The Ups and Downs of Teaching in China
“You can teach some of our students” said my new boss, in hesitant English. “They are looking forward to meeting with you now.” “Now?” I said, shocked. “But I arrived late last night and I’m really jet-lagged.” I’d dragged my luggage through customs, been bumped about in the back of a taxi for half an hour – roads in China aren’t fun – and slept for just a few hours. To say I felt like pap was an understatement. My first day “It’s ok, just some free talking with them,” he said, with a grin and a quick wave of his hand. “But I haven’t prepared…” I started, as my boss directed me down the corridor and nudged me into a classroom of about 30 blank-faced 11-15 year-olds, staring up at me. A young, ‘white’ woman was a rare sight for them. “Hello!” I said, as casually as I could. I quickly introduced myself before asking everyone’s name. ...