Jessica Schatz

Teach Enrich Empower

An English Teacher in Ningbo, China

My name is Jessica, and I am an English teacher with an after-school program in Ningbo, China!

I decided to pursue teaching English as an opportunity to travel, learn about new cultures, and experience the way people live in other countries. I first caught the travel bug while at university, when I studied abroad in West Africa. After getting my degree, I went back to West Africa and worked there for two years. What a great experience! However, I knew I wanted to expand my worldview and go to a different part of the world…and teaching English seemed like a great way to do just that.

I liked working with children, traveling and living abroad, and there were plenty of opportunities in different countries—so, why not give it a shot? I wasn’t sure if it was something I would enjoy long-term—or something I would try for just a year or two—but either way, it would be a beneficial life experience.

“I first caught the travel bug while at university, when I studied abroad in West Africa. After getting my degree, I went back to West Africa and worked there for two years. What a great experience!”

After setting up a teaching position at my school in China, I signed up for The TEFL Academy’s program. It was so convenient and helpful! I was able to continue working while completing it online at my own pace as I sorted out the details for my job. The concepts that it covered were relevant, and have really helped me in the classroom since.

These days I work in a teaching center in the midst of a large, modernized city, where the downtown lights up in neon colors each night. The job is fast-paced, and each day is a bit different. I am always brainstorming new games and activities to keep the students excited about the material! In my off-time I try to explore the green areas outside of the city, or old water towns.

My biggest advice for those teaching abroad is to seriously consider the location, and talk to your school about the work hours and conditions to make sure it is a good fit! Programs can really differ depending on where you are, and who you are working for. As long as you find a program you like, in a location you’ll be happy living in, it can be a really wonderful experience!

Best of luck for those of you looking to pursue a TEFL and opportunities to teach abroad!

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