The TEFL Journey: Living and Working in China
and How It Sparked A Global Life
Living and working in China was an adventure that fueled a love for travel, sparked a curiosity for new cultures and made me see the world with fresh eyes.
Working abroad through TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) has become a popular route for people craving something different, it turned out to be the start of something much bigger. Moving to China challenged me to adapt, connect with people from completely different backgrounds and grow in ways I hadn’t expected.
This journey gave me lessons, friendships, and experiences I carry with me still. This isn’t just a story about teaching; it’s about how one decision to move to a foreign country set me on a path that shaped who I am today.
Why China?
Sometimes, opportunities find us when we’re least looking for them. While in Southeast Asia for the first time, I was struck by the number of Chinese tourists I saw in Thailand. I met a Chinese man on vacation with his family. As we talked, he mentioned how English teachers were in high demand back in China. Something about our conversation stuck with me, and a thought started to form:
What if I went to China?
After wrapping up my travels, I returned to the U.S. and sent out nearly 200 applications, determined to find something that would allow me to see more of the world. I wasn’t holding out for a specific place—my goal was simply to gain experience abroad.
The first job offer came, a public university position in the megacity Guangzhou. It felt like fate, I accepted without hesitation, with no expectations beyond a personal promise: I’d stay at least two years and make the most of it.
Arriving in China
I landed in Guangzhou, China close to 2 a.m., exhausted and disoriented. A representative from the school picked me up and took me to my new apartment. The apartment was tiny, unkempt and lacked basic bedding. As I flipped on the lights, a roach scurried across the floor, reminding me that I was far from home.
The worker bought me some dumplings, but I had no idea what they were, so I didn’t eat them. At 3 a.m., jet-lagged and hungry, I ventured out to find a KFC, I ordered chicken using my credit card because I didn’t have Chinese mobile pay set up yet and couldn’t speak a word of Mandarin.
Challenges
I knew China would be different, but I had no idea just how different. Reading blogs, forums and guidebooks only gave me part of the picture. The real work lay in mentally preparing myself to face whatever came my way.
The population density was staggering and I was in awe of how effortlessly everyone moved. Coming from a place where personal space was taken for granted, I had to adjust quickly to the packed trains and crowded markets.
Language was another big hurdle. Mandarin was challenging enough, but Guangzhou’s native language is Cantonese, an entirely different dialect . Street signs, menus and daily interactions were often a game of gestures and smiles. I’d step into a restaurant and point to pictures on the menu, hoping for the best.
Daily life was full of small adjustments. Grocery shopping, for instance, was no longer a quick trip to grab familiar ingredients. Local markets offered foods I’d never seen before—dragon fruit, durian, lotus root. It was an experience, full of new smells and textures that sometimes felt intimidating and other times completely fascinating. I learned to keep an open mind, trying new dishes even when I couldn’t identify every ingredient and soon enough, the food that once felt foreign became one of my favorite parts of life in Guangzhou.
Then there were the cultural norms. I quickly noticed that the Chinese have a different approach to personal space and social interactions. The idea of privacy is viewed differently; people would openly stare, curious about foreigners, or stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me in line without a second thought. At first, I found myself feeling uncomfortable, but over time, I began to understand that these behaviors were simply part of the culture.
Life in Guangzhou required me to be adaptable. I found myself becoming more resilient, more open to things that I couldn’t initially understand and more appreciative of the victories—like the day I was able to order food entirely in Mandarin, or when I finally stopped getting lost on the metro.
Looking back, I’m grateful that I went in with minimal expectations because it allowed me to be truly open to every part of the experience. Every challenge taught me something new about myself and the world around me. It’s funny how one conversation, one job offer, and one leap of faith set me on a path that changed my life in ways I hadn’t even dreamed of.
Teaching in a Chinese University
One of the most challenging adjustments was my classroom experience. My first job was at the South China University of Agriculture, where I was in front of 30 students with varying levels of English ability. Some were fluent and eager to learn, while others were less interested or struggled with the language.
Classrooms in China are different too—students are generally quiet and respectful. Yet, I soon learned that my students had a deep respect for teachers and that building trust was key. Slowly, they opened up, and I began to understand each of their personalities.
