Teaching Chinese Language across Three Continents

As an undergraduate, Bai Yingying majored in Labor and Social Security, and pursued a double degree in Journalism. During her undergraduate studies, she learned about Confucius Institutes through the news.

Deeply interested in language learning since childhood, she has always desired to explore the world of languages. Therefore, she pursued a master's degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from the School of Literature and International Communication, University of International Business and Economics. She said, "Teaching Chinese to foreigners is incredibly meaningful and certainly very interesting. International Chinese language education itself is a communication form for Chinese language and culture."

Bai Yingying takes photo with teachers from the Victoria Business Confucius Institute

During her studies at the School of Literature and International Communication, University of International Business and Economics, the dedication and responsible attitude of her teachers deeply inspired her. Whenever she had questions, her teachers patiently provided answers. She solidly mastered the professional skills essential for teaching, and gradually strengthened her resolve to become a patient and responsible educator.

The journey from a novice student to a confident teacher was fraught with challenges. Bai Yingying admitted that her biggest hurdle was transforming from a student to a self-assured teacher through rich theoretical knowledge and training.

To overcome the barrier, she continuously had trial lectures and presentations. Each time she took the stage was a step toward self-challenge, and each round of reflection became a rung on her ladder of growth. Through this process, she conquered her inner fears, and gained a profound sense of achievement, which drove her forward.

To be a good Chinese language teacher, she studied knowledge in pedagogy, literature and linguistics, and acquired cultural skills such as traditional Chinese arts.

In 2016, Bai Yingying passed the test of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) with her solid professional foundation and passion for international education. The following year, she initiated a meaningful journey in international education exchange at the Victoria Business Confucius Institute in Australia.

Recalling her decision, her eyes reflect determination. Long before choosing the major of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages, Confucius Institute had planted the seeds of dreams in her heart. She continuously accumulated knowledge and enhanced her abilities, fully preparing for her overseas assignment. She realized her dream with her love for language teaching and keen interest in cross-cultural communication, and with the vigorous support of her university due to rich resources and careful guidance provided by her faculty.

As a volunteer teacher in Australia, the greatest challenge she faced was balancing independent living abroad with her teaching responsibilities.

Aware of the significance of time management and adaptability, she meticulously planned her schedule, and efficiently organized teaching, lesson preparation, and daily tasks. At the same time, she greatly benefited from teamwork and, assisted by her colleagues, smoothly adapted to local conditions, significantly improving both her teaching skills and personal growth.

Message from the Victoria Business Confucius Institute family to Bai Yingying when she left her volunteer post

At a cultural event in an Australian primary school, she introduced the then-popular dance Little Apple into class. The cheerful rhythm and easy-to-learn moves instantly ignited the students' enthusiasm. They quickly mastered the dance, and spontaneously organized teamwork to help each other, including all the people at the event. 

Bai Yingying recalled, "It taught me the importance of teamwork and fostering students' initiative. They were passionate about cultural activities, and their spirit of mutual support deeply moved me!"

Bai Yingying has her own way to select teaching resources. She skillfully balances traditional and popular elements. Pop songs can better stimulate students' interest in learning, while traditional handicrafts like lanterns and Chinese knots deepen students' understanding of Chinese culture.

In 2019, Bai Yingying began working at the Confucius Institute at the University of Malawi. Compared to Australia, Malawi presented greater differences in social security, economic development, and culture, which brought new challenges to her work. Suffering insufficient equipment at the teaching venue, she had to rely on blackboard writing and self-made teaching tools. However, these challenging conditions sparked her creativity and flexibility.

She personally made flashcards and teaching aids, turning simple materials into "magic props" that ignited students' interest, made her class lively and fun, and stimulated their initiative and enthusiasm for learning.

She deeply realized that teaching quality does not depend on advanced equipment, but on innovative thinking, a passion for education, and flexibility.

During her time in Malawi, her outstanding performance earned her the "China Week" Outstanding Coach Award issued by the Chinese Embassy in Malawi. She also published multiple news articles on platforms such as  "Chinese Bridge" and the "Xinhua Africa" WeChat public account.

A Chinese cultural activity at China-Malawi Friendship Primary School

Bai Yingying believes that international Chinese language education is currently thriving. The global Chinese language craze has seen 85 countries incorporate Chinese into their national education systems. Chinese language learning is diversified and lower in age, when online education technology brings new teaching models and possibilities to the industry. Especially under the innovative wave of "Chinese + TVET", the demand for Chinese language prevails in various fields.

In Bai Yingying's view, the industry needs talents with both professional and cross-cultural abilities. They must be proficient in linguistic knowledge and teaching methodologies, and possess excellent cross-cultural communication skills.

Outstanding Chinese teachers must be equipped with solid language teaching abilities, familiarity of linguistic knowledge, and the ability to tailor their teaching to students' characteristics. Second, cross-cultural communication skills are required, including keen cultural sensitivity, the ability to quickly adapt to different cultural environments, and the skill in resolving cultural conflicts. Finally, comprehensive abilities are also crucial, encompassing fluent foreign language communication, efficient cultural communication skills, and unwavering responsibility and passion for education.

Bai Yingying (second from right) at the Spring Festival event of the Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds, posing with the Lord Mayor of Leeds and Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung

For her juniors aspiring to pursue a career in international Chinese language education, Bai Yingying said: "Choosing a career is like 'Shennong tasting hundreds of herbs'. We must have the courage to explore and discover where our true passion lies." She encouraged students and peers to  try different professions, and experience the unique dynamics and atmosphere of various workplaces through internship. Only by continuous attempts can one find the right direction.

She is now starting for the UK, her third stop on her career path. There, she will stay true to her original aspirations, and dedicate herself wholeheartedly to international Chinese language education. She will plant the seeds of the Chinese language in distant lands, allowing them to take root and blossom into vibrant cultural flowers.

Bai Yingying at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing

Bai Yingying believes that international Chinese language education helps foreigners learn Chinese language, and serves as a linguistic bridge and cultural bond. In class, foreign students acquire language skills, and engage with authentic and captivating Chinese educators. This deepens their understanding of Chinese society, and gradually dispels misunderstandings and biases between China and other nations. It is the true value of international Chinese language education.

About the author: Bai Yingying, a full-time teacher at the Business-oriented Practice and Research Base for International Chinese Language Education at the University of International Business and Economics. She holds a master's degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from the School of Literature and International Communication, University of International Business and Economics (2015 session). Currently, she is assigned to the Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds in the UK as an international Chinese language teacher. Dedicated to cultural exchange between China and other countries through international Chinese language education, she was once assigned to the Victoria Business Confucius Institute in Australia, and the Confucius Institute at the University of Malawi. She was invited to the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing.