From turkey dinners to football games, Thanksgiving Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States – and the largest day for the food consumption. However, living in China can sometimes deteriorate the festive mood, as most of us still need to go to school or work, and often don’t have as much time to prepare a nice dinner. That being said, when those of us in the Thanksgiving spirit do find the time, it’s common for expats to create new traditions of their own. To find out more, we spoke to students and teachers of Tsinghua International School about some of their new Thanksgiving traditions after moving to Beijing.

“Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Growing up, Thanksgiving dinner was always with family, but as I got older and moved away from home, we started to have big Thanksgiving dinners with friends so there were always big parties with lots of people, and everyone would bring dishes.

The first time I came to Beijing, I worked at an A-level center, and everyone was British. There was one Canadian, so there were only two of us who [celebrated]Thanksgiving, but I refused to spend a year without it. So I went around the city, got a turkey, made cornbread, and had 22 people over for a Thanksgiving feast. After that, I started having people over for dinner every year. We’d have a big feast with all the foreign staff.” -Ms. Scott, social studies teacher

“Here in Beijing we don’t really do anything, but every summer when my family goes back to California to visit my cousins we have a “Jiang family summer Thanksgiving”, where we get a turkey and make cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and more. It all started when my grandparents got a turkey in the middle of July. We didn’t know what to do with it – it was really big – and in the end we decided to have a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but in the summer. It was yummy.” -Rina Jiang, Grade 9

“For a lot of people, Thanksgiving is a family event. You spend it with your family, extended family, or the family of your significant other. It’s all about family, and football games, obviously. It’s also kind of a potluck. Now, the sports component goes away when you’re abroad, but Thanksgiving in Beijing really highlights the sense of community – Thanksgiving dinners here are much more communal. Many people don’t have their families here with them, so they spend with others close to them – normally, back home, we wouldn’t celebrate Thanksgiving with friends, but here we do. It becomes a house party of sorts, with co-workers and friends around the community. Everyone brings his or her best dish, which, to me, is the best part of Thanksgiving.” -Mr. Ramsay, English teacher

“I’m Chinese-Canadian, and back in Canada, Thanksgiving was a pretty big event. However, I never really took part of it. After coming back to Beijing and being surrounded by so many Westerners, Thanksgiving has become a much bigger deal. This year at my school, in one of my classes, we’re hosting a small potluck among the vegetarian community to celebrate everything we’re thankful for – and also to enjoy a good meal with friends and teachers.” -Audrey Tao, Grade 12

Rhea Jiang is a senior at Tsinghua International School, an international campus affiliated with Tsinghua High School. She is the co-editor-in-chief for the school newspaper, the Spartan Times, and co-president of the debate club. Through her blog posts, Rhea hopes to share her unique thoughts and experiences at Tsinghua International School.

The beijingkids student correspondent program gives high school students with an interest in writing and journalism a resource for guidance, feedback, and real-life training. If you are a student interested in becoming a beijingkids student correspondent, or you know a student who is, please contact yvetteferrari@beijing-kids.com

Photo: Satya Murthy (flickr)

On September 29, Tsinghua International School (THIS) welcomed President David Leebron of Rice University and his wife, Y. Ping Sun, as their last stop of the day after visiting Tsinghua University. As co-editor-in-chief of the school newspapaper The Spartan Times, I was able to sit down with Professor Leebron, his wife Y. Ping Sun, and others to discuss university admissions, college life, and the future of both international and higher education.

Can you tell us what you’re working on in Beijing?
Here in Beijing, today’s visits were with Tsinghua University, and tomorrow’s is with Peking University. Our goal is to try and move forward joint programs such as student exchanges, and joint research programs.

More and more Chinese and US universities seem to be collaborating. Where do you see the future of cooperation between international institutions of higher education?
It would continue to be very complex. I do think there will be more student mobility, [and]eventually you’ll see undergraduates in dual degree programs. I would love, for example, to have an undergraduate degree [program]at a university like Tsinghua. There’s going to be an increasing number of [multicultural]people, so I think you’re going to see people [traveling overseas for school more]. We now take over 50 students from China each year [at Rice University]in our entering class of 950 students. So that’s a significant part of our student population.

