International Chinese Language Education Shapes Her Life

Jin Ying's understanding of the pursuit of becoming an international Chinese language teacher is shaped gradually.

While studying at Huazhong University of Science and Technology for her postgraduate degree, Jin Ying happened to learn from her teacher that "Teaching Chinese as a Second Language" was a major about teaching foreigners Chinese abroad. For the young Jin Ying in her early twenties at the time, this undoubtedly held immense appeal.

With this aspiration in mind, when she learned about the recruitment of international Chinese language teachers, she immediately applied without hesitation. After undergoing rigorous selection and training, Jin Ying, along with other teachers, was sent to Thailand, thus connecting her with Thailand.

Since it was her first time teaching overseas, Jin Ying was not very familiar with many things, so she often sought advice from experienced Chinese language teachers and communicated with local teachers. They helped and learned from each other, collectively exploring and completing their first year of service.

"That ten-month experience was truly bittersweet, but I learned a lot. I made significant progress in both life skills and teaching techniques," Jin Ying reminisced.

With the experience of teaching abroad for the first time, Jin Ying's interest in becoming an international Chinese language teacher grew even stronger. This idea was like a seed slowly taking root, sprouting, and growing wildly in her heart.

Later, she applied for the program to become a government-sponsored teacher. This time, she told herself, "I will work hard to become a qualified international Chinese language teacher."

"Once you have a dream and a clear goal, the world will make way for you," said Jin Ying, who smoothly passed the exam.

Since then, becoming an international Chinese language teacher became Jin Ying's dream. She felt that it was a lifelong career she had to strive for. Subsequently, Jin Ying was dispatched to teach in Thailand multiple times through the program.

For her, it was the first experience of teaching in Thailand that clarified her direction amidst her initial confusion and made her future life plan clearer. It can be said that Thailand is where her dream began. "So, I want to continue pursuing my dream here."

During the final months of her dispatched term, the pandemic suddenly took place. "With the ravaging pandemic, we could only work from home. However, the students' learning could not stop, so I adopted the 'anchor' teaching mode," Jin Ying said. The Maritime Silk Road International College, where she was located, overcame the difficulties and continued various teaching activities.

Jin Ying transformed from an ignorant college student to a Chinese language teacher and from a volunteer to a formal international Chinese language teacher.

"These experiences have helped me grow, taught me how to conduct Chinese teaching better, and how to become a qualified international Chinese language teacher," Jin Ying said. "Life is always changing, but it is these changes that help us become better person. I am grateful for encountering international Chinese language education, which has shaped me life."

"I am fortunate to be engaged in the cause of international Chinese language education. Although there is still much to learn, I will never forget my original intention. This is my passion, and also my choice," said Jin Ying.

(Author: Jin Ying)