The China Environment: Living and Teaching
China has been closed to the world for many years, with little exposure to foreigners. Their
recent desire to expand and globalize has resulted in a thirst for progression in culture and
language. Much of the school’s English curriculum revolves around the acquisition of a foreign
teacher. If you were to withdraw after being accepted to teach at a particular institution, it likely
would be left without a foreign teacher for the semester. Finding a replacement in only a few
weeks’ time is extremely difficult. We encourage you to plan carefully before making this
commitment.
We are devoted to making your transition to living in China a smooth process, but be aware
that you are entering an entirely different culture, one that views you as a representative of
America itself. Though many of the schools have the same standard conditions and
agreements, problems caused mainly from misunderstandings may occur. This can be a part
of daily life in China. You are expected to deal with and resolve these issues professionally and
diplomatically. If you are unsure of what you are entitled to, you may contact China Horizons at
any time to seek advice. If you are dissatisfied with the results, we can intervene in solving the
problem. You are not alone in China nor at the mercy of the school’s decision. Seldom have
we encountered a school that is blatantly dishonest and unfair to a teacher. Rather, most
problems arise because of cultural differences and lingual misunderstandings.
If a school leader does not understand you, he/she will rarely tell you so. The nod or smile you
receive in response to your request may not signify understanding. To have anything
accomplished often requires following up and re-explaining your views. The schools, however,
always go out of their way to try to please you. A foreign teacher is a celebrity at the school,
and you could quite possibly be the first foreigner with whom the teachers and students have
ever spoken.
Teaching in China demands a high degree of flexibility, adaptability and optimism. The
Chinese culture differs greatly from western cultures, especially in the area of communication.
For westerners this difference can be frustrating and annoying. We are used to talking to the
right person to get something done. In China, you may not ever be able to talk with that “right”
person directly, but may have to go through the school’s established hierarchy to receive a
satisfactory answer. After your first month, you will catch on to their way of life and know how
things work. But those first few weeks may make it seem difficult to survive in such an
environment. By the end of the experience, you will have become a master at negotiations and
bargaining; that is how you survive in China.
Being in another country, whether with a group or independently, can bring on deep feelings of
loneliness. You should prepare yourself for this before your departure; plan activities and
ideas to push you through that initial culture shock and longing for home, friends and family.
The best way to combat these emotions is to immerse yourself in the Chinese culture by
constant interaction with your students and fellow teachers. Making friends in China is easy,
and the relationships you develop will open up doors to new experiences and opportunities.
Learning the language is another key factor affecting the quality of your stay in China.
Mandarin Chinese classes can be arranged with the school. Most of your fellow Chinese
teachers are more than willing to provide you with cultural and language classes during your
stay. You should expect to offer them a chance to practice English one-on-one with you in
exchange. Being able to speak with the Chinese people in their own tongue allows you to
understand their unique view of the world and enter their society more as a fellow resident than
as an uninformed foreigner.
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