Why did you apply for this teaching placement?
I applied because I wanted to do something fun and rewarding this summer and the program allowed me to do that.
I also really wanted to travel somewhere new and since I’ve never travelled outside of Europe and the US before, I thought I’d give China a go!
Would you recommend the program to a friend and why?
I would recommend the program to a friend because I had a great time! I think it’s a really good program to do if you like working with children and you want to experience the Chinese culture.
I would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of taking part to travel afterwards because you might as well travel further around China while you are there!
Travelling with the friends I had made during the camp was an amazing way to finish off the trip.
What did you enjoy during your teaching placement?
I enjoyed so many different aspects of the experience. I loved working with the kids who were so friendly, funny and sweet.
I worked with the younger kids who never failed to make me laugh and I loved helping them with their English.
I also enjoyed spending time with the other volunteers at the camp, it was great to meet so many new people! I had the opportunity to travel after the camp had ended with some of the people I had met which was amazing. Visiting Xi’an and Shanghai was a great experience and I wish I could have travelled for longer!
What have you learnt from your teaching placement?
I have learnt so much by taking part on this program and it has been a really invaluable experience.
I have learnt more about the Chinese culture and traditions through the people I met during my time on the program and the cultural activities ran at the camp.
What did you learn from the 120 hour online TEFL training?
I learnt a lot about teaching, especially about how to plan lessons, adapt teaching to different needs and engage students.
What was your favourite/ most memorable moment?
One of my favourite parts of the camp was the Carnival Party which happened near the end of each camp. Every class performed its own dance/song as well as the teachers. It was great to perform with the children who loved having us there. Dancing altogether at the end on the stage was so much fun and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it!
How have you found the teaching part of the program?
I really enjoyed the teaching aspect of the program as I love working with kids.
It was so much fun teaching the younger children as I could play lots of games, videos and fun activities with them!
Initially I was concerned with having to teach English to Chinese children without speaking a word of Chinese myself but as soon as I got into the classroom I didn’t need to worry! The majority of children knew enough English already to understand their tasks and the teaching assistants were very helpful.