Being three days in to the semester, we're all starting to notice some oversights, miscommunications, and other things that aren't the way they should be. As of today, we have a way to login to the CQU wireless network but we still have issues with it. The classroom where we will be spending most of our time for labs, has no access to internet. This wouldn't be a huge issue if the class wasn't dependent on using Blackboard. Being unable to access Blackboard makes it difficult to give the students documents for the lab and for the students their labs. While they are trying to work on it, that doesn't change the difficulties that we're experiencing. Another issue is that the lab equipment for the other class has not yet arrived. This is not something that we can change, as the equipment is tied up in customs. But it's still a big problem. With exception to the issues mentioned, the classes are going well.
But the biggest inconvenience for me is my 80 yuan per diem. As part of the agreement, we were to get a 80 yuan (about 13.5$) cash for each day for food and other expenses. We've been here for almost a week and we haven't seen any of it. I'm sure it will be worked out in the near future but it's just frustrating that it's not worked out.
With exception to my television not working, my apartment is finally in full working order. My shower was fixed yesterday and the hot water is consistent. I'm really glad that things are starting to come together at my place now.
But the biggest inconvenience for me is my 80 yuan per diem. As part of the agreement, we were to get a 80 yuan (about 13.5$) cash for each day for food and other expenses. We've been here for almost a week and we haven't seen any of it. I'm sure it will be worked out in the near future but it's just frustrating that it's not worked out.
With exception to my television not working, my apartment is finally in full working order. My shower was fixed yesterday and the hot water is consistent. I'm really glad that things are starting to come together at my place now.
In my building, there are many other teachers that are foreign to China. I've met a lot of them and most of them are English teachers. A recurring theme among talking to them about the university is trouble with communication. To this point, I would have to agree with them. But with this in mind, it has a very important lesson for me and any engineer. And the lesson is that communication is key for anything to run smoothly. I know that it sounds cheesy but it really is important. Especially when dealing with an international operation.
And as an after thought, this is the first year of this program. When I signed up for this, I signed up to help start the program and to be able to roll with the punches. I've been able to work under sub optimal conditions and I will continue to until the situation changes. For this joint effort between the two universities to work, a stable program must be established. I'm part of the trial team and these are the trials that I have to go through. And even with these difficulties, I'm still very happy with my decision to go come to China for a semester.
And as an after thought, this is the first year of this program. When I signed up for this, I signed up to help start the program and to be able to roll with the punches. I've been able to work under sub optimal conditions and I will continue to until the situation changes. For this joint effort between the two universities to work, a stable program must be established. I'm part of the trial team and these are the trials that I have to go through. And even with these difficulties, I'm still very happy with my decision to go come to China for a semester.