What I Learned from Migrant Children in Shanghai
When I volunteered to teach English to migrant children in Shanghai, I thought I knew what I was signing up for—helping kids learn a new language, giving back to the community, and spending some meaningful time in the classroom. But what I didn’t expect was how much they would teach me in return.
My lessons weren’t academic. They were about creativity, resilience, and finding joy in the small things.
1. Creativity Can Bridge Any Gap
For most of the kids, this was their very first introduction to English. We couldn’t rely on shared language, so we got creative. There were a lot of pictures, silly songs, and pointing at body parts while saying things like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” on repeat.
I learned quickly that teaching isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. The kids didn’t care if my drawings were bad or if I sang off-key. They were just excited to learn. That enthusiasm reminded me that sometimes the best way to tackle a challenge is with creativity and a little bit of fun.
2. The Journey Can Be Just as Beautiful as the Destination
Every day, we’d take a tuk-tuk to the school, bumping along for an hour through the outskirts of Shanghai. While the ride was long, it was also breathtaking. I got to see the quieter side of the city—lush fields, winding roads, and little villages that felt a world away from the skyscrapers downtown.
It struck me that life abroad is a lot like that tuk-tuk ride. It’s not always comfortable, and it might take longer than you’d like, but there’s so much beauty along the way if you’re paying attention.
3. Sometimes You Learn the Most Unexpected Lessons
Every 45 minutes, the kids would take a break to do relaxation exercises announced through the school speakers. These breaks became a highlight for me—not just for the chance to stretch but because they were how I learned to count to 10 in Mandarin!
It was such a small, unplanned thing, but it taught me how often opportunities for growth pop up in unexpected places. Living abroad has a way of humbling you like that—you come in thinking you’re going to teach, but often, you’re the one being taught.
4. Joy is Found in the Little Things
I’ll never forget the way the kids lit up during our lessons, especially when they learned something new. Even something as simple as shouting “dog” or “cat” in English felt like a triumph to them.
Their joy was infectious. It reminded me that life abroad doesn’t have to be about grand adventures or big milestones. The little things—a laugh, a new word, a moment of connection—are just as important, if not more.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Teaching these kids wasn’t just about helping them learn English. It was about exchanging stories, creating moments of connection, and finding ways to build bridges—between cultures, languages, and experiences.
In their own way, these children were working toward integration: adapting to a new language, showing resilience in the face of change, and staying open to connection. Watching them embrace their journey reminded me of the power of integration—not just blending in, but finding harmony between where you’ve come from and where you are now.
Their resilience, openness, and enthusiasm have stayed with me, shaping the way I navigate my own expat journey and the way I coach others through theirs. Whether you’re a child learning a new language or an adult figuring out life in a new country, the goal is the same: to adapt, connect, and create a sense of belonging that feels true to you.