Please don't do as the Chinese do. Don't be shy. Timidity is the bane of every English teacher in China. Chinese language pedagogy up to now has focused a great deal on competency in grammar and syntax. While these elements are of course vital, they are no more or less key to language acquisition than creative expression and initiative. Most Chinese English students, by the time they've reached university, have a fair command of English grammar and an agreeable vocabulary. Their listening comprehension is superior, but their oral expression is often abysmal. This is due to lack of practice and to the fact that Chinese education conventions do not generally encourage expression. Western English teachers in China spend a great deal of time pulling teeth trying to get their polite but shy Chinese students to open up and say what's on their mind.

Lead by example. Show everyone you are not afraid to make mistakes. Take risks, take constructive criticism, but also, be prepared to take compliments. It is really no great exaggeration when it is said that the Chinese are extremely pleased and touched when they see a Lǎowài (foreigner) trying to speak Chinese. You'll receive so much encouragement that you'll sincerely want to improve.