Margaret Cleary recalls her experience as a teacher with AITECE at Hubei University.
Some years ago, I read about AITECE’s recruitment of teachers for China in the Far East. I have always longed to work and live in China as I am fascinated by its culture and history. However, my path led to Africa where I volunteered in Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Later, having completed an overseas contract in Malawi I took the plunge and contacted AITECE again. From the outset I was given constant support by AITECE’s Coordinator. This included workshops, and meetings with current and ex volunteers, all of which was arranged by Columban Fr Hugh MacMahon.
I was assigned to Hubei University and AITECE’s coordinator in Hong Kong helped me with the paperwork. Eimer, another volunteer who had worked in China and enjoyed it so much that she volunteered to return to Hubei University, took me under her wing. She accompanied me to the Chinese Embassy in Dublin, assisted me with my flights, insurance, etc. She also arranged her own travel to Hong Kong to coincide with mine and this meant the whole procedure caused little or no stress to me.
On leaving Ireland I was well informed of what might lie ahead of me in China. We were met in Hong Kong Airport by Fr Joe Houston (RIP) who provided us, over a three-day period, with a very detailed overview of Chinese culture, etiquette, and a brief course on the Chinese language (which I never mastered beyond two words) and what to expect from teaching in a Chinese University.
I was met in Hubei Airport by the Hubei University Coordinator, an American volunteer, Marge, and a student who stayed with me over many weeks, assisting me with setting up a bank account, a sim card, Wi-Fi, shopping, and any concerns I had. I was also assigned a lovely clean two-bedroom apartment with all essential equipment provided. This support from the university and AITECE was a feature of my stay in Hubei University.
Over my two-year period I taught English and tried to give a positive impression of Irish culture, global history, communication, and the psychology of advertising. I was assigned these courses as I had studied similar subjects for my Primary and Masters degrees. I was provided with books that catered to the Chinese curriculum. I worked 12 hours a week, which was flexible. I found that most of my free time was spent preparing for class, teaching, correcting homework, and meeting with students.
I had no relevant experience in teaching except for my time in TEFL and a limited experience of teaching English on an ad hoc basis in Africa, and I had no practical experience of the workings of the Chinese education system. My actual teaching experience was not as I had imagined. The assistance, advice and support from the other Irish, American and Kiwi teachers greatly helped me deal with any frustrations I had because of my lack of teaching experience.
Map of China with a marker on Wuhan city in Hubei province. Image Shutterstock.
I had problems with a prevalence of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, indifference, and students’ attachment to their phones. I am sure that if I had more practical experience on the methodology of teaching my experience might have been easier.
I had to be cautious in the subjects I chose for class discussion due to the regulations of the Chinese system. Every teacher is expected to adhere strictly to the manuals provided by the University. The students are used to being taught by rote and are actually discouraged from questioning the teacher. On occasion I was frustrated by this cultural difference, but I really enjoyed the students outside of the class environment.
I went camping, had meals out, private chats in my apartment with those I could trust and was then better equipped to understand and appreciate their opinions. Be prepared to receive copious amount of tea as gifts from the students.
When not teaching I had a wonderful time with plenty of activities and travel. We used to meet other members of the Columban community. The Sisters invited us out for meals in their homes or at restaurants. Once a week all the teachers met in each other’s apartment for a well-deserved glass of wine and some food. Big events were celebrated by dining out in an exclusive restaurant.
This cost a lot less than it would in Ireland. Occasionally on a Friday evening I used to treat myself to a few beers in a local shack. There I found beautiful food and the locals were great company and made every effort to chat in English.
I felt my experience as a teacher in the university gave me a great insight into the lives and culture of the Chinese people. This experience was far wider than that of a tourist. Volunteering at Hubei University was my toughest overseas assignment but I absolutely loved it. I have mixed feelings of fondness, longing, and relief.
Fondness for my students; longing for a return to such fulfilling times; yet sadness that such a busy, stressful time of my life came to a sudden conclusion due to COVID. I would dearly love to return.
If you are interested in teaching in China as an AITECE volunteer – please see the ad below to request more information.
