by Lee Mook Have you ever played dodgeball? Have you ever played dodgeball with a half-eaten piece of fruit? Have you ever played dodgeball with a half-eaten piece of fruit against a monkey? Well, I have, and all my years … Read more

by Lee Mook “There are two surefire things that unite people: war and sports. We come from all over the world–China, Korea, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Japan, and the US–but out there we will play as one team, and we will … Read more

by Lee Mook Everyone sings in the shower. Everyone. However, unlike in the privacy of your own home, in the dorms you can be heard singing in the shower by every room right above or below you. For the past … Read more

by Lee Mook Holidays are always welcome, of course, but after five months of intense Chinese classes and English tutoring, this particular winter holiday was especially welcome. China’s winter break is a full month surrounding the Spring Festival, a holiday … Read more

by Lee Mook “Leh, leh, leh.” Jennifer’s face is contorted as she tries to make out the sound of a “v.” “Let’s try again: veh, veh, veh,” I say. “Beh, beh, beh,” she replies. Teaching English, or any language, I’d … Read more

by Lee Mook China is a nation of extremes. It is an incredible example of a nation developing while retaining its rich cultural and historical identity. Mile-high glass skyscrapers tower over traditional, stone, single story housing complexes. I witnessed firsthand … Read more

by Lee Mook “Do not talk to strangers” is one of the most common pieces of advice parents give their kids, but, sorry Mom and Dad: I am here to tell you, it is wrong! When I arrived in China … Read more

by Lee Mook It is not every day that one becomes an overnight Chinese boy band sensation. I would imagine, furthermore, that becoming a boy band sensation typically entails some degree of planning. That wasn’t the case for me. As … Read more