There’s a lot of interest among high school students around the world to attend US universities. Up until now, standardized testing has been the best way to gain acceptance.  Recently however, Hampshire College stopped taking SAT and ACT scores.  Do you think this will continue to be a trend for colleges and universities?
I think that tests are going to continue to evolve. I think you’re going to see more schools go SAT-optional or get rid of the SAT. There’s going to be a few schools who just don’t think it’s useful, but you’re also going to see a lot of schools do it because they think that will help drive up [the number of]their applications. For Rice, we’re getting [18,000] applications for 950 places. We want whatever information we can get – we don’t want you to overvalue that information, but we still think the SAT is valuable.

One problem that has emerged is that there are many quality students who want to go to top-notch colleges, but too little resources, and too few schools. What kind of solution would you propose?
Our [current]solution is to expand the student body. We expanded by 30 percent, so now we’re educating, in percentage terms, more students than we used to. If you look at the top universities, it’s interesting that most of them have not grown their student bodies very much, but I think you’re going to see more schools growing [their student bodies.]But what [really]has grown, according to some analyses, is the number of schools that are regarded as top universities, including lots of state schools. For example, in Texas, where before there was only the University of Texas, there’s also Texas A&M, [and]they offer pretty high quality education.

You mentioned that for international students applying to colleges and universities in the US, environment is a big factor. Rice University has been consistently ranked as one of the schools with the happiest students. How does Rice University help international students integrate with other students and the environment?
There are lots of different kinds of international students we get. We get the Chinese citizens, who’ve spent the last three years in a boarding school in New England – they’re international students – or you have American students who’ve been abroad for a very long time. They’re not international students, but they may have some of the same challenges. We do have a special week-long program for international students [in which]we bring them in early because more things need to be explained to them. Some are pretty serious such as the Honor Code*;  some of the students we get from foreign locations [don’t understand] the basic principles. But the way we mostly succeed is by integrating students into a system that is very supportive and relatively small scale. At Rice, though many students spend one year off campus, we don’t have fraternities, sororities, or special dorms, so when you come into our residential college system, that’s a four-year system, the first thing that happens is that you’re welcomed by upperclassmen on campus. So the typical Rice student knows students three years in front of them, and three years behind them. And then you have advisers at the college level, as well as people living in the college assigned to provide advice.

*The Honor Code is a system unique to Rice where a council of students manages student life and handles any misdemeanors.

Rhea Jiang is a senior at Tsinghua International School, an international campus affiliated with Tsinghua High School. She is the co-editor-in-chief for the school newspaper, the Spartan Times, and co-president of the debate club. Through her blog posts, Rhea hopes to share her unique thoughts and experiences at Tsinghua International School.

The beijingkids student correspondent program gives high school students with an interest in writing and journalism a resource for guidance, feedback, and real-life training. If you are a student interested in becoming a beijingkids student correspondent, or you know a student who is, please contact yvetteferrari@beijing-kids.com 

Photo: Ceremony and Reception – Rice University (Google Images)

At The Hutong, children can munch on sweet treats while channeling their extra energy towards learning kung fu with “the Cupcakes and Kicks” package. Situated in the historic Dongcheng District, The Hutong is a culture exchange center that regularly offers cooking classes, Beijing day tours, and TCM programs.

The traditional Beijing courtyard provides plenty of space for children to play games, exchange gifts, and learn martial arts with Xie’s Martial Arts Academy. The academy’s founder Master Xie combines traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, karate, and Western martial arts styles to “cultivate personality, self-defense skills, performing arts, and physical fitness through training.”

