Moving and Settling Into Life in China

Moving to another country is a huge step and can be incredibly daunting. I didn’t fully appreciate just how big a leap it was before making the move, which, surprisingly, made the whole process a little easier for me. There are so many things to consider when relocating, not just which pair of shoes to pack or whether your childhood stuffed toy will fit in your suitcase, but also the bigger factors that can shape your experience in a completely new environment. Below are a few of the things I considered before moving and how each one influenced my transition. 

Making friends

From my experience at Yingfu, I would say I’m most grateful for the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made. When I moved to China, I was already very content with the relationships I had back in the UK and didn’t really expect to build lifelong friendships elsewhere. I was completely wrong about that. By allowing myself to open up, I was able to form new friendships with people I would never have come across had I stayed in my small town outside London. I met many of my now close friends early on in China through going to social events with my Yingfu colleagues from different centres, and I was lucky enough to find a few real gems within my centre as well. Building a circle that you feel comfortable around, your ‘home away from home’, is invaluable. They’ve genuinely shaped my experience, and I’ll always be grateful for them. At the same time, it’s important to remember that people can come into your life for a reason or a season. And that’s okay. Not everyone is meant to stay forever**, and** accepting that is part of the experience too. 

Learning Mandarin

I wish I had known beforehand just how complex Mandarin can be. It’s not only about getting the hang of the tones of the language but also understanding the different dialects spoken within and between cities across China. Can you believe there are over 100 regional dialects? I only found this out a couple of months ago, and it still shocks me. If you’re like me, learning a new language is enjoyable but can also be overwhelming at times. Knowing the sheer number of dialects can sometimes dampen your confidence. However, being in a country where the language is spoken almost forces you to pick it up faster than you might expect. I have found that people here in China are always willing to help and are exceptionally patient, so don’t be afraid to practise speaking and listening as much as you can with those around you. There are also plenty of online resources, such as podcasts and videos, that can help grow your vocabulary. I recommend starting with children’s shows. Peppa Pig in Mandarin has kept me entertained! 加油! 

Teaching in China

Having a background in teaching definitely made the transition into this new role easier. However, even with prior experience, it’s important to come to China with an open mind, particularly when it comes to language and culture. Every classroom is different, and there is always something new to learn. One of the most valuable teaching skills I have developed while working with Yingfu is building strong rapport with students. Many people come into this role without a teaching background, which is completely fine because teachers are provided training. Before stepping into a classroom on your own, you will receive all the essential training needed to help you feel prepared and confident. Even with that training, standing in front of a classroom full of students for the first time can still be nerve-wracking. The students are getting to know you just as much as you are getting to know them. This is where building rapport becomes so important. Creating positive teacher student relationships helps make the classroom a more relaxed and enjoyable environment for everyone. It encourages students to participate, ask questions, and make mistakes without fear of being judged. The same mindset applies to teaching itself. There will be days when you leave the classroom feeling less satisfied with your performance than others, and that’s completely normal. Every teacher experiences those moments. What I’ve come to realise is that the pursuit of perfection is a farce. Growth comes from being willing to try new approaches, reflect on what worked and what didn’t, and continue improving. Letting go of the need to be perfect creates the freedom to become a better teacher, one lesson at a time. 

So, these are just some of the main areas that have shaped my experience in China. My biggest piece of advice is to be patient with yourself. Especially in your first few months living in China, there is a lot to take in and get used to, and it doesn’t happen overnight. I’ve lived here for over a year now, and there are still things I’m learning, and things I have yet to learn. For me, that’s what makes the experience so worthwhile.