Teaching Adventures Abroad

08/01/2016

Have a few months to spare before your next job or class? Fund your adventure in China as an English teacher through our two, five-and-a-half, or eleven month program. http://www.teachingadventuresabroad.com/

Chatting on the patio of a local Chengdu bar located in the heart of China’s Sichuan province, John (former foreign English teacher) and Richard (ex-consultant) came to realize just how difficult it can be for an aspiring foreign English teacher to actually get to China. Everything from organizing t…

23/10/2015

Teacher Spotlight: Kauthar "Koda Kid" Qk Edries

Where are you from?: “I'm from Cape Town, South Africa.”

Why did you decide to teach in China?: “I decided to come teach in China because I needed an adventure. They say life begins at the end of your comfort zone and China is definitely out of my comfort zone. I've always dreamed of traveling and China is just the first stop.”

What is your favorite part of teaching abroad?: “My favorite part of teaching abroad… Well, I'd say it would have to be the many friends I've meet along the way- it's easy to travel in and around China. Also, the bonds I made with my students as I saw them learn and grow.”

How long have you been in China?: “September marks 1 year.”

What was the biggest surprise you faced when you got to China?: “My biggest surprise… Well, this is a tough one! I think it was feeling overwhelmed by people following me in supermarkets to take my picture. Most of all, I learned to expect the unexpected. China can be full of surprises.”

What is next for you?: “Next for me is another semester teaching in China, then hopefully going to Europe.”

Any advice for future teachers in China?: “I'd definitely say come with an open mind, try to learn the language (it will make your life here so much easier), try as many new things as possible, and travel every chance you get. There's so much beauty hiding beyond the tourist attractions you just have to go out and find it!”

29/09/2015

Teacher Spotlight: Susan Laurie

I am from West Lafayette, Indiana and am 25 years old. I chose to spend a year in Europe and, with eight months to spare before graduate school, I decided to give my dream to teach in China a shot. I would highly recommend using a program to coordinate logistics for you. After my recent experience teaching abroad with John in Chengdu, I couldn't think of a better person to plan responsibly, act timely and navigate within the unique and (at times) complicated Chinese system.

Upon arrival I was immediately surprised by the city itself, its new noises, smells, fashion and cultural norms. Every day I experienced something new, whether it be gaining new insight from a Chinese friend, trying a new fruit that was being sold in the street, or discovering a new dynamic within the school where I worked. Every day is truly an adventure and the opportunities to learn are endless. I especially enjoyed traveling outside of the city and hiking in the beautiful landscape the Sichuan Province has to offer. My favorite trip was probably to Hangzhou and Shanghai during my last month. Claiming China is a diverse country would be an understatement. The people you will meet will change your perception of the world and your abilities to navigate within it.

From my time in China I feel I gained a better understanding of foreigners' experience in the United States, confidence in my abilities to make plans and navigate within new landscapes (even when all written and spoken language is completely alien), and friendships that will last a lifetime.

I will begin graduate school at the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany next month and look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await me there, feeling all the more prepared with my recent experiences in China.

23/09/2015

Teaching Adventures Abroad: Teacher Spotlight with Ryan Pino

Where are you from?: “Nashville, Tennessee.”

Why did you decide to teach in China?: “I studied abroad in China during college, but I was looking for a different way to live in China and experience the culture even more deeply. Teaching English was by far the best option for this because it gave me a steady income and the flexibility to travel, as well as the opportunity to meet many fascinating people.”

What is your favorite part of teaching abroad?: "By far, my favorite part of teaching and living abroad was meeting so many people who I would never have met otherwise. Both expats and locals shaped my experience in a huge way, and I made some great friends. Chinese students, friends, and colleagues gave me a perspective on Chinese culture that I never would have gained on my own, and making friends in the expat community helped immensely with the transition to life in a foreign country. And that's not to mention all the fun we had.”

What was the biggest surprise you faced when you got to China?: “The biggest surprise for me had to do with the particular city I lived in, Chengdu. Everywhere I went, there were people strolling aimlessly, eating street food, or playing mahjong while sipping a cup of tea. For a large metropolitan city, the lifestyle was so relaxed, and the people had a real passion for enjoying the simple things in life. This is one thing that instantly struck me as unique and caused me to fall in love with Chengdu.”

What is next for you?: “I will be moving to Shanghai to start graduate school in Chinese Philosophy and Culture.”

Have a few months to spare before your next job or class? Fund your adventure in China as an English teacher through our two, five-and-a-half, or eleven month program. http://www.teachingadventuresabroad.com/

20/09/2015

A few snapshots of the teaching experience abroad. For more: http://www.teachingadventuresabroad.com/