First Impressions Ronald-Jan Rieger--Peace Corps of the United States Volunteer Chongqing Medical University

My personal teaching career has brought me to China and the Peace Corps as my 30th country visited and the fifth foreign nation I have taken up long term residency in. I have had the opportunity to previously live and teach/study in Mexico, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein prior to coming to China. In addition to specializing in English language education, I have spent time in the classroom at both the secondary and undergraduate levels teaching the subjects of social studies, as well as the German language and cultures.

My overall first impressions of China and Asia have been very positive. Not only is the Chinese nation incredible friendly and hospitable to its guests, moreover China is a place that welcomes foreigners with open arms. Countless individuals with their acts of kindness have made me feel comfortable and at home from the beginning days of my arrival in West China in July of 2008. Furthermore, the professionalism and concern for the welfare exhibited by the university staff and the particularly appreciated assistance provided by the foreign affairs office has made my arrival a comfortable and smooth transition to life in Chongqing. All in all, in particular I look forward in great anticipation to the many wonderful things I will accomplish academically in the classroom here while serving as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer at CQMU.