2018.8.21-2019.8.21

In just one year, 

D E V E N turned into Deven!

From 90kg to 75kg

He’s a walking advertisement of losing weight, right?

Me, the editor, has already figured out the slogan.

(Thinking about losing weight? Wanna become a ‘fresh meat’? Please contact.....)

Deven in 21/8/2018

Photo with host family child.

Besides the congratulations on the conclusion of reciprocity program.

We are curious about his one year reciprocity life here, so we make a brief interview with Deven to know more about it. 

What’s the difference between Shenzhen and your hometown US?

Deven：The weather is really hot here in Shenzhen, which is very different from my hometown. The transportation here, like subway and taxi, is novelty to me. I have to mention that at the beginning of the program, the difference between two country was a big challenge to me, even though my host family is really nice to me.

How do you like your host family and how do they treat you?

Deven：As you know, I’m from American. People like to express their love by kissing, hugging and saying ‘ I love you’. They say a lot ‘please and thank you’. The way of Chinese family getting along is very different. They don’t directly express their love to others. What they do is make effort to build a better family, expressing their love by helping out each other.

Any challenges for you when you’re having this reciprocity life？

Deven: American’s lifestyle is very different from here. My host family are really nice to me. I think I’ve become a part of this family by spending a year here. They make me feel warm at home.

How do you feel when you first get here?

Deven：I was really exited and I met lots of new friends. But at the same time, I need to get used to the fact that there are few people here can speak English and of course, Chinese diet. Also, I need to learn how to use chopsticks. I got lost every time when i was out.

Do you have any activities with children?

Deven：I would make some food for them when they got home from school and play games with them. We created many new games, I want the kids to stay away from electronic products as possible.Also, I would tell stories for them, like history and science. Interacting with them in the field of their interest. Because they are both little boys, their hobbies are similar with mine when I was young. I have a litter sister, but getting along with little girl is different with little boy.

What’s your plan next?

Deven：I plan to travel to Europe or work for a while, then go back to American to finish my university  program in finance.

How time flies! Deven’s reciprocity life is end with satisfaction. While teaching children how to learn English, he have learned about Chinese culture as he wished. The wonderful experience in Shenzhen has changed my life! Just enjoy!’ Deven wrote on his postcard.