Why did you decide to teach abroad with the Buckland Group?
Michelle: Why on earth did I want to leave New Zealand and come to China to teach? Most people at home thought it was a crazy idea. Others called me brave to travel alone, especially when I had never been overseas before. Why China? I was asked that frequently. Here is how my story began. I accomplished a long held dream of getting a degree in 2012. After having wasted my youth, I became a graduate at the ripe old age of 49, with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning. It was possibly the hardest 3 years of my life, working and studying full time while raising a family. I obtained a degree early December 2012, made my professional CV, and sent it around the whole of New Zealand. I applied for jobs at every location that became available. I did this for about 3 or 4 months with no success.
I decided to look online for jobs overseas; I uploaded my CV onto a universal website and within 2 days I had job offers from all over China. It all sounded too good to be true, but I waded through them all until one in particular stood out. The Buckland Group had a Facebook page and website, and I could talk to people who were actually in China teaching or had completed their contracts. I continued to communicate via email and then they sent the contract and before I knew it I was actually on a plane to China!
What made this teach abroad experience unique and special?
Michelle: I love the students in China and the people in general here are so warm, friendly, and generous. How can you not enjoy the experience, when everyday the students tell you they love you. However, picking just one thing that is unique or special here is too difficult because everything is completely different from my life in New Zealand. I have enjoyed KTV (karaoke), which is very popular in China. I joined a bike club and have been on some epic bike rides.
In addition, I feel lucky because I am sharing my experience with another foreign teacher and this helps as you have someone to speak English with everyday. I can also Skype home all the time because New Zealand is only 5 hours ahead of China. My lunch time is dinner time at home so I still feel connected to my family. Lastly, the town I live in is called Lixian, in the northern Hunan Province and considered small by China standards (with a population under 1 million). I feel very safe living within the school grounds as they have guards on the gates at all times.
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, etc)
Michelle: I think when I go home to New Zealand it will set me apart from other new teachers. It will look good on my CV that I have taught English for a year in China. I would be an asset at any school with all the foreign students we now have in New Zealand. However, I might actually decide I prefer teaching abroad and continue on this path. I have only been in China for 3 months, so it is too early to make any long-term decisions just yet.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone considering teaching abroad in China?
Michelle: The one piece of advice I would give to someone considering teaching in China is come with an open mind and a positive attitude. I thought New Zealand was laid back but here in China the way they do things is in a whole new category altogether. Also be prepared for things to change at a moment's notice. If you are not easy going by nature (as I am), you might find life here difficult as it is a huge culture shock. I want to make the most of every opportunity that I get here in China and in a couple of months, we have a one-month holiday so I plan to travel and see more of this wonderful, vast place. If you want the adventure of a lifetime, then look no further. I love that every day I get to live this other life. No cooking, no dishes, just new experiences.