Foreign teacher: A bridge between countries

Erica Day, 28, is from Arizona in the United States and has lived in China for more than three years.

I've been studying Chinese at a university in Changchun for the past six months, but before that I was an English teacher at Jilin University.

After completing my master's degree in teaching English as a second language, I taught an intensive program for international students at a major US university for a year.

I interacted with students from many countries and enjoyed the opportunity to learn about different cultures. For years, though, I had the desire to live and work abroad, so I decided to move to China.

I've never regretted the decision, as my experience has shown me that, on the whole, Chinese students are incredibly motivated and are a joy to teach.

People come to teach in China through various avenues. I work for a company called the English Language Institute China, and they provide background checks as well as intensive training on how to teach English and relate to Chinese culture.

I was a teacher at Jilin University for more than two years, and I was very impressed with the level of care they showed to foreign teachers there.

Nearly all the foreign teachers I have interacted with were qualified to teach in their field. Many of them have a desire to learn about Chinese culture, and through their knowledge they are able to serve as a bridge between other countries and China, sharing their experiences with students and receiving much in return.

I believe working with a qualified company that has a long-standing relationship with the Chinese government can help ensure that qualified employees are placed in teaching positions, and that these teachers are regularly held to an extra level of accountability.