What inspired you to teach ESL?
Mike: I decided to teach English abroad because no matter what job I held, I always found myself unofficially training new associates. It became clear to me that I found a certain pleasure in teaching others so I ultimately decided to combine my desire to travel and my love for teaching.
Why did you choose ImmerQi?
Mike: I searched online through various websites like ImmerQi but found theirs to be the most welcoming. There was a place to ask a question and by the next day someone had contacted me, getting the ball rolling just like that. I was already on the edge and they just gave me the comforting nudge to move forward.
Describe your day to day activities as a teacher in China.
Mike: My day to day life consist of teaching, whether it be for my school, or one-on-one with a local in exchange for Mandarin lessons. I'm always learning. Every day is exciting, especially since I bought a motorcycle several months ago. I ride everywhere I want to go and it's often with friends for dinner or a late night out.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Mike: China is the home of my rebirth. I've lost weight, started eating healthier, and have developed personal relationships that I don't believe I would have been able to make with the mindset I had back home. I am very confident in my ability to communicate in Mandarin so if and when I decide to return home, I know this will be a major advantage when applying for a new job. One of the reasons I left home was because I just wasn't learning anything anymore. Life was a mundane cycle on the cogs of a 40+ work week. Here I have plenty of free time to slow down and really enjoy life. Tomorrow is now a welcomed friend. I've been promoted twice in the school I work for and I plan to stay here as long as possible.
What is one piece of advice you would give to others thinking about teaching abroad?
Mike: Be certain that this is what you really want to do. Don't have one foot in while the other is still planted back home. I've witnessed people just quit within a couple of months of arriving because they were never quite able to just let go and move forward. I know it's a fail-safe mentality: "If this doesn't work out, then I can just come home," but that only leads to a method of thinking that is just begging for a reason to go home, instead of pushing through any obstacles and overcoming them. It's not just a step forward, it's a leap. Falling is not failure. Not getting up is.