Tourists at Forbidden Temple
China probably has one of the most misunderstood cultures in the world. Full of stereotypes. Some of them are quite complimentary while the vast majority are full of mystery and wrong beliefs. Personally, I have had the chance to get a closer look at different aspects of it thanks to my job. Let me tell you what is it that I do.
I have been an English teacher for more than eight years. Recently, I left my beloved Colombia and came to Spain with some academic and professional goals in mind. While actively doing my job hunt, I came across a couple of remote jobs for English teachers. Of course, I applied and landed a job with a Chinese company. Now I teach English to Chinese kids and adults.
With every class taught to a Chinese kid or a group of Chinese adults, I learned more and more about their culture. Allow me to share some of that knowledge with you.
I understood why students barely have any time off and seem to be busier than most adults from western countries. As it turns out, accessing quality secondary and further education is highly expensive. The country only offers free elementary education, however there are great differences in fees among students depending on their grades. Grades determine how much families will have to pay for secondary education and of course college.
It was amazing to understand their passion for reading. From the youngest to the oldest learner, I always got reading as the answer to my question: what do you love doing? They read, for fun, every day! Michael (that’s his English name) is 10 and when asked what he got for his birthday he answered with a big smile: BOOKS! I also asked him what he wanted to get for Christmas* and crossing his fingers he answered:
I hope I get books.
Don’t even get me started on their diet. They are probably the healthiest people I have ever talked to. It’s quite surprising to see how even young kids understand why fast food is bad for you! They know it can make you sick and fat (they take good care of their shape, that is children, men and women. It seems to be a big concern for them)
Yes, I made the mistake to ask about a Netflix series. The kid said: teacher, what is Netflix? Of course, China’s internet and social media is completely different to the one we have. They don’t have WhatsApp but WeChat and their whole lives are on their phones. They don’t know who Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga or Brad Pitt are, not even Arnold Schwarzenegger, isn’t it crazy? Of course we don’t know who Meng Meiqi, Zhu Yilong or Cai Xukun. So let’s call it even.
Most importantly, they are kind and sweet. They are hardworking. They are patient and smart. They care about others and don’t have this individualistic attitude that most of us have developed through the years. More and more Chinese citizens are learning English, they want to communicate with the world, they want to study abroad, travel, learn from other cultures. The next time, you have the chance to study, work or live in the same neighborhood, don’t be afraid, don’t alienate them, don’t judge them. Approach, talk, learn. In the end, we are just humans.