Dominik’s experience report from Shijiazhuang
My time in China: a truly special immersion in this new culture.
Dominik
Visiting lecturer at Hebei Vocational College of Rail Transportation
in the Department of Logistics
My time in China: a truly special immersion in this new culture.
Teaching in my own mother tongue whilst staying in a foreign country, barely being understood at first, and ultimately learning at least as much myself as my pupils did, that probably best sums up my experience.
My name is Dominik and, thanks to Pecunia, I was able to fly to China in May 2025 to teach logistics for a month at the Hebei Vocational College of Rail Transportation in Shijiazhuang. For me, having just graduated, the opportunity came at just the right time: a change of perspective after so many semesters studying business law, combined with the chance to step into the role of a lecturer and to do so in a completely new cultural environment.
But the adventure didn’t begin in China. Even before we set off, there were delays in coordinating with our Chinese partners. The Pecunia team did everything they could to smooth things over and were available at all times. Nevertheless, at first it felt to me like a huge leap of faith. But as the saying goes: nothing ventured, nothing gained. And so I soon found myself on a plane to the Middle Kingdom with another tutor.
Once there, everything went surprisingly smoothly. I was picked up straight from the airport and taken to the college campus, where my hotel was also located. The welcome was warm – with plenty of food – and it almost felt as though the exchange had been planned for months. The next surprise, however, wasn’t long in coming: on the way to my first lesson, the German teacher in charge explained to me that two classes had been merged at short notice. And so I suddenly found myself standing in front of around 80 pupils for my first lesson in China.
The nervousness, however, quickly gave way to a warm atmosphere. The German teacher supported me wherever she could, and the students were curious and open-minded. This rollercoaster of surprises and new challenges accompanied me the whole time. However, this was set against a backdrop of caring and hospitable people, who put things into perspective.
In many respects, China is a very different country from Germany. You notice this straight away: in the sheer number of people and the correspondingly large-scale facilities; in the digital infrastructure that makes it possible to manage your entire daily life using a smartphone; or in the ever-present security measures in the form of CCTV cameras and police. I was already familiar with many of these things, but experiencing them first-hand is a completely different feeling. What impressed me most was the hospitality and the genuine interest shown by the people – things I hadn’t really been aware of before. In the German news, you hear a lot about China’s politics and economy, but hardly anything about this open, friendly and interested society.
As a European, I naturally stood out like a sore thumb, and that didn’t go unnoticed. Not everyone who watched me curiously dared to speak to me. Yet time and again, people approached me and invited me out for a bite to eat or a drink. Every time, it was a bit of a struggle to even be allowed to pay part of the bill – usually without success. This openness impressed me, as I’d always perceived Chinese people in Germany as rather reserved. After just a few days, the students on my campus became not just students, but friends who enthusiastically introduced me to their country and culture.
Speaking of learning: the teaching itself was also a very special challenge. Explaining a specialist topic in my mother tongue in such a way that it remains understandable for learners at A1–A2 level, whilst still being academically challenging, was a constant balancing act. Especially as I don’t come from a logistics background and had taught myself much of the material beforehand. I incorporated many teaching methods from my own university studies, such as group work and independent project assignments. This was unfamiliar to the students, as teaching in China often takes a more lecture-based approach – which is understandable given the class sizes. I wanted to give it a go anyway, and the college gave me complete freedom to do so. It was challenging, but an exciting experience for everyone involved. I also had a great deal of freedom in organising the rest of my lessons.
As well as teaching, I also had plenty of time to explore the country. Here, I once again benefited from my work as a visiting lecturer: my students helped me get to grips with Chinese apps and everyday habits. They gave me tips for day trips and were on hand to answer any questions I had, even whilst I was out and about. This meant I was also well prepared for the two-week holiday I’d added on at the end of my time as a tutor in China.
All in all, China was a thoroughly enriching experience for me. I’m very happy. I had the opportunity to experience the country so intensively and extensively in this way. But I’m certain that even shorter stays are worthwhile and absolutely fascinating. Anyone who has the chance should make the most of it.
