TES – Jun Yang-Williams
“Having obtained a BSc in biology and an MSc in biochemistry from China, I enrolled on an initial teacher training course at University of Surrey and started my PGCE in secondary science in 2001…Before I knew it, the global economic system had shifted and the world had flattened. China, as a rising nation, was becoming more and more influential internationally, and skills relating to its language and culture had become a key global currency…In order to be better equipped for the competition of the global market, one must possess foreign language skill. The attitude of speaking English only, and expecting everybody else to do the same, is out of date and not adequate anymore…learning Mandarin is becoming increasingly important… I cannot wait to see more and more young people here speaking Mandarin. It is a much-needed skill for their future, and helps to build mutual respect and understanding. “(more)