Home

 

Getting Experience

- # of # Filtered -

Changing Course In China

Q&A with Anthony: Taught English in China
Share this
Print this
Anthony
Taught English in China
His thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
I took a week-long course to get my TESOL certificate, had a contract lined up the following week, and within a month I was on a plane to Yangshuo!
His thoughts on Adaptation
The more a teacher assimilates into the local culture, the easier budgeting becomes!
His thoughts on The Right Attitude
By getting out and meeting people, exploring and becoming part of the culture you far more likely to enjoy it.
His thoughts on First Impressions
From day one I was treated like a professional and a friend. Everyone seemed thankful to have me here helping them become part of the global village.
His thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
I came to China with a return air ticket and $1,000 in the bank. But I spent my last couple of months at home living like a miser to become 100% debt free BEFORE leaving the country!

When and where did you teach abroad? Did you go with a program?

I decided to go abroad to teach English after a life-changing event. The stress of working 70-hour workweeks as a computer engineer for years had left me obese and extremely unhealthy. I had a minor heart attack at the age of 33 and my doctor informed me that if I did not dramatically change my life I would not live to see 40. I started a week-long course to get my TESOL certificate three days later and had a contract lined up the following week. Within a month, I was on a plane to Yangshuo, China – one of the most amazing places on the planet. I did not go with any program or anyone at all. I simply did research online, found a recruiter, talked to them and some of their teachers and off I went.

What made you want to teach English abroad?

Envy and jealousy of all the people I had met who I considered “lucky” to have been able to travel and see the world. I always dreamed of traveling but just never felt it was possible or within my means. It wasn’t until a friend of mine tried teaching in Japan for a year that I really started thinking it was possible. I was unhappy, unhealthy and needed a change in a big way, and I once again came across one of those “Teach English Overseas!” ads in the back of a local newspaper. I took the course that week. That was 10 years ago, and I am still in China and teaching now!

How did you conduct your search? How did you select your program/country and/or find an employer abroad?

My options were somewhat limited then. I did not have a degree at that time, so that seriously limited my options as far as countries and money went. Luckily though, in China it was very possible to work without a degree. I began searching online and through ESL Web sites first, following the forums and discussions rather than the adverts from employers and recruiters. I chose my first company based on the fact it had excellent reviews from current teachers (and the company allowed me to contact them directly). They paid for all the necessities of life in China (apartment, utilities, cable, telephone, internet, meals, etc.) for me and offered one to two weeks of free training and acclimatization to China at their main office in the amazing village of Yangshuo. Anyone willing to do a Google search for pictures of Yangshuo will see why it was such an easy choice! Truly amazing!

Describe the application process. What made you successful?

Well, with my first company it was literally too easy. They provide foreign teachers to smaller cities and communities around China that would normally never even be visited by a foreign traveler, let alone a teacher. As such, they have tons of work available and even give teachers many choices of locations and schools to choose from. They simply sent me an invitation letter and contract to sign the day after I applied. I got the necessary vaccinations and bought a plane ticket and that was pretty much it. Every single other person I have referred to them has been almost automatically given a contract and has had excellent success. I was very lucky to have found such an excellent company so early on. One thing all prospective teachers need to keep in mind is that the cost of living here is very different than back home. My first job paid $500 a month, enough to keep many possible teachers from even applying. However, what they don’t know is that $500 a month in a smaller city in China is HUGE money! You can literally live like a king, better than local doctors and lawyers! Luckily, as I was debt-free I didn’t worry about the money so much, and that made the process all the more simple and enjoyable. It’s only after you arrive in China and have some real world experience that the real opportunities come. (These days I charge $75/hr for tutoring and $50 for teaching in a classroom).

What was the biggest surprise about your teaching experience abroad?

The biggest surprise by far was how culturally accepted and respected foreign teachers and teachers in general are in China. From day one I was always treated like a professional and a friend by everyone. They all seemed so thankful to have me here helping them become part of the global village. It never ceases to amaze me how many gifts I get as a teacher here: iPhones (yes, iPhones!), $1,000 ukuleles, fruit, specialty foods and more dinners than you can imagine. I can’t imagine teachers are treated so well back home!

Did you participate in extra-curricular or social activities while abroad? If so, how did they differ from social activities in your home culture?

