WHY IT’S THE BEST TIME TO BE AN ESL TEACHER

WHY IT’S THE BEST TIME TO BE AN ESL TEACHER

Author
Lexi Ward
2019.08.07

You've just walked across the stage, diploma in hand, and you may be thinking to yourself, “now what...?”

You've just graduated from university, and you need a job. Or, you may already be stuck in the 9-to-5 grind working away but considering a change because obviously, this isn't what you expected life would be like. The clock is ticking, but you're still young, and there's plenty of life to live! What to do!?

Teaching English in China with EF English First is the answer. I remember when I first heard of being an ESL Teacher in China as an opportunity. I think I blurted out in disbelief, “I can make money from teaching my own language!?”

1. ENGLISH TEACHERS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND

There's a huge need for ESL teachers in China. There just aren't enough English teachers out there to meet the ever-growing demand. Whether it be teaching English to children, teenagers, adults, or even business professionals, the number of Chinese people looking for English tutors is through the roof! China is becoming the world's largest English learning country, and many people are looking to teach English in China with EF English First.

2. COST OF LIVING IN CHINA IS LOWER THAN YOUR HOME COUNTRY

Another reason many English teachers are looking to China is the cost of living. Let's be honest; some of the day-to-day costs at home are unreasonably expensive. Basic necessities such as, transportation, food, and rent eat up a sizeable chunk of your bank account, which can be soul-crushing. This is like adding salt to the wound, especially if you've got student loans or debt to pay. The perk of living in China is that everything is reasonably affordable and the salary that teachers make is more than enough to live like royalty, and most importantly, save!

3. YOUR WQ (WORLD QUOTIENT) WILL INCREASE BY LIVING AND WORKING ABROAD

Steven Johnson, author of “Where Good Ideas Come From – The Natural History of Innovation,” states that the more diverse people you bump into, and the exposure one must expand their network increases their adjacent possible. Basically, your WQ increases, and you're more #woke. WQ – short for World Quotient – is a framework to give these skills a common voice, and a new way to think about competence in today's multicultural world. You'll be able to put things into a better perspective and gain valuable experience by living and teaching English in China. By utilizing and growing skills in a more globalized setting, employers will be looking at quite an impressive resume. Or maybe you'll be looking at others' resumes through a different lens.

4. TRAVEL WHILE YOU'RE YOUNG AND YOU'RE ABLE TO!

Do you ever feel like each day is getting shorter as you get older? Well, it is! At least based on your own perception. The time perceived as a 5-year-old, oh how wonderful it would be to have a time machine where playing during recess never seemed to end. The younger you are, the more a year seems to you. As a 5-year-old, 1 year equals 20% of your life. Turn 30 and that 1 year is equal to 3.23% of your perceived time. Travel while you're young and increase the amount of adventure, moments, and experiences gained so when you're older, you'll have memories and overall fulfillment in your life. As you get older, you shouldn't have feelings of regret and thoughts of “woulda, coulda, shoulda's.”

5. ABILITY TO LEARN MANDARIN DURING YOUR TIME IN CHINA – USEFUL LANGUAGE TO KNOW

“You might as well be speaking to me in Chinese!”, as a joke I've heard this from monolingual people. They only speak one language and maybe aren't even the best at it either! Chinese is the number one most spoken language on the planet. It is extremely useful. China has more and more citizens that are able to leave the country to travel, meaning that the chances of encountering Chinese speakers in your social or career is constantly increasing. Wouldn't it be cool to converse with more people outside of the English-only bubble? I mean, what does 20%, or over 1 billion of the other people on this world have to say? During your stay in China, you'll be thrown into an immersive environment where the opportunity to learn Chinese is readily accessible.

I remember my first time in Shanghai. I felt like the city was confusing and I made many mistakes. But that's the whole part of it! Learning to fail, especially when attempting to learn Chinese is how you'll get better. The Chinese language, like mysterious puzzle pieces, will eventually become clearer. Navigating this foreign landscape will become easier, and by default, you'll get a better understanding of not just the language, but the people and culture.

The best part about all of this is that you'll gain the confidence in moving from one country to another. What may seem like a huge leap of faith will appear trivial, looking back on it. All it takes is a little push. EF English First opens the door; it's up to you now to step on through.

Are you ready?

Apply to Teach NOW

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Author
Lexi Ward

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