In Chinese culture it is polite to decline offers of food or drink at least three times before accepting. Toasting is important in China, with the host making the first toast. Chinese guests will never finish all the food on their plates because doing so signifies that they are still hungry. Giving a small gift to one of the Chinese fellows as a thank you for speaking to your class is an appropriate gesture. Gifts should not be wrapped in white or black paper, colors often associated with a funeral.
Bright colors are preferable.
Proper gifts include hats, pens, t-shirts with logos, local memorabilia such as Indian arts and crafts and fine chocolate. Be careful that your gift was not made in China, as many products in the United States are crafted there. Lara spent nearly six weeks at Wuyi University last summer teaching US history, US geography, higher education in the United States, public speaking and intercultural communication. Jackie Jaap was the first SMCC Wuyi Fellow in 1997. The Wuyi Fellows will be on campus a few days a week.