Why did you decide to teach abroad with CIEE?
Jim: While I was in one of my university classes, I had overheard classmates talking about their experience. I asked some questions and went home and “googled” (I am told that “to google” is a legitimate verb now)—“teaching English in China”. There were “a million sites” but after some research and further negative job searching, I decided to go for it. I liked the look of CIEE and since a kid I had wanted to visit China.
CIEE had provided potential participants with e-mail addresses of teachers who were/had been teachers in the program. I corresponded with several and liked what I heard. Although I had traveled widely in the US (hitch-hiking all over the place in the late sixties, early seventies) I had never been abroad. The CIEE program provided some “hand –holding”, visa help, found me a job, provided a week long orientation in Shanghai (great food, and excursions included), and transportation to my assignment. They also provided “problem-solving assistance” for whenever I requested it (very seldom) and health insurance. Looking back on it, I feel it was money well-spent.
For the last four years, I have lived and taught in three Chinese cities—Hefei, Qingdao, and Changzhou and taught at virtually all grade levels. I am presently teaching at a university in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province and hoping to go to Chongqing in Sichuan Province in the Fall. I also attend CIEE’s orientations every six months in the role of an experienced teacher. I help the new group of teachers who have come to China with lesson planning what to expect at their teaching assignments, and what to expect in their time here in general. Obviously, I enjoy my life in China.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Jim: On the personal level, I have learned how to live without all the comforts of home and been awakened as to what things are really important to me. I have never been a “flag waiver” and I doubt that I ever will be but I have gained a new perspective on where I am from and what we have. I have made so many friends -- kind, caring, generous friends and seen places that I never thought I would see. I like to think that I have made an impact, on some level, here in China. However naïve it might sound, I came to China feeling that I was a kind of ambassador and it proved true in my first post in Hefei.
Many people there had never seen a foreigner and I had a great opportunity to not be the “ugly American”. I think I accomplished that and, at the same time, I got used to the stares that can often come with the territory. It was a little un-nerving at first but you get used to it, at least to a large degree.
Professionally, I have learned how to teach on a very basic level—how to be a creative, effective, and thorough teacher with sometimes extremely limited materials, resources, and teaching/learning aids.
Be forewarned, schools are often dirty, classrooms unheated (jacket in winter)/un-cooled, technology is often a blackboard, and classes are often large (not usually more than 60, though). Textbooks are horrible. I rarely use them. I create my own lessons. Chinese teachers may/may not be receptive, although I have made great friends. You might need to make the first effort. During my time here in China I have gained a great respect for Chinese teachers. While I don’t necessarily agree with many aspects of their methodology and pedagogy they do a remarkable job with what they have to work with structurally and technologically. The Chinese education system is archaic, inefficient and stifling. I will leave it at that.
What advice would you give to future CIEE-China teachers?
Jim: BE REALISTIC. If you have to have the Starbucks, your personal space, your ducks always in a row, convenience, cleanliness, people actually waiting in line, and countless other things that we often take for granted in the US, do yourself a favor and—JUST STAY HOME.
If you are a MATURE (read older) individual, as I am, medical issues might be a consideration. So there are things to think about. As ludicrous as this might sound, and take this to heart, understand that CHINA IS NOT AMERICA!
However, if you are looking for an opportunity to experience a culture, a country, a people that are in the vast majority of cases 180 degrees from what you know, see things that amaze you on virtually daily basis, work with students that appreciate what you do, and have an adventure that you will likely never forget, then come teach in China.