AYC is the best all-around program

I took part in AYC in it's first year and had an incredible time living in a small city in China. I've continued working with Ameson and am very happy to be part of an international team dedicated to bridging the large cultural gap by focusing on positive cultural exchange. The big draw for me was no program fee. I was trained, received the TEFL certificate, and given a job right out of college. Everything I did that year has helped me find work back in the US and keep my options open to further time abroad.

I didn't want to be a teacher, but I wanted to spend time abroad and learn more about a culture and language very different from my own. Because of the schedule, I had enough time to really immerse myself in anything that interested me. That being said, I think this is also an excellent opportunity for people interested in education in that you get a very immersive experience in a Chinese school and you're welcomed into a community as a full-on, professional teacher. The fact that you receive a TEFL certificate for free is pretty amazing and unheard of, at least that is what I found in my extensive research of other programs that do a similar thing. I also spent the year working pretty hard on improving my Mandarin which was fantastic. Especially because I was placed in a smaller city, I had ample opportunity to speak and study Chinese. The local teachers and students at my school all supported and helped me along the way and Ameson was a great backup support if I ever needed them.

Highly recommend AYC, I think it really is one of the best options for recent college grads looking for some adventure and a good start to career goals. Oh and I also had a TON of time to travel and the salary I was receiving was enough to support all of it.