In my 1^st 2 weeks with the students in Kunpan Cultural School I have witnessed some fiercely competitive basketball games and a genuine desire to improve their English at any opportunity.

Highlights for me have been waking up to the stunning view of the mountains, delicious cups of chai at Mami's in the company of students and fellow teachers, sharing ginger tea and chats in the morning break between classes (yes, I love tea....) and speaking with the students about what they have learned in the Buddhist workshops delivered by a monk from the local monastery.

It has been heartening to see how much the students support and encourage each other, in their learning in class, during self study periods and also when completing chores. They treat each other with affection, warmth and kindness and this attitude is extended towards the volunteers teachers which has made settling into school life feel easy and natural for me. I'm even enjoying the daily stroll to the spring for washing!

It is a time of transition for the students; most of them have now completed the PET or FCE exams and are awaiting the results. In the coming weeks, a number of the students will be leaving the school having gained

their certificates and eager to put their skills into practise, and at the same time prospective students will continue to visit the school to hand in applications hoping to have the opportunity of ES Tibet's support and teaching for themselves for the next 2 years.

This week some of the students had the valuable opportunity to teach English at a local monastery- a chance to gain experience and build confidence for their future careers.

I will be at the school until the end of September and I look forward to the forthcoming months of tea, challenging questions, thought provoking conversation classes and improving my Thukpa making.

By Susan