With the kinks worked out and the first game completed, we regrouped and formed teams using the Chinese method. Using the ball to decide the teams, the Chinese system is neutral. All members formed a tight circle with one person throwing the ball in the air slightly to ensure it spins, and then he/she caught it. When the ball was caught, the person standing in the direction of the air hole stepped out of the circle. This process continued until half of the group was out of the circle and half was still in it, hence the formation of two teams.

As the two new teams started the fresh game, it was clear to see the expanded camaraderie of the students; more smiles, more banter and more fun. As the night moved on, we ended our activities after a short two hours. For additional credit, students submitted paragraphs detailing their volleyball experience with their English classes.

Shawn wrote: “It was so exciting,” and concluded with “I was really happy to play with those very nice and kind people and I’m honored to be a classmate with them.” Similar comments were expressed by many students, as Tony wrote, “Though in fact my arms hurt during the games, the enjoyment is more important.” As the academic year ended, so did the volleyball. However, given its success, I decided to offer two meetings per semester per class.

Doubling the number of volleyball matches per semester allows students to build stronger rapport with each other as well as enable them to communicate more with an American outside of class. I have always enjoyed meeting and talking to students and volleyball is the perfect conduit to enhance international relations on a local scale in South China.