"one of the most unique experiences of my life"

2008 China Retreat as told by...

Last weekend we all participated in a team retreat, which proved to be an amazing experience (despite having to pull ourselves out of bed early on a Saturday morning). For a few hours we discussed packing and practiced our lesson plans, then piled into our cars and headed to a park to enjoy some pizza. Finally, it was time for what we had been waiting for-- we drove to St. Peter's Village in Downingtown and prepared for our challenge. Each teaching team was given a long piece of rope and we all had to tie ourselves-- yes, that's right-- together in a row. When we were told we were going creek stomping, many of us envisioned walking through a shallow little brook. However, if any of you have ever been to St. Peter's, you know that this hardly the case. This creek was filled with rushing water and boulders taller than many of us, and for the next several hours we enjoyed the beautiful scenery while attempting to make our way downstream through this natural obstacle course. Most of us walked away with a couple bumps or bruises, and even more of us walked away dripping wet-- but I still say it was one of the most unique experiences of my life. That day we learned new things about our teammates-- and ourselves-- and I believe formed a trust and a unity that will make this China trip even more special.

adventures and teamwork...

2008 China Team Retreat and Teambuilding
As told by...


The retreat was a great time of growth and unity within our teaching groups and a team as a whole. We started the day bright an early going over packing lists and classroom ideas.
Phil enlightened us with some humorous skits while we were encouraged by the progress each team was making (and very impressed with the great ideas). We were soon on our way...headed to an unknown adventure, but of course, we gave no resistance when we heard pizza was involved :)
After driving through some winding roads and a comical detour, we arrived at our destination: St. Peiter's Village. It was a quaint little place, but we were still unsure as to what we were doing there. We were soon told to put our imagination to work and we were handed a piece of rope and told to tie ourselves together in our teaching groups. If only we had known what we were getting ourselves into!
In rope-tied groups we managed to maneuver ourselves through a series of HUGE rocks attempting to cross a river. Within the first few minutes we heard a dreaded noise: splashing water! Yes, you guessed, the cold water claimed it's first (of many) victims:
Joanne was in the water within minutes of the adventure beginning.
When all was said and done, every bruise, cut, and wet shoe was worth it... for the day was full of adventure and bonding. Since we were all tied together, we were constantly reminded of the importance of teamwork, patience and no man or woman left behind. It was a great opportunity to be open to our teammates strengths and weaknesses and we definitely learned how to work together. The day quickly passed, almost as fast as the trip is coming up. Only a month away now and we are all anxious and excited for what's in store.

one month to go!

my, oh my, how time flys! it seems like such a long time ago that we had our first China meeting...and now, the countdown begins as we are one month away from takeoff! soon we will be walking through a chinese market marveling at the pigs heads, strange vegetables and smells that are stronger than anything our noses have ever encountered...we will enter our first chinese classroom and be awed by the love and support we receive from the kind and ever loving students we meet. It is only a matter of days before we will make friendships that will last our lifetime, and into the next. Get ready China, here we come!

about us...

C.A.R.E. stands for “Cultural and Relational Exchange” in the country of China. We are comprised of a diverse group of professional business persons, teachers, counselors, college students, and high school students that are interested in exchanging culture and friendships in China. The main goal is to teach English and culture in Chinese university classrooms and to build long term relationships with Chinese students and facility.

Our destination will be the Guilin University of Technology (GUT) in Guilin, China. http://www.gutcie.cn/ . GUT has a student population of 18,000 students and facility. Guilin is in the southern-most part of China and is one of the most photographed and beautiful places in China because of its picturesque landscapes and awe-inspiring mountians surrouding the city. Guilin has a population of around 5 million and is a popular tourist spot and also growing industrial and business area.