The stories of how someone ended up at a certain point in life are always interesting. What would have happened if I had taken another direction? What would have happened if I hadn’t received that tantalizing offer? Today, we take a look at stories of students learning Chinese, about both how and why they ended up in Shanghai learning Chinese. So, let’s get right into it, shall we?
We decided to do this in an interview format, so the answer of our students isn’t changed, and we can give you as authentic a look as possible.
What’s your name?
My name is Charlotte Doughty
Do you have a Chinese name?
乔乔(Qiao Qiao)
How long have you been in Shanghai?
I have been in Shanghai for almost 2 years
How did you end up here in Shanghai?
I came to Shanghai after I finished my undergraduate degree back in the UK, and then I got a job as an English teacher
What do you do in Shanghai?
I’m an English teacher, I used to work in a training center, but now I work at a kindergarten teaching 3-4 years old
What made you decide to learn Chinese?
I wanted to learn Chines because regardless of whether I’m in China or not, I think it’s a very useful skill. I also wanted to learn a skill that would stimulate my brain, because 3-4 years old doesn’t do that
How are you enjoying it so far?
I’m having lots of fun, I think my Chinese has improved a lot, and I am received better by many people because I can speak a little bit more Chinese
Do you have a favourite Chinese word?
香草拿铁
Xiāngcǎo ná tiěVanilla Latte
I’d say this is my favourite word because it is my favourite drink.
What advice would you give to someone interested in learning Chinese?
I would say you should learn Chinese as soon as you can, ideally as soon as you arrive in Shanghai. I think it would be beneficial and it would make your transition from wherever you’re from to China a little easier.
Let’s have a look at what one of our other students had to say.
What’s your name?
Yaroslav Piskarev
Do you have a Chinese name?
No, I don’t.
How long have you been in Shanghai?
Almost 3 years, I came in 2019, in November, so almost 3 years now.
How did you end up here in Shanghai?
I came to Shanghai to get some experience working as a teacher, and before I was travelling around Asia. Then I came to China to try a new experience.
What do you do in Shanghai?
At the moment I am working as a Science teacher, teaching kids and at the same time trying to learn Chinese as well.
What made you decide to learn Chinese?
Well I have been in Shanghai for almost 3 years, and after the first year I felt like I couldn’t properly communicate and speak well with people, and I feel like when you come into a country it’s better to know the language, because even if you are in a place like Shanghai where people speak English, it’s better to have this ability to communicate.
How are you enjoying it so far?
Absolutely.
Do you have a favourite Chinese word?
老外
Lǎowài
Foreigner
This is my favourite word because at the beginning you hear it so many times and then you finally realize it means foreigner and everyone is talking about you.
What advice would you give to someone interested in learning Chinese?
In my mind, the main thing is that people think Chinese is really difficult to learn. At the beginning that was also my concern; there are 4 tones, they have many characters and it can be scary. But the moment you start learning, it’s actually not that scary. So I would say if you are thinking about learning Chinese, you should certainly give it a try.
Student’s Learning Chinese – Our Takeaway
It seems both students are in agreement about the importance of learning Chinese and starting to learn Chinese now. It is never too late. We hope you enjoyed reading about stories of students learning Chinese, and the reasons behind their continued interest in learning the Chinese language. If you want to hear a similar story, have a read about what it is like growing up in Shanghai, back in 2005.
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