Sinazo Mazomba works in her office in Xiamen, Fujian Province (COURTESY) 

I am a passionate and dedicated teacher who embarked on a life-changing journey to Xiamen to teach students in a foreign land. With a heart full of enthusiasm and a mind brimming with knowledge, I embraced the challenges and rewards of teaching in a new cultural setting.  

Xiamen, a vibrant coastal city in southeastern China, welcomed me with its bustling streets, traditional architecture, and warm hospitality. As I navigated the city’s narrow alleys and busy markets, I marvelled at the blend of modernity and ancient traditions that defined Xiamen’s unique charm. 

My classroom, nestled in a local kindergarten in Xiamen, became my sanctuary and stage. With bright-eyed students eager to learn and absorb knowledge, I felt a sense of purpose and fulfilment I’ve never experienced before. The classroom buzzed with energy and curiosity, as I introduced students to the wonders of English language, literature, and culture. I used a dynamic and engaging teaching style, combining traditional teaching methods with interactive activities and multimedia resources as an English teacher. I believed in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student felt valued and supported in their academic journey. 

Cultural immersion  

One of the highlights of my teaching experience in Xiamen was the cultural exchange that I took part in both inside and outside the classroom. I was delighted to share stories of my own culture and background with my students, while also immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Chinese traditions and customs. I used field trips to learn from real life experiences. Through field trips to local landmarks, cultural festivals, and community events, we explored the beauty and diversity of Xiamen’s heritage. We engaged in meaningful conversations with local residents, sampled traditional cuisine, and participated in cultural workshops that deepened my understanding of Chinese customs and values.  

As the seasons changed and the school year progressed, I witnessed my students’ growth and transformation firsthand. I saw timid learners blossom into confident speakers, struggling students conquer academic challenges, and curious minds expand their horizons with newfound knowledge and insights. Despite the language barriers and cultural differences that occasionally posed challenges, I never wavered in dedication to my students. I spend long hours crafting lesson plans, providing individualised support, and fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among my diverse group of learners. 

The support and solidarity extended beyond the classroom walls, as I forged friendships with fellow educators, school administrators, and members of the Xiamen community. I have found a sense of belonging in this foreign land, where kindness and generosity are universal languages that transcend boundaries. As the summer break approached, I looked back on my teaching experience in Xiamen with a profound sense of gratitude and accomplishment. I had not only taught valuable lessons in academics but had also learned priceless lessons in resilience, patience, and cultural sensitivity. 

Teaching in Xiamen presented with a myriad of challenges that tested my resilience, adaptability, and empathy. One of the primary hurdles I faced was the language barrier. With students at varying levels of proficiency in English, it became difficult to communicate and explain complex concepts. To overcome this massive obstacle, I have consistently used visual aids, gestures, and simplified language to make my lessons more accessible and engaging. I also collaborated with local teachers and language interpreters to facilitate better communication and ensure that every student had the opportunity to participate and learn effectively. 

Cultural differences also posed challenges in the classroom, as I had to navigate unfamiliar customs, social norms, and educational practices that were different from my own. I accepted and embraced cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness, seeking to learn from the students and colleagues while offering insights from my own background to foster mutual understanding and respect. Through involvement in cultural exchange and language immersion activities, I encouraged students to share their own and cultural heritage, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation for linguistic diversity in the classroom. 

A view of Xiamen, Fujian Province (CNS)  

Pedagogical variance 

Adapting to the educational system in Xiamen, which emphasised rote memorisation and strict discipline, was another hurdle that I had to deal with. I have created a balanced need to meet academic expectations with my innovative teaching methods, incorporating interactive activities, group projects, and multimedia resources to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. 

Building rapport and trust with my students, who came from diverse backgrounds and had different learning styles, was a continuous challenge that demanded patience, empathy, and personalised attention. Due to the language barrier, I had to utilise my mobile phone and computer more for day-to-day communication. I managed to invest time in getting to know each student individually, providing mentorship, encouragement, and academic support tailored to their needs and aspirations. I have encouraged students to practice English outside of the classroom through language clubs, conversation partners, and language exchange programmes, creating opportunities for peer-to-peer language learning and cultural exchange. 

Working as foreign teacher in Xiamen also presented logistical challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and administrative tasks that required meticulous attention to detail and cultural sensitivity. I sought guidance from local mentors, school administrators, and fellow educators to navigate through paperwork, visa requirements, and logistical arrangements with resilience and positive attitude. 

Balancing work and life in a new and unfamiliar environment was also a challenge I had to address. I made a conscious effort to explore Xiamen’s cultural landmarks, culinary delights, and social scenes, allowing myself moments of relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation outside the classroom setting. 

Overcoming all the challenges in Xiamen required me to draw on my strengths as a teacher, a global citizen, and a lifelong learner. Through resilience, adaptability, empathy, and a growth mindset, I surpassed obstacles, fostered connections, and embraced the transformative power of education in a cross-cultural context. 

Each challenge I faced in Xiamen became an opportunity for growth, introspection, and innovation, shaping me as a more compassionate, resilient, and culturally competent educator ready to navigate the complexities of teaching in a globalised world with grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to empowering students to reach their fullest potential. 

My teaching experience in Xiamen was a transformative journey of growth, connection, and discovery. It was a chapter in my life that I would always hold dearly, which is a testament to the power of education to transcend borders and build bridges of empathy and empowerment. I have collected and cherished memories of laughter, learning, and shared experiences that would forever shape me as a teacher and a global citizen. The lessons I imparted and the bonds I have forged would continue to resonate across oceans and continents, uniting hearts and minds in the spirit of education and mutual understanding. 

The author is a South African teaching in Xiamen City