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 Shane English 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 Cassi Carlee at Shane English in Wuhan
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GS: So, can you tell us a bit about how you first got into English teaching?
CC: I’ve always known, since I was little, that I wanted to teach and see the world; this occupation is the perfect way to do both!
GS: What advice do you have for people about the recruitment and interview process when looking for jobs teaching in China?
CC: Be thorough. Take your time and be sure the school you choose is the right fit for you.
GS: You are teaching in Wuhan at the moment, can you tell us about your impressions of the city? What do you like most about living there?
CC: My first impression of Wuhan was of facial masks and blaring horns. The pollution and traffic are heavy in the city, but overall, I actually love living here. Due to the size of the city, there is always something new to do. Wuhan also has a lot of foliage on the streets so it’s not all gray and glass; there are lots of parks as well. The famous Yangtze River flows through Wuhan and there are lots of large lakes so you can spend a day on the water or perusing the boardwalk shops. Wuhan is also considered the cultural capital of China so there are lots of famous museums and performances to experience. Lastly, my favorite thing about Wuhan is that there are still western amenities available, like toilets and food, so it’s the perfect mixture for the comforts of home and the excitement of a new culture.
GS: What do you like most about teaching English?
CC: My students! There is nothing more rewarding than watching a child develop and grow in your class. Shane’s motto is “English for Life” and that’s what we are doing, impacting lives. English is the official language of business and tourism so what we do gives our students the advantage to achieve more and do more.
GS: Can you tell us about your favourite class at the moment?
CC: Absolutely, my favorite class is our school’s highest class at the moment, so the students are very conversational. Our goals are hammering high level grammar and the kids always bring up the most interesting topics and questions. It’s always interesting to see what their perceptions are, and most commonly, their misconceptions of Western culture. The class always ends in a good laugh.
Realise your dreams of living and teaching English worldwide with INTESOL.
GS: Talk us through a typical day teaching English in China.
CC: Our school is a training school so the first bit of my day is usually spent sleeping late (which I quite enjoy), unless it’s the weekend. I usually head to work around 3pm and prepare for my class and gather materials. I typically teach class in the evening between 6-8 then head home. The weekend is often spent teaching 3-4 classes a day. I find my schedule quite comfortable and enjoy the hours.
GS: What are the teaching resources like there?
CC: We teach set courses so they all come with a wonderful set of workbooks and flash cards. We also have additional teaching aides like balls, puppets, realia, blocks, books, and buckets. We also have a system set up so if you wish to order something, you just submit a request.
GS: How many teachers are there in your school?
CC: Currently, we have 4 foreign teachers.
GS: China is full of surprises and unexpected adventures, tell us about one you have had recently.
CC: Well, recently I was attempting to purchase a dog at the pet market (and my Chinese is still very elementary) so I had the taxi driver call the owner of one of the stalls for directions. After a crazy long drive we ended up at a random narrow street with the taxi driver telling us “They’re coming for you”…. and we were obviously not at the pet market…. This was hilarious and a bit nerve racking for my husband and I. We ended up in the stall owner’s personal apartment with her parading cats in front of us. In the end, we just excused ourselves and managed to get to the market in a very roundabout way. Crazy at the time, but it makes a great story.
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 Shane English and other major language schools have a look through our website and submit an application today.
Apply now
Realise your dreams of living and teaching English worldwide with INTESOL.
