An insight into the life of a Maths Teacher in China
An insight into the life of a Maths Teacher in China
Interview questions were answered by Connor Kavanagh – a mathematics teacher over here in Beijing, China.
1) Why did you decide to teach in China?
I never really set out with the idea of teaching long-term in China. After graduating with a mathematics degree, I wanted to travel a bit before settling down. I was helping out at the local college when someone suggested I should perhaps look into teaching abroad. After some research, that’s exactly what I set out to do. I continued to help teach at my local college and completed my TEFL waiting for an opportunity that I felt suited me. It finally came, and in April 2017, I jumped on a plane and started my teaching journey here in China.
2) What advice with you give someone looking to start their teaching journey here in China?
I would certainly suggest doing some research beforehand, finding a trustworthy recruiter, and speaking to people within China. My first few months were very rocky, to say the least. I arrived, and the job and contract I had signed were already taken to my surprise. I was job hunting the day I arrived and had to stump out a fair majority of my savings on housing and settling in. Had I been more aware and spoken to more people and found a more trustworthy recruiter (such as Ignite), it would have probably been a more pleasant start.
3) Who is your biggest inspiration within the teaching community?
I know it’s probably cliche but definitely my mother. She has taught English to Speakers of Other Languages as well as Level 2 and GCSE qualifications at College Level for as long as I can remember. She commands respect from all of her students and, at the same time, maintains a friendly relationship. She is strict but fair.
4) How have you found the experience of dealing with recruiters over here in China?
As I mentioned above, I had a bit of a nightmare start to life here in China. Still, in recent years I have had a more pleasant experience having taken recommendations from friends who have found jobs with different and more reliable recruiters. Ignite found me my current role, which was a very smooth process and exceeded all my expectations at the time.
5) Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
If you asked me this question when I first arrived, I would have certainly said back in England, but now I can see myself still here in China in 5 years. I have recently found a new job with an August 2022 start and am looking forward to a new chapter in my teaching career in China.
On behalf of everyone at Ignite. Thank you for your time in providing an insight into the whole journey, which started way back in April 2017 for you.