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I admit I did not know a lot about China prior to accepting my position with EF. I had heard magical and mystical things about this country as shown in films like the animated version of Mulan. I also knew that China, especially areas like Shenzhen where I am teaching, are some of the world's leaders in technology and innovation.
Upon arrival in Shanghai I found a sense of peace. The airport in Shanghai as well as the surrounding areas could be identical to what you would find in the US. I think a part of me expected there to be a degree of differentiation as it was on the other side of the world from where I was from. Sure, the language is different and unfortunately, for women, some of the bathrooms are not what we are used to (which I'm honestly still trying to figure out). However, the moment of peace came with the realization that all the people traveling may also have similar fears and anxieties (whether it is a fear of flying or starting a new job, etc.). Everyone on the flight had to go through the same Covid procedures as well as the standard processes when arriving from an international flight. Suddenly things felt more connected and assuring rather than feeling isolating.
Despite the language barrier, there have been so many helpful people I have encountered in my first 6 weeks here in China. While a translation app was needed in order to convey the communication, more times than not, there has been a profound sense of goodness and patience from people.
A reoccurring lesson I have learned is that like any experience, the more times you do it, the more natural it becomes. Whether it is paying with an app QR code (WeChat or AliPay), pulling up your green code on WeChat mini programs to enter public places like the grocery store and the metro (China's subway system), and using a numeric code to get into your apartment versus a set of keys.
I have acquired an appreciation for the manner of which things are done here with regards to the pandemic procedures. Sure, I have had more Covid tests here in the first couple weeks than I had leading up to that time but the efficiency and degree with which everyone from the staff at the quarantine hotels to those at the local hospitals conducts the procedures is impressive. There were also daily moments while in my strict 14 day quarantine hotel that I greatly appreciated. There was a daily afternoon temperature check done with a thermometer that we would put outside our door for a 3pm check. When the medical staff member got to my room, they would knock and when I opened the door, they asked if I was okay. At first, I wasn't sure how to answer this question as I was in strict quarantine in a foreign country in the middle of a pandemic, but that little sentiment was something I found myself looking forward to.
The areas of Shanghai and Shenzhen that I have seen are clean and have this sense of routine that is both comforting and refreshing. While I was in my strict 14 day quarantine, there was a park with a track and various sporting areas around it that I could see from my window. Every morning I would see various people on the track getting their morning exercise and the same in the evening. My personal favorite are the nightly yangge classes that I've seen performed at the track as well as outdoor parks and the common area outside of my apartment building. Women from ages in their twenties through sixties gather together in the evening or night to perform Chinese rural folk dances to either traditional or contemporary music. It's really special to see traditional elements practiced and celebrated on a daily basis. There is also a strong sense of community from the yangge classes to the local markets and restaurants having grab-n-go items ready first thing in the morning for their patrons to enjoy on their way to work. It is such a practical and convenient yet thoughtful gesture that I have seen in a couple areas around Shenzhen.
Lastly, I wasn't sure what the experience at the school / center was going to be like with the students and parents. While I am still observing and preparing to start teaching, it has been really rewarding to experience the schools firsthand. Some students had recognized my EF uniform and would greet me in the hall saying 'hi Teacher' while some parents would see me when walking with their child and say "that's going to be your teacher". These first impressions have me that much more enthusiastic about getting into the classroom and starting teaching.
While I'm from the other side of the world, I have realized that though there are some general differences, people in general are a lot more alike than we may think. I look forward to the future experiences and adventures I will have in China during my time with EF. While the first couple weeks have been a learning curve, it has been far surpassed by the little moments and efforts made by those I have met thus far. Even though I still have so much to learn about China, her beautiful country, language, culture and people, I look forward to having those experiences and gaining that knowledge firsthand.