United States
US
Shane Sally
Teach Enrich Empower
Go with The Flow......Because China!
My name is Shane. I am 26 years old and come from Ireland. Before I began teaching I worked your typical 9-5 job. I went to work, I came home and spent my weekends the same way every young male in their 20’s would.
I felt my life was quite unfulfilled and that I needed a change. I wanted to live a life where each day could be new and exciting rather than playing out the same routine each day with nothing but a pay check to show for it. When I first discovered TEFL courses I was rather sceptical, but after completing the weekend practical workshops I immediately knew that teaching English was something I would enjoy!
Not long after, I applied for a teaching internship in China where I could begin my journey. If you are at all nervous about making the leap alone then an internship program would be perfect for you. Within the program I was able to interact with many other new teachers that were in the same position as myself. Most of them after 4 months in China, I still meet with every week and they have become very good friends!
In regards to the teaching, we were very much eased into the process, being allowed to explore the location for a week and take daily Chinese and teaching classes in which we could ask questions and gain a lot of valuable advice. The TEFL program has allowed me to break a lot of comfort zones and experience many new situations I never thought I would get myself into. In the short time of 4 months I have accidently joined a Chinese cheerleading team thinking it was an aerobics class. I have taken part in large government-organised events singing and playing guitar and at all times said yes to whatever activity has been put out in front of me, something I never would have done at home.
“The experience I gain here will give me the push I need to see other countries.”
The country did seem very fast-paced in comparison to Ireland when I first arrived, but now as I have slowly settled and become more relaxed and comfortable with my surroundings, I understand that China has a flow and it’s best just to go with it. For the future, I have already decided to extend my stay for an extra year so I can explore more of the country and learn more of the language. The experience I gain here will give me the push I need to leave and see other countries and cultures.
I am very happy I decided to complete the TEFL course and make what seemed like such a drastic change at the time. If there is one piece of advice I could give to any new teachers, it would most certainly be: learn a little of the language for the country you wish to visit before arrival. Also don’t be afraid to try anything once you arrive, be it the food, outdoor activities or cultural activities. This will make your experience so much more enjoyable.
Good luck!
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