First Thoughts - Teaching English in China

When you were younger and your teacher or parents asked "What do you want to be when you grow up", the typical answers are Doctor, Lawyers, Nurses.

I don't remember what my response was to that question. In fact, if you asked me right now, I wouldn't be able to answer it.

My ideal job is one where I can do nothing and become a millionaire! An independently wealthy person.

But, since that's not possible, let's focus on teaching. I thought about adjunct teaching a few years ago. It seemed like a lot of work for little pay. So that was crossed off the list of jobs matching my skillset. Alas, I am teaching. Teaching in China!

I will attempt to answer as many of your questions as possible.

1) What are you doing? Teaching English at the Shane School in Changzhou China.
2) What makes you qualified to teach? Well, according to the Chinese government,  I am a foreign expert. But, really, since I have a Bachelors Degree and a native English speaker, I am qualified.
Asia requires students to learn English. It's the business language. Who better to learn it from than a native speaker. Enter the big job market for foreigners.
3) What ages do you teach? From kindergarten aged to around 14-16 years old.
4) What's it like? It's exhausting just like a corporate job in America. It's real work. You don't just go and play with them. You create a lesson plan, plan activities using the language,  and there's tests! You give oral tests and create presentations with the language points. 
5) Why are you doing it / What made you decide to teach English? Why not is our response?! First, when you go on vacation, you are not fully immersing yourself in the culture.  Second, why do some people ride the corporate ladder? In America, you go from one company or another or take on new titles and responsibilities to make more money. What is that money buying- More problems. A bigger house, a newer car, fancy clothes.

Those things don't matter in the end. What matters is whose life you impacted, the difference you've made, and the adventure you've experienced. Teaching English is the path we went down for our journey.

We hope you stay tuned in for what life in China is really like. 








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