Simon Dawson currently serves as the Head of English Language Instruction at Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (HABU). Before joining HABU, he taught academic English at Brunel University London, where he worked with undergraduate students from China majoring in engineering and data science. He also held teaching roles at the University of Southampton and the University of Liverpool, bringing with him a wealth of international teaching experience.
Education Without Borders: A Multicultural Classroom Perspective
Wearing a crisp red plaid shirt, his slightly hoarse voice and neatly groomed blonde curls and beard give him the appearance of a “textbook foreign teacher.” But beneath this familiar image, Simon is a deeply experienced educator with strong intercultural adaptability. In addition to English, he is fluent in French and German. His career spans multiple cultural contexts—from coordinating academic programs for the British Council in Egypt to teaching academic English in China and lecturing at Brunel University in the UK.
When asked about differences among students in various countries, Simon noted that in the UK, “Teachers are expected to adapt to students, not the other way around.”
He recalled how students in Venezuela were expressive and enthusiastic. “A ten-minute classroom activity could easily turn into forty minutes due to their high level of engagement.”
In contrast, he observed that Chinese students tend to be more reserved. “They are open to trying new things but may find it harder to fully immerse themselves. Teachers need to spend more time encouraging participation and creating an open, inclusive classroom atmosphere.”
Looking ahead, Simon believes artificial intelligence will have a profound impact on education. “AI won’t replace teachers—it will push them to adopt more of a guiding role.” He emphasized the importance of viewing AI within the broader context of technological advancement. Citing an example of a multimedia classroom he once experienced, he illustrated how technology can enrich interaction and allow for more flexible teaching methods.
“A Changing China”: Impressions and Reflections
Reflecting on his first visit to Beijing years ago, Simon candidly admitted that his initial impression wasn’t great—poor air quality and traffic congestion were concerns. But he quickly added, “I went back recently,” his tone lifting, posture straightening, and hands gesturing openly. “The transformation is remarkable. The environment has improved significantly, and the cities look very modern. Plus, you can enjoy food from all over China—Beijing cuisine, Chengdu cuisine, and more.”
His words were simple but sincere. From urban management to the four-season climate and the livable environment, Simon’s comments reveal not only a deep appreciation for China’s development, but also a keen eye for detail.
When asked whether one could live in China with only English, Simon smiled and replied, “That’s exactly why many foreigners don’t learn Chinese—people here are just too nice. Even without speaking the language, daily life is completely manageable.”
He added humbly, “Of course, I’m learning Chinese myself, though not very well.”
Three Words to Define His Experience in China
As the interview came to a close, we asked Simon to describe his teaching experience in China using three words. Unexpectedly, he asked for help translating them into Chinese:
“Could you help me translate these? I’d really love to know how they’re said in Chinese.”
His chosen words were: Positive, Happy, and Interesting.
As a language expert, his Chinese pronunciation was almost flawless. He said “快乐” (happy) and “有趣” (interesting) like a native speaker. Only when it came to “积极” (positive) did he pause, repeating the word several times before confirming it with a smile.
Throughout the interview, Simon remained focused and genuine. He approached the conversation with the calm and sincerity of an educator. What may have been just another item on his schedule, he treated with thoughtful care. From his every answer, we not only learned something—but also felt respected and warmly welcomed.