Tons! China is an eating culture, so whereas back home my friends were mostly interested in going somewhere to drink either booze or coffee, in China we go for dinner. In fact, instead of greeting someone with “Hi, How are you?” the common, polite greeting is “Hi, have you had your dinner yet?” One of the biggest social activities here is KTV (karaoke), which I have of course done a lot of. But it is quite different here. Back home karaoke is typically in a bar, with hundreds of other people (and at least one old drunk guy who HAS to sing “My Way” very poorly!). In China, KTV is in a private room with just you and your friends. I have been in rooms for four people all the way up to huge KTV auditoriums with 500! You can buy alcohol, food, snacks or just sing. You are even welcome to bring your own food from outside. Most KTV party rooms even come with their own private bathrooms and serving staff. Basically KTV is your own private party every time and WAY cheaper than going to a bar or disco.

What made your experience abroad a success?

Without a doubt I consider my 10 years teaching in China successful. I have a family here, a brand new car (which I was able to buy with cash), a very relaxed lifestyle and more financial freedom than ever before in my life. I chalk this all up to having a positive and accepting attitude. Sadly, from 90% of the foreigners I have met here and other places, there is a huge amount of negativity, as travelers often compare their own cultures to the ones they are in. However, I chose to go out of my way to not become negative. I accepted the different cultural aspects I did not like and simply avoided them or grinned and bore it. I did not dwell on the negative, and instead I found something positive I loved every day instead. I also learned some of the local lingo. Mandarin Chinese is NOT easy to learn, but once you can start understanding and communicating more, the experience gets so much better! But it’s important to put an effort in. All in all, trying to smile every day and not dwell on the differences has been the biggest factor in my personal success and happiness abroad.

How did you finance your trip abroad and did you find any creative solutions to stay on budget?

I took a long shot! I came to China with a return air ticket, $500 in hand and maybe $1,000 in the bank. My life savings, as it were. However, I spent my last couple of months in Canada living like a miser to become 100% debt free BEFORE leaving the country! This is something I had to really struggle to do, selling literally all my possessions and spending my last month in Canada sleeping on a mat on the floor and living out of a suitcase. But when I left Canada without having to worry about “sending money home,” I was one of the very few who travel abroad who do not have that stress, and as such, budgeting has never really been an issue. The cost of living here is so cheap that I have never had difficulties paying all the bills on time and having enough left over for actual savings as well. I have found that staying on budget is 100% up to the individual. It would be very easy to fall into the “disco lifestyle” here, which is just as expensive here as it is back home, if not more. Tsingtao beer, for example, costs 25 cents in the corner store, but up to $10US at a nightclub. A meal in a local “mom and pop” restaurant will cost you a dollar or two, while a burger or steak in a Western restaurant would run you $20 or $30. The more a teacher assimilates into the local culture, the easier the budgeting becomes!

How did you deal with the cultural divide during your time teaching abroad?

It is vital to keep an open mind and not to spend too much time comparing the negative aspects of where you are to the things you miss back home. This simply leads to negativity, homesickness and a bad experience. By embracing the culture, good and bad, focusing on the positive and studying some of the local language you won’t miss the amazing aspects of the culture you are visiting. By getting out and meeting people, exploring and becoming part of the culture you are far more likely to enjoy it.

What is your number one tip for anyone hoping to follow in your footsteps?

I recommend everyone try a “hand-holder” job at first like I did. Having a good company take care of the rent, bills and administrative aspects of teaching abroad is so much easier at first. Having to deal with banks, landlords, utility companies, etc. can be next to impossible without speaking the language. Also if at all possible, try your hardest to become debt-free before going abroad. Once again, the hassle it saves dealing with banks (and possibly government), trying to coordinate bill payments back home and sometimes even just getting the money out of the country can be an amazingly tough challenge. In China it is VERY difficult to transfer money out of the country and often very expensive as well! It is so much better to be able to come on your own terms and enjoy the experience as opposed to stressing about bills and worries back home. Well worth the extra time to get your finances settled first!

Do you have any final observations on your experience?

Heading out into the global village has been the most important and amazing change and challenge in my life. What was originally a year-long sabbatical to teach and heal while traveling has turned into an amazing new life. I have found financial freedom, independence and success doing something I truly love. I have found health for the first time in 40 years, the love of my life and a new family. I have been abroad now for a decade and do not ever plan on going back to my old stressful life. Taking a chance and buying that plane ticket 10 years ago have helped me to become healthier and happier than I have ever been before. I am truly thankful that instead of envying those people who had done it before me, I became one myself!

What are your future plans for going abroad and for your career?

