English teachers in Nanning - Enlightenment - Changing Paradigms

It was my view some years back that, the English language teaching standard offered by westerners in Nanning was inadequate and sadly lacking - Good news, late 2010, my view is changing...
The overall standard of the English language teaching westerner in Nanning Guangxi China has, most definitely, improved these past four years, not necessarily because the original ones have changed in any way but most certainly because the newer entrants into this field have considerably more technical ability and educational nous...O.K.

I recently met up with several newcomers into China with the sole purpose of teaching English as a second language to the ever enthusiastic Chinese kids.
Sadly though, not teaching in Nanning but in other cities.
I was encouraged to find that not only were they very well qualified (all possessing teaching degrees), they also had that enthusiasm that is so important for teaching.

Perhaps we are now seeing a shift away from the previous 'Pretend Western English Teachers, teaching English in China for all the wrong reasons', to a younger, enthusiastic, dedicated, better qualified and overall, more competent influx.
China will, undoubtedly benefit from this.
I agree with Sir Ken Robinson when he said, "People do their best, when they do the thing they love, when they are in their element".

Sir Ken Robinson the creativity expert - How do we make change happen in education and how do we make it last?

The Window of the World 世界之窗 Shenzhen China

A marvellous educational Theme Park - Window of the World in China
Spend a day travelling all over the World.

The Window of the World (Chinese: 世界之窗; pinyin: Shìjiè zhī Chuāng; alternatively 小人国) is a theme park located in the western part of the city of Shenzhen in the People's Republic of China. It has about 130 reproductions of some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world squeezed into 48 hectares (480,000 square meters). The 108 meter (354 ft) tall Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline and the sight of the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal all in proximity to each other are all part of the appeal of this theme park.

Pictures and text above courtesy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_of_the_World


The last time I was here was in 1999 and by all accounts things have much improved.
There is plenty to do and see both daytime and evening.
Daytime is spent visiting the various regions of the world each displaying iconic structures. Including Thai Royal Palace, North Korea and Japanese palaces, Eiffel Tower, Venice, Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Acropolis, Notre Dame, London Iron Bridge, The Russian Winter Palace, A Dutch Windmill, The Colosseum, Roman Holiday Square.
The Eiffel Tower is prominent from anywhere within the complex owing to it's height, built on a scale of 1:3 you are able to access the tower and climb to the top although additional charges apply.

In addition, there are also pyramids and the Sphinx, Niagara Falls all in miniature.

Various displays and shows throughout the year are also on show. These additional events are chargeable and you will need to in some cases book in advance.

In the summer holiday, the International Beer Festival is a big tourist attraction.
In December, Santa Claus welcomes the New Year.
There are also many user activities available, some chargeable, navigating the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, follow the ways of North American Indians and learn to hunt prey in the lush woods, traverse the primitive tropical forest in a cable car and an indoor piste to ski.
Transportation to Shenzhen Window of the World:
Starting from the railway station: take Tour Bus Line 1 (fare 2 yuan), Bus 101 (2 yuan fare).
From the Airport: take Bus 327 directly to the Window of the World
Other pass-by buses: 21, 26, 105, 113, 201, 204, 209, 210, 222, 223, 230, 232, 233, 234, 301, 310-315, or 311.
Shenzhen Metro : Take Line 1 to get off at “the Window of the World” station, then get out of the station from “I Exit” or “J Exit”.
From Guangzhou East Railway Station you exit at Lo Wu train station then take the subway straight to the The Window of the World. It takes around one hour.

About the same from Hong Kong( depending on immigration control)
Shenzhen Window of the World Open Time: 9:00 am-22: 30pm
Shenzhen Window of the World Tickets:
Full fare ticket: 140 yuan / person
Half fare ticket: only for children of 1.1-1.4 m in height, and senior people at an age of 65-69 years old, and third-class disabled veterans.
Free ticket: for children under 1.1 meters tall; senior people over 70 years old, and second-class or above disabled veterans.

The Window of the World 世界之窗 Shenzhen China
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