Interview with the Chinese Delegation
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday morning, The Chinese Delegates, visiting from technical colleges were kind enough to sit down with me and answer a few questions. Last week they had an overview of “College Governance” in Vice President of LBCC Bill Thallamer’s words. They found that their systems were very similar, yet noticeably different. According to Thallamer they have no general education program and are specific to industry. They tended to focus on how LBCC blended with the municipalities in terms of providing the workforce’s needs and supporting the community. Next week they’ll be able to sit down with faculty in Q&A sessions and learn from each other. Thallamer is in charge of the delegates and ensuring that they have a fruitful stay while they’re here in the U.S.
Greg: Is this anyone’s first trip to the U.S.?
Delegates: Most of us have been here before.
Greg: What’s one thing you’ve all learned from your trip here?
Delegates: We’ve learned about the administration concepts of running an American community college, particularly the close relationship between the college and the community. And the program setting of the college is tailor made to the needs of the enterprises.
Greg: What’s the most fun you’ve had on your trip so far?
To this the delegates laughed and shared what I can only assume is an inside joke.
Thallamer translates for me: “They had a good experience at the child care center when a child approached them.” and he leaves it at that.
Greg: Is there anything you think you’ve taught us?
Thallamer replies that their chance to educate us will take place in the Q&A sessions and other events next week.
Greg: Do you think you’ll ever visit the U.S. again?
Delgates, unanimously: “Yes, of course” for partnership. “We are going to do exchanges and training programs for faculty and students.”
It is explained to me that they like Oregon because of the wide open spaces, which they don’t have in China, and that they feel safe here.
Thallamer adds that they boosted our economy at the Woodburn outlet malls.
Greg: Is there anything you’ d like to say in the newspaper to the college community?
Delegates: “Please convey our greetings to the students and faculty members of the administration of the college. We are grateful for the hospitality we have got here. We’ve got hospitality from staff members from all of the colleges we’ve visited. We are appreciative to President Rita Cavin and Vice President Bill for their hospitality and welcome the community to visit China. We are going to start our co-operation with the college, our teachers will be visiting very soon. We wish your newspaper to continue getting better.”
Part-way through the interview, the tables turned and I became the interviewee. They took a keen interest in learning about The Commuter and our journalism program and seemed to approve. I went with it, after all, they’re here to learn. With a look at the clock, they notice they’re late for their next appointment, but not too late to take a photo and insist that I be in it. I scurry around and we all clump together, somehow I got center stage as Bill snapped the photo, shoulder to shoulder with my new friends.
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