After the lesson, kids can re-energize with a DIY cupcake class in the kitchen. Staying healthy is important, but it’s  good to have rewards in moderation – and children get to experience every aspect of a celebration with the “Cupcakes and Kicks” package. Guided by The Hutong’s chefs, kids can build their own sweet creations from scratch. Alternatively, for less sugary kitchen fun, kids can make their own tea blends by mixing dried fruits, flowers, and spices. “It’s amazing to see the kids experiment with different flavors and taste what they come up with,” says Jeremiah Jenne, The Hutong’s executive director.

The most basic package with a minimum of six children starts at RMB 400 per child. This includes a DIY cupcake class, all-you-can-drink soft drinks and juice, an hour of martial arts, and a special gift for the birthday boy or girl. Parents can opt to add on activities like the tea art workshop, Chinese kite making, or Peking Opera mask painting, as each birthday plan can be customized.

The Hutong
Starting at RMB 350 per child. 1 Jiudaowan Zhongxiang Hutong (southeast of Beixinqiao subway station), Dongcheng District (6404 3355, 159 0104 6127, info@thehutong.com)
www.thehutong.com
东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号(北新桥地铁站东南边)

This article originally appeared on page 20-21 of the beijingkids September 2015 issue. Click here to read the issue for free on Issuu.com. To find out how you can get your own copy, email distribution@truerun.com.

Photos: courtesy of The Hutong and Joel Olives (Flickr)

Whether you’re a Beijing newcomer or an expat veteran, you’ll most likely spend time browsing the air purifier market. With air quality what it is, air purifiers have become a household necessity. Luckily, Beijing-based Swiss air purifier company, Origins Technology is here to help.

With a mission to help people build and sustain a healthy lifestyle, Liam Bates founded Origins in January 2014 when his fiancée’s childhood asthma recurred after moving to Beijing. Her health crisis became the inspiration behind his company’s name. “I want to use smart technology to bring people back to a natural and healthy environment – their original environment,” he says. With co-founders, Jessica Lam and Ken Ying, he set out to do just that.

The company released air purifier, Origins’ Alpine Air which they say delivers “air cleaner than that of the Rhône Glacier in Switzerland, in less than 45 minutes.” The Alpine Air unit is designed specifically to tackle the pollution problems found in Chinese cities, and is tested in both professional labs and Beijing apartments. To give consumers a look at how the Alpine Air works in an everyday setting, their test data for Beijing apartment spaces can be found on their website, along with information on their Swiss-imported filters.

However, Origins’ signature product is the recently released Laser Egg, a small household air quality monitor that can connect to your phone and provide a vast array of information ranging from the current AQI to any clean air spaces near you. Bates believes that the Laser Egg will revolutionize the market. “Schools and businesses often hire professional companies to come and test their air quality for a handsome fee,” he says. “Other high-end air quality monitors can be expensive, with prices as high as RMB 40,000. The Laser Egg can achieve similar accuracy at a fraction of that price.”

Both the Laser Egg and Alpine Air can be purchased through Origins’
website or can be found at Origins’ Breathing Space, a courtyard retail location in Beixinqiao. The Breathing Space is both an experience center for Origin’s products and a venue for events, including Origins-hosted discussions on green technology. All products purchased come with professional air quality testing services before and after use, and a one-year warranty. Alpine Air is priced at RMB 4,499, while Laser Egg is RMB 379.

Origins Technology Limited
原点生活（北京）科技有限公司
Mon-Sat 9.30am-6.30pm. Beixinqiao Toutiao, Bldg 2, Dongcheng District (400 863 0600, info@origins-china.com) www.origins-china.com 北京市东城区北新桥头条2号

This article originally appeared on page 18-19 of the beijingkids September 2015 issue. Click here to read the issue for free on Issuu.com. To find out how you can get your own copy, email distribution@truerun.com.

