After a year of retirement, I was bored. I wanted to travel and see the world, but I needed to look for paid teaching positions. My first choice, Israel, was a bit costly, however, I found the best offer in China through Buckland. China is very safe from crime, much safer than the US even. It is also cheap to live in China, where the US dollar is worth 6 times more. I spoke with teachers who worked for Buckland and found out that it is a reputable company with a very good reputation. So, here I am! And I am loving it!
Alumni Spotlight: Linda Helton
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Linda, a US baby boomer, was born 65 years ago in Montgomery, Alabama, the Capital of the Heart of Dixie, and center of the Baptist Bible Belt. Around the age of 21, she got married and graduated from college. She worked at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa as a psychologist for the State Mental Institution. After a few years of marriage, she became dissatisfied with her husband and divorced him. Looking for a new beginning, she moved to Mobile, Alabama where she got her Masters Degree in Psychology. While looking for a good job in the field, she accepted a job teaching Reading to struggling students. She enjoyed it so much that she kept the job...for over 30 years! At the same time, she worked part-time at a children's home where she met and married a colleague. In 1987, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. The husband later ran off, but the daughter stayed and is currently working with her mom, teaching in China!
Why did you decide to teach abroad in China with the Buckland Group?
What made this teach abroad experience unique and special?
I was not expecting the Chinese people to be so warm and friendly, they are constantly going out of their way to be helpful! When I dropped money in the street, someone came running behind me to give it back! There is always someone who gets up to give me a seat on the bus, and I can't go up any stairs with a package without someone helping me carry it. Though, the best part about teaching here are the students - they are so appreciative and fun to teach! I don't know of any other place in the world that is like this!
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, etc)
It has made me want to stay here as long as I can. I am enjoying my Golden Years, and I feel a sense of fulfillment in my teaching that I never experienced during my 30+ years of teaching in the States. Since many of the older Chinese people can't speak English, most of my friends are my daughter's age, which has sort of made me feel young again! Also, due to the lack of fast food on every corner, I am finally forced to learn to cook!
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone considering teaching abroad in China?
Don't listen to your dear friends who may attempt to talk you out of teaching abroad! Unless they have been to China, they don't know what they are talking about! China is an especially wonderful place for retired teachers in good health! Though, if you don't like being treated like a movie star - strangers who want to take their picture with you or being told you (at 65) are sooo beautiful, etc. - then don't come!