Alex has over 5 years of experience in the teach abroad industry in Asia, has obtained his Cambridge CELTA certification in teaching, and has taught English experience in Korea and Vietnam.
He then went on to start Ninja Teacher to help others start their teach abroad experience.
What is your favorite travel memory?
One of my best memories is traveling South East Asia after my first year of teaching abroad in South Korea in 2013. A few friends and I rented a villa on Koh Samui island for the first month, which had an infinity pool looking out over the jungle and the ocean. We spent time on the beach, ate delicious Thai food, experienced the nightlife and had an all-around amazing experience.
While most people think doing something like this is totally unaffordable and can't imagine taking that much time off... Well, I comfortably managed it by teaching abroad for a year and had enough saved to travel for another 2 months through Thailand and Laos and to get set up in Vietnam where I've been ever since!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Ninja Teacher has been a huge part of my life since the day I left for Asia. I started out documenting my experience and giving tips and advice on YouTube and on my blog right from day one, and now have nearly 500 videos uploaded and 5 million views on those videos. Over time I started connecting my audience with teach abroad programs and turning Ninja Teacher into a company that helps people get started on their teach abroad adventures. Now we have a team, a TESOL school in Vietnam and help train, certify and place over 100 teachers per year in jobs.
At the start, I was as scared to take the leap and teach abroad as most people. I pushed my comfort zone and did it though, and my journey has been a constant one of moving forward, overcoming challenged and adapting. I've grown resilient and wouldn't take back all the ups and downs on this journey for anything.
I've also become more open to new ways of thinking by seeing how people live and what they believe in countries around the world. Without these experiences, I don't know who I would be today.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
My favorite stories are the ones where someone never expected to be a teacher or like teaching and then end up loving it.
Often people come to Vietnam because of the good salaries, low livings costs and great lifestyle and/or ability to save money you have here, which in my opinion is totally fine, as long as you ALSO take your job seriously.
Not everyone loves their job, and for some people teaching English in Vietnam is just that: a job they show up for and do what they need to do. But surprisingly, a large number of people end up really loving teaching. They may have never expected to and that's the great reward to me - seeing our graduates finding a new career path they enjoy (or at least something different to do for a year or two that they get a lot out of).
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
Ninja Teacher's teach in Vietnam program with its classroom-based 150 hour TESOL training and certification with a paid job is the best possible way you could get started teaching in Vietnam.
You get practical training in the classroom at Ninja Teacher Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, teaching time with real Vietnamese learners, your TESOL certification and a job in a reputable school.
We also pride ourselves as being the most supportive and friendly team out there! We're here to help you out from the moment you sign up until you've secured a job, and also continue to keep in touch with our alumni through regular events in the city.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
We're all previous teachers, we're a friendly and supportive team and we offer the best possible service throughout your time in Vietnam.
With Ninja Teacher Academy situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the most progressive and exciting city in Vietnam, you'll be able to adjust to life in Vietnam through our orientation and as you complete your training over 4 weeks.
One of the biggest highlights is meeting your cohort of fellow trainees, which gives you a ready-made group of new friends. Not going at it alone is essential for the successful transition to life abroad!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Every detail of what we do is geared towards helping our trainees successfully become great teachers and transition to life abroad - from daily support to quality training with experienced trainers.
We also have a great reputation with schools and Vietnam and they come to us first when looking to hire. This helps us to find the best possible jobs for our Ninja Teachers so they can travel, experience a new culture, live a great lifestyle, save money and make a difference!
