Native Chinese teachers' decision to live and work in the United States: A phenomenological study

There is a shortage of Chinese language teachers in the United States. More Chinese language learners in the United States would help to increase national security and business connections with China. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the perceived advantages and disadvantages of living and working in the United States among 10 Chinese teachers who have considered teaching Chinese in the United States. A modified van Kaam method was used to analyze the data and develop themes. Participants reflected Chinese cultural ideals. They identified guanxi, Confucianism, and individualism as reasons for choosing to live and work in the United States. They expressed concern about the environment, saying pollution and overpopulation were reasons to leave China for the United States. Participants anticipated problems with integration and culture shock while living and working in the United States. They identified collectivism and a desire to return to family and friends as reasons to return to China after living and working in the United States.