Amity Teachers Program

Testimonials


Below are some thoughts shared by past and present Amity teachers about what their experience of teaching in China through Amity has been like:

"Being an Amity-teacher is getting the opportunity to make a small difference in the lives of your students while they will surely make a big difference in yours."

Marianne Hansen, Denmark

I like being an Amity teacher for at least these reasons: I like the fact that Amity is a Chinese organization, and this means that their connection with my school is based on common understandings. It also means that my school knows and appreciates Amity, and this automatically extends to me as well. Also, I know that my work here is part of an overall plan to help people in the poorer areas in China; this gives me a sense of purpose and the knowledge that my work is worthwhile and part of a larger whole. Finally, I like to be connected to the broader programs of Amity's several divisions. I like being able to contribute to the work of other divisions and to communicate to people back home about opportunities to support other aspects of China's needs. For these and many other reasons, I am glad to be an Amity teacher.

Lynn Yarbrough, USA

Imagine a raw and cold China winter morning. All bundled up, you take off for an equally cold China classroom.

Upon entering: GOOD MORNING TEACHER! And all those bright eyes and happy faces.

It beats all the radiators and heaters in the world.

If you haven't taught in China, you have missed out on one of the true pleasures of teaching.

Anders and Cecilia Ahlenius, Sweden

For all the teaching I do, my life here is basically a learning experience for me. Learning the language, getting to know the culture ... above all, finding out about the students: their lives, their backgrounds, their problems and how they cope. I'm full of respect for these young people ontheir way to the future. It's a privilege to teach them; and sometimes you realise that your being here, your taking an interest in them and your caring for them actually makes a difference to a few of them, a difference for the better. And this, of course, is what we're here for!

Beate and Oliver Engelen, Germany

Extremely meaningful.
Happiness and satisfaction of building bridges between different cultures.

Thomas and Monica Palmgren, Sweden

Rewarding and enriching. Amity is second to none in looking after and caring for their teachers.

Matthew Syddall, UK

Amity does it better than any other program, from beginning to end.

Kevin Smith, USA

"I'm very happy to teach Japanese language for Chinese young peoples. And I appreciate that Amity's activitys and arrangements for us, teachers. I'm astonished at Amity's action and many project for Chinese. I wish you and Amity will be more success near future."

Okochi Toshihiro, Japan

Being an Amity teacher is like arriving in China with a host family waiting to welcome you. In China, where family relations are the support network for every individual, this mean that, through every challenge, you have someone to turn to and, in every joy, you have good friends to share it with.

Greg Huang-Dale, USA

One of the benefits of being an Amity teacher is gaining insight in to Chinese life and culture. Through visits to Amity projects, we have a rare chance to see parts of the country we wouldn't otherwise see. We have gotten to meet people in remote villages. We have seen how they are learning to better their own lives through Amity's support and encouragement.

Amity is respected for the quality and success of its work. It is a fair and forward-thinking organization. I'm proud to be part of Amity's work.

Jenny Huang-Dale, USA

Exciting! Challenging!

Fujiwara Kaoru, Japan

After one year in China, I had established a good connection with my colleagues. I really enjoyed living in China, but I was looking forward to my summer holiday at home with my family. By the time the summer holidays arrived, I knew most of my colleagues but I didn't really feel I knew them well.

When I arrived back at my college, there was a huge banquet to welcome the new teachers. As I walked to my table, I was amazed to see all the familiar faces and the friendly smiles I got. I was welcomed with hugs by my co-teacher and close colleague friends. I felt like I was returning home.

I know two years seems like a long time at first, but it's well worth the stay to build close friendships that I know will last forever.

Heidi Dickerson, USA

An amazing experience!

Amity is the result of a combination of attention to the needs of Chinese people at ground level, and dedicated and sensitive Amity staff and teachers from the west who have a genuine desire to make a difference.

Michelle and Jody Marshall, South Africa

It's all about the students!

J.K. Granberg-Michaelson, USA

Being an Amity teacher is like being part of a family away from "home", yet at "home". Amity is not only a group of friends, but a feeling of family in my China home. Although I am away from my native country which holds most of my family and close friends, knowing that there is support, friendship and commitment from Amity doesn't make the miles feel far at all. Memorable moments enhanced and lonely times forgotten due to the magic of Amity.

Mandy Bartell, USA

Teaching in China has been a wonderful experience of "hands-on" learning about China, Chinese, Chinese culture, and the Chinese church. Many Chinese have become substitute family to me. "I'll remember them forever."

Esther Snader, USA

Even during times of minor difficulties, we have been truly blessed. We have received much more than we have given. An unforgettable experience.

Jon and Lynne Hilton, USA

My toilet breaks, my heater blows up, my bed is like a concrete mat, and yet, I love my life.

Stacey Sedgwick, USA

There are two things that are important to me as an Amity teacher. Firstly, the commitment the Amity Foundation shows towards its teachers, and secondly the commitment Amity teachers have to their students. Without these, being a part of Amity would not be as fulfilling as it is.

Joanna White, UK

want to change your life? Come to China! (I'm changed!)
Want to be really respected as a teacher? Join Amity in China!
If you come to China with Amity, you don't want to leave!

Rolf Solheim

We should enable all students to recognize and realize their full potential. This is not easy, but an immensely noble task for a conscientious Amity teacher.

Lothar Hochstaedt, Germany

(1) It's great to be serving with and at the request of a local Chinese organization - Amity.
(2) The many opportunities for sharing and support among Amity teachers are great too!
(3) I find it meaningful to share with students in and out of class.
(4) I also find it meaningful to know that my small contribution will multiply and grow as some of my students become teachers and pass on what they have learned.
(5) I find it so rewarding to watch and hear students make progress.
(6) It's heartwarming to hear school leaders' appreciation for one's dedication, commitment and service.
(7) It's fantastic to be exposed to and see all of the other ways Amity reaches out to the poorest of the poor with a love that can transform their lives.

Judith Sutterlin, USA

To be an Amity teacher means to be part of a community of generous, faithful, spirit-filled adventurers who are learning as much as teaching, everyone committed to loving the world and all God's people.

Elizabeth Eliason, USA