Lithuanian life through the Chinese spectrum

Would any of us dare to go to study, work or live in… China? A foreign culture, different people, a “bird” language. On the other hand, our country probably looks similar to those who come from East Asia. So let's talk to Wang Jingyang, a Chinese language teacher at VMU.

Is teaching a calling or an accident?

My specialty is teaching Chinese to non-Chinese people. I studied this subject at university for six years - I knew that after graduation I would work as a Chinese teacher. So I really loved my job.

Lectures at Vytautas Magnus University - is this the beginning of your teaching career, or did you also work in China?

Before coming to Lithuania, I taught a more advanced, higher-level course in spoken Chinese at Liaoning University. I am also currently responsible for training BMW employees - helping them improve their Chinese language skills.

Is the higher education system in China very different from Lithuania? Is tuition free and do many young people enroll in universities?

In my opinion, Lithuanian and Chinese universities are very similar. They are truly modern and contemporary. The way teachers teach, the way students choose subjects and attend lectures – everything is almost the same. To obtain a bachelor's and master's degree in China, you need to study (as in Lithuania) for 4 and 2 years, respectively. Most students have to pay tuition, but they have the opportunity to receive scholarships.

Many young people want to get a university education. This would help them get a good job and secure a better future. Statistics show that there are more girls than boys who aspire to obtain higher degrees (master's or doctorate).

Are student behavior and norms at Chinese and Lithuanian universities very different?

No, they behave exactly the same, because they are all the same young people. However, in my opinion, the life of Chinese students is not very interesting. Every day is almost the same: lectures, library, canteen, dormitory. To relax, they usually watch movies or go to karaoke bars. Girls often spend their free time going shopping.

How are you getting along with Lithuanian students?

I really like my students in Lithuania. At first they are very shy: they just smile and are quiet. However, as we get to know each other better, they start to be interested, trust me, and they also don't miss the opportunity to joke with me. Lithuanians are really good students who love to learn.

Why did you choose Lithuania? It's so far from China... Did your relatives support your decision and how often can you visit them?

I offered to work in Lithuania myself. I could have gone to teach in any other Asian country, whose culture is almost the same as ours, but I wanted to get to know a completely different country. So I decided to come to Lithuania, where the Confucius Institute is located.

When my family and friends heard about this choice, they were very happy. They thought it was great to travel and see the world while I was still young. Some of my boyfriends were jealous that I was going to a country that is famous in the basketball world.

I can only go back to China once a year because it's really far from here. Sometimes I miss my relatives very much...

Do you think a Lithuanian can learn Chinese, which is recognized as the most difficult language?

Lithuanian students learn very quickly and are diligent. Europeans find it difficult to learn pronunciation and Chinese characters, but strangely enough, my students master everything really well.

I believe that knowing Chinese will open up great job opportunities and a promising future for them.

First impressions upon arriving in Lithuania: what can you say about the cities, nature, and people?

Life in Lithuania is quiet and peaceful. Kaunas is not a big city, but it is very clean. You won’t meet many people on the streets, but everyone here is very polite. Even though I am a foreigner, no one looks at me “wrongly”. If I need help, there are always people who are ready to help.

Nature is beautiful, I love walking in the forest. The only thing I miss is the sun.

Did you experience any misunderstandings upon arriving in Lithuania? If so, what kind?

In China, to cross a street at a crossing without traffic lights, pedestrians have to wait for cars to pass, but here it's the opposite, with cars letting pedestrians pass.

Compared to other European countries, there are not many Asians in Lithuania. Does that make you feel lonely?

I felt a little like that when I first arrived here. However, when I started working, every day became very busy. Time flies, I have to interact with students a lot, I make new friends and I don't feel lonely anymore.

What do you like to do in your free time from lectures?

Nothing special. Sometimes I go for a walk downtown, I go to the "Acropolis". When I'm in my apartment, I usually watch movies, read books, or sleep.

What can you say about Lithuanian cuisine? Have you already enjoyed a Lithuanian dish?

I don't really have the opportunity to eat out in restaurants very often, so I cook my own food. However, there are a few Lithuanian dishes that I like – kibinai (especially in Trakai) and gira.

Could you tell us about everyday Chinese cuisine?

The most common foods are rice, vegetable soup, and a fried dish (vegetables with meat).

Can you share your expectations and plans for the future?

 I really enjoy my job and, if given the opportunity, I hope to stay here to teach. I would also like to travel to different countries around the world.

Interview translated from English

AUTHOR: Saulė Čipkutė