Forty-one-year-old Wendy Wang is an American English teacher in northwest China's Xinjiang University. She shared her experiences in Xinjiang with China.org.cn.

Wendy Wang.[China.org.cn]

Wang first came to Urumqi alone 10 years ago before eventually marrying a local man. Though her husband is now working in the United States, she has remained in Urumqi with their two kids. "I want my children to go to a local school to learn Chinese better," she said.

When Wang contemplates the changes she's witnessed over the years, Xinjiang's increasing prosperity has made the biggest impression on her. "The changes are obvious. The biggest and fastest changes were between 2001 and 2003," she said.

Wang enjoys her job as an English teacher, where she's one of just three at the university, and she recommends the profession to young Americans as an excellent way to experience a diverse culture.

She says that the life of a foreign teacher at a university is very good in general. "The students are very active, responsible and enthusiastic, and some are really committed to understanding a language. Whatever chance they have to learn, they really seize it," she said, "and that inspires me, and I want to think of ways to teach them even better."

"There's a demand for foreign teachers," Wang said, "and China offers a unique environment. Many of us Americans are used to living in a multicultural environment, and Xinjiang has that because of the different national minorities living here. But there are also foreigners from the bordering countries, which makes Xinjiang a really vibrant place. When Americans come here either as students, teachers, or tourists they can see a different part of China and appreciate the unique dynamic."

Although Urumqi has been known for heavy air pollution during winter because of its reliance on coal for heating, Wang says that pollution is not a reason to stay away. "In the winter, I really don't feel any effects of the pollution. You just drink more water. You get used to it. I think Chinese people know how to adapt to different circumstances. Americans can learn from that example," she said.

The notorious July Fifth incident put Wang's role as an outsider into perspective. "For me, as a foreigner, I feel the incident hasn't affected me, except for the restrictions placed on international phone calls and internet access. Other than that, I think in general, things are looking about the same. As a foreigner, there are many things that I am not part of. My life is different than a local person's life," she said.

Wang says she felt like a bystander. "People would be reluctant to tell me something negative, just as you wouldn't tell me your family problems. Many people wouldn't want to tell me of possible social problems," she added. "Now people are not afraid, and trust is growing and people feel more secure."

In Wang's eyes, Xinjiang is unique. "I think it's important to understand the role of Xinjiang for China overall, for example, because of the foreign borders and oil industry. That's why foreigners need to understand it more. China's story today isn't just about Shanghai, Shenzhen or Beijing. People need to come here and understand this, and to do so, they really need to go to a town like Kashi or Hotan – Hotan is amazing – it's really like a foreign country. It has so few people from the rest of China."

As for the cost of living in Xinjiang, Wang says that although her salary is lower than what she would make in the States, it's still enough and the living conditions are good.

"Some things are easier here than in my country. For one thing, if you're patient, you can have your clothes made exactly to fit your body, and it is very affordable," she said.

"Also, as for food, anything I want I really can find here. Foreigners often like to eat cheese, and the big department stores all carry it. They also have ground coffee, tuna, and Italian food imported from Italy," she added.

Wang has a master's degree in international development, and she's interested in population movement. "Especially after liberation, so many people came from the east of China to here, and the economic relationships go back and forth between people in Xinjiang and outside the border. So for all the reasons, the variety and the population movement, the international communication, I was curious, and I thought I can't just read about it. I should go and look for myself."

After 10 years she's grown attached to Urumqi. "Now I can't imagine living in another part of China. I can't picture myself in another city. It feels like home. I like it here, and the conditions fit me well."