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From Wolverhampton to Hubei: Reflections on Teaching Abroad

A few months ago, I became aware of an exciting opportunity to spend two weeks teaching at one of our Partner institutions in China. As a self-confessed ‘home bird’, long haul travel is something that I haven’t had much experience of, but something about this opportunity felt different… life had presented one of those moments where the pull was too great to ignore and after a quick discussion with my partner regarding the logistics of childcare (the continued struggle of being a working parent), it was agreed with the University that I would fill the post.

The next few weeks of travel admin seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, it was time to head to the airport – Here I go!

My first impressions of China were just how clean and beautiful the local communities were. Vibrant green spaces full of trees and plants fill gaps between tall buildings that exhibit eye-catching light shows as soon as the sun sets. Local communities can often be found dancing in the street of an evening, and there is a constant fragrance in the air from the delicious street food and open front restaurants. For these reasons alone, I would encourage everyone to visit and soak in the national culture.

After a weekend spent settling in, it was time to travel to Hubei Engineering University and get to work. I was welcomed kindly by staff and students alike and was quickly able to navigate the classroom technology to get up and running. Before I knew it, we were nearing the end of week two, and I could begin reflecting on the experience.

What struck me was how fantastic the levels of English language were in the room. I was instantly impressed and equally embarrassed that I hadn’t learnt more Chinese before travelling. I had taken the time to learn simple phrases such as ‘hello’, ‘how are you’, ‘thank you’ and crucially ‘I am lost’ (I am under no illusions about my inabilities to follow a map!), but it would have been nice to provide something more comprehensive.

On the subject of communication, I was also gratefully reminded on my first day that Westernised language is usually much faster and more tonal than Chinese. As a result, I worked hard to slow the pace of teaching down by half, helping my practice to become more considered and comprehensive. This is a habit that I hope to continue now that I am back in the UK.

In terms of learning, there was a notable contrast in the adoption of technology, with all students using some form of digital equipment to take notes and research. The development of AI is something that all industries are experiencing, however I feel it has hit the education sector in a unique way. It was refreshing to see students adopting AI with positivity, helping to inform and strengthen their understanding rather than to replace the process of learning. This has served as a healthy reminder that AI is not the enemy; it is a lack of understanding and deliberate misuse that causes problems. Looking forward to 2025/26, I hope to include more AI based activities in my teaching to help enhance our students’ capabilities in this area – it is the future after all!

Above all else, what I found really refreshing was being the minority in the room. It moved me out of my comfort zone, challenged me to adapt in new ways and gave me an enhanced understanding of the challenges that our international students face. Although I can never truly understand the lived experience of others, I will continue fiercely to create inclusive classroom environments, helping to reduce the isolation that some students might feel when adapting to new education systems.

As I concluded my last teaching session and said goodbye to the staff and students at the University, I remember observing a quote on one of the corridor walls which stuck with me:

“Civilisations are enriched by exchanges. Education is elevated by mutual learning”.

Mutual learning is something that I have always felt strongly about, and I often assert that being the person at the front of the room doesn’t make you the expert. Every student has a unique story that they bring with them, and we should use their experiences to help enhance topical discussion and make learning more meaningful in their context.

As for exchanges, the trip to China has been the single most powerful experience for me in terms of personal development and professional growth that I have ever had. With the support of the Business School and the amazing staff at Hubei Engineering University, I have been able to increase my confidence, resilience and knowledge in important areas, while also uncovering some areas for further development.

If you ever get the opportunity to teach overseas, grab it – I had the trip of a lifetime and I would go back in a heartbeat!

Jennifer Dixon MA, PgCert, LLB (Hons), FHEA, Assoc CIPD.

Lecturer in Human Resources and Leadership

University of Wolverhampton Business School