So, you’re all set for your first TEFL adventure and looking forward to new experiences in exciting, exotic places. But what about when your teaching contract ends? The good news is that a stint teaching abroad can really boost your long-term employment prospects. Look at it from an employer’s point of view – you’re obviously a dynamic, motivated person who isn’t scared of taking on a new challenge. Even if you’re just teaching as a break from your usual job, you’ll have a fantastic time. Read on to find out what three of our China interns thought of their experiences and what they’ve been up to since.
The one who took a career break
Rozel, 26 years old from Surrey, England
What did you do before the internship: I worked part-time as both a support worker for a charity and a bartender at my local pub!
What are you doing now: I’m back at my job working as a support worker, but I'm hoping to return to University to train as a children's nurse.
How did you find the internship: I had a fantastic experience, I loved the people I was living and working with and made some life-long friends in the process. I made the most of the opportunities - went out and did thing and saw things that were completely different from my life back home. It exceeded all my expectations.
What’s your most vivid memory: When students came up to me and said that I was a good teacher and they enjoyed my lessons, it made it all real for me. I loved seeing them laugh and having fun trying new things.
The one who carried on teaching
Niles, 26 years old from Hudson, New Hampshire
What did you do before the internship: I was a carpenter.
What are you doing now: I’ve been in China for 18 months and I’m starting an internship with TTC, i-to-i’s partner in China.
What did you learn from the internship: Both inside and outside the classroom, I learned a great deal about the Chinese people and their culture, and realised how little I knew about the country before I came. I also learned much about myself.
What advice would you give future interns: Keep an open mind: get involved with the local community, meet the locals, meet the local expats and do something new. I can honestly say that each week something new and different happens.
The one who started a new career overseas
Clare, 24 years old from Leicester, England
What did you do before the internship: Temping in various dull office jobs.
What are you doing now: I've moved to Beijing to work as Web Content Manager for a new online travel platform called Trekiz.
Did your time in China help prepare you for this new challenge: Definitely, I'm still here!! Doing the internship gave me huge amounts of confidence and a safe introduction to living somewhere that’s completely and utterly foreign.
What’s your most vivid memory: When my students decorated the blackboard with 'Happy Birthday Clare' messages and a class of thirty four year olds followed me round the classroom, singing at the top of their voices. It was pretty special!
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