Canadian Pre-Service Teachers’ International Intercultural Experience: Learning Chinese as a Foreign Language and Teaching English as a Foreign Language in China

This chapter embarks on an exploration of four Canadian pre-service teachers’ bilingual and bicultural learning experiences through a three-month international internship by delving into the intricate dynamics of learning Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) and teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) before, during and after their trip to China. It unveils the layers of reciprocal learning that unfold as Canadian participants step into the world of Chinese language and culture, juxtaposed with their endeavors to impart the knowledge of the English language and culture to Chinese EFL learners. The findings demonstrate that participants have different purposes in learning CFL and exhibit different attitudes toward learning the Chinese characters. Moreover, they developed a deeper pedagogical understanding on how to teach EFL to non-native English language learners by learning CFL and teaching EFL in China. This narrative not only highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by these educators but also showcases the reciprocal learning program’s pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural communication, teaching methodologies, and global citizenship, with new insights into bilingual and bicultural education.