Summer 2005 Bootcamp

DETAILS:

Our first bootcamp, the one that started us on this journey took place in the summer of 2005; from end of july to early august.

Total Participants: 5
Nationalities: 4
Beginners: 3
Intermediate: 2

SUMMARY:

The first bootcamp will be forever remembered. What started of as a side project/ vacation turned into a fantastic experience. Originally scheduled to have 10 participants, the program almost didn't happen because of last minute cancellations. Only half of those that wanted to be there were there at the end of the day. Still, we moved on with it.

The group spent two weeks in the mountain lodge enjoying the weather, the classes, the food and the company. The first week of classes, all 5 participants were together for a session of basic chinese fundamentals. During the second week, they were split in two levels wich allowed them to maximize the learning experience.

Despite a few issues with water (or lack thereof ), one major power outage and isolation, it was a complete success. The late night singing sessions were memorable, so was the scene of teachers chasing each other with frogs and late night writing sessions

TESTIMONIALS:

I recently attended the Chinese Boot Camp sponsored by New Times International in Hebei province and I wanted to share my experiences.

The camp was held in the mountains about 3 hours away from ShiJiaZhuang. I arrived in ShiJiaZhuang on a Sunday morning a little ragged after a 16 hour train ride from the south and was met warmly at the New Times offices. There was a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere with both the foreigners and the Chinese. Mr. Dou SongLi the President of New Times was present and he made sure that I and the other foreigners were comfortable.

We then took a private bus to the mountain lodge. It is a beautiful place with wonderful views of the mountainous areas and a very clean lake. Mr. Dou accompanied us to the lodge to get us settled. After relaxing for a while (and having a much need shower) we had lunch in the hotel dining room. The food was far beyond expectation in both quality and variety. I was surprised that we ate this way for every meal during the camp. The local staff was very friendly and we all had a great time communicating with them.

Classes began the next day. There were 6 classes each day and right from the beginning they were intensive. 2 of our members were complete beginners and I was amazed at the progress they made in the course of only 2 weeks. I must say I was jealous that I didn’t take this course before starting my experience in China 2 years ago. Their listening comprehension alone was astounding.

The teachers worked very hard and were obviously exhausted each day (as were we) but they still found the energy to join us for swims in the lake, hikes or whatever activities we had going on after classes. Evenings were spent having a couple of drinks and singing songs with the locals. (After finishing our homework of course)

After the course was over we were taken back to New Times and Mr. Dou offered us all flats to stay in at no charge should we want to check out ShiJiaZhuang and the surrounding areas. He took us out for meals and made sure we had things to do during these days. A real hands on President. Thank you, Mr. Dou.

During the course of the 2 weeks, I learned a great deal. The most important of which is how to go about teaching myself Chinese. It was a very relaxing and rewarding experience and I feel as though I have made some life-long friendships with both foreigners and Chinese. The camp was a perfect way for me to spend some of my holiday and should they have another one, I’ll be there.

Having never had any contact with New Times before, I was impressed by them and I wouldn’t hesitate to use their services in the future. Their good reputation is well deserved.

I have now returned to my school in Hunan and I find I can communicate more with the people around me, although many wonder what has happened to my Southern (Chinese) accent. I can actually read a little too! Thanks go to nolefan (good guy) for recommending the Boot Camp to me.

Colin. August 2005

As I was researching my move to China, I came across an advertisement for Hebei New Times' Mandarin Boot Camp. I jumped on this program as an opportunity to receive affortable tutelage in both the Chinese language and a crash course on expat teacher life in this country; thankfully, this program fulfilled my expectations on both counts.

This is not to say that the camp was not without its difficulties: there were some anomalies in the accomodation at the hotel. But I shall not dwell on the negative points.

The quality of the instruction at the camp was quite good. Our group had five participants of varying levels; it was a testimony to the quality of the instructors that they were capable of accomodating us so well.

On a culinary note, the food at the hotel hosting the camp was excellent. It was a true delight to receive my introduction to Chinese cuisine in such a setting.Overall, I would suggest this camp to others. Indeed, I might participate in this camp if it is offered again.

Brian. August 2005

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