My Life at Hunan University of Science and Technology

China’s 5000 year history, the variety of its customs and cultures, and its general mystique, have always pulled on the hearts and imagination of westerners. I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to teach in a Chinese University, to share in an exchange of culture and information. I turned down a job offer to teach Business English in Hangzhou and a position as a Director of Studies in Shanghai before accepting the Oral English teaching position at HNUST.
 
Many foreigners look for teaching assignment in the more developed cities of China.  Others choose their positions because their desire is to be near famous tourist attractions. Although the modern, developed cities of China hold a real fascination, I believe these foreigners are missing a large part of China’s charm in its smaller cities and countrysides. And of course, in every country, big city residents are quite different from town dwellers! What a loss to be in China and not taste the flavor of town and small city life.
 
I first came to HNUST in February 2006. I still vividly remember not only how cold it was, but also how cold it stayed till May! I came from sunny San Antonio, Texas, and was not prepared for the low temperatures and blustery winds.  The warm greeting of my FAO, Colin Zhou, who arranged a dinner for me that first night, and the kindness of the long-time foreign teachers made me feel very welcomed.