Teaching English in China is an exciting and rewarding experience, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich cultural environment. However, navigating the complexities of Chinese culture, education system, and social expectations can present challenges for foreign teachers. Avoiding certain pitfalls is crucial to ensuring a positive and respectful experience. In this article, we’ll explore things to avoid as a foreign teacher in China, covering cultural missteps, workplace expectations, social norms, and common mistakes that could affect your teaching career.
Misunderstanding Cultural Norms
Ignoring the Importance of Hierarchy
China’s society is built around Confucian values, which emphasize respect for hierarchy and age. In a school setting, this manifests in the teacher-student relationship and in your interactions with other staff members. It’s vital to recognize and respect the established hierarchy. If you’re a foreign teacher working with Chinese colleagues, you should be aware of your position in relation to seniority.
It’s also important to understand the unspoken cultural codes regarding age. For example, even if you are in a peer relationship with a younger colleague, it is still courteous to acknowledge the respect owed to their seniority. Avoid overly casual behavior or disregarding traditional hierarchical norms, as it can lead to discomfort or misunderstandings.
Not Understanding Education System
Avoid Overlooking China’s Education System
Chinese students are often under tremendous pressure to perform academically. The education system is heavily exam-oriented, with national exams playing a central role in a student’s future. Many foreign teachers make the mistake of not fully understanding the emphasis placed on rote memorization and test performance.
As a foreign teacher, your role may not always be directly tied to preparing students for these exams, but it’s important to acknowledge the stress that students face. Your classes may serve as a source of relief, but also be mindful not to undermine the seriousness of academic achievement. Avoid belittling students’ emphasis on exams or downplaying their concerns about exam preparation, as this can lead to frustration or tension.
Overlooking the Importance of Discipline
Discipline in the classroom is a critical aspect of the education system in China. While foreign teachers often enjoy a more relaxed classroom environment compared to their Chinese counterparts, it is essential to maintain a sense of authority and discipline. Some foreign teachers fall into the trap of being too lenient or permissive, assuming that students will naturally respect their teaching methods.
However, this can lead to a lack of focus and disorganized behavior. Chinese students often expect teachers to take control of the classroom, maintain structure, and provide clear instructions. Therefore, it’s important to balance friendliness and approachability with an effective teaching style that maintains discipline.
Disregarding Local Food and Eating Habits
Avoiding Traditional Chinese Cuisine
One of the most noticeable cultural experiences in China is food, and there are myriad dishes that you’ll encounter during your stay. Many foreign teachers make the mistake of avoiding Chinese food altogether, opting instead for familiar Western-style dishes or fast food.
While it’s understandable that the unfamiliarity of Chinese cuisine can be intimidating at first, avoiding traditional foods can hinder your immersion in the culture. Chinese food is a fundamental part of social life, and turning down food offered by colleagues or students can be seen as disrespectful. It’s important to be open-minded and try different dishes, even if they don’t align with your tastes. Eating together fosters relationships, and your willingness to embrace the food will be appreciated.
Being Picky About Food
While being open to trying new things is essential, it’s equally important not to be overly picky. In Chinese culture, sharing food is a common social practice, and rejecting food for reasons that may seem trivial can be perceived as rude. For example, declining food simply because of its appearance or texture might be seen as a refusal to engage with the local culture. Even if certain dishes are unfamiliar or uncomfortable to you, try to accept food graciously, showing appreciation for the gesture.
Overstepping Social Boundaries
Criticizing China’s Politics
China’s political system is vastly different from many Western countries, and discussions regarding politics or government policies can be sensitive. As a foreign teacher, it’s crucial to avoid engaging in debates or expressing personal opinions on political matters.
Making Negative Comments About Chinese Culture
While you may encounter cultural differences that are unfamiliar or challenging, it is important to avoid making negative comments or generalizations about Chinese culture. Criticizing aspects of Chinese society, such as family dynamics, social etiquette, or customs, can be offensive and may damage relationships with colleagues and students.
Remember that cultural differences should be approached with respect, curiosity, and an open mind. If you find certain aspects of life in China challenging, it’s better to discuss them with a close friend or fellow foreign teacher who understands the nuances, rather than expressing dissatisfaction publicly.
Not Being Prepared for the Workload and Expectations
Avoiding Miscommunication with the Employer
When negotiating your contract or discussing expectations with your employer, it’s crucial to clarify your workload and responsibilities from the outset. Many foreign teachers make the mistake of assuming that their job will only involve teaching English classes, but in reality, you may be expected to engage in extracurricular activities, attend meetings, or assist with other administrative tasks.
To avoid misunderstandings, make sure to have a clear agreement with your employer about what is expected of you. Be mindful of any additional responsibilities that might not be explicitly mentioned in your contract, such as attending events, participating in staff meetings, or helping with student clubs. These expectations can vary widely depending on the institution.
Overworking Yourself
In China, there can be an intense focus on hard work, often to the detriment of personal well-being. While it’s admirable to be committed to your role as a teacher, it’s important not to overcommit yourself, especially if the work begins to interfere with your health or social life. Some foreign teachers might feel pressure to work overtime, take on extra classes, or engage in activities beyond their contracted duties, but this can lead to burnout.
It’s crucial to set boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance. If you find that the workload is becoming unmanageable or stressful, communicate this with your employer and seek support. Being overwhelmed by work can lead to dissatisfaction and, ultimately, a less fulfilling experience.
Failing to Adapt to Local Communication Styles
Overcommunicating or Undercommunicating
Chinese communication styles are often more indirect and formal than what you might be accustomed to in Western cultures. Direct confrontation is generally avoided, and people may not openly disagree with authority figures, even if they do not fully agree. As a foreign teacher, this can lead to confusion, especially when trying to get feedback or understand students’ concerns.
Avoid interpreting silence or hesitation as agreement or approval. If a Chinese colleague or student seems reluctant to speak up, don’t assume they are comfortable with everything. Try to create an environment in which your students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, and make an effort to understand subtle cues in communication.
Making Cultural Assumptions
Stereotyping Chinese People
It’s important to remember that, like any other culture, China is diverse, and people’s experiences and views can vary greatly. Avoid making sweeping generalizations about Chinese people or their behavior based on stereotypes. For example, assuming that all Chinese students are obedient, or that all Chinese food is spicy, can lead to misunderstandings.
Instead, take the time to get to know your students, colleagues, and the broader culture on a deeper level. Recognizing the diversity within Chinese society will help you form more meaningful relationships and avoid cultural faux pas.
Thinking Everything is the Same Across China
China is a vast country, with significant regional differences in dialects, customs, food, and lifestyle. What you experience in Beijing might be very different from life in Chengdu, Guangzhou, or a smaller city. Avoid assuming that everything you encounter in one part of China will be the same everywhere. Always approach new environments with curiosity and openness, and be prepared for differences in expectations or norms.
Conclusion
Teaching English in China is a rewarding experience that offers the chance to immerse yourself in a dynamic and rapidly changing society. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential cultural pitfalls and to avoid behaviors that might inadvertently cause misunderstandings or friction. By being respectful, adaptable, and willing to learn, you can build strong relationships
