United States
US
Sean Lee
Teach Enrich Empower
Having The Time Of My Life in Chengdu
Hello! I’m Sean. I’m 25 and have been teaching in China for a full year now. Before becoming involved with the TEFL program I was completing my degree in Computer Science at the University of Salford. Having wanted to teach abroad for quite some time, I decided to take the leap forward. From there it was a smooth transition from England all the way to China.
The first order of business was to enrol on a TEFL training course at The TEFL Academy, which was recommended to me by a friend. The TEFL qualification they provide would enable me to visit places and meet new people I would otherwise not have. A year on since I became a part of The TEFL Academy, I can say I certainly made the right choice.
I have just completed my 2nd semester in the city of Guang’An, which is located in the Far East of Sichuan Province, China. I taught at Guang’An middle school teaching students aged 12 to 17. My TEFL course helped me in a number of ways. It taught me that teaching English at any level will bring a unique set of challenges. The course helps prepare for certain scenarios and how to interact with students. From the TEFL online assignments, I learnt about the importance of preparation and patience. The assignments covered a wide range of topics that all helped me throughout this year.
Of course, being British-born-Chinese and English being my native language, it was a strange sight for some students. They often wouldn’t believe me when I told them I was from England. But as time passed, they quickly adjusted and became comfortable with my appearance. On many funny occasions, students would forget that I was foreigner and they would speak to me in Chinese. This was always a funny situation as the student would apologise profusely.
“Would I recommend The TEFL Academy? I would every single time.”
I have been living in Chengdu for a year now and can easily say that it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. China is a great place to live in and explore. The food is fantastic and there is no shortage of people to meet. For the near future, I hope to continue with my career as a TEFL teacher. I have my qualifications and experience and so now I can explore other countries if I want to. The TEFL Academy qualification has opened up so many more doors for me and I am so grateful for that.
If you want to become involved with TEFL be prepared for a difference in culture and customs. If you asked me 3 years ago whether I believed I could be a teacher the answer would have been a resounding “no”. However, now I am here and I have settled into life as a TEFL teacher I can happily say that I am having the time of my life. Would I recommend The TEFL Academy? I would every single time!
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