Westerners only began to be taught Chinese martial arts in very small numbers in the 1960's, with the real explosion not coming until the 1970's and 1980's. One word of caution is due at this point. Do not go overboard in asking questions of the potential instructor. Do not cross the line from polite information gathering to interrogation. It is rude and offensive.
Seasoned instructors know from experience that people with skeptical attitudes make poor students.
You might find yourself disingenuously guided back out onto the street, missing an authentic training experience. Also, once you have made the decision to begin training at a school, be quiet and train hard. Another bad sign is an instructor who talks a good game, but never physically does anything. Ask yourself what you would become as a person were you to submit yourself to this art for an extended period of time. Everybody begins a journey with great enthusiasm, but few foresee the potholes in the road ahead.