Border Crossing Reflection

Border Crossing Reflection
The interaction with students across borders, like China, in this case, is of great importance to students. My expectations for this kind of activity was that I would be able to make improvements on my essay, learn some cultural aspect of Chinese education system and eventually make a friend. Border crossing activity has lived up to all my expectations. The students made some great comments on my essay, and my writing has significantly improved. While reviewing the country teacher, I was able to acquire some knowledge of the plight of students and educators in Chinese rural schools in the 1980s. Furthermore, the programme enabled me to gain some extra knowledge on girl child education in Pakistan and other Arab countries. I also made a friend in the course of interaction with Chinese students.
It is quite surprising how well Chinese students have mastered English. To be honest, I had no idea how well students in China could converse in English. My interaction with these students has been easier than I thought it would be. The comments are very elaborate and objective; their grammar mastery is quite impressive, and there are no vague statements written. Besides, I also learnt how my peers are concerned about global issues. In the course of interacting, one of the students raised the issue of the plight of women in Arab countries; it is motivating to know that people in other parts of the world are concerned in resolving education problems and have hopes for a better world where education is provided without discrimination.

Both the movies reviewed received criticism, one of my peers suggested that the dramatic nature of the American film ‘Lean on Me’ is motivated by the desire to make profits. On the other hand, some Chinese students preferred the movie over the other stating that it is captivating and engages the audience.
In my revised essay, I made corrections based on reviews from my peers. The discussion enabled me to include a similarity aspect into the movie comparison. I also improved my thesis statement. Additionally, I made grammar corrections and slightly changed my essay structure according to recommendations of my peers. The border crossing programme has enabled me to improve my writing skills. I have also acquired some knowledge of Chinese education system precisely how English lessons are facilitated including the major options available. The discussion enabled me to take a neutral personality regarding all comments. I learnt to politely respond to all comments satisfactorily with no bias throughout the discussion.
One of the students was very friendly and made additional contributions to the discussion by bringing up the issue of education among girls and women in Arab countries. The comments posted by other students does not explicitly elaborate aspects of their personalities. However, the comment by one of the students suggested that the production of the American film is profit motivated. Furthermore, the student described the American movie storyline as absurd and nevertheless found it compelling. These comments present a rather strong free minded personality, and the student expressed his views freely. The border crossing activity was interactive, educative and enchanting. The discussion enabled me freely interact with my peers, and I also acquired some knowledge about the education system in China. The experience was enchanting to me because I made a friend and hopefully we can communicate in future and share more on education, culture, and politics in the society. The border crossing activity is a very instrumental in learning, and more platforms should be created to enhance interaction between students from different socio-cultural, political, and economic backgrounds. Border crossing gives learning a global view of education, and as a result, a student understands education challenges in various countries as well as the advantages and privileges enjoyed.