My Passion to Teach Chinese Language to More Students

I am a girl from a small town in southern China. After graduating from university, I arrived in this magical land, Thailand. It is a place of passion and openness, a stark contrast to my hometown, a soft and quiet place. During my two years teaching here, I gained knowledge, friendship, and surprises, experienced warmth and happiness akin to being at home, and had an unforgettable and glorious time.

Group photo at the assembly before going to our posts

I taught in a school located in Uttaradit, a small city in northern Thailand, where  showcases me a different landscape of life.

In Thailand, teaching Chinese language is challenging yet profoundly meaningful. As a volunteer Chinese language teacher, I taught students Chinese characters, vocabulary and grammar, and shared Chinese culture with them, like traditional Chinese festivals, modern trends, northern customs and southern characteristics. Each class interaction inspires something unique. Whenever I saw the interest and passion for learning Chinese language and culture in their eyes, I felt immense gratification and pride. Beyond that, I deeply appreciated the power of education, and cherished the bond between teacher and students more.

Our classes

After class, I explored  Uttaradit on foot, from the morning dew to the starlit nights, and from the hustle and bustle of the markets to the serenity of the countryside. I was fascinated by the local landscape and food, and, most of all, the people here. The simple and kind people felt like a gentle breeze against my face. We interacted with each other when buying groceries at the market, dining at a local eatery, or waiting for a bus at the station. Each simple and ordinary moment impressed me with the authenticity and tenderness of life. Time seemed to flow slower here, and life felt poetic. Each corner of this small city bore my footprints and memories.

Wonderful moments with colleagues

When the Spring Festival arrived, the school was already filled with a strong festive atmosphere. Hanging lanterns, writing Spring Festival couplets, and cutting paper window decorations...my colleagues and I meticulously prepared a series of colorful Spring Festival activities to immerse students in traditional Chinese culture. At the Spring Festival gala, students performed dragon and lion dances, sang Chinese songs, and danced. Some student representatives even delivered heartfelt blessings in fluent Chinese. The smiles on their faces brought me genuine happiness. In that moment, I deeply realized that language is a tool for communication, and a bridge that connects hearts. Though far from home, I never felt alone, for students and colleagues here had long become my dear family, and the city my home.

Cultural activities on campus

Looking back on these two years, I have witnessed my growth from being shy to now composed and confident. I am more self-assured and clearer about my goals. In class, I learned to spark students' interest in lively ways. After class, I learned to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. This experience deeply impressed me with the beauty of cultural exchange, and taught me to view the world with a broader, more inclusive, and open perspective.

As my time here came to an end, my heart was filled with reluctance and gratitude. I was reluctant to leave this land and its people, and grateful for this journey and all the encounters along the way. Although my work is about to pause, this is not an end, but a new starting point. I will advance with the precious memories of Uttaradit, explore other landscapes, and pass them on to more people.

About the author: Zhu Jing, a volunteer Chinese language teacher to Thailand in 2023.