CIEE Orientation in China: Read Kari's Interview!

Kari recently arrived in China to begin her year of teaching abroad! She attended the Teacher Training and Orientation included in CIEE’s Teach in China programs. Read about Kari’s experience below:

How was orientation? Walk us through the week.

During our initial orientation, a guest teacher instructed us on material very similar to what we learned during the TEFL certification course. Our teacher assigned assignments to complete after class to prepare us to demonstrate a hypothetical lesson after the orientation. Afterward, we hopped straight into English camp the next day. Undeniably it was quite challenging to collaborate with another trainee to create so many lessons and materials on such short notice. Nonetheless, it was educationally valuable. We adapted lessons based on the topics from their textbooks and prepared a class performance for the closing ceremony. Our class sang and danced to the song “Lemon Tree” by Fools Garden.

What was your favorite day of orientation?

I had little time for leisure; however, I did make some wonderful memories. My favorite memory was from our final day in the summer camp. We spent hours throughout the week practicing our performance. It was a beautiful moment to step on stage and sing and dance with the students. Although many seemed less than enthusiastic during rehearsals, it was amazing to see their shining smiles and bright eyes beneath the lights. Afterwards, there was no shortage of high-fives and hugs to go around.

Were you able to make friends?

Yes, during our breaks and dinners, I became well acquainted with several of my fellow trainees. We have all exchanged WeChat info and plan to meet up again in the future. I was surprised to find that I had made quite deep bonds with some trainees, despite our short time having known each other. It is nice that, although we are far apart, we all have each other to stumble through these new experiences.

What was your biggest takeaway from the training? 

This training helped me to adjust and simplify my workflow while designing lessons and materials. For example, after spending some time with our students, we began to find a cohesive balance between using the PPP approach and task-based learning. We were able to lighten the burden of creating class materials by having students spend time in a meaningful production activity or realistic situation.

Where are you placed? Have you been to this city before?

I have been placed in Shijiazhuang. This is my first time in this city.

Do you feel prepared to teach abroad?

Yes, while I have some teaching experience back home, I do not have much experience teaching ESL. It has been quite some time since I completed my practicum, so this orientation did an excellent job of defrosting the skills I had not put to use in a while. Working alongside and learning from my wonderful teacher assistant also greatly benefited me and gave me many insights into working with Chinese students.

How was your experience in CIEE’s TEFL Course?

Overall, I found the CIEE course to be quite good. Of course, you only get as much as you put in, but that is often the case. Having talked with my colleagues, I have come to realize how detailed and thorough CIEE’s TEFL course is. They were surprised to hear that I had dedicated several hours over some months, completed assignments, attended weekly calls, attended observations, and taught for my practicum. This preparation has been invaluable for teaching abroad. Some of my colleagues even commented that they wished they earned their TEFL through CIEE for this very reason.

What made you want to teach abroad?

I wanted to teach abroad because I wanted to make connections and bonds with those who have different experiences. One of the best things about teaching is filling the role of a mentor to students. This is true no matter where you go. However, I am thankful to make a new type of connection to students here in China. Although we meet briefly and infrequently, I am thankful to make a difference in some of these students’ lives. Even if I can only briefly lighten their moods by being their kooky foreign teacher, I am glad to do so. Life is difficult for Chinese high schoolers, so I am thankful to make them smile. The relationship between teachers and students is quite different in China than in the U.S., and it has been an interesting and fulfilling journey bridging the gap between two different worlds.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

I am looking forward to celebrating the Lunar New Year and any school festivals we may have in the future. My students get excited when they see me engage with Chinese culture, and I will happily oblige.

Any advice for those thinking about teaching in China?

Be prepared to adapt, adjust, and overcome. It is well known that China differs from the Western world, especially the United States, but it will shine through in the workplace. Timelines and dates will change, and as a foreign teacher, you will surely be the last to know. I did not know my schedule until the night before my classes, and they have since changed. It is important to stay flexible and not too stuck in your ways. If you can manage that, then you will navigate your life in China just fine!