It was really happening! I was getting on the plane to China to teach English! The journey was long

but I kept myself occupied with quizzes with my friends Harvey and Jeff! We made a quick stop-off

in Dubai – flying in was so beautiful! The sun was up and the airport was spectacular! Driving to the

apartment, we saw people with fruit craters on the back of motorbikes. I knew that Chinese culture

was going to be so different but so exciting! I went to stay at Celine’s flat, as she was a Chinese

teacher at the school, she would be able to run me through the ropes! I was so grateful for the air-

con in my room, it was so refreshing because it was very warm outside! The place I was staying was

called Shaoxing and it represented the traditional old with the modern and sophisticated new in

both architecture and lifestyle! We saw some people doing tai chi and yoga-style dancing on the

street which was wicked to watch! All of the teachers I was spending time with were fascinated

by all of the scenery and lights at night and took lots of pictures! At school I taught my students

about a variety of different topics, from hypothetical situations to traditional Welsh culture! It felt

amazing to know that I was making a difference to people’s lives and helping them achieve their

ambitions in education as well as individuals! While I was in China I learned a few useful phrases

including “nihao!” (“hello!”)and “duoshao qian?” which means “how much is it”? Shaoxing’s rich

cultural history meant we had a lot of material to talk to the students about as well as show them

how western culture was so different! They found this so interesting and always wanted to know

more about England and the English quality of life!! There were little water ways winding through

the city and lots of shops with souvenirs. I bought some decorative mirrors and some calligraphy

prints to take home. China was such a wonderful experience! I didn’t want it to end!

By Mary Isaac

To find out more about the experience of other teachers, have a look at the teaching videos on our YouTube channel