【Excellent Foreign Teacher】PEDRO GONZALEZ AREITIO: Devote for His Love of Chinese Characters

North Campus, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, May 19^th, 2022：To enhance overseas teachers’ sense of honor and responsibility to participate in teaching, scientific research, social service and other work, fully arouse the enthusiasm and creativity to participate in the international construction of GDUFS, and create a working atmosphere of love and dedication, striving for progress and excellence, GDUFS held its annual election of “Outstanding Overseas Teachers” awards. Alison Mullins and other teachers were awarded the title of “Outstanding Overseas Teacher in 2020-2021”. They have consistently showed an exotic style on the lectern, and built a cultural bridge through their charismatic work. GDUFS specially planned its report on "Outstanding Overseas Teachers", and interviewed the overseas teachers and teachers from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have won that title. It was an opportunity to listen to their experience of learning and living at GDUFS. This shows the persistence and dedication of overseas teachers who devote themselves to educating and spreading culture.

PEDRO GONZALEZ AREITIO, a Spanish teacher in the Faculty of European Languages and Cultures, always works with an earnest and positive attitude and is highly appreciated by his colleagues and students. He represented foreign teachers to take role in a promotional video released by GUDFS. He is an expert in scientific research and teaching. In 2021, he attended various school-level scientific research projects. From 2020 to 2021, he worked as a member of project team to compile the Spanish textbook of Guangdong Education Press.

PEDRO GONZALEZ AREITIO

His with GDUFS come from enthusiasm for Chinese characters

Pedro can speak Chinese fluently so he participated in the Chinese interviews in easiness. Being asked what China attracts him most, he responded: “As for myself, Chinese characters are the most attractive things in Chinese culture and they are the reason why I study Chinese.” In his eyes, Chinese characters are full of sense of culture and beauty. Understanding and writing Chinese characters are the necessary requirement to have a deeper insight into China. “I saw many Chinese characters in my early age and I was curious about what they mean.”

Because Pedro shows great interest in Chinese culture, he had already studied in China before he came to GDUFS. His experience in China made him fall in love with it and become eager to stay here for further development. “GDUFS enjoys a well-known reputation. Its Spanish major is at the top in China and has it two projects for postgraduate students. There are many opportunities for me to develop myself in GDUFS.” At the right time, GDUFS posted recruitment advertisement for its Spanish major. Grasping the very chance, Pedro formed ties with Chinese character again in “Chinese classes”.

Teach students in accordance with their aptitude with due diligence

Pedro adapts to each group of students in front of him. For fresh men, he is good at arousing their interest in studying Spanish. In his opinion, motivation is important for first grade students. For higher grade students, he sets strict demands and treats them seriously instead of filling teaching with fun. When talking about it, Pedro imitated his students’ words humorously: “Is he the teacher who taught us in first grade?” For postgraduate students, Pedro will listen to their ideas carefully, adjust his teaching in communication and guide in their research and papers.

Outside the class, Pedro will hold “Spanish corner” with other teachers. He prepares various activities ahead of time to create a relaxing atmosphere for students, which helps them apply their knowledge in practice. During the process of teaching, Pedro always set an example for his students. Aside from these teaching tasks, Pedro also carries out scientific research work. With all these things to do, Pedro describes his method, “Write down the things you need to do, finish them.”

Work positively, realize your goals

Helping to compile a Spanish textbook is a precious opportunity for Pedro. While preparing the textbook materials, Pedro kept thinking deeply and checked the usability of textbook exercises and the timeliness of the content of textbook. He hopes to get admiration and support from students and school. Although the work is not easy, he still thinks “It is very worthy of attending to this project... I have gained many precious experiences from it”. He treats those project as important tasks on his list. Finishing them gives him confidence to walk towards the next stage of life. During his years in GDUFS, he has always held a positive work attitude and constantly strove to better in his teaching. He encourages students to make progress step by step and overcome difficulties with optimistic attitude.