TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE TESTIMONIALS

Teaching English as a second language (TESOL) is one of the many names for teaching “non-native” English speakers to communicate using English. It's expected that by 2020, over 2 billion people will be speaking or learning to speak English. For you, this could represent a great opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications, start a rewarding job and travel around the world.

We've recently collected teaching English as a second language testimonials from some of our teachers all around China, to get a deeper understanding into what life is like as a TESOL teacher today. In this post, you can follow the stories of Phillip and Jay, and discover how they started a rewarding teaching job overseas.

Phillip Elliot

In one sentence, describe a major accomplishment while teaching abroad with English First or describe your favourite EF moment.

Helping students develop practical business skills and seeing them accomplish their goals.

What brought you to teaching in China and working with English First?

I came to China to pursue my passion of teaching in a totally different environment than that of my home.

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of making the move to work with English First in China but might be too afraid to?

It's comfortable to be somewhere where you are familiar, but if you are striving to develop yourself as a person taking the leap and moving to China will help you grow in ways you didn't know possible.

Describe your favourite China adventure.

Going to Xinjiang for one week with TRT was a fantastic experience that I can never forget. All the delicious food and desert sun was a beautiful alternative to city living, that and camels. Camels are awesome.

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

I learned to hone in on my patience. Patience with students, patience with coworkers, patience with friends, and patience with living in China. I have learned a lot about patience while living here.

Jay Ahn

In one sentence, describe a major accomplishment while teaching abroad with English First or describe your favourite EF moment.

My favourite EF moments are the TRT events!

What brought you to teaching in China and working with English First?

China was an adventure that always sat outside my comfort zone. When a friend of mine told me about his good experience at EF, and opportunity to make money referring friends to EF, I was sold!

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of making the move to work with English First in China but might be too afraid to?

IF you are going to do something you are afraid to do, but interested in doing… doing it with the guidance and support of EF is the safest and best way to do it!

Describe your favourite China adventure.

My favourite China adventure yes,is visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing. Being able to sightsee and experience culture on the other side of the world was an exciting adventure. Looking forward to visitother places!

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

While teaching abroad, I got a chance to meet many people; students and friends from different cultures. It was a new way of life with the ability to travel and live. Now I am able to share this lifestyle with others back home.