Foreign teacher: A bridge between countries

First Person | Erica Day

Editor's note: Erica Day, 28, is from Arizona in the United States and has lived in China for more than three years.

I've been studying Chinese at a university in Changchun for the past six months, but before that I was an English teacher at Jilin University.

After completing my master's degree in teaching English as a second language, I taught an intensive program for international students at a major US university for a year.

I interacted with students from many countries and enjoyed the opportunity to learn about different cultures. For years, though, I had the desire to live and work abroad, so I decided to move to China.

I've never regretted the decision, as my experience has shown me that, on the whole, Chinese students are incredibly motivated and are a joy to teach.

People come to teach in China through various avenues. I work for a company called the English Language Institute China, and they provide background checks as well as intensive training on how to teach English and relate to Chinese culture.

I was a teacher at Jilin University for more than two years, and I was very impressed with the level of care they showed to foreign teachers there.

Nearly all the foreign teachers I have interacted with were qualified to teach in their field. Many of them have a desire to learn about Chinese culture, and through their knowledge they are able to serve as a bridge between other countries and China, sharing their experiences with students and receiving much in return.

I believe working with a qualified company that has a long-standing relationship with the Chinese government can help ensure that qualified employees are placed in teaching positions, and that these teachers are regularly held to an extra level of accountability.

Erica Day was talking to China Daily reporter He Na.