Frequently Asked Questions

The past few weeks I have gotten the same questions over and over again by practically everyone when I mention that I am leaving, so I decided to just answer those frequently asked questions for who ever is reading this blog so you know what's going on.

What am I doing in China?
 I am going with a volunteer program called the International Language Programs. It is based in Orem, UT. This program was started I think around 20 years ago and has really helped children in China learn English to provide them with more opportunities in their life.

Do I get paid?
No, it is a volunteer program so I won't get paid. I actually have to pay for the program but it is a fairly good price. For $2050, I get to spend 4-5 months in China, and that includes housing, food and airfare. Also I have to pay for any extra travel, supplies, going out to eat, etc. However that is a pretty good deal if you ask me, about the same as a semester of college!

Why am I going?
Well about a year ago, after my freshman year of college it seemed that all my friends were leaving to go on missions. I was already getting emails hearing about their lives in other countries and learning a foreign language. I wanted an experience like that. But after much contemplation I decided that my reasons for going on a mission weren't really the right reasons to go so I started looking into other opportunities for travel. I thought about a study abroad. However there weren't many opportunities for study abroad in my major, so going on one seemed kind of pointless. I also didn't want to be taking classes- I wanted to be living and interacting with the culture as much as possible (like on a mission). So I ruled out that study abroad wasn't for me. Then I started looking into volunteer abroad programs. I love to help people so this seemed perfect so I could have a meaningful experience helping others while also being immersed in culture. I looked into different programs, but none of them really stood out to me and some were pretty pricey. Then one day I happened to come across an advertisement about teaching English in Russia and that is when I found out about ILP! It seemed a perfect fit for what I wanted to do and the time span I wanted to be in a foreign country. It was a good price and since the founders are LDS and you are required to abide by certain standards while being there, I felt like I would be safe and comfortable around the people I was with. At the end of August 2013 when I landed here in Utah to start school again I had an interview and applied to the program. I've been planning every since!

Why China?
ILP offers several different countries to teach in. Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Mexico, Thailand, and China. I'll admit China wasn't my first choice. I was actually torn between which country to apply to, as they all had pros and cons. I had just taken a world dance class and LOVED to the Ukraine and Russia dances we learned, and I have always wanted to travel around Europe. However it is VERY cold in those countries and I hate the cold!!! I thought Mexico would be nice because it is very warm and I love mexican food. However I didn't really want to learn Spanish..(sorry Mom). But one thing holding me back from all these countries was that you live with a host family. Of course that would be a great experience and you really get to make friends of another culture, but it seemed to intimidating to me. Some families may not speak english, and then you have to play charades to communicate with them. And what if I didn't like my host family or got along with them? I would feel alone and I just didn't want that. One thing I liked about China is that you live in dorms at the school with the other volunteer teachers. In the end China won and here are the reasons I picked China!
1) I get to live with the other volunteer teachers. I get to spend time with them and bond. Also living at the school you get to see the kids you teach all the time and so you get to bond with them as well. I would feel more comfortable living with others who are in the same boat as me and wouldn't feel as alone or scared.
2) The country is beautiful! At first I thought I would want to go somewhere in Europe but I decided I think I will like China better. I especially got lucky- I'll be in the most southern part where it is tropical most of the time. China is just so green! It is so beautiful and there are a lot of fun outdoorsy and adventurey type things to do there.
3) It is a COMPLETELY different world! I mean sure any country and culture would be different. But I mean China is extremely different than anything I have experienced so it would be better to experience. Different but exciting.
4) Chinese kids are SO CUTE. I mean enough said. I've actually thought about adopting kids in the future (after having my own of course) and I've always wanted to adopt a little chinese girl! Maybe this would be an adventure in the future.


Do I know Chinese or have to learn it? How am I supposed to teach if I don't know it?!
I don't know Chinese and I don't have to learn it. Of course I will be learning some while I am there (but I don't learn languages very well). However the teaching is 100% in english. I am teaching 4-6 year olds so they will learn the language by teaching through fun activities and games rather than a formal teaching. Apparently this method of teaching is tried and true over the many years and works really really well! Learning by practicing in every day situations instead of just memorizing.

How long will I be gone?
I am leaving July 15th and will be returning to the USA on December 16th. That's right folks- I'll be gone for 5 whole months! I actually wasn't supposed to leave until the end of August but the group I was assigned to ended up being asked to leave about a month earlier! So I get to be there an extra month which is a pretty rare opportunity.

Are you scared or nervous?
I've mostly been excited up to this point. I haven't really thought much about the scary stuff. I usually adjust to change pretty well and don't often get home sick. But now that it is getting closer I've realized all the things there are to be scared and nervous about. I am going to make another post about that actually. I am more excited than scared :)


Well I think that about sums up most everything!
If you have questions or would like to know more about the International Language Program, visit their website here.