Canadian teacher Bryan: I have never experienced the changes of China in my Canadian hometown

Feeling China's reform and opening up

The entry of foreigners like Bryan into the Chinese education industry is a microcosm of the tremendous development of the Chinese education industry over the past few decades. Starting from the end of the "Cultural Revolution" in 1977 and the resumption of the national unified college entrance examination system, contemporary Chinese education has gone through 40 years’ development and reform. In July 1978, Fang Yi, then vice premier of the State Council and director of the State Science and Technology Commission, held talks with visiting US scientific and technological delegations. After several rounds of consultations, the two countries decided to exchange international students. After this meeting, the prelude of an era has been opened---Chinese education has moved from self-reliance to cooperation and mutual benefit.

During the forty years of integration and exchange, Chinese education has not only "gone out" but also "brought in”. China not only sends students to study abroad, but also lets Chinese educational institutions jointly run schools with foreign ones and introduce foreign high-quality educational resources including talents, equipment, and ideas. Take No.2 high school of East China normal university as an example, where in recent years foreign teachers, returnees and new teachers with overseas research experience have been vigorously introduced, resulting in the proportion of international teachers being over 20%.

Bryan is very satisfied with his school's high quality of international education in China. He explained that he teaches science and AP calculus in the school, focusing on developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The International Department's students come from more than 20 countries and regions. Up to now, the Department has trained nearly 500 international students, and 90% of them have been admitted to famous universities at home and abroad. In response to the different educational backgrounds and learning objectives of international students, the International Department adopts a different curriculum for each student. It also strengthens Chinese language teaching and Chinese culture education for international students to cultivate students' understanding and tolerance of multiculturalism.

Speaking of the school's exchange program, he is full of praise."Every year, exchange students from all over the world come to our school to study. I think this is an excellent chance for students to experience another country." If I was talking to somebody in Canada, I would definitely recommend taking the chance to see exactly what another country is like, especially China. China is a very large country, a very influential country. It’s nice to have a sense what that’s like to be there, as opposed to only just hearing about a place in the news. If you have a chance to meet people, talk to people and see what their life is like, I think it is always beneficial.”

Exchange students from Italy to No.2 high school of East China Normal University pose for a group photo