West High School Skype- Round 2

My Chinese students enjoyed the opportunity to follow up their SKYPE experience with the AP Chinese 3 students at West High School.  This time they were much more comfortable; they volunteered themselves to ask and answer questions.  They were able to laugh with the West High School students. 

Our topic for discussion this week was “Prosperity vs. Poverty.” It provided a very interesting conversation between students and was reflective of how they each see their own country and city.  West High School students explained “homeless population,” volunteers and donations to those who live below the poverty level in SLC.  I was happy to hear from the West High students, their volunteer experiences along with their charitable giving campaigns at the school.  One WHS student related his experience of volunteering at the homeless shelter and providing food for those living there.  It was a discussion that begs to be extended in depth.  My Chinese students had difficulty relating to students participating in the area of community involvement or supporting the needy both financially and as volunteers.  That is a concept that was new and confusing to Chinese students.  They could not relate to students actually having time away from their studies to participate in community events. 

Most Chinese students think that Americans have unlimited amounts of money to purchase anything they want whenever they want it. They asked questions of the West High School students about “pocket money or disposable income” where do students get money to purchase an iPhone 5. Interestingly enough not one of the students from West High owned an iPhone 5 and indicated that if they wanted one they would need to save their money to purchase one.  Birthday money, gifts and part time jobs were the source of income from which that savings would be generated.

I am handicapped to report on the conversations my students answered in Chinese.  The West High Students asked questions in Chinese and my students answered in Chinese so the Utah students could practice their Chinese.  I was able to feel the ease and comfort students felt as they stood and volunteered information during their conversations.

The set up this time was simple for this round.  I must have acquired some creditability with the Chinese academic system.  I requested the day of December 5 for an international video conference.  The camera showed up, the Internet was opened and when I handed my department chair the questions, one quick glance and they were back to me.   I have made some headway!  It really can be all about the students.