Photos: courtesy of Origins

On August 17, Tsinghua International School (THIS) students eagerly gathered at the front of Building N, the school’s main structure, to reunite with friends after a summer of fun.With a new year comes new students, new staff, and many changes. Read on to learn about some of the changes and upcoming events for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Primary School Gets Bigger and Better
This year’s THIS primary division is bigger and better than ever, including two first grade classes – that’s 44 new friends! Other grades also have larger classes, so be on the lookout for more exciting primary school events.

Grade Level Field Trips

All high school students look forward to fun excursions that help unite the grade and promote school values. As always, the seniors will take a trip to the Goose and Duck Ranch to bond with classmates during their last year.

Student Council Elections
Every year, the THIS student body elects a new president. Get ready for posters, stickers, and speeches as candidates fight to win the public’s favor.

Mid-Autumn Festival
The THIS Chinese Department will continue the tradition of the school-wide Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, planning a day of Chinese learning, talent shows, and, of course, delicious moon cake.

Middle School Soccer
Middle school sports at THIS start with soccer. Every year, students scramble to join one of the most popular sports teams THIS has to offer.

High School Volleyball
Volleyball kicks off the high school sports season in fond, prideful memory of the girls’ outstanding achievements at tournaments last year. This season is sure to be just as exciting.

Tsinghua Fuzhong’s Centennial
On October 17, Tsinghua Fuzhong, Tsinghua International School’s local counterpart, will turn 100 years old.

 Rhea Jiang is a senior at Tsinghua International School, an international campus affiliated with Tsinghua High School. She is Co-Editor-in-Chief for the school newspaper The Spartan Times and Co-President of the debate club. Through her blog posts, Rhea hopes to share her unique thoughts and experiences at Tsinghua International School.

The beijingkids student correspondent program gives high school students with an interest in writing and journalism a resource for guidance, feedback, and real-life training. If you are a student interested in becoming a beijingkids student correspondent, or you know a student who is, please contact yvetteferrari@beijing-kids.com 

Staying up late studying or working can lead to a lot of late-night cravings. Many students are tempted to nibble on a candy bar or munch on some potato chips while cranking out that essay or studying for a quiz. However, junk food and sleep debt are a nasty combination: foods high in sugar or oil can make you feel even more fatigued after a brief high, and, as multiple studies prove, the additional trans fats are never a good thing. Here are some healthier snack options to suggest to your teen the next time a craving hits.

When they’re craving: potato chips
Potato chips have an equally crunchy, but much more healthy cousin: sweet potato chips. While these give you something to munch on, they generally use less oil and fill you up quickly. You can buy some easily at supermarkets in China, or bake your own using this recipe.

When they’re craving: chocolate bars
While store-bought candy bars like Snickers or Twix are packed with sugar, studies show that a little chocolate is good for your health (and your soul). Instead, enjoy a similar taste with much less guilt by eating some dark chocolate bites – I like this one. Or, try these chocolate-coated blueberries. Another snack worth trying is the Dali Bar, nutritional bars made with superfoods with no added sugar.

When they’re craving: soda
Soda may taste like heaven, but its sugar content is quite the opposite. Instead, flavor your water with slices of fresh fruit. My go-to drink is iced water with lemon, strawberry, and basil. Check out this blog  for more suggestions on how to bedazzle your shui.

When they’re craving: pizza
There’s nothing quite like a nice, cheesy slice of pizza on a late night. However, there are a few things that come quite close. Find recipes for meatball sliders, eggplant pie, and other tasty-but-healthy pizza alternatives here.

Photo by Pavel260

Beauty routines can be fun, soothing, and an all-around joy in life – but they also have an ugly side. With cheap sources of cosmetics like RMB 10 eyeliner at Mini-So, a chain store famous for selling only RMB 10 – 20 products, many girls and women are tempted to use sketchy products with no legitimate label for the sake of looking pretty while on a budget.

While parents need to warn their teens against buying cosmetics at low prices from questionable stores, it’s important to recognize that even makeup and skincare products from international, popular brands can contain plenty of harmful chemicals. According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit environmental research organization in the US, “Nearly 90 percent of the 10,500 ingredients the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has determined are used in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety by the CIR, the FDA or any other publicly accountable institution .”

