Gold Star TEFL Recruitment has been assisting teachers secure the very best teaching jobs in China since 2009 and has close connections with China’s leading schools. For details on teaching jobs with English First and other major language schools have a look through our website and submit an application today.
Read more interviews with teachers in China here.
An Interview with Nelson Choi at English First Zhangjiagang, China
This school is holding interviews now, apply today!
GS: So, can you tell us a bit about how you first got into English teaching?
NC: I first got into teaching English after my first trip back to Asia in over 20 years. I was born and raised in Canada, so I hadn’t gone back to China since I was a baby. After going back for the first time in my adult life, I absolutely enjoyed the experience and culture and just wanted to see more and more of Asia in general.
I often got asked about how life was back at home in North America being of Asian descent. Specifically, having to speak English every day and adapt to the Western culture. It was from here that I decided to bring my knowledge and experiences to people here in China and teach English, but also about the Western culture that I’ve been able to experience growing up.
GS: Could you give some details about your dealings with Gold Star TEFL Recruitment?
NC: Gold Star TEFL Recruitment has been welcoming and professional in my dealings with them. They were quick to respond to any questions, concerns, and/or inquiries I might’ve had about teaching in China. Not to mention, they frequently check-up on my status and life here in China. Gold Star was able to match me up with an appropriate fit, and here I am today teaching English in China and enjoying the experience.
GS: What advice do you have for people about the recruitment and interview process when looking for jobs teaching in China?
NC: My honest and best advice to any potential candidate when looking for teaching jobs in China is to do your best in doing your own homework as much as possible. Keep an open mind about things and be respectful of another’s culture and environment. It doesn’t hurt to ask a lot of questions and it’s better to be “redundant” and make sure things are clear, than to be “surprised” upon arrival.
GS: You are teaching in Zhangjiagang at the moment, can you tell us about your impressions of the city? What do you like most about living there?
NC: I love the living conditions in my home right now. It’s within walking distance to the school, supermarkets, shopping districts, and bus station for traveling purposes. I feel very comfortable in these conditions. I love the convenience of the city, not to mention how nice people are here. I have nothing but good things to say about this city.
GS: What do you like most about teaching English?
NC: Teaching English has been a great experience. The students really enjoy the classes and truly like being here. To them, English is not just a course, but also a life skill and also a way to feel more connected to the rest of the world. I just enjoy teaching students that enjoy being in my classes.
Realise your dreams of living and teaching English worldwide with INTESOL.
GS: Can you tell us about your favourite class at the moment?
NC: While I truly enjoy teaching all my classes, my favourite class at the moment is a 5-year old class with a great mix of boys and girls that just love being in class, being with each other and learning together. You can see the pure joy and excitement in them every time we have a class.
GS: Talk us through a typical day teaching English in China.
The students are always full of energy and excitement upon arriving in class. It gives them a change from “normal school”. A typical day would involve arriving in the office in the morning, getting ready for the classes scheduled on that day and getting things ready for class time.
GS: What are the teaching resources like there?
NC: We truly have great teaching resources available here. First rate technology, great staff, and an abundance of props and materials to aid our classes if need be. The resources available allow us, teachers, to become very innovative and creative in our lesson plans and classes.
GS: How many teachers are there in your school?
NC: There are currently nine foreign teachers and six local teachers at my school right now. All the teachers do a great job in and out of class and bring a different but very effective teaching style to their classes and students.
GS: China is full of surprises and unexpected adventures, tell us about one you have had recently.
NC: China is indeed full of surprises, no matter how many times I come back, I’ll always be surprised with something new each and every time. Long story short, my surprises have come from my travels that I get to do on my weekends to the nearby towns and cities. Each town and city takes on its own personality.
This school is holding interviews now, apply today!
Read more interviews with teachers in China here.
Gold Star TEFL Recruitment has been assisting teachers secure the very best teaching jobs in China since 2009 and has close connections with China’s leading schools. For details on teaching jobs with English First and other major language schools have a look through our website and submit an application today.
Realise your dreams of living and teaching English worldwide with INTESOL.
