ESEC Philosophy and Characteristics [from ESEC's 20th Anniversary book]

Just as China opened her doors to the world, a group of Chinese-Americans living in Los Angeles founded Educational Services Exchange with China (ESEC) under the leadership of Dr. Danny Yu and Dr. Wing Pang. Serving the people of China through education and exchange was the calling of ESEC. They established a nonprofit organization and began operations as a non-government educational service in 1981.

ESEC gathered attention and support from people in many walks of life. These people gave selflessly of their time, money, and services. In China, ESEC was welcomed by the government and the institutes of higher education. A mutual commitment of cooperation has allowed ESEC to expand its programs; ESEC offers English language learning programs, contemporary teaching methodology, international trade and commerce, medical education, higher education evaluation, service to the disabled, and special education. To date, this effort has involved more than 200 Chinese institutions.

The 20 years that ESEC has served in China marks two historical decades of rapid progress and reform for Chinese society. It is in this setting that ESEC discovered its purpose and defined the incumbent challenges ahead. ESEC appreciates the opportunity to be a participant in the metamorphosis of Chinese society, and is especially grateful for the many friends who have joined us in this pilgrimage.

The fundamental philosophy of ESEC is to promote genuine friendship between the people of China and the people of the United States. In this philosophy, ESEC has embodied five distinct characteristics that set it's work apart.

1. ESEC was founded by Chinese-Americans who are interested in fostering a healthy relationship between the USA and China. An ever-expanding community has sustained ESEC and its work by providing economic and moral support.

2. The guiding tenet of ESEC's partnership is mutual respect. ESEC is founded on the concept of Christian humanitarian principles. Our creed is "to serve, rather than to be served." As partners we focus on understanding and appreciation for one another. Our cooperative relationship is one of equality.

3. ESEC does not send individual teachers: we send teaching teams. We do not emphasize individual performance. We mold our teachers as team members. With strengths that compliment and empower the whole, they can overcome personal limitations. Prior to leaving the States, we extensively train our teachers in teamwork and teaching methodology so the can function effectively overseas.

4. In the training of our teaching teams we also emphasize cross-cultural sensitivity. Equipping our teachers to work with their Chinese partners, we strive to integrate Western and Oriental approaches to education. We employ the latest teaching methodologies while giving close attention to the psychological and cultural habits of the students. As a bicultural organization, ESEC's goal is to overcome cultural boundaries and barriers while respecting he differences of the two cultures.

5. We seek continual growth. We average a new program every two years. We have employed an effective protocol for developing new programs - beginning with pilot testing, then establishing a model and finally duplication for the masses. After we perfect a curriculum design, we immediately seek to multiply the program to as many locations as possible, thereby reducing the cost per student trained. ESEC has been recognized for its ability to produce low cost and high quality education that achieves optimal results.

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Letter from Dr. Danny Yu [from ESEC's 20th Anniversary book]

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

2001 is an exciting year for ESEC. It marks the 20th anniversary of ESEC's service in China, We are deeply honored that so many friends from China and the United States have come together in Beijing to join in our celebration. We would never have imagined such a beautiful tribute 20 years ago.

Upon our first landing in China 21 years ago, China was on the verge of monumental change. the "Opening and Reform" policy had just been announced. China hummed with excitement as the potential for economic growth, educational development and cultural activities was revealed. It was like the early days of spring, when the trees full of tiny buds announce new beginnings and hope for all. It was in this environment of expectation that we resolved to start Educational Services Exchange with China (ESEC), in order to contribute in some small way to the modernization of the motherland.

We chose educational development as our means to serve, led by a conviction that human resource development is the key to the future and success of any society. There was a compelling and immediate need to train internationally oriented personnel for the newly opened China. our calling was clear. For 20 years, we have maintained our "Train the Trainer" focus.

In cooperation with more than 200 Chinese institutions, ESEC has offered English training, international business training, Higher Education Evaluation, medical education, special education for disabled persons, cross-cultural training for business executives, and developmental projects for impoverished regions. In the span of two decades, China has experienced a degree of change that is considered revolutionary, both in its scope and in its record-breaking pace. We are privileged indeed to have been an inspired observer and a joyful participant.

Buckminster Fuller, a famous US philosopher-architect and builder of many beautiful structures, was once asked by an MIT student, "When you tackle a technical problem, do you take the aesthetic factors into consideration?"

"No," replied Fuller. "When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only of how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know something is wrong."

The same can be said about cooperation. In cooperation we commit our common efforts towards finishing a job. But when the job is done, we see the natural outcome is something beautiful - Friendship.

I am often asked to identify the greatest reward of my work with ESEC. The answer is simple and sincere - the many treasured friends I have made. It is appropriate that on this 20th anniversary celebration I would offer thanks to all friends of ESEC. I would first like to thank our many Chinese friends and partners. Without your support and participation, ESEC would not have realized the accomplishment we celebrate today. I also wish to thank our American friends, many of who have traveled a great distance to join in this celebration. Without your long-standing encouragement also, ESEC would not have known this success.

The design for the cover of this commemorative booklet links the Great Wall with the Golden Gate Bridge. The colors selected in this design are chosen from the Chinese and American flags (red, yellow, blue and white). The cover expresses our idealism and appreciation of the friendship between the Chinese and American partners of ESEC. We strongly believe that continuing educational activities and exchange will promote greater understanding and cooperation between our two countries, and multiply the blessings of those who love peace.

We will continue to pursue such ideals, in appreciation and in tribute to all the many friends who have blessed ESEC.

Sincerely,

Dr. Danny Yu

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