Wang Jingli wangjingli0715@163.com FOR Philip Ettrich, a German teacher at Shenzhen Foreign Language School (Group), teaching is not just a job, it is his true passion. “I really enjoy seeing my students grow. I teach students from Junior One to Senior Three, and I witness their development firsthand. Sometimes, I see them off to study at universities in Germany or gain admission to top universities in China through their hard work, sweat, and tears. That’s a reward for me,” said Ettrich. Ettrich studied Chinese at university and discovered his interest in teaching. He went on to earn several degrees in German education. In 2021, he moved to Shenzhen to take up a job as a German teacher at the school. Being a teacher has many merits, he said. The job offers him more holidays than other careers so that he can balance work and life. He enjoys teaching; spending time with students helps him stay mentally young. Ettrich said he is impressed by the diligence of Chinese students. “They work hard not only in school, but also outside of school. I know some students who take extra-curricular classes like dancing in their free time,” he said. Ettrich believes that Shenzhen is a fantastic city for expatriate teachers. “The city offers all the conveniences, including good food, plenty of leisure activities, parks, and an advanced public transportation system. There’s also a welcoming atmosphere. As the saying goes, once you come to Shenzhen, you’re a Shenzhener, no matter where you’re from. The schools here are modern and well-equipped, and some, including my school, are among the best in China,” said Ettrich. | 