Why did you decide to teach abroad with ImmerQi in China?
Samantha: I decided to go with ImmerQi since they were established here in China as well as other locations around the world. They have been placing interns within the Chinese education system for a number of years. I knew that I would have support when needed since they are experienced with the visa application process and school placements within China. I felt comfortable knowing that I was not on my own. I could have just traveled to China and found a job by myself but with ImmerQi, they did all of this for me.
What made this internship experience so unique and special?
Samantha: Having been a classroom assistant in England where the average class size is about 25 children, I was surprised to see that the average class size here in China is 40-50 children. I taught kindergarden in a city where I taught ages 2-6 years. I even taught to 18 month old toddlers who came in with their parents/grandparents. When I started teaching, none of the children spoke any English and the majority of them did not even know how to say “Hello.”
What made this experience so special was the difference I was making in each and every one of these children’s lives. At the end of the semester, hearing the children greet me in English every day and speak English in class and not their native language is one of the most rewarding experiences I will ever have. They used to greet me every day with hugs and smiles and the sheer excitement they used to feel when I entered the class is something that I will always remember from this experience.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Samantha: Personally, I have a deeper respect for the Chinese culture. I have learned so much about this country and its people. It has made me a much more humble person who appreciates what I have in life and to just appreciate my family and friends more. Sometimes we tend to take what we have for granted until we see how simple other cultures lives and this has changed my views. I can be happy regardless of what I have or don’t have.
Professionally, this experience has only made me realize that being an ESL teacher is something that I want to continue to do for as long as I enjoy it, and I am enjoying it! I am currently teaching my second semester here in China with ImmerQi and will then look at teaching ESL in other countries around the world. I did not see this as a full time career but since coming to China to teach, I can see myself doing nothing else!
What is one piece of advice you would offer something considering teaching abroad in China?
Samantha: Be open minded and flexible since China is like no other country! Things take longer to process, lessons can change at a moment’s notice, meetings and presentations are booked for you with no notice and you just have to get on with it. Have patience since sometimes things don’t go as planned or you are asked to teach when you have no lesson plans but just go with it! It will be rewarding in the end and you will look back at the whole experience and remember how special it was. You can plan, plan, plan but be prepared to throw that plan out the window and make it up as you go along which sometimes happens! Sometimes, the Chinese teachers forget you cannot read Chinese characters and give you a schedule that you cannot read or you have to attend a meeting that is spoken in Chinese but get involved and ask for help! Also, get involved in any extra-curricular activities and meet the parents- it is so much fun.
