Diving Lessons

Question
I am studying abroad for my junior year of high school in Beijing China. I was a diver back in America, and was looking to further my diving career here. I was wondering if there was a place with English speaking coaches that will coach high schoolers here in Beijing for only 6 months?

Answer
Kelly -

You are living in one of the world's elite diving meccas and I am sure there are several excellent diving facilities and programs but finding a coach that speaks English is going to be difficult. The only English speaking Chinese coaches I know of live here in the US.

I am going to suggest a website to go to that will have contact information in Beijing so you can continue your search:

www.fina.org (this is the international governing body for all aquatic sports).
Click on 'Structure' at the top of the home page.
On the next page scroll down looking on the left side for 'National Federations'.
On this page click on 'Asia'.
Now look for CHN on the first page to go to China's page.

There you will find an address, phone number, e-mails and webpage for you to contact. I think you will need to speak or write in Chinese or find someone who can do it for you to communicate your request.Do not expect these contact people to speak or write English.

You only chance of finding a coach who speaks English is someone who is studying the language so they can move to an English speaking country to coach diving there. There are Chinese coaches in all the major English speaking diving countries so you may find someone who wants to speak the language. See if you can find a coach you can help learn the language in exchange for them coaching you.

Good luck in your search.