A foreign teacher learns to how to make Jiaozi or Chinese dumpling. (CNS/Li Yang)

"Living with a Chinese family, we can experience Chinese culture deeper and closer", said Kirk Martin, who graduated from Drake University in the United States. Since 2012, he has led the graduates of the school to hold activities on Chinese cultural education and training in Shijiazhuang, the capital of northern China's Hebei province, every year.

This year he and 17 foreign teachers even tried a homestay.

"I have come to Shijiazhuang 12 times. My hometown is Des Moines, Iowa State. But I have more friends in Shijiazhuang than in Des Moines", said Kirk Martin, who can speak fluent Chinese. He said it is meaningful that foreign teachers enter Chinese families and experience genuine Chinese sentiment.

It is the second time for Alek, from Drake University, to come to China. This time he experienced the nightlife of Shijiazhuang and also went to a park to do morning exercise. Alek wishes he can have the opportunity to come here again.

"I really like to walk in the city and I got to see the square dance. Here is really different from the United States. Everyone has smiles on their faces and this experience is a valuable one for me." said 21-year-old Mikhala, who felt very excited to stay with the Chinese family.

Wang Liya, one of the hosts of the families, said this is the first time she has had direct contact with a foreign friend. When the foreign teacher was sitting at the dinner table, eating the food she cooked and saying "delicious food", she had a great sense of accomplishment.

A foreign girl learns Chinese calligraphy. (CNS/Li Yang)

Iowa and Hebei are friendly states, and Drake University and the No. 42 middle school in Shijiazhuang are friendly schools, said Zhang Xiuying, vice president of the school, and the organizer of the event.

Since 2002, outstanding graduates from Drake University have been selected to work at the school as foreign teachers. They will also teach at Sichuan International Studies University, Southwest University of Political Science & Law and Guangxi Normal University.

A foreign teacher exchanges gifts with the host family. (CNS/Photo)