Chinese challenge

Thai student hits Hebei

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of AYC

The best way to learn a foreign language is to go to the country where it's spoken. Thai student Prawpond Kiatdamnernngam (Arpo) did just that when she took part in a nine-month student exchange programme in Hebei, China, arranged by the Asian Youth Council.

"I took Chinese language classes at school, but I wanted to improve my listening and speaking skills," 18-year-old Arpo said. "I felt that the best way to really learn Mandarin would be to learn it in China."

LONG DAYS

Arpo stayed with a host family in China, and it took her a while to adapt to the different lifestyle.

"Chinese people are very active, and my host family got up at 6:30 am every day, even on weekends," Arpo said. "Chinese students study from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm, so I usually didn't get home until 10 pm. It was exhausting!"

SERIOUS SCHOOLING

At her Chinese school, Arpo found that the teachers pushed their students to be prepared by asking them questions in class. The students also tended to take their studies seriously.

"Their math and history lessons were very tough and in depth," Arpo said. "The students would even study quietly when the teacher left the room, unlike Thai students who would start chatting with one another."

WELL READ

To improve her Mandarin kills, Arpo spent as much time as possible with Chinese students.

"Hanging out with Chinese friends was really beneficial," she said. "They corrected my words whenever I made a mistake."

Arpo also found that reading was a great way to improve her language skills.

"I started reading cartoons and novels, which helped me to learn new vocabulary," she said. "After two months, my listening and speaking improved a lot and I could understand simple Chinese conversations."

DIPLOMATIC DIPLOMA

After finishing the exchange programme, Arpo decided to continue her studies at a Chinese university. Her hard work paid off when she was accepted to study diplomacy at the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing.

"Chinese students are very competitive, which really encourages a lazy person like me to study hard!" Arpo said.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Arpo chose to study diplomacy because she would like to work as a diplomat in the future. She was also recently selected to be an ambassador for AYC Intercultural Programs, which will give her some good diplomatic experience.

"As an ambassador, I'm responsible for finding out and providing information about scholarships and other opportunities available to Thai students who want to study in China," Arpo said. "I'm really thrilled to have been chosen for this job."