TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD EXPERIENCES

TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD EXPERIENCES

Author
Erica Fairchild
2016.12.02

Teaching English abroad experiences last a lifetime. Living and working in a new country, experiencing a new culture and opening your mind to new possibilities is what the whole experience is about. At EF, the majority of our teachers, are teaching English abroad for the first time. Before the big move, it's common to feel a little nervous. But, as our teachers have found out, it's definitely worthwhile. In this post, Simon and Karen share their teaching English abroad experiences. As well as their motivations and highlights from their time in China. Follow their stories and learn how you can also teach English overseas.

TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD EXPERIENCES

Simon Thomas

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

EF supported my application to the Sina Weibo 5 star Teacher competition. Through the great training and support,I have received while at EF I was able to win a nationally recognisedaward for my teaching. Standing on the stage in the spotlight having my picture taken with the other EF staff winners was a great memory!

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

I have always loved teaching and while browsing online I saw an advert for EF. I took a chance and hit submit on my resume. Within the blink of an eye, I was in China thanks to the great admin and recruitment team.

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?

Take the chance. Bite the bullet. Pull off the Plaster. Take the plunge. Get your feet wet. Roll the dice. Give yourself the adventure you deserve!

Describe your favourite China adventure.

EF provided me tickets to go see Iron Maiden live! Standing in an amazing stadium surrounded by thousands of Chinese fans all screaming the words to 'The Trooper' was amazing.

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

Take it easy, one step at a time. No two days are the same and every situation has a million solutions. Learn to listen rather than talk, you will learn that universally we are all more similar than we think.

TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD EXPERIENCES

Karen Rice

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

I ran into a former student, who struggled so hard in classes, at his work and we were able to have a natural, unscripted conversation easily; it was a big breakthrough in real communication.

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

I have a long history with EF; I was an EF student in high school. I had previously taught in China. It was a good combination of two things I already knew and liked. There was trust that EF would treat me well.

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?

Don't let fear stop you. China is actually an easy place to live, and you have many colleagues (international and local) willing and able to help you along the way.

Describe your favourite China adventure.

Every day is an adventure. Walking to work one day, I saw something fall out of the corner of my eye. I looked and a rat had fallen into a woman's mop bucket. The woman didn't miss a beat, but simply picked up her broom and beat the rat to death.

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

You have to have patience with yourself and with your students. Treat every student as special and be willing to give that extra little bit of help. It makes a tonne of difference to them. Find joy in the small moments and little things to celebrate each day.

TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD EXPERIENCES

Jake Gerber

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

My favourite EF moments are from former students who have either gone abroad or got new jobs and are using English. I can't help but think that I had something to do with improving their lives.

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

I had been thinking about teaching ESL abroad could not decide which country to go to when a friend of mine told me about EF. I had already been on an EF tour in high school and really enjoyed my experience so I figured why not apply.

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?

There's a lot of new things/problems that can come from moving abroad, especially to a place like China. EF has a great support network and always takes care of their employees which makes living abroad much easier.

Describe your favourite China adventure.

There's too many to count! Probably my most memorable was going to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors in the end of November at the same time as Thanksgiving. My tour guide I met knew I was traveling alone and invited me to her house to have dinner with her family.

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

I've learned to be much more self-reliant and to not be afraid of the unexpected. My ability to communicate whether it be in English and Chinese has grown beyond what I ever imagined.

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