because they have a passion for learning Chinese. However, while some naughty undergraduates have turned out to be learning Chinese for fun, other part-time and work-study students are taking the course seriously because they hope to work in China one day.

Yunwen Su, 2007-2008, China

In order to keep everyone’s concentration and interest, we have designed a series of “Exploring China” activities to actively involve the students in the course, as a supplement to their textbook study. The “Exploring China” activities are divided into units: Festivals, Cities, Ancient Poems, Chinese Food Culture, Chinese Tea Culture, Chinese Wedding Culture and Chinese Etiquette Culture. We give students a very brief introduction to a certain topic in each unit and then give them a more specific subtopic to prepare and present for the following class. All students demonstrated a great interest and devoted themselves to their assigned tasks and began to really understand Chinese culture and modern China instead of asking us questions like, “Do I have to wear traditional clothes if I get married to a Chinese man?” or, “Do Chinese people have a bath in the pit in the ground?"

Meanwhile, as a student taking two courses each semester, I am getting to know the American higher educational system and the toughness of American professors. Readings, discussions and papers are driving me crazy, but I have learned a lot during the process! Professors have very detailed syllabi and are always tough with students; those who miss classes or turn papers in late without reasonable excuses cannot expect to be forgiven. On the other hand, they are always helpful if you have questions regarding your papers or readings; just send them an email and make an appointment.

Getting to know the real American way of life is another joy I've been experiencing. I find that simplicity and comfort are pursued in daily life but on certain occasions, Americans may temporarily suspend these pursuits for the sake of fun. That’s when I see people wear heavy make-up and fussy consumes with unique hairstyles showing up at Halloween parties and spending a long time preparing for Thanksgiving. That’s so sweet.

In a word, there are so many things in the U.S. that I would never know if I were not here. They are shocking and amazing to me, but they are also helping me to experience the real America.