Insider Tips from i-to-i TEFLers

Thinking about teaching abroad? It can all seem a bit daunting, can’t it? To help make sure you have the best possible time abroad, we asked some ex-China interns who have been there, done that and got the cheesy t-shirt to share their top tips for new TEFLers. Think of them as the big brothers and sisters who are here to guide you through the TEFL world…

"There are many corny, cliché remarks I could make - live your dreams, have no regrets... but at the end of the day it comes down to what you want to say about your life when you look back. For me, teaching abroad was a truly enriching experience filled with excitement and adventure. I did it because there was no reason good enough to say not to. And no, I don't regret my decision. I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to go and do something like this again, but I've done it and I am so proud of myself for not making excuses when it came to really living." Rozel Le Cornu

"Keep an open mind.  Where ever you end up teaching, get involved with the community, meet the locals, meet the local expats, do something new every week.  Take advantage of your time in China and learn as much as you can from your experience." Niles Erickson

"Firstly, go with the flow. So many people go traveling abroad and seem to have this notion that it’s going to be like a movie, all self discovery and beautiful landscapes where you just “pick up” the language and overcome wonderful challenges and really “find yourself, man”. Well, I’ve read “Eat, Pray, Love” and seen the movie and my experience definitely wasn’t like that! Mine was more turn up, freeze to death, make a fool of myself, get bullied by a bunch of 2 year olds, drink a lot, laugh A LOT (mostly at myself) and make a lot of friends. However, my misadventures made it so much fun and I had an amazing experience! Even if you’re put with no other foreign teachers try and make the best of it – go exploring and make friends with Chinese people!" Sophie Roberts

"I think it's really important to do your research, so that you embark upon the internship with realistic expectations of what life in China will be like. Read the blogs of previous interns to find out what they got up to, read up on the culture and history of the country...just do everything you can to prepare yourself for an experience that will be very very different to your life at home, but - hopefully - a welcoming and rewarding change." Zoe Hollingsworth

"Keep an open mind and learn to go with the flow - China is a completely different world." Clare Wilson

Anyone got any other TEFL tips? Post them below!

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