Maarten’s experience report from Shijiazhuang
Much remained unknown, but it was precisely this uncertainty that served as a driving force.
Maarten
Visiting lecturer at Hebei Vocational College of Rail Transportation
Much remained unknown, but it was precisely this uncertainty that served as a driving force.
It is an experience that cannot be planned or replaced in this way, and one that you shouldn’t miss out on if the opportunity arises.
To be honest, I was quite nervous before the trip. I’d never been to China before and had absolutely no idea what to expect there. Neither the journey itself nor the local conditions or the culture were really tangible to me beforehand. Precisely because so much was unknown, the whole thing felt somewhat intimidating and, at times, even slightly daunting. At the same time, it was precisely this uncertainty that spurred me on. My decision to take part was based above all on curiosity, a keen interest in China and Chinese culture, and the joy of teaching and engaging in academic exchange with students. Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision. I would do it again in a heartbeat. It’s an experience that you simply cannot plan for or replicate, and one that you shouldn’t miss out on if the opportunity arises.
What I found particularly exciting was that I was able to experience the programme in two different formats. Firstly, online with a time difference, which integrated surprisingly well into my normal daily routine, even though it naturally required a certain amount of discipline in terms of organisation. The second experience was then staying on site in China. Living and working there, including staying at the university’s hotel, naturally had a completely different intensity. You’re constantly immersed in the environment, experience everyday life first-hand and delve much deeper into the culture, language and ways of thinking. It was this part in particular that was incredibly enjoyable and left the greatest impression on me.
During my time in China, I travelled to a great many different places. These included Baoding, a city near Beijing, as well as Beijing itself and several surrounding towns. I also went on trips to the Great Wall, various temple complexes, Shijiazhuang, Longxing Temple and the Summer Palace. This mix of modern cities, historic sites and cultural attractions really shaped my overall impression. Much of my daily life also took place on the campus of Hebei Vocational College in Shijiazhuang, as well as in parks, at food markets and in the surrounding shopping streets. It is precisely these everyday places, away from the classic tourist attractions, that give a very good impression of what life is really like there.
The daily routine was clearly structured. Lessons usually took place from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, with plenty of breaks in between. We usually ate at the hotel, or alternatively with the students in the canteen, which I can personally highly recommend, as it’s a great way to strike up conversations in a different setting. The hotel rooms were consistently comfortable, clean and well-equipped, so you could really unwind after a long day. The teaching itself was very practice-oriented. There was plenty of group work, numerous exercises and regular presentations. Studying and daily life there can only be compared to Germany to a limited extent. Everything is much more structured, the daily routine is clearly set out, and attendance and active participation are highly valued. The students are very disciplined, respectful and, at the same time, keen to learn. Day-to-day learning is very much community-based rather than individual, which takes some getting used to at first but works well.
What has really stuck in my mind is, without a doubt, the food. It’s cheap and, at the same time, incredibly good. My strong recommendation is to eat as much and as varied a range of food as possible, and not to be afraid to try new dishes. Transport is also impressive. Public transport, taxis and train journeys are very cheap, as are hotels, but you should never leave the house without your passport. The cities are huge and sprawling, but getting around is very easy and quick by underground and express trains. Overall, the cost of living is roughly one-eighth of German prices, which really opens up a lot of possibilities. Day-to-day life becomes very straightforward if you prepare well in advance and install apps such as Alipay (ideally linked to a credit card; debit cards rarely work. You should always keep a little cash in your wallet just in case), WeChat, Trip.com or AMap. Without these apps, many things would be considerably more complicated. The locals are extremely courteous, helpful and curious, even though they generally don’t speak German. However, communication works surprisingly well with translation apps, especially when translating menus, signs or asking short, everyday questions.
My clear advice to future participants is to keep an open mind, show initiative and really immerse yourself in the country and its people. I never had any problems with motivation. There is simply far too much to discover, both professionally and culturally. You won’t get bored, either during your studies or in your free time. Arrival and entry are also absolutely straightforward, as everything is very well organised and you receive excellent support once you’re there. Anyone who has the chance should seize it and not be put off by initial uncertainty or hesitation. The experience is worthwhile in every respect.
