I can only speak for Shenzhen, where I live and work. I have family in Hong Kong but remain in Shenzhen during the week, even though I could easily return to Hong Kong each night. I personally enjoy Shenzhen and spend my free time playing basketball or trail running. After school each day, I prepare my lesson plans for the following day and still have plenty of time for exercise and entertainment. Hong Kong is less than an hour away so for myself, Shenzhen has been ideal and I intend to continue in my current post.
TESOL voyages helped greatly in building confidence in my ability to teach English. Building confidence in my lesson plans was my most difficult task only because, as a coach, I had never developed a lesson for a classroom. I was able to attend classes as a teachers aid and observe as lesson plans were administered by professionals with years of experience. I was able to translate some of my coaching techniques to teaching and became increasingly confident that I could teach and perform well enough to produce results from my pupils.
The students all seem so happy to see me everyday so I am especially proud of their gracious and respectful conduct so lacking in American public schools. Our students show up for each class eager to learn and eager to improve their English skills.
Being able to build confidence in your pupils or your respective staff is paramount to the long term success of any business endeavor. Happy and confident people will always perform better and continue to produce positive results given the proper instruction. Rewarding students of staff for achieving predetermined goals and giving recognition to those who show exemplary work ethic is the lifeblood of any successful organization.
