Also going by the English name Alice, Enping was chosen among several of her colleagues to teach in the United States for the 2008-2009 school year. Part of her selection was based on her teaching philosophy.

“Teaching is a kind of science, technique and art,” says Enping. “As a teacher, teach but never feed; love but never spoil; be responsible but never nurse.”

Enping, who holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in English Language and Literature, has been married less than a year and left her new husband in China to participate in the exchange program.

“This is a great opportunity [to come to Anoka-Ramsey],” says Enping. “I am hoping my husband can come for two weeks. As an environmental engineer, I think he would find the U.S. very interesting. It is much cleaner than many big cities in China.”

Since arriving in the U.S., Enping has attended the State Fair, the movies and shopping. She is hoping to visit area schools, organization and businesses to share information about Chinese culture and language.

“My hope while in the U.S. is to send friendly messages,” says Enping. “China is a lovely place and I recommend that people visit at least once in their lifetime. There are a lot of traditional arts not available in the U.S. to be experienced.”

Enping is the ninth faculty member from Zhaoqing University to come to the college in an effort to promote intercultural understanding. Since the establishment of this exchange relationship in 1994, the college has sent five of its faculty to teach and approximately 40 students to study at the Chinese University. In addition, a group from the City of Coon Rapids and college staff traveled to Zhaoqing, China in 2001, and developed a sister relationship between the two cities.

“Enping will be a guest lecturer in many of college classrooms during her stay, and she is excited about the prospect of speaking at off-campus events as well, such as schools, businesses and churches,” says Luanne Kane, Dean of Educational Services.

For more information about the Chinese exchange program at Anoka-Ramsey Community College or to arrange to have Enping speak at your organization, contact Kane at 763.433.1297.