This one is easy. I am still abroad and I plan on staying abroad. I have been in China now for 10 years and plan on staying for a while longer, perhaps even forever. I am considering moving to another country to try the experience all over again with my family this time, but we are just in the initial stages. At the moment I am at the top of my game in China. I have completed two degrees and become certified in other teaching specializations in order to move up the teaching ladder. Now I am able to make an excellent living salary as a part-time teacher and have enough spare time to follow other pursuits. I am currently thinking of going into music here professionally or trying to find acting roles. I currently make enough money tutoring for a couple hours on weekends that I am free to pursue my other hobbies and interests far more than I believe I would be able to at home. China is a country starved for foreign entertainment, and I plan to see if I can make a living at doing just that! Wish me luck!

Advice from MyWorldAbroad
Jean-Marc Hachey, Publisher

Anthony has written a moving and inspirational account of his experience building a life as an English teacher in China. Anthony is now beginning to shift his professional goals to incorporate more creative endeavors. Because of his extensive experience and reputation as a teacher, Anthony will be able to begin pursuing these goals while continuing to teach and earn a living. Many students and young professionals teach English abroad simply to broaden their understanding of the world, but Anthony’s story shows us that it’s possible to build an entirely new life in a foreign land, provided you keep a positive attitude and an open mind. The resources and articles below will assist anyone interested in teaching English abroad, or teaching abroad long-term.

