“Hello everyone. My name is Zhang Zixun, I’m an 11th grader this year. I’m an exchange student of TAO Group International.  Let me first talk about my school. I’m going to a school called Seven Hills. It is one of the best private high schools in Cincinnati.

The schoolmates are very nice; the teachers are very patient.

Normally when we have questions that we do not understand, we go and find the teachers; they will be very patient to answer your questions.

Meanwhile, the school has many social (extracurricular) activities, and has many clubs. For example, I now participate in the Science Olympic Club and Math Club, as well as band and choir. There are many others clubs;

The school life is rich and colorful. Meanwhile, I make many good friends at school. On the weekend, besides studying, I go out with classmates for movies, and participate in some meaningful activities.

TAO Group International found me an exceptionally wonderful host family. Members of the family live with very harmonious relationships. My host parents treat me like their own child. And I have host sisters. In China, we have only one child per family. Now I have the sister-ship relationship so I have gained a different experience. The host family has many activities that I can be part of. We are very happy.

Every month, TAO Group International investigates (contacts) my school and host family, regularly monitors our situation. They find out my concerns in everyday life as well as in our school studies. They will timely follow up with our concerns, give us advice and support.

I truly think studying aboard is a very meaningful activity you can learn a lot of things that you cannot learn in China. Meanwhile, I can practice to handle my own life independently and practice my social capabilities.”

———————

“Greetings, I’m 16 this year.  I’m Wang xiaojun from Shanghai. This is my second year studying in Cincinnati, U.S. And it has also been my second year working with TAO Group International

When I first came here, I have encountered many difficulties, at school and in daily life.  However, Mimi, our Host Family director found us many ways to solve them. She found me a mentor. She is very responsible. Every month, she writes a report to me and my family, regarding my monthly study status and she gives suggestions for future improvement.

Mimi would quickly find us a best host family. My host family is a very good one. It is a single woman and she is very responsible she has given me a lot of help on studying and daily living.  She helped me to learn how to be grateful to others as well as ways to interact socially with others.

I hope you have a good time studying in Indiana. I’ve experienced many things that I could not experience in China. Like dancing parties, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas

Cincinnati is a very nice and very small city. It is a good place suited for studying as it is quiet. I wish you will come here to enjoy and be happy.

Thank you.”

———————

“Hello everyone. my name is Liu Qian.  I’m in twelfth grade this year; and  it’s equivalent to the third grade of Senior High in China. It is my second year of studying and living in U.S.

Last year, I was an exchange student in Tennessee. It was a huge change for me. Back then, I decided to come to the U.S. as an exchange student. It was not my parents who wanted me to study overseas.  It was I myself who had been very interested in experiencing life in U.S.

Now in the second year, I feel that independently living in America has changed me a lot. I have gained a lot of independent ability. I feel it was a quite good training for me. You come to a new environment.

You learn how to handle people relationships, including relationships with schools, teachers, schoolmates, host family. It was quite a good training for me

Now, I feel, after the second year, I’ve gained more and more confidence because I know I can handle many things by myself.  Now I’m ready to get into college.  I have finished my college application.

The school I’m studying at is a very good private school here in Kentucky. The teachers here gave me a lot of help, especially on college applications. I’ve been accepted by three universities, and I’m still waiting for more college acceptances.

I feel that after coming to America I have started a brand new beginning.

Although life in China is very pleasant and I miss it a lot and coming to U.S there have been a lot challenges.  I feel it is truly a very exciting life in America.

Thank you.”

———————