Teaching English Abroad Experiences

Teaching English abroad is an experience that lasts a lifetime. Living and working in a new country, immersing yourself in a new culture, and opening your mind to new possibilities is what the entire experience is all about. At English 1, the majority of our teachers are teaching English abroad for the first time. Before the big move, it's common to feel a little nervous, but, as our teachers have discovered, it’s definitely worthwhile. In this post, Simon, Karen, and Jake share their experiences of teaching English abroad, as well as their motivations and highlights from their time in China. Follow their stories and learn how you can also teach English overseas.

Simon Thomas

In one sentence, describe a major accomplishment while teaching abroad with English 1 or describe your favourite English 1 moment.

English 1 supported my application to the Sina Weibo 5-Star Teacher competition. Thanks to the excellent training and support I received at English 1, I was able to win a nationally recognised award for my teaching. Standing on stage, in the spotlight, having my picture taken with the other English 1 staff winners was an unforgettable memory!

What brought you to teaching in China and working with English 1?

I have always loved teaching, and while browsing online, I saw an advert for English 1. I took a chance and submitted my CV. Within the blink of an eye, I was in China, thanks to the fantastic admin and recruitment team.

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of making the move to work with English 1 in China but might be too afraid to?

Take the chance. Bite the bullet. Pull off the plaster. Take the plunge. Get your feet wet. Roll the dice. Give yourself the adventure you deserve!

Describe your favourite China adventure.

English 1 provided me with tickets to see Iron Maiden live! Standing in an incredible stadium, surrounded by thousands of Chinese fans all singing the words to The Trooper, was amazing.

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

Take it easy, one step at a time. No two days are the same, and every situation has a million solutions. Learn to listen rather than talk—you’ll discover that, universally, we are all more similar than we think.

Karen Rice

In one sentence, describe a major accomplishment while teaching abroad with English 1 or describe your favourite English 1 moment.

I ran into a former student, who had struggled immensely in class, at his workplace, and we were able to have a natural, unscripted conversation with ease; it was a big breakthrough in real communication.

What brought you to teaching in China and working with English 1?

I have a long history with English 1; I was an English 1 student in high school. I had previously taught in China, and it felt like a good combination of two things I already knew and enjoyed. There was a sense of trust that English 1 would treat me well.

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of making the move to work with English 1 in China but might be too afraid to?

Don’t let fear stop you. China is actually an easy place to live, and you have many colleagues (both international and local) who are willing and able to help you along the way.

Describe your favourite China adventure.

Every day is an adventure. One day, while walking to work, I saw something fall out of the corner of my eye. I looked and saw a rat had fallen into a woman’s mop bucket. The woman didn’t miss a beat—she simply picked up her broom and beat the rat to death.

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

You have to have patience with yourself and your students. Treat every student as special and be willing to offer that extra little bit of help. It makes a huge difference to them. Find joy in the small moments and celebrate the little things every day.

Jake Gerber

In one sentence, describe a major accomplishment while teaching abroad with English 1 or describe your favourite English 1 moment.

My favourite English 1 moments come from former students who have either gone abroad or secured new jobs where they’re using English. I can’t help but think that I had something to do with improving their lives.

What brought you to teaching in China and working with English 1?

I had been considering teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) abroad but couldn’t decide which country to go to when a friend of mine told me about English 1. I had already been on an English 1 tour in high school and really enjoyed the experience, so I thought, why not apply?

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of making the move to work with English 1 in China but might be too afraid to?

There are a lot of new challenges and problems that can come with moving abroad, especially to a place like China. English 1 has a fantastic support network and always takes care of its employees, which makes living abroad much easier.

Describe your favourite China adventure.

There are too many to count! Probably my most memorable was going to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors at the end of November, around the same time as Thanksgiving. My tour guide, whom I met there, knew I was travelling alone and invited me to her house to have dinner with her family.

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?

I’ve learned to be much more self-reliant and not to be afraid of the unexpected. My ability to communicate, whether in English or Mandarin Chinese, has grown beyond what I ever imagined.