ESL TEACHER TESTIMONIAL

ESL TEACHER TESTIMONIAL

Author
Lexi Ward
2016.11.25

EF English First is part of EF Education First, one of the world's largest private education companies. For over 50 years, EF has been on a mission to break the barriers of language and culture and open the world through education. This mission has taken EF to over 107 countries around the world. EF's success is largely due to its teachers. EF's teachers are the most hardworking, dedicated and fun teachers in education. At EF we try to show our teachers as much appreciation as possible, offering free events, sponsored training courses and awards presented at teaching forums.

As our teachers are important to us, we have recently interviewed a few of them who teach in China to find out what makes them tick. Follow their stories and learn what it's like to be an ESL teacher at EF.

ESL TEACHER TESTIMONIAL

Dioni Wise

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

One weekend, a couple of my Chinese colleagues told me some parents raved about how much their kids loved my class. They said their kids didn't know if they would enjoy the class but are excited to attend now. I thought, “Yes! I'm doing something right!”

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

Service is an important part of my life. Through teaching, I'm serving. I taught English to adults in The States and fell in love with it. I married my love of teaching with travel and chose to work with EF because it offered support and opportunities to grow in my career.

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?

YOLO! You only live once, so why not answer all of your “What ifs…?”

Describe your favourite China adventure.

A group visited a tea plantation and factory to pick my own tea leaves and dry them to make green tea later. We also tasted different teas and rode tandem bikes through the countryside. It was great to get outdoors and explore an important aspect of Chinese culture.

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

I've learned not to take myself too seriously. I get silly with my kids and don't fret if a lesson plan goes off course. Plus, there are so many things I don't know about this country, that it's easy to make a faux pas. I laugh and move on.

ESL TEACHER TESTIMONIAL

Gerhard Greyvensteyn

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

My favourite moment is when I make a connection with a student on a very basic, human level - and we both know that it is language that is bringing us together.

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

Before coming to China, I worked in marketing in Cape Town; advertising and design in Johannesburg; and at the South African Embassy in Paris. I was ready for an adventure and a career change: and this job turned out to be so much more than I hoped for.

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 is scary and intimidating and frustrating, sure. But it is also rewarding, challenging and life-changing. Get out of your comfort zone and start a new adventure.

Describe your favourite China adventure.

China is incredibly stimulating on a purely visual level. Every day I find numerous moments of absolute beauty, juxtapositioning the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Few other places in the world can offer this exciting mix. My hobbies are food, travel and photography - and I can indulge in all of them. Find me on Instagram : gerhard_official !

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

I know less than I thought. And life is amazing.

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Author
Lexi Ward

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