The US-China Podcast Peter Hessler on China’s Evolving Education System
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Aug 28, 2024 
In this conversation, Peter Hessler, a former teacher in China, shares his firsthand insights on the dramatic evolution of China's education system since the 1990s. He reflects on how socio-economic changes have transformed student demographics and aspirations, moving from first-generation college students to a more ambitious, only-child cohort. Hessler also contrasts education in China and the U.S., discussing the complexities of navigating identity and cultural influences through the lens of his own teaching experiences and personal anecdotes.
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Return to Sichuan
- Peter Hessler returned to Sichuan in 2019 to teach, mirroring his Peace Corps experience 20 years prior.
- He aimed to observe the generational shift and societal changes in the region.
Generational Shift
- The 1990s' students were mostly rural, poor, and from large families, representing a unique moment in China's development.
- By 2019, students were predominantly urban, middle-class only children, reflecting China's economic shift.
Physical Changes
- Students in 2019 were taller and wealthier, owning expensive items like $450 Jordans, showcasing improved living standards.
- Hessler noted a significant height increase due to better nutrition, highlighting the impact of economic growth.