# 4 Retiring Teacher preparing to teach in China (First visit in Taizhou)

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Thought I would continue my previous entry about my visit to China this past summer. No doubt, there are some of you who might consider a similar adventure, preparing to teach in China after retirement, and I would like to give as much encouragement as possible. I have heard from individuals, who are presently involved in teaching English in various places in China, and I have great appreciation for all of the commentary. Please keep the many comments coming, and feel free to quiz me on any of your thoughts and concerns.
..... My first day in China was filled with sights and sounds and smells that will never leave.
The streets I travelled were not the China of Beijing or Shangai nor Hong Kong, but it was a "smaller" city of about 5 million, so Mr. Lee had mentioned in his Emails. The streets were very wide by western standards, and most in a straight grid. There were few private cars, a fair amount of taxis, but thousands of bikes, and tens of thousands of pedestrians. A western face is rare, and once noticed, the Chinese people stared, and children would giggle in delight. Teenagers who are studying English, (there are 3 required courses for all school children of all ages in China: Mathematics, Chinese, and English), would yell a happy hello and often engage in small conversations to practice their English. I am a teacher, and it was a great joy for me to spare a little time for such eager faces and minds. One could see the pride in the faces of their parents, who would encourage such interaction. The usual photo with them would be their highlight. These people are friendly far beyond western expectations, they love to smile and laugh and engage.
Remember though, China has a one-child policy. The one child is often referred to as "the Little Emperor". The whole extendet- family's attention shines on that child. It is their pride and joy as well as their hope and dream. That child is also the link to a more secure old-age. There are ongoing discussions about that policy, in China as well. I had frank
conversations. They revealed general agreement with the policy, for it is now more important for them to feed and house the almost 1.4 billion citizens of this immense country. They remember serious shortages of both within most of their life-times. We only need to take a serious look at neighboring India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and North Korea etc. At 61, I remember my readings concerning China during the '50s, '60s, '70s and into the '80s. What I saw in the faces of everyone I met was open pride and determined hope, and the longing to achieve and succeed. These values are familiar, for I try to teach them to my students each day.
I have read and heard discussions about the value the people of China place on education. That is not a recent inovation, but the intellect has always been respected throughout their history. There was no doubt in my mind, from the first day, that respect was given me as an educator in great measure. It didn't help much that I am over sixty 😊 Both receive the greatest respect and admiration. Let me speak more to this subject in my next entry.
Thank you for taking time to read these comments and stay in touch. Hans

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Comments

[Judi]

Good Luck!
God bless you and go for it!