In January, I was living and teaching in South Korea which was never part of my plans. I had an incredible time, but my original goal was to reach Shenzhen in China.
I've been living in Shenzhen for around 4 months now and what a life!! Hasn't been easy adjusting but it's worth it with an open attitude. The time you have for yourself here with working in a public school is unmatched, and almost unbelievable. Andrew is a mate, he's genuinely just on the other end of the phone and willingly helps in any way that he can with any concerns you might have.
Life in Shenzhen is so unique, I'm riding an electric scooter to commute to my job which only needs me 4 days a week for a few hours. It can be a proper challenge, managing 40-50 children in each given class but the balance comes with no office hours, banging free school lunches and a healthy payslip each month. I've made amazing memories and have a little family here now, and I'm not even halfway through this first year here. It makes me excited for the future, not anxious, not dread, not hopelessness (which is what the uk gives me lol).
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Learn some of the language and willingly make a fool out of yourself to test out what you know. Just try, cos it makes for funny moments & stories, and gives you more insight to the culture and society.
Embrace the good and bad, stay on your toes with a clear mind