Letter from China

This is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author's yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English to college students in Beijing, People's Republic of China. From the very first pages, the author draws you into his struggle with a culture worlds away from his comfort zone. The author's generous and compelling personality allowed him to gain access to the lives of his students and their families, who became characters in his tale. One can experience the author's wit and humanity throughout the narrative.

  • 38 minutes 59 seconds
    Installment 11
    Letters from Peter's Students. The students react to tragic news.
    24 July 2008, 6:30 pm
  • 45 minutes 46 seconds
    Installment 10
    Weeks 40-44, Epilogue. A shocking end to the tale
    24 July 2008, 6:13 pm
  • 34 minutes 14 seconds
    Installment 9
    Weeks 36-39. Peter finally gets a key to his classroom and teaches his students how to root for the home team.
    24 July 2008, 6:00 pm
  • 28 minutes 4 seconds
    Installment 8
    Weeks 32-35. The Central Michigan Chippewas come to visit.
    24 July 2008, 5:47 pm
  • 32 minutes 51 seconds
    Installment 7
    Weeks 28-31. Peter attempts to describe authentic Chinese food and goes traveling with Wang Lu.
    24 July 2008, 5:33 pm
  • 33 minutes 21 seconds
    Installment 6
    Weeks 24-27. The students find out Peter is writing a book. Peter's American friend, Martha, comes to visit and promptly has her backpack stolen.
    24 July 2008, 5:17 pm
  • 34 minutes 8 seconds
    Installment 5
    Weeks 19-23. Peter teaches his students about April Fool's Day, tries to find tomato seeds, and discovers Italian food in China.
    24 July 2008, 2:50 pm
  • 28 minutes 52 seconds
    Installment 4
    Weeks 14-18. Unexpectedly (for his students), Peter returns to Beijing from his US Christmas vacation.
    24 July 2008, 2:37 pm
  • 25 minutes 25 seconds
    Installment 3
    Weeks 10-13. From teaching the Bible in an hour and a half to the 503 Bus.
    24 July 2008, 2:23 pm
  • 34 minutes 27 seconds
    Installment 2
    Weeks 5-6. Peter throws away the textbook and begins to be a real teacher.
    24 July 2008, 2:08 pm
  • 35 minutes 46 seconds
    Installment 1
    Prologue and Weeks 1-4. The Journey Begins
    24 July 2008, 1:53 pm
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