What Preparing for the Gaokao is Like

You might have heard of the Gao Kao before. It’s the rigorous week-long exam that Chinese high school students take before embarking on the first steps of adulthood. I find out what it’s like by talking with a recent high school graduate.

Laolao’s Death

What follows is my personal account of the death of my girlfriends grandmother, lovingly referred to as Laolao. Along the way there’s grieving, vacationing, understanding and deception.

9 Roles as a Personal Interpreter

I took the American summer camp director’s right flank as we visited Chinese school leaders and forged life-time business partnerships. Through the experience, I assumed a number of different roles which I share with you here.

The Cliche Generation With Chinese Characteristics

Chinese born after 1990 (dubbed “90后”) came of age in 2008, when earthquakes and Olympics rocked the Chinese Maindland. Now in their early 20’s, many people inside and outside of China are watching this demographic very closely to see how they will shape the future.

Buying Video Games in China for Less Than $1

Since the WCG has just come to Chengdu, let’s look at the atmosphere and options for buying video games in China. We’ll check out the three current generation video game consoles Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii.