In this video I sit down with Maggie and Justin—two experienced teachers who’ve actually taught and lived in China—to help us understand Chinese culture through the lens of the education system. If you teach Chinese students online (or you’re thinking about it), I really believe this context matters, because it explains so much about why kids show up the way they do in class: their stamina, their expectations, and the pressure they’re under. We talk through the basics of how the Chinese school system is structured, what class sizes can look like, and the teaching methods that are common in different settings. We also get into the practical reality of a typical school day, the different types of schools, and what “time off” actually looks like when you factor in homework and extra study. We also touch on holidays, summer camps, and why so many families use additional materials outside of school—something you’ll definitely notice as an online ESL teacher when students bring their own books or have very specific goals. My big takeaway is that understanding the system helps you teach with more empathy and less frustration. Once you know what their day looks like, it’s easier to pitch your lessons, manage energy, and set realistic expectations for progress.