
Micah has taught in Mainland China for nearly four years and has taught all ages and at multiple learning institutions. We wanted to sit down and ask him a few questions about his teaching experience in China.
What made you decide to move to China to teach?
Towards the end of my time at University, I realized that I no longer wanted to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I started to look for other opportunities and came across teaching English abroad. I had always enjoyed traveling but had never been to Asia so I focused my search and eventually landed my first English teaching job in Wuxi, China. Deciding to teach in China was the best decision I’ve ever made.
What surprised you the most when you came to China?
I was very surprised that life in China was not all that different from life in other countries. There are obvious cultural differences but daily life was more similar than I had expected. It was very easy to get adjusted to a new life in China. There are so many APPs and services in China that are pretty foreigner-friendly and that make things like ordering food, products, or taxis incredibly quick and easy.
What tip would you give to new teachers coming to China?
Consider where you want to live first and then look for a job in that area. I recommend finding a recruiter that is going to communicate with you effectively. I know from my own experience that daily communication between the recruiter or HR rep made the whole process of moving to China a lot less stressful.
What was the most fulfilling thing about becoming a teacher?
I found it so fulfilling to see children learn a language that I am so connected with. I loved seeing my students faces light up when they finally understand something new in the lesson. I remember many times feeling very happy and proud after hearing students speak a new phrase in English. It makes you feel like you are passing on knowledge to the next generation of learners.
Comments