It seems very strange. If they are older students then I guess they have learnt to be a bit more cheeky.

if I have you such a teacher I will be very happy .

what are the age of your students, i spent 2 years in hohhot anytime a student invited me to lunch or dinner they always paid or made a big fuss if i paid. here in nanchang a student asked me to help her practice her speaking for the ielts and she did not even offer to pay for lunch

my opin on this is that richer more sophisticated students are less inclined to be friendly and my friends and students warned me that people in the south are sneaky and not friendly because they are smarter

I am a middle school teacher. Like I said for my 6 years in china I have never experienced this kind of thing, so I was a little bit shocked, I didn't know how to react when they said they were very hungry and if i can buy them food, and they will pay for my food next time.

oh middle school kids have not been fully indoctrinated with the idea "dont take anything from foreigners" if t is an upscale school they are probably just spoiled and are treating you the same as they would their chinese teacher

Ripping people off, stealing, and being a general scumbag of a human being is considered "culture" here and is normal.

You just need to deal with it and remember to not do it ever again.

I hate when it happens. Chinese people are good to put an expat in a tight spot. they expect you to pay, but they don't even consider it "nice" or a "favor", they thing you are obligated to pay. If you refuse, it's your mistake and you're done for, you never know how they'll react, and it can be bad for you, because the law is always on Chinese's side

It is really strange, when ever i go out with my students they are quite warm in their hospitality, not only this they pick me and drop from my appartment.

Once i was sick and my students bought medcines and lot of fruite for me, they are great, but in your case i am shocked or may be they are very young and didn't know the exact norms of hospitality.

I've never had that problem... The locals (especially if they invited you) tend to treat you....

I've only seen it from the rich training centre students.

University students are so generous.

Nope, not even close. The only time I've ever paid for a Chinese guy is a night of drinking with a friend who had just lost his job, he didn't expect me to pay, but when your buddy loses his gig, you gotta buy him some drinks. Only time I've ever been able to pay for a Chinese person, despite offering.

never experienced that but my students always ask me to give them candies haha lolx

Never. In fact, the vast majority of the time my students and chinese friends insist on paying. I have managed to do so on occasion but it is not easy.  I have never experienced what happened to you.

Wow teachers hanging out with students that's a first...what will you think of next going to their house party when they invite you?? lol!! OMG! What do you expect them to do buy you food they are students they pay you to teach them you could treat them out since you are making a salary and they aren't...have a little heart and give a little!! Geesh!!

Mattaya...your world is fascinating......???????

Anyways, I also have had opportunities to go for dinner with students from time to time and I am never allowed to pay. Sure, I give the token try, but it never works. My Chinese friends would certainly never let me pay but in this case I sometimes, can sneak out and take care of the tab. They try to give me the money but after I refuse a few times they understand that, I too am just playing their game. Good times.

rainrain, you just got punked

I've also got a student like that. She's rolling in cash and still the cheeky b**** never offers to pay for n e thing. I guess they didn't get rich like that by paying for everyone's dinner. It seems true that those with the deepest pockets can never seem to find their money when the bill comes around. LOL