Job Discussion Forums

[benjo]

Hi all,

I'm a Chinese-American who has been thinking about living in China for awhile, maybe a few months to a year, and of course one popular way to do that is to teach English. The problem with this idea is that I'm very reserved, some might even say antisocial. I get very nervous standing up in front of a group (never liked giving speeches in class), but in a one-on-one situation, I can manage. I'm just wondering, given my personality, is it stupid to think about teaching English overseas? Should I sit in on an english conversation class here in the states to get a feel on teaching and how I would do? My other option is to go there to study, which might be easier on me personally, but harder on me financially.

Any advice for me?

[woza17]

Hi Benjo,
As the quote of the day or the week on dave's goes, one quarter preparation and three quarters theatre, it's important to feel or at least look confident in the classroom, the students can smell the fear. Another problem you may face is because you look Chinese, the parents or students will doubt that you are a native speaker.
Where in China did you want to teach?
Cheers Carol

[KateCee]

[Guest]

Hi

I had never even given a speech in my 56 years until I came to China and I dreaded the thought of standing up in front of a classroom full of kids, but now I seem to really enjoy it I was offered "teaching conversational English" jobs when I was in Vietnam, but I never had the guts to take that step. I am so glad now that I forced myself to do it.

Having No Degree, No experience and No Qualifications certainly did not help - and people on Daves were telling me to STAY HOME. It all comes down to how much you want to do it. I just ignored everyone and came anyway and I have no plans of returning home to Australia to live now.

People like Roger are qualified etc. and get paid accordingly and I really admire them but I also think there is a place here for people like me. I am happy with a low salary and I am dedicated to doing as good a job as my limited education and life experiences will allow.

[NumberOneSon]

One thing you could try is volunteering. Some places have
ESL classes for immigrants and use volunteer teachers. It
is a good way to see if you really like the work before taking
on a job in China.

Being Chinese could give you some credibility problems as
a native speaker. A lot of Chinese care more about a foreign
face than any special training you may have.

If you are truly anti-social, then teaching could be tough,
especially getting along with the other teachers. If you are
merely quiet and reserved, you can overcome that in the
classroom.

I've met quite a few teachers who are not what most people
would consider social butterflies, but can still teach.

If you just want to travel in China, then do that, don't
bother with the teaching unless it is something you think
you will like doing. Some teachers who just come to
China to "have fun" end up disappointed because of the
hardships associated with their jobs and environment.

[ilunga]

I would say just give it a go. It wasn't so long ago I was painfully shy. If I had to give any kind of speech or even give an opinion in front of a large group of people my face would turn purple.
Of course I was apprehensive before I came but sometimes you've just got to go for it and put all negative thoughts to the back of your mind.
I was pretty much thrown in at the deep end. Put in front of classes of 30+ students with no help or assistance.
Just remember, you're a native English speaker so you're in demand over here. You'll have no trouble making friends.
I love my life, it's worked out so well that it's hard to imagine what I was ever worried about. I hope to stay in China for as long as possible, in fact I can't imagine myself going back to a mundane life in the U.K.

Good Luck