Have you ever met someone so laidback and chill, you know that they’re the kind of energy you’d want to have from a teacher? That was my first thought after reading Greg’s awesome interview and sneak peek into his life teaching abroad.
And yeah, if you’re anything like me, you think his life sounds like a pretty sweet one (you know, the kind you wouldn’t mind having for yourself!). Get to know Greg and his adventures below!
1. Tell us about your path to TEFL teaching. Was it hard to leave your home community to work abroad?
My path to TEFL was a fun one. I could have just took an online class to get a TEFL certification, but instead I chose an adventure in Poland. I never had a hard time leaving my home community. The technology allows us to be in touch no matter where are in this big beautiful world.
2. Tell us where you’ve taught abroad and give us a little anecdote from each place.
I taught the children of individual Chinese Families as an Au Pair. I was in Guangzhou for 4 months. It was a great experience. I also taught 1 month in Poland. I was teaching business men and women all very interested in improving their communication in English.
3. How long have you been teaching abroad?
I have been teaching abroad for a total of five months and am loving every minute of it.
4. What drew you to Eastern Europe over more popular TEFL destinations like East Asia or Latin America?
I was drawn to Poland because of their culture, environment/landscape, and customs. The people and the food was amazingly awesome.
5. Describe a typical day-in-the-life for you as a TEFL teacher.
The typical day for me as a teacher: I would get up at 8:30am or 9am, with my first teaching lesson beginning at 10am and my last class ending at 19:20. It was a long day, but there were breaks in between! It was great teaching English to people who were really interested in learning it.
6. What has surprised you most about teaching English abroad?
The surprise was how fun it was teaching a language to people who in most cases was at least a 2nd or 3rd language.
7. What are three things a future teacher in China should know before they start their gig?
The first thing is make friends quickly they will be a wonderful asset. You need to try at minimum learn a few words it shows that you respect their culture and customs. Lastly smile and be happy.
8. Why do you love teaching?
I love teaching because it is the bridge that allows for communication between people who otherwise would have a lot of difficulty expressing themselves.
9. What’s next for you? More TEFL jobs, becoming a TEFL trainer, getting a PhD in TESOL, world domination? World domination?
HAHA; No, really though I will be taking another TEFL job with the idea I will keep getting better at this craft. The experiences all different will accumulate, and I hope to take the best and inspire me to amazing heights as a teacher.
Thanks Greg and best of luck with your teach abroad world tour. 🙂
