Students of Anoka-Ramsey Community College have the opportunity to learn the Chinese language from an actual Chinese faculty member. Yuping Zeng is an exchange faculty member who teaches English and linguistics at ARCC’s sister school, Zhaoquing University in Zhaoquing, China.

Zeng was chosen among several of her colleagues to teach in the United States for the 2005-2006 school year. Her goal is to gain a better understanding about American life to enhance her teaching in China, as well as bring some of the Chinese culture to her American students.

YuPing Zeng, Chinese exchange faculty member, was welcomed by Anoka-Ramsey Community College President, Dr. Patrick M. Johns and the college community during a breakfast meeting on Sept. 27. Zeng is teaching Chinese language courses at ARCC.

“We do not get a lot of exposure to foreigners in China,” explains Zeng. “What I know of America, I learned in books or through the media. I would like to get concrete details about real life in America -- the culture, customs and ways of thinking.”

Zeng earned a bachelor’s degree from XinJing Normal University and a master’s degree from GuangXi Normal University in China. She leaves her husband and four-year-old daughter at home in China during her exchange program.

“We are excited about the opportunity to have Yuping (Zeng) teaching on our campus,” says Luanne Kane, ARCC Dean of Educational Services. “What a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn Chinese language and culture from a native Chinese citizen. Her real life experiences from China will enrich the learning experience of our students.”

Since her arrival in the U.S., Zeng has experienced several outings with ARCC staff and their families. A few highlights include attending the State Fair, a trip to Duluth and attending a Christian church service. She has noticed many differences and similarities between the people of China and the U.S.

“There seems to be more individualism among Americans and more collectivism among the Chinese,” says Zeng. “For example, college students in China wear conservative uniforms but students in America get to choose their clothing. Also the food is very different!”

“Everyone here is very kind, and I’ve had a very positive experience so far.”

Zeng is the sixth faculty member from Zhaoqing University to come to ARCC in an effort to promote intercultural understanding. Since the establishment of this exchange relationship in 1994, ARCC has sent five of its faculty to teach and nearly 40 students to study at the Chinese University. In addition, a group from the City of Coon Rapids and ARCC staff traveled to Zhaoqing, China in 2001, and developed a sister relationship between the two cities.