An insight into an English teacher’s journey – April
Interview questions were answered by Lelethu – an English Teacher currently based in Wusi, soon to be starting a new role here in Beijing, China.
1) Why did you decide to teach in China?
– I enjoy travelling and I had never explored much of the East. I am a qualified teacher, so I thought it was time to expand my worldly exposure.
2) What advice with you give someone looking to start their teaching journey here in China?
– I would say to them to come to China with a very open mind and to want to understand there are cultural differences between east and west but to embrace where they are and be open to learning and teaching because you will meet all different people and that’s probably the best part.
3) Who is your biggest inspiration within the teaching community?
– I don’t think I have a specific person. But I have a few leaders in the schools I have worked in, as each one taught me, if nothing else, a single value I have taken with me to my new jobs here in China.
4) How have you found the experience of dealing with recruiters over here in China?
– The experience has been very interesting. Some recruiters, actually a large majority of recruiters, can often be overworked and not devoted to your job seeking for a host of reasons. Still, every now and again, you find a recruiter who will be with you on the journey from the beginning until the end, and even after, make sure you are settled in well at your current company. That’s the experience I received here.
5) Where do you see yourself in five years?
– Hopefully still living in China and perhaps having worked my way up to a managerial position, but still somehow working with the kids in the classroom, even if it’s a lesson a week. I don’t want to lose touch with that in contact with children.
On behalf of everyone at Ignite. Thank you for your time in providing an insight into the whole journey.