Student name: Mr. Michael  Culhane
Nationality:  American
Time in Global Exchange Center: 4 weeks from Feb.6

Hello my name is Michael and this is my first time in China.  Back in the US, I have a habit of reading product labels to find out where products are from.  Needless to say, I have seen "Made in China" thousands of times !  So I was curious to come to China and have a look at where all these products are made.  Having heard so much about the growth and development of China in the last few years, I wasn't sure what to expect.  Of course I had all the stereotypical images in my head : dragons, gongs, and people in green Mao suits riding bicycles.  Well, after being in Beijing for two weeks, I can say that there are probably more cars than bicycles!  And the growth here is indeed spectacular -- new buildings, roads, transport, companies, etc.  Even the churches are growing : I went to church one Sunday (in Chinese) and people were overflowing into the aisles.  I am also struck by the warmth and sense of welcome of the people.  My host mother and father take care of me like their own son.  There is nothing better than coming home on a cold day and being welcomed with a smile and a hot tea !  Beijing is truly a fascinating place and I hope to come back some day.