This week I started class. I am kind of under the impression that CIEE is trying to make everyone die of a bad case of homework. I have been busy every night and I still don't get everything I need done. I am taking Accelerated Chinese Intermediate II/Advanced I, which means I'm taking a full year of Chinese in one semester. This is quite a lot, as I spend approximately 4 hours a day in Chinese class. Then I have homework. It's somewhat of a nightmare but this week is OVER! We have three day weekends. I have a test every week but today's was not so bad. I feel okay now. Last night I did not.
Nevertheless, contrary to the popular belief that study abroad students do not work hard, I will have to keep up on my gongke (hw). I'm taking an international relations course taught by a foreign policy expert that works for the government. It's fantastic.
I've run into several students from the University of Oregon here that are not studying abroad. Two of them moved here to work and one was just visiting. It's a fun coincidence.
This is my roommate, Matilda. The campus of ECNU is known for its gardens and creeks. It is very pretty and lush. Watch out for mosquitoes!
Our room. Mac attack!
Those are double beds! So fun!Matilda is from Anhui province. She speaks English quite well. Far, far, far better than I speak Chinese. We do laundry together by hand and eat at the canteen. I call it that because the Chinese word for "cafeteria" is "canting" which is clearly very similar to "canteen". Anyway, she is my translator and guide and keeps me from getting ripped off. I am lost without her. She is by far the cutest roommate, according to a poll of myself.
So far it's been a fun game of 'not getting ill from street food'. The score is thus: Street Food 2, Ellen 8. Go team!
I am going to a Buddhist island this weekend with CIEE. It is called Putuoshan and has many temples and monasteries. Expect a report upon my return.
ellen
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