What inspired you to teach ESL?
Bethany: I have always loved traveling and was trying to find a way to travel and make money doing it, so I had been eying teaching abroad for awhile. One day I knew my job would be ending, my lease was up and so I decided it was time to go!
Why did you choose ImmerQi?
Bethany: I choose ImmerQi because I had never taught ESL before and was nervous about starting a new job in a new country. I wanted some help and advice if needed along the way. ImmerQi's staff were all ESL teachers themselves and many of them were western so I knew they would understand any difficulties I might face. Also, the "in country" weekend course was another aspect I really liked about the program, you see and learn about your new country while getting the finishing touches on your TEFL training. They are with you every step of the way from the moment they pick you up at the airport. I have now been with the program two semesters!
Describe your day to day activities as a teacher in China.
Bethany: I have taught at two different schools here in China: a language school and a public school. A day at the language school: My day started with breakfast and tea then catching a bus to get to my school by 8:30 in the morning. Most of the morning is spent in the office preparing lesson plans for my 4 English levels. Then I go to a local restaurant or street vendor for lunch before going back to the office. I took the bus to another campus and taught afternoons 4 days a week at a middle school. Left the school at 6pm for the bus home then dinner. Weekends were the busiest with most of the classes falling on these days at multiple campuses. I had Monday and Tuesdays off to explore.
My current day at the public school: I start my day by walking 15 minutes to school, arriving at my school just before 8:30 in the morning to grab breakfast there. I have an office where I make sure my lessons are ready for the classes I will see that day. Lunch at 12:15 at the school and then more classes. My free time between my 18 classes is spent planning for the next week of lessons. I have 5 grades, which means five different books/levels and different targets. I do have some freedom to what I teach but I try to sync with what the Chinese English teachers are teaching so everything is reinforced. Then home around 5pm to make dinner. Public school works Monday- Friday with weekends off.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Bethany: I have decided to make this my new career! I have now been searching for a school on my own and have expanded my search beyond China. I also have been accepted into Grad-school, I am getting my Masters in TEFL. I have loved both places that I have worked and lived on this program and plan to continue teaching ESL for many years before going home. Plus this experience has impacted my time here, I have tried more new things since coming to china. During the month we had off in summer I went to KungFu school in the south; it was hard work but amazing. I have now been to a desert, the grasslands and seen the Great wall! All these things will stay with me forever.
What is one piece of advice you would give to others thinking about teaching abroad?
Bethany: Do it! Don't over think it, just do it. You will be surprised at how small this planet really is! The children will love you even if your lesson plan fails. I have had many lessons go down in flames, but you retool it for the next class and you are back on top. Either way the students will love you.