Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Testimonials

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is one of the many terms used to describe teaching `non-native' English speakers how to communicate in English. It's expected that by 2024, over two billion people will either be speaking or learning to speak English. For you, this could represent an excellent opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications, embark on a rewarding career, and explore the world.

We've recently gathered testimonials from some of our TEFL teachers based across China to offer a deeper insight into what life is like as a TEFL teacher today. In this post, you'll follow the stories of Phillip and Jay and learn how they began their fulfilling teaching careers abroad.

Phillip Elliot

In one sentence, describe a major accomplishment while teaching abroad with English 1 or describe your favourite English 1 moment:
Helping students develop practical business skills and seeing them accomplish their goals.

What brought you to teaching in China and working with English 1?
I came to China to pursue my passion for teaching in a totally different environment than that of my home.

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?
It's comfortable to be somewhere where you are familiar, but if you are striving to develop yourself as a person, taking the leap and moving to China will help you grow in ways you didn’t know possible.

Describe your favourite China adventure:
Going to Xinjiang for one week with Teacher Recruitment Team was a fantastic experience that I can never forget. All the delicious food and desert sun were a beautiful alternative to city living, and camels – camels are awesome!

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?
I learned to hone in on my patience – patience with students, patience with coworkers, patience with friends, and patience with living in China. I have learned a lot about patience while living here.

Jay Ahn

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 are the Teacher Recruitment Team events!

What brought you to teaching in China and working with English 1?
China was an adventure that always sat outside my comfort zone. When a friend of mine told me about his positive experience at English 1, and the opportunity to make money referring friends, I was sold!

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?
If you are going to do something you're afraid of but interested in doing, doing it with the guidance and support of English 1 is the safest and best way to go about it!

Describe your favourite China adventure:
My favourite China adventure was visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing. Being able to sightsee and experience culture on the other side of the world was an exciting adventure. I'm looking forward to visiting other places!

What are some major things you learned while teaching abroad?
While teaching abroad, I had the opportunity to meet many people – students and friends from different cultures. It was a new way of life with the ability to travel and live. Now I am able to share this lifestyle with others back home.