This document summarizes the experiences of foreign teachers working at Hunan Concord College of Sino-Canada. It discusses where the teachers come from, what they teach, and the challenges they face in adapting to the new cultural environment in China. Interviews with current foreign teachers find that they were attracted by the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture, but face difficulties with cultural and educational differences. Recommendations are made to help foreign teachers psychologically prepare, remain open and flexible to adapt, learn the local culture and language, and maintain a work-life balance while helping students succeed during their time teaching in China.

1. Foreign Teachers in a Concord College
of Sino-Canada
Stephanie Liang，Ph.D.
Acting Canadian VP
July 2016

2. Canada vs. China

3. Contents
I. Background
II. Foreign Teachers in Hunan Concord College
of Sino-Canada
III. Some Interview Responses from Foreign
Teachers
IV. Recommendations

4. I Background
1. This is me
1999-2003

5. 2016

6. Hunan Concord College of Sino-Canada

7. 2. Foreign Teachers in Concord Colleges of Sino-
Canada
 Where do they come from
 What do they teach
 How long do they work in China
 What is their experience in China

8. II. Foreign Teachers in Hunan Concord College
of Sino-Canada
1. Definitions
Foreign teachers Hunan CCSC

9. 2. Reasons to teach in China
Chinese history/culture/people/a mission of
interacting with students to improve their English

10. 3. Challenges
Ideological, psychological, educational,
cultural and sometimes physical

11. 4. Management
To help foreign teachers to adapt to the new social and
academic environment
To maximize the value of their teaching and living
experience in China

12. III. Some Interview Responses
from Foreign Teachers
1. What attracted you to come to China to teach?
The opportunity to learn about a new culture in the
fastest growing economic region of the world. It allows
me the chance to learn about one of the oldest
civilizations, and to explore other areas of Southeast Asia.

13. 2. How is the experience different from your previous
international teaching experience?
A lack of fear for my personal safety as when I lived
and taught in southern Turkey. Ease of travel on a
daily basis outside of the school, and ease of
socializing with the locals.

14. 3. What do you think about the cultural
differences/educational differences that have influenced
you during your stay in China?
The whole process of “saving face” has altered how I go
about correcting someone or pointing out something was
not done as agreed upon.

15. 4. What would you personally like to do in order to
increase the value of your life in China?
Learn more conversational/survival Chinese. Explore
more areas of the country, and visit more public/private
schools or universities.

16. 5. What would you say to a new teacher who will join the
same school that you are teaching at right now?
Keep a sense of humor and an open mind, as you will need
it to cope. Plus, show a lot of patience and enjoy the
wonders of China.

17. IV. Recommendations
1. Be psychologically prepared
2. Acknowledge the differences
3. Be open, positive and flexible to adapt

18. 4. Grow with students while helping them
succeed
5. Learn the culture and language
6. A work-life balance
7. Survive and thrive

19. Then, in spite of all the ups and
downs, why still come to China to
teach?

20. Work with Chinese students and help them succeed

21. Real Chinese Food

22. Acknowledgments

23. Welcome to visit China
Stephanie Liang, Ph.D.
Acting Canadian Vice Principal
Hunan Concord College of Sino-Canada
Changsha, Hunan, China
Email: stephanie.liang@hccsc.com.cn
WeChat: 649816833
Thank you for your attention!