Furthermore, being well known, widely used, or high-end does not mean a brand does not use carcinogens in its products. The price you pay for luxury cosmetics may very well include the abundance of toxic chemicals your body absorbs. In the not-very-well self-regulated cosmetic industry, how can we stay healthy and safe? Sites and apps like Skin Deep and Think Dirty provide consumers with the means to shop smarter. With the scan of a label, or a manual search, these apps provide a rating and/or review of a product, listing the toxic ingredients and what their effects may be. Additionally, here is a simple list of ingredients to watch out for in your cosmetics.

For more information on toxins in makeup products like eyeliner and bronzer, check out this post.

Photo by Darren Tse

Applying to college is nerve-wracking, and not just for the applicant. The state of constant worry over a child’s status is certainly not exclusively reserved for “helicopter parents” during application season: “I like to think I’m a pretty laid-back mom,” says Kayla Lei, mother of two. “I have given my daughter a lot of freedom, but she doesn’t always tell me what schools she’s considering or what plans she has, and I have to pry it out of her.”

To avoid situations like these and keep stress levels to a minimum, I sat down with Bruce Hammond, the college counselor and vice principal of Tsinghua International School (THIS), to talk about how parents and students can cooperate during the application process and how the school factors in.

According to Hammond, the first step is something simple, perhaps glaringly obvious, but essential: start talking. “Sit down and have a conversation,” Hammond advises. “For parents, it’s really important to be forthright about any issues or concerns they may have – especially about financial ability. If there are going to be financial parameters, you need to make them clear from the beginning.”

After establishing your expectations or wishes, listen to your child. They will probably have different ideas than you do, but keep an open mind and reserve your questions for the meeting with your child’s counselor. College counselors like to meet with the parent(s) and the student around the end of the student’s junior year to give them a chance to voice any concerns and work out any issues. Your reluctances regarding one issue (say, the size of a college) may dissolve after talking to a college counselor and learning the advantages and disadvantages of both small and large schools.

Some conflict is inevitable; you and your child are not going to agree on everything, but Hammond reminds parents that at the end of the day, it’s the student who will be attending the college. So while he recognizes that, of course, parents are acting in the best interest of their children, it’s important to allow them to take charge. Not only does this ensure that the college chosen is a good match, it also helps students become more independent and to prepare for the future. “There needs to be an understanding of who’s making what decision,” says Hammond, when asked how parents and children go through the process smoothly.

Most of the time, he recommends giving the child a little more free rein. Students are taking their next step into the real world as they go off to college.  As difficult as it may be, parents need to start seeing their children as adults and have faith that with good communication and help from counselors, students will find the right school for them.

Photo by Peter Gene

As the back-to-school season edges closer, I have once again began my search for the perfect weekday breakfast: quick and easy to make, healthy and delicious to taste. Here are three simple on-the-go breakfast recipes that the entire family can make and enjoy.

Easy Breakfast Casserole Muffins
These breakfast casserole muffins taste incredible fresh out of the oven and after a night in the freezer. Pop a few in the microwave each morning for a tasty, time-saving fix. Kids can help with almost every step along the way, from tearing up leftover bread to sprinkling on the cheese.

To-Go Baked Oatmeal Muffins
Oatmeal is the perfect breakfast staple, providing you with endless energy to fuel those rough Monday mornings. Put a spin on the drab watery dish by mixing oatmeal with your favorite toppings – from berries to chocolate – to some seriously yummy muffins.

5-Ingredient Blender Muffins
With no oil, no flour, and no sugar, these revolutionary blender muffins will certainly change the way you think about breakfast – and muffins, for that matter. With 15 variations (not counting your own!), breakfasts will be boring no more.

Photos courtesy of thrivinghomeblog.com, thewholesomedish.com, and happyhealthymama.com.