Ahmed Allam, from Pretoria in South Africa, has found himself teaching abroad—not only in China (where he currently resides), but also in exciting locations like South Korea and Ecuador. What drew Ahmed to teaching abroad? What surprises him most about life as a teacher abroad? Find out how Premier TEFL changed his life! ?
Tell us about yourself! A few details from your background would be great.
I am what I prefer to call myself a global citizen, nonetheless I hold dual citizenship, I am married to an English teacher by profession.
You’re currently teaching abroad. Awesome! What was your unique journey to working abroad as a teacher—including your TEFL course experience?
I am currently teaching in China for the second consecutive year. I am having such a great time – so much so it would be really difficult to leave.
What advice do you have for people who dream of teaching English abroad someday from South Africa?
My advice to all aspiring teachers who wish to teach abroad is, what are you waiting for?!!?? It is an adventure of a lifetime, it’s so enriching, so much fun and much more, all you need is the right attitude with the right mindset, it is a cultural exchange, learning and teaching.
What has surprised you most about life as a teacher abroad?
What surprised me the most was and still is how much fun it’s to teach and travel abroad ??
You’ve said that “Premier TEFL changed your life.” We’re flattered and so grateful to know you. Can you tell our readers what made your experience with us so flippin’ awesome?
It is unique how Premier TEFL played a significant role in my current adventure to China, you all will be surprised to learn, I made the decision to enroll in 180 hours TEFL course and made the payment and while studying there was an opportunity for me to teach in China, the opportunity was presented to me via Premier TEFL, even though I wasn’t done with my course, I was offered the job based on other factors, I took it on and ever since I don’t regret it to the contrary, I am so grateful to Premier TEFL that they introduced me to that Chinese agency whom consequently offered me my current post.
What drew you to China? Any fun stories to share—from both the classroom and life outside the classroom?
You will be surprised to know that I really did not aspire to teach in China and I went by a leap of faith and it turned out to be an amazing destination with amazing people and amazing nature, fun fact, I met, got engaged and got married to my beautiful wife ?, all that happened in China, my school sponsored and arranged the most beautiful Chinese style wedding for us, it was magical and memorable, that’s a life changing event, most fun and superseded all other fun stories there.
What have you learned about yourself during your time abroad?
?I have learned so much and am still learning every day there. I learn more from my students than I teach them sometimes, if I have to pick one thing that would be that, life is more constructive if we chose to build bridges, so I want to keep building bridges with all different people of this world.
Related reads…
How to be a respectful TEFL teacher abroad
Why Teach English as a Second Language Abroad?
Meet Martha – Finding Love while Teaching English in Asia
Madelyn enjoying her life in South Korea
Thank you for taking the time to share your magnificent story with the Premier TEFL community. Happy travels!
