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 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 Patricia at her language school in Beijing, China
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GS: So, can you tell us a bit about how you first got into English teaching?
P: I chose ESL as a field of study for my Bachelor’s degree which means that I made my decision to link my future career to teaching English quite soon. At that time, I didn’t know whether it was a right decision or not, however, now I’m more than sure that I couldn’t have made a better one! I started teaching young learners during my second year of Bachelor’s studies and I’m still doing it until present.
GS: What advice do you have for people about the recruitment and interview process when looking for jobs teaching in China?
P: Finding a dream job in China can be a huge challenge especially if you’re looking for it from your home country. This is why I would advise everyone to list the most important things for yourself before starting job hunting and never go below the standards you have set.
GS: You are teaching in Beijing, China at the moment, can you give us a review on your first impressions?
P: I remember that cold January day when I arrived in China, I felt as if I landed on a different planet and I don’t know what would have happened to me if it weren’t for Miranda, our HR manager, who picked me up from the airport, helped me to do some basic shopping and showed me around the area I currently live in. My first day at work went rather smoothly as well, after extreme detailed instructions from the Foreign Teachers’ Director; I didn’t have any problems to get to the center even though it was my first time taking Beijing’s public transportation. The training was very informative and well organized!
GS: What do you like most about Beijing?
P: Beijing is a very exciting place! What I like the most about it is that you will never get bored here. There are always some events in the city center and the number of cultural sights is just countless! I’ve been here for eight months already and I think I haven’t seen them all yet.
GS: What do you like most about teaching English?
P: I love teaching English to young learners because a classroom full of young, energetic and enthusiastic children is the only place where you can work with people who don’t judge you, make you smile every day and love you as you are! Besides, teaching is very rewarding, seeing my students make progress is the best reward for my hard work!
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GS: Can you tell us about your favourite class at the moment?
P: It’s very hard to say which class is my favorite one, I love all of them!
GS: Talk us through a typical day teaching English in China.
P: A typical day usually starts from getting ready for the classes I have, preparing all necessary materials and checking my students’ homework. After that, I sometimes have demo classes or some meetings with our superiors. Since we are a training school, our classes start in the late afternoon and finish around 8 o’clock.
GS: What are the teaching resources like there?
P: The teaching resources we are provided with are very sufficient; I have everything a teacher could dream of! The syllabus and course plans are very detailed. When I started teaching I was provided with all the necessary visuals and recordings. Each teacher has a computer with the access to the internet and a smart board in his/her classroom.
GS: How many teachers are there in your school?
P: There are four foreign teachers in our Huailungguan center!
GS: China is full of surprises and unexpected adventures, tell us about one you have had recently.
P: I believe that every day in China can be an adventure. However, for me the biggest adventures and challenges at the same time are issues connected with my apartment. My Chinese is very limited so I often need the assistance of some Chinese friends, when for example, my washing machine is broken.
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 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.
