Teaching English in China

Truman alumnus Mark Couch spoke last Wednesday about teaching English in China. Couch taught English as a foreign language in rural Guangdong Province and plans to return to China to continue teaching.

As someone who’s been there and done that, kudos to him!

Photo from: http://www.women-on-the-road.com/image-files/teaching-english-in-china-01.jpg

I’m planning to return to China this summer to teach English to Beijingers, and I greatly look forward to the task. Teaching kids isn’t an easy job, but with a stack of UNO cards, a vocabulary list, some patience and enthusiasm, I think I fare well.

The Chinese government promotes learning English in the school system, but leaves out the students who need help learning the language in real-time or need some pointers on their homework. It also leaves out the slightly older generation who fell years too short on taking English courses. Those are the people I teach. The Chinese give a warm reception to English teachers from outside of China, and the exchanges of tradition and absorption of the Chinese language is well worth a three month stay.

Beijing’s Olympic Games motivated a city-wide push for learning English. Doctors and nurses and anyone closely involved with the event went through English training classes, but the government encouraged all residents to try the trade. The Chinese wanted to impress the influx of foreign tourists who would blanket Beijing that summer.

Olympic aftermath still runs prominently through Beijing, as the proud city reminds citizens and tourists they hosted the games. They haven’t removed Olympic advertisements off busses and local sellers still nag tourists to buy souvenirs. The stadium and the Cube have turned into one big tourist attraction, sometimes housing large concerts and events.

Learning English has maintained this same popularity, but probably for different reasons. While the Chinese – known for the hospitality – still want to impress their visitors, they also recognize the growing global relations. The young Chinese generation learning English will help the economy, as it aims to improve international partnerships by bridging language and culture gaps.

I find it rewarding to see improvement in my young learners, especially when they just need a little nudging. My nine-year-old student, Kelvin, was too shy to speak English with his parents, but after talking to him in my native language about dinosaurs and outer space, he talked more openly.

This summer will bring a continuing enjoyment, and I encourage other aspiring teachers out there to try this experience.