Foreign Teachers' Lives Amid Coronavirus - Share Yours!

Source: JobTube, Freya W., Josh B., Arianna J., TopSchools

Up to now, all schools in China will remain closed due to the epidemic and no exact date of re-opening has been given. What does it mean to foreign teachers in China? On Feb. 22, interviews with three teachers, namely Patrick in Wuhan, Peter in Beijing, and Glenn in Tianjin were posted on Chinese media revealing their situations since the outbreak.

Patricks Life in Wuhan

Im Patrick from the USA, a physics teacher in an international school in Wuhan. When I was thinking about where to spend my holiday, Wuhan announced its closure, and it became too late to leave. Later my country arranged an evacuation, but I chose to stay. I have been in China for a very long time, my everything is here. Once I return to America, I will have to stay at my parents' home and spend two weeks in a military base for isolation, that is painful.

How I spend these days

Although I am restricted from traveling, my daily life is okay. The food is sufficient and I have stored quite a lot of canned and other types of food, which can support me for months. Also, I have enough masks.

Honestly, the harsh part is no more drinking or chatting with my friends. I feel lonely.

These days, I spend my time by exercising, playing games, watching videos, and cooking. In addition, I go out to feed stray cats every night.

My Salary and Job

The gratifying thing is that I get my salary as usual during the epidemic. Schools in Wuhan have launched online teaching as we cant go out. As for our school, some teachers have not started online teaching yet including me and other physics teachers. Currently, my task is to score IA (internal evaluation) for our students.

Peters situation in Beijing

I'm Peter, a math teacher at an international school in Beijing. Like others, I have been isolated. Teaching in my school has not started yet but I can feel it would be a negative thing when I would not be able to see and work with my students as it should be. Teaching online seems to be going to be normal.

My school management is very mindful of me. My salary has remained the same. The HR personnel are supportive by frequently inquiring about my health and that of my family. Additionally, I received 12 masks from my HR representative.

As for my teaching, I havent started yet, so I am not sure which platform would be used. If my internet fluctuates, it would impact on my lesson delivery.

Peter's Handwritten Reply

Glenns days in Tianjin

I am Glenn, a math teacher in a school in Tianjin. I have been in China for nearly three years. At the beginning of winter vacation, I spent two weeks in Australia and returned to China on January 24. After a short holiday in Harbin, I came back to Tianjin on February 3.

As the area where I live had been closed down for a while, it was difficult for me to go to other places. Luckily, I was able to buy things from the supermarket in my community. Every other day or two, I went shopping for some fast food.

Lonely days

In fact, my biggest maladjustment is the sense of imprisonment brought about by isolation.

Due to travel restrictions, I barely have a chance to meet my friends, and it is also difficult to discuss with colleagues after the online teaching started on February 10.

Gratitude to school staff

I am moved by the meticulous care from the management staff of my school. They provided us with food, and worked hard for our benefit. No salary deduction has happened.

As for teaching, honestly, I think online teaching is more tiring as I have to work harder and longer every day than before.

Im confident about the situation and I have no doubt that China and the world will win this battle.

What is your situation? Feel free to share with us in the comments below!

 

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