An Introduction to the White Tiger Path

In August of 2019, I was invited to participate in a cultural and educational term abroad with 7 other Canadians. We attended East China Normal University in Shanghai’s Pudong Region, taking classes on a variety of subjects related to China, as well as mandatory Mandarin lessons with our fearless and excellent teacher Shang Loashi.

At ECNU, we were folded into a larger group with students from all over the world who were completing either a term or year in Shanghai. An international melting pot had been established.

Additionally, the Canadians also had the unique experience of living in Chongqing, China; living with a host family, and teaching English at the university level for students training to become teachers.

In between diligent study periods and various obligations to both the universities and other folks, I had the opportunity to explore China by foot, car, train, and plane and visited places like The Great Wall of China and Mt. Hushan near Xi’an.

I wrapped up my time in China with a pinch of excitement in late January, returning home to Toronto before flying to Japan to get a little more done.

The White Tiger Path essays (1 through 5; including parts) are a reflection of the time I spent in China, from August. 31st, 2019 to February 1st, 2020. Sometimes it feels like I could have renamed this “As Claimed by China”, but I stuck with my White Tiger Path.

I hope you enjoy and are able to get a glimpse of what my time overseas may have been like.

-Bai Hú