I thought that it would be very difficult for me to work with a new school in the beginning of my second year as an ESL teacher in China, but I was wrong. I can say that I was more than lucky, not that I found a school, but because Kaifeng Liyang Foreign Language School found me... that is, through Mr. Zhao and Cindy. Working and living in a totally different environment was never a problem because of their support and that of the other foreign teacher.

My first few weeks with them at the International Education Department (IED) has really convinced me that I belong here.

At Liyang, there is so much room to grow as a teacher and as a person; you have people whom you can really call your friends... friends who are willing to go out of their way to help you to improve your craft and even when you're in trouble (this is based on my own experience)... friends who will do their best to make your life as a foreigner in a foreign land, comfortable and enjoyable. It's almost like being home!

If "home is where the heart is", then indeed, Liyang Foreign Language School is my new home away from home.