STORY: American teacher shares experience in China's Anhui
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 28, 2023
DATELINE: Jan. 1, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:33
LOCATION: HEFEI, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Doug West, an American English teacher at Anqing Normal University, Anhui Province
2. SOUNDBITE (English): DOUG WEST, Teacher at Anqing Normal University, Anhui Province

STORYLINE:

Doug West, an American who was intrigued by a travel blog about 
China, came to the country 8 years ago and has stayed here since

SOUNDBITE (English): DOUG WEST, Teacher at Anqing Normal University, Anhui Province
"Hi, my name is Doug West, and I'm from the state of Michigan in the United States, and I have been teaching English in China for eight years. I'm now at Anqing Normal University in Anhui Province in China.   
The best thing about being an English teacher here in China, is not just the things that the students have taught me over the years. It's being rewarded by seeing their accomplishments in the classroom as they succeeded in things that they did not think were possible when they started, and also to hear from them when they say thank you, teacher, for everything. That's the best part of it.
I wanted something different in my life, and so I found out on the internet about a travel blog, and this young couple had spent time on the road for a year and supplemented their income to survive on the road through teaching in China. And I said wow, I did not realize that was possible, and I always wanted to come to China. And It's been the best experience I've had in my life. The rewards, not just monetary, no. The rewards from the students, the people, the culture and everything have been the best thing that's ever happened to me. I've really enjoyed it, it's been the best experience, and I have no regrets. I've enjoyed my time in China.
One of the best things about China is a great, incredible, long, vibrant culture. I've learned so many things about their culture, the Huangmei Opera, the food, the people, and been able to experience their energy initiatives, energy saving initiatives, such as the electric car factories that they have, that showed what they're trying to do to help save the environment. And it has been an incredible experience for me.
China and the U.S. have worked well together and have accomplished many things. And I look forward to the future and all the great things that they will accomplish together. I wish people could come here and see and know the China that I have experienced over the last eight years, and the United States, and China can deepen their cooperation in areas of education and student exchange."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hefei, China.
(XHTV)