12 years in Romania: How a Chinese teacher found the balance between work and leisure time

by WiseTeach Team

For many of us, the Chinese language seems like an "impossible mission," a secret code composed of complex drawings that only the chosen few can decipher. But for Kai Chen, a young man who left China 12 years ago to teach in Romania, this barrier is more a matter of perception than actual difficulty.

The road to Cluj: A choice with only one option

Kai's story in Romania began almost by chance. As a recent graduate in China, he had to choose between two destinations for a teaching project: Germany or Romania. Because he didn't speak German but was fluent in English, Romania became his only gateway to Europe. What was supposed to be a two-year experience turned into a journey spanning over a decade, during which Kai learned not only the Romanian language but also the cultural maze of our country.

Culture shock: From "work is value" to "the weekend is sacred."

One of the biggest differences Kai felt was related to the attitude towards work. In China, work is often synonymous with personal value; if you don't work hard, you feel like you're not good enough.

"In China, people are used to working on weekends. If you have too much free time, it's a sign that you're not hard-working enough."

When he arrived in Cluj, he was surprised (and impressed) to discover Romanians' ability to set clear boundaries between their private and professional lives.

The Myth of the "Impossible Mission": How do we learn Chinese correctly?

When it comes to learning Chinese, Kai debunks some common fears. The first step? Understanding that the alphabet (Pinyin) is just a pronunciation tool created for international popularity, but the heart of the language is the characters.

The biggest challenge for a Romanian? Tones. Kai gave us a memorable example: the word "yan" (pronounced flat) means cigarette, while "yan" (pronounced ascending) means salt. Without a teacher to train your ear, the risk of asking for salt in a store and receiving cigarettes is a real one.

AI vs. Human Teacher: Emotion has no database

In an era of artificial intelligence, Kai is convinced that a screen can never replace a mentor. AI can provide vast amounts of information, but it cannot sense when a student needs more patience or what arouses their curiosity.

"A teacher knows how to manage an entire journey, not just a single question. AI is a tool, but the final decision remains human."

Advice for today's brave

If you're thinking about starting to learn Chinese today, Kai has one piece of advice: find a strong purpose. Curiosity wears off quickly when you encounter your first difficult characters. Success comes when you have real motivation: whether it's a better job, an HSK certificate, or a passion for Asian culture.

If you want to explore this fascinating world with a teacher who understands both cultures perfectly, you can find Kai Chen here:

See Kai Chen's profile on WiseTeach: Profesor de Chineză - KAI CHEN | WiseTeach