Chinese Girl Needs Housing

This is Brenda (Yujie Yao in Chinese). Let me introduce myself briefly.

I teach English at SIAS University now. I was a 1999 student of SIAS and began teaching there after graduation in 2003. I love teaching very much and find it very necessary to learn more about English teaching. Suggested by teachers and friends, I decided to study TESOL, because it is a professional program that helps non-English speakers learn English, which is just what I need. Then, Dr. Shawn Chen, the President and Founder of SIAS suggested that I should go to the States, because it is a native English speaking country and has excellent TESOL programs which offer Master抯 degree. Also, suggested by Dr. Chen, I applied to Regent University and have been accepted to the Master Teacher Program with TESOL concentration in the School of Education. I will begin my study this Fall, and required by Regent, I have to move to Virginia Beach no later than August 12th and will stay for one and a half years.

I'm grateful that Regent offers me a tuition scholarship, but I have to pay my own housing. I do have some savings from these years of teaching, and SIAS will also give me some support, but still not enough to afford both housing and food. I am the second child of my family. Both of my parents are ordinary railway workers and have retired. Honestly, they don抰 have much savings, either. Actually, all their savings have been used to support me and my brother. Now, they are just living on their low retirement salary.

Frankly, I've never imagined that I can study abroad in the U.S. Living in America is too expensive compared to in China. But for the encouragement and help from Dr. Chen, my family and friends, as well as professors at Regent, never can I have been able to talk about housing with you now. So, I value this opportunity very much. I am truly grateful that you help me too.

I am a quiet girl and able to keep room clean and tidy. Love to make new friends and share some housework. This is my very first time to study and live abroad, so I am kind of excited and nervous. I know a little information about life in the States from TV, books and internet, but not much. However, I think I am a good learner and always ready to learn. To me, this will be an adventure and full of challenges, but I will try my best.

I do hope this can help you introduce me to the host family. Thank you very much!

Best regards,

Brenda