Shanghai

The largest city in China (population wise), Shanghai is known for its western influence and modernity. There are several foreign companies in Shanghai as well as foreign workers. One of these foreign workers is David Moo, an actuarial consultant from the Knox class of 2000. Receiving an American salary in China has provided David with an upscale apartment with a wonderful view of the Pearl Tower (one of the more famous sights in Shanghai). He lives there with his wife Lynne Wymore Moo (Knox class of 1999) and their two daughters (Lilly, Knox class of 2027, and Sofia, Knox class of 2029). Lynne has risen to the challenge of raising her children abroad, which amazes both Abbie and myself after having a challenging time on our own in China. Lynne and David decided to work and raise their family abroad after having enjoyed their own study abroad experiences as Knox students (Lynne in London and David in Budapest). When they first decided to go to Shanghai, they contacted the Knox Alumni Office to see if there were any alumni living in Shanghai so that they could start creating a social network. The list they received was mainly full of current students and parents, so they seemed extremely happy when I contacted them.

The Moos opened their home to Abbie, Lin, and me (after only knowing us via the Knox Alumni Relations Office), and we greatly enjoyed their hospitality. They even invited us back for whenever we want to visit Shanghai again, need to pass through, or are experiencing culture shock and would like western food. David even put us in contact with his coworker, Lisa, who commutes between Shanghai and Suzhou everyday. She accompanied us on our trip home to help us learn all the secrets of taking the train. Our time in Shanghai taught us that building valuable connections is like throwing a pebble into a pond. The pebble may be small, but it ripples out. However, Knox alums have boulders instead of pebbles-- the ripples keep extending till they reach the banks of the pond. In return for the Moo's help, we offered free unlimited babysitting for a year based upon availability as well as help with packing when they move to their new apartment (which will be closer to Lilly's school). This is how we believe the Knox community should work abroad—providing a family away from home.

Chengdu, Sichuan

Abbie and I first arrived in Chengdu, China in the Sichuan Province on July 20th. Chengdu is home to two current Knox students, Lin Shi and Yi Rao (both class of 2011). Our two weeks in Chengdu were quite an adventure, but, thanks to Lin Shi, the adventures weren't as frustrating as I imagined. Lin Shi is known for her multi-tasking abilities since she is the co-president for Chinese Club, program president for Friends Across Borders (FAB), is in two committees for Student Senate, plays rugby, works in the CTL as a Chinese tutor, is a T.A. for one of the Chinese classes, and is involved in Union Board. During our time with her, she has put her multi-tasking abilities to good use and has played hostess, translator, and tour guide, and, with the help of her family and high school friend Janet, has done a terrific job! Lin hasn't decided on her majors, but is leaning towards Biology and Environmental Studies. After she goes to graduate school in the United States, Lin wants to take what she has learned and use it to improve China. Her parents, both electrical engineers, were extremely welcoming to us. For the four days before we arrived in Chengdu, they played host to another one of Lin's Knox friends, Wandi Yang. Wandi, also class of 2011, stayed with Lin while she took care of her visa to return to the U.S. Reed, another Knox student, will also stay with her when Lin returns from traveling with us. As you can see, the current Chinese Knox students are extremely connected and have already begun to recreate the Knox community here in China.

We left Chengdu August 1^st, accompanied by Lin Shi. She found an extremely good deal for airfare to Shanghai. From there we took a bus to Suzhou and then a taxi to the school where we will be working. The lady in charge of taking care of foreign teachers did speak English well, but with Lin translating we were able to speed up the communication. Lin's English far succeeds that of many so called “experts” we have encountered here. She also helped us set up bank accounts and get cell phone plans. I'm not sure where we would be without her help. Lin's help demonstrates the importance of maintaining a Knox community abroad-- so that the Knox alumni here can help each other and provide the support needed by those far from their families.

Introduction

Interest in China is becoming more prevalent at Knox, thanks in part to an increasing population of students from China and students interested in China. Last year, seven students from China joined the Knox community, and this year 11 more will join them. These students have already made a significant impact on the Knox community and have ambitious plans for their time at Knox and beyond. These ambitions have led to the Chinese Club becoming more active than ever before. In fact, the club raised more than $1,100 for victims of the earthquake in the Sichuan province this past spring.

Not only are the Chinese students at Knox becoming more active, but other students are becoming more interested in China as well. During the upcoming academic year, Knox will offer two group trips to China—one in the fall for teaching English, and one during the summer for physics students. Furthermore, the newly added Chinese language classes are growing steadily in popularity each year. This interest extends beyond the students’ years at Knox. Alumni involvement in China is growing as well, with several alumni working and teaching in China.

We, as Knox’s most recent alumni, are proud to be a part of the Knox community, as well as representatives of Knox in China. As we work as foreign teachers in Suzhou for the next year, we will travel to meet with other Knox alumni in China in order to help create a more connected Knox community here. We will keep a blog of our travels, including updates of alumni activity in China, which will be available online here or by mail upon request.

Are you a Knox alumnus, parent, current student, or admitted/prospective student living or traveling in China? Please let us know about your current activities—we’d even love to arrange a visit with you. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sable's Cell: 15862326109
Sable's Email: SableH23@yahoo.com
Abbie's Cell: 15862501292
Abbie's Email: ARKramer@live.com