  • Read the entire Teach English Abroad section to get a sense of what an English teaching term abroad requires, and the benefits it can offer.
  • Our article [idlink:0002: %title] will give you a sense of some of the most important traits for international people.
  • English isn’t the only subject you can teach abroad. Check out Who Hires Licensed Teachers? to read about other options for those interested in going abroad long-term.
Anthony's Next Steps
Advice from MyWorldAbroad
by the founder of MyWorldAbroad
Jean-Marc Hachey
Want to Have the Same Experience?
10157
- # of # Filtered -
  • 102
102
10923
Insight And Education In Korea
1
16392
Building International Career Skills Online
2
16320
Independent, International, Virtual! A UN Internship Online
3
16382
Making the Most of Lockdown with a Virtual Internship
4
16312
Virtual Internship for a Cross-cultural Future
5
16157
Zoom Zoom! A Virtual Internship with Central America
6
9775
A Year Of Feeling French
7
10153
China, South Africa And Beyond!
8
9776
Soaking Up Japanese Culture
9
9764
Do It Yourself! A Proactive Intern in Rome
10
15631
An International Career in the Making: Asia, Africa and Beyond
11
15405
From Daydream to Reality: Teaching Abroad
12
15401
From Korea to Oman: Teaching English Around the World!
13
9761
Communicating Creatively In Spain
14
9773
Independent In India
15
9791
Making Contacts Count In The UK
16
9740
Sports, Study And Fun In France
17
9743
Hooked On Volunteering!
18
16316
Exploring the Sights, Sounds & Tastes of Mexico City
19
16387
An Epic Internship in Malaysia
20
9756
Springtime In Spain
21
9763
A Professional Visit To Vietnam
22
9780
A Year In Marvelous Mexico!
23
9751
A Canadian Globe-Trotter Visits The US
24
9768
Going Solo In Spain!
25
10188
Now Or Never In Colombia
26
9792
Rolling With The Punches In Seoul
27
9745
An Unforgettable Adventure In Nanjing
28
9774
Gaga For Ghana!
29
9783
Off The Beaten Path In Africa
30
9755
People, Places And Passionate Volunteering In Peru
31
9778
Study And Adventure In New Zealand
32
9777
Into The Wild In Alaska
33
9754
Building Memories In India
34
9750
Host Hospitality In Morocco
35
9747
Fun And Friends In The Netherlands
36
9748
Adventure In The Alps
37
9786
Kids And Culture In Korea
38
9772
Learning To Go With The Flow In France
39
9762
American Freshman In London
40
9771
Learning To Love London
41
9742
Take-Charge Travel: Germany And Beyond!
42
9746
A Cross-Cultural Co-Op In West Africa
43
9760
Getting In Sync In Nairobi
44
9759
From Cold Feet To Confidence In Germany
45
9779
One Summer, Two Internships!
46
9785
Motivated In Madagascar
47
9741
Adapting to Work In Peru
48
9784
Skill-building in Bonn
49
9753
A Season in Sweden
50
9765
Simpatico in Florence
51
9782
Making The Most Of Milano
52
9737
Passionate About Panama
53
9766
Short-Term Trips For Long-Term Gain
54
9781
A Hospital Helper In Costa Rica
55
9789
Loving Life In Lyon
56
9790
Design And Dining In Korea
57
9770
Contributing To Change In Ghana
58
9757
Teaching And Learning In Tanzania
59
9738
Living For The Moment In Valencia
60
9767
Beyond The Call Of Duty In Africa
61
16174
An Empowering Virtual Internship in Nicaragua
62
9744
Food, Fun And Festivals In Germany
63
16161
A Bright & Friendly Cross-cultural Workspace
64
16017
A Globally-minded Visit to Qatar
65
10204
Across Europe In A Caravan!
66
9758
Learning The Local Ways Of Addis Ababa
67
11645
A Love Affair with Shanghai
68
11996
Daring to Go Solo in Ireland
69
12058
Architectural Adventures in Australia
70
11845
Hospitality and Hosting in the DCR
71
15333
A Literary Education in the UK
72
14088
An Eye-opening Experience Teaching in South Korea
73
14483
Finding Home, By Teaching Abroad
74
14594
Growing Abroad: Hong Kong & South Korea
75
15347
12 Months, 12 Countries!
76
15383
Hustle and Bustle in Vietnam
77
15327
An Open Mind & Open Arms in Spain
78
15387
Bliss on a Budget in Brazil
79
15644
Discovering the World on Campus: International Skills at Home
80
11467
Stepping Outside the Box in Sweden!
81
9752
Giving In Guatemala
82
9769
Getting Sporty In Switzerland!
83
9788
Business And Pleasure In Australia
84
9787
A Spring Semester in London
85
9807
Fast Friendship in Korea
86
11557
Un stage au Cambodge (Français)
87
10230
Getting Caffeinated In Bolivia
88
11468
Learning While Teaching in Beijing
89
10145
Real Stories And Real People In Mexico
90
9803
Ten Years Teaching In Seoul
91
10851
Tips From Tasmania
92
9799
Getting Settled In Seoul
93
10258
Encountering Cultures Across Europe
94
10218
Adaptation And Appreciation In Japan
95
9812
Caring And Career Skills In Belize
96
10157
Changing Course In China
97
11850
The Warmest Welcome in Guatemala
98
11904
Enthusiasm, Education and Experience in Greece
99
10163
English Teaching In Eastern Europe
100
10192
Out And About In Paris
101
10143
A Warm Welcome In Mexico
102
10157
All Job Boards
446
All NGOs
1398
Au Pair Resources
37
Awards & Grants Resources
64
Business Directories
20
Canadian Federal, Provincial & Territorial Government Profiles
60
Canadian Government Resources
30
Children And Families Abroad
5
Consulting, Economics & Finance Job Boards
60
Cross-cultural Skills
111
Engineering Job Boards
62
Engineering Resources
82
Expatriate Networking Sites
31
Foreign Students Working in the US
9
Freelancing Abroad
33
General Job Search Books
11
Global Education & Social Action
61
Health & Medicine Job Boards
50
Health Career Resources
68
International Associations with Clubs on Campus
42
International Development Career Resources
86
International Internship Organizations
312
International Internships & Student Programs with Canadian Governments
35
International Internships with the US Government
38
International Job-hunting Resources
15
International Law Careers Resources
113
International Law Job Boards
28
International Studies in the US & Canada
13
International Trade Resources
25
International Volunteer Organizations
476
Internship Directories & Advice
53
Internships with the UN & Other IGOs
160
Language Careers
29
Learn a Language
112
Licensed Teacher Abroad Job Boards
35
Licensed Teacher Abroad Resources
39
Loans for Studying Abroad
18
Low-cost Travel
71
NGO Directories
33
NGO Job Boards
49
Regional Job Boards
103
Relocating Abroad
9
Resources for International Students Studying in Canada
31
Resources for International Students Studying in the US
48
Stories From Abroad
102
Study Abroad Resources
198
Teach English Abroad Job Boards
97
Teach English Abroad Resources
75
Tools for Travelers
92
Top International Blogs & Podcasts
85
Travel Guides
101
Travel Health & Safety
53
UN & Other IGOs
271
UN & Other IGOs Job Boards
27
UN & Other IGOs Resources
74
US Government Profiles
76
US Government Resources
45
Virtual International Internship Organizations
88
Volunteer Job Boards & Advice
59
Working Holiday Resources
74