Is it peaceful and quiet at the school?
Mostly yes — but let’s keep it real.
Jima is still very much a village, surrounded by rice fields, hills, and nature. On some nights it’s wonderfully calm, with only the crickets to keep you company. On other nights… well, nature and neighbors have their own plans.
The Village Symphony
🦗 Cicadas
Singing like they’re auditioning for a rock band
🐦 Birds
Having early-morning arguments
🐓 Chickens
Announcing the sunrise (sometimes earlier than you’d like)
🎆 Neighbors
Setting off occasional fireworks (yes, even on random weekdays)
🐕 Dogs
Practicing barking marathons all night long
🐿️ Squirrels
Staging wrestling matches on the roof
It’s not predictable — one night is pure silence, another is a village symphony. But in general, the surroundings are peaceful and calm, and most students get used to the sounds quickly. Some even find it part of the charm of living in rural China.
💡 Pro tip
If you’re a very light sleeper, bring earplugs — just in case the squirrels throw an all-night party.