6 Guangzhou, China
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies: Intro 101
The University has been Glenn’s home for over a year now. He understands the culture, speaks and understands enough Chinese to easily find his way around by taxi, bus, metro, in markets, malls, and mountains. The campus is a beautiful oasis in the midst of an area of crazy traffic, markets, and street vendors. It is also surrounded by wonders of nature: Baiyun Mountains and the Pearl River. It has a recorded history of over 2000 year. It is the third-largest city in China and as a port city played an important part in the Silk Road Trade. But most impressive is Glenn’s total dedication to teaching his students. Not only did they make the journey to the train station to greet us, we all gathered for the evening on the patio of the campus cafe for a “get to know you” lesson. Glenn had the students tell stories in English about themselves. After, we all walked to Glenn’s apartment for a Pizza Party with more English conversation from the students. There are so many stories to tell about the students.
Earlier, when we were met at the train station, not only were we honored by so many of them, we were also treated to very thoughtful gifts. This is the first lesson in Chinese culture. A gift is very important to show respect. We were given of box of chocolates, and a thoughtful gift of a purse. Later that evening I gave some students a gift of a card of one of my paintings, with a note of thanks.
Song, one of the young students, put her arm through my elbow and proudly announced, “I’m your protector” as we left the train station. When we stepped outside into the chaos of traffic, she diligently moved to the traffic side of me and I was eternally grateful for her “protection”!
We learned so much that first night. As everyone introduced themselves, was struck by the unexpected names. English names. Or any name that the individual was comfortable with. Song, for instance, chose her name because it made her happy and it sounded like her Chinese name. I asked Jade why he chose his name: “because it is the most precious gem” he responded.
A young Chinese woman (girlfriend of another teacher who was with us) had words of wisdom for the students. “Don’t worry about “face”…she said.
Face” is very important in Chinese culture and can have a negative impact on a young aspiring business person and especially women new to the workplace. (Losing face or having face). Along with this concept is “guanxi” – building relationships that help in one’s business success. Glenn discovered this concept early in his experience in China and has many examples of understanding its value. Guanxi is like the American adage: “It’s who you know”.
I asked one of the students to give me her address. Maybe I should have rephrased that question!
