For many Chinese people, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for reunions with friends and family. But for volunteer teachers at the Confucius Institute in Colombia, it's impossible to come back home and celebrate with their family. Let's head over there to find out how they will be marking the occasion instead.

 

Li Yu is a volunteer teacher at the Confucius Institute of the University of Los Andes in Colombia. She has been here for over two years. With the Mid-Autumn Festival just around the corner, she and the other teachers are gathering together to celebrate this traditional Chinese Festival. For these overseas Chinese, the best way to celebrate is, of course, by making dumplings and other Chinese food. Mooncakes are also a must for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Although there are only a few varieties, half a loaf is better than no bread.

 

"I'm thrilled that I can eat mooncakes here in Colombia!"

 

This is Zhu Ting's second Mid-Autumn Festival in Colombia. As an only child, her parents were worried when Zhu told them she planned to move so far away.

 

ZHU TING VOLUNTEER TEACHER "My parents didn't want me to come here, it's so far away from home."

 

But Zhu soon got used to the life in her new country, and her Spanish has improved a great deal.

 

ZHU TING "My responsibility is to teach local people Chinese. I'm happy that I can help them."

 

Although she cannot celebrate with her family, she says her heart is with them.

 

ZHU TING VOLUNTEER TEACHER "I wish you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival!"