With only a week to go I thought it would be best to tell you all about my project in China.

I have been placed in the South East province of Jiangxi, in a small town called Yihuang. It is a hilly and green province with wide, open, valleys and many lakes and rivers. Every spare flat piece of land is a paddy field and rice farming dominates the economy. Water buffalo pulling ploughs and peasant farmers trudging through the mud are everyday sights. The rivers are major transport routes in the area and barges are common. The climate is sub-tropical and temperatures are sweltering. The warm seasons are long and the winter season is short.

The school I will be teaching at is called Yihuang No.1 Middle School and has around 2700 pupils. I will be teaching approximately 17 classes a week, with up to 100 pupils per class! I will have many opportunities presented to me, such as learning Tai Chi and having Mandarin lessons.

The past few weeks have been filled with buying last minute essentials, applying for visas and getting A LOT of injections. It is incredibly difficult to pack a years worth of clothing and belongings into just one suitcase with an allowance of only 20kg. My last week will be spent with my family and friends and saying very difficult goodbyes.

I would love to hear from you all when I'm away! please email me at; [email protected], or add me on skype; lucie.rae96.

zàijiàn!