Thank you China

Writing a 2000 word article reflecting on my time in China and then it deleting itself was probably a way of saying that 2000 words of me rambling on about my time in China was too long for anyone to want to read. So here is the new account of my time here, short(ish) and sweet.

So I am coming to the end of my time here; where have the past ten months gone! I think that it is essential that I reflect on my journey, putting it down on paper gives me the chance to put some order and make some sense of my experience and that is primarily why I want to write this; but if you happen to be reading this now then I also think that it is nice that I can share my experience with others too.

Living in China has not only given me the opportunity to learn about this crazy country, I have also learned a lot about my own country too. I have not only been living in a new country but a completely different part of the world, where core norms, values and philosophy of life and living are completely different from England. In ways their outlook is better and in others it is not. Would I have had more fun living in Australia or America for a year, hmmm probably, but how much really would I have been learning about the world if I was still within the same western capitalist world that I have only ever known.

You can only really know China if you have lived here or been here for a substantial amount of time. Going to Beijing, Shanghai and the other popular destinations does not allow you to see authentic China. Speaking to Chinese people day to day (in limited Chinese or English) allows you to see what Chinese people are like, how they live, what they like to do for fun, how they like to eat, what family homes look like, how differently the rich live from the poor, the pressures they have to find a job, a partner, to stay slim and to remain to be seen as a good person.

I'm not saying that all of what I am saying is correct; obviously not all Chinese people think and act the same (although it is fascinating and a little annoying how homogenous they can be). They may not even think or act the way I see them to at all. This is just my interpretation of how I see China. My practically none existent Chinese and Chinese peoples' lack of extensive English vocabulary may often distort many conversations that we have but I suppose that adds to the mysterious nature of China. If I could communicate 100 percent my thoughts and their thoughts and if I could read Chinese characters, I know that I would see China through a completely different lens. I wonder if I would prefer the knowing or if I like the blissful ignorance.

So now I have 'English Teacher in China' added to my CV, I have loved this opportunity but in fact I would say that I have learned and gained so much more from the living aspect of China over the teaching.

Firstly, teaching in China- I have taught all age ranges at some point in China however my main job is to teach 13-17 year olds, and I can honestly say that I love them (most of them). Their personalities really do shine through the limited English that they speak and how can I complain that not all of them can hold a proper conversation in English. How many people did you know that could have a conversation in a foreign language at the age of 15? They are in school between 7am-9:30pm and although I do think this is too long it has made me realise that a 9-3 school day in England is perhaps too short and probably impractical when most parents typically work 9-5. There is becoming more and more of a demand for native English speaking teachers and I can't recommend teaching in China enough to gain some perspective on the world!

Living in China-There are aspects of China that do annoy me a little, probably the last minuteness of things most. They follow an ever changing lunar calendar and being told you have a 5 day holiday a couple of days before isn't practical. Yes it is a little loud, yes it is a little dirty, yes people do stare at you and ask for your picture. Personally, I really don't know why the foreigners here get so annoyed at these things, look past it and try and understand why things are the way they are. Foreigners do still have a special status here in china and it shouldn't be taken for granted nor taken advantage of. Foreigners have it good here; there is really no reason why we can complain!

Chinese people do things here out of passion and not for reason, as a foreigner they are extra nice to you and will go out of their way so much. It really did throw me a little bit at first, I would think 'but why do they want to do that for me?', it is those pleasant experiences that have made me fall in love with China. I will certainly take two minutes out of my time in the future if a foreigner stops to ask me where the nearest post office is in England or something so trivial to us that is a big deal to them. How we act towards foreigners leaves an impression on how they view our country. We have a great country; it's the people that take it for granted who sometimes bring it down.

This year has been life changing and I do think that I have grown as a person whilst being here (as cheesy as that may sound) having spent a lot of time by myself and with my thoughts all I constantly seem to be doing is thinking. Sometimes it is good to be away from something to realise how much you appreciate it, be it family, friends or England. My whole life so far has kind of been planned out: school, college, university, China and now I go back to England to the unknown; this is scary but exciting too. I will always have a place in my heart for China, and I'm grateful that I got to share this experience with Nicole. All these great memories I have and it is a bonus that I have someone back at home who I can talk about them with and laugh with whilst reminiscing on the crazy times. I don't think there is anyone else who I could have experienced China (and our other travelling adventures)with, someone who is equally as laid back and open minded and having that one person who is on the same page as you is a great comfort. I would love to come back to China one day, especially Xiangtan and I look forward to hearing from my students via email telling me where they now are in their lives.

All in all I would just like to say thank you China.

Emily