My lessons focused on essential skills like reading and writing or speaking and listening, but I quickly learned that engaging them required more than just structured lessons. Interactive activities—like debates, role-playing, or cultural discussions—became an essential part of the classroom. They were practicing how to express opinions, share ideas and build confidence in a new language.
One of the most fascinating parts of teaching in China was seeing just how eager my students were to explore Western culture. They’d ask, “Is it true everyone owns a gun?” or, “What do Americans think of China?” They wanted to know if what they saw in American movies or media was accurate, or if Western families were really as “independent” as they’d heard. I learned to navigate sensitive topics, always being honest but respectful, and it felt fulfilling to bridge gaps in understanding that most students might not experience otherwise.
Perhaps the most unexpected outcome of teaching in China was the development of my own patience and adaptability. Teaching in a foreign country requires a certain level of flexibility; the classroom is not just a space for academic learning but also a place where cultural nuances are constantly at play.
By the end of my time teaching, I felt as though I had gained as much as, if not more than, I had given. My students left me with valuable insights into their lives, dreams, and struggles. Each lesson was an exchange—of language, yes, but also of perspectives, empathy and shared respect.
A Newfound Love for Adventure
Living in China sparked a passion for travel that has carried me across other countries and continents. I became addicted to the discovery of new places, each destination offering its own unique challenges and rewards. There’s something exhilarating about arriving in a place where everything is unfamiliar—the language, the food, the rhythm of daily life—and adapting to it. I found that navigating these differences didn’t just teach me about other cultures; it taught me about myself.
Resilience became a constant theme in my journey. Life in China taught me to embrace the unexpected, from language barriers and cultural misunderstandings to personal setbacks. There were times when things felt overwhelming, but each hurdle became a stepping stone, shaping me into someone who could adapt and thrive in unfamiliar environments. I learned to let go of rigid expectations, adopting flexibility as my greatest asset.
Every destination since China has been an opportunity to apply these lessons, and each new culture has enriched my understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. The passion for exploration that began in China continues to drive me, reminding me that there’s always more to learn, more people to meet, and more experiences waiting beyond the horizon. My TEFL journey was the spark, and the fire it ignited has fueled a life filled with adventure, growth, and the belief that every corner of the world holds something worth discovering.
Why China Was a Great Starting Point
For those interested in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), China has become one of the best places to start. With a high demand for English teachers, the job market offers competitive salaries, often with added benefits like housing, airfare reimbursement, and even bonuses.
These perks make it easier to transition to a new life abroad, giving you a financial cushion while you settle in. Many schools and programs actively seek out English teachers, which means that there’s a variety of job opportunities—whether in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai or smaller towns where you’ll get a more local experience.
Teaching abroad is a learning experience in itself. You’ll be navigating a new job, a new culture, and a new language, all at once. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning will help you thrive. Each day brings a new lesson, whether it’s figuring out the transportation system or finding creative ways to connect with your students. This growth mindset can make your experience more enjoyable and help you adapt with greater ease.
Starting your TEFL journey in China is more than just a job; it’s an adventure and an opportunity for personal growth. The unique combination of financial security, rich cultural experiences, and abundant job opportunities makes China an ideal choice for first-time TEFL teachers. With the right preparation, openness, and enthusiasm, China can be the perfect springboard for a life of global exploration and teaching.
Reflections on the Impact of My TEFL Journey
Teaching English in China changed my life in ways I could never have anticipated. Living and working abroad broaden my worldview, opening my eyes to cultural nuances and teaching me the value of patience, flexibility and understanding.
The friendships I formed in China remain with me to this day, even across borders. These bonds are a powerful reminder of how far-reaching the impact of this experience has been, and they’ve shown me that connections made in one corner of the world can carry meaning wherever life takes you.
My time in China also sparked a lifestyle of continuous learning. Each challenge, conversation, and cultural experience ignited a desire to keep exploring and discovering. This journey taught me that there’s always more to understand—about the world, about others, and about myself. It’s a lesson I carry forward, reminding me to stay curious and open-minded, wherever I go.
Looking back, my TEFL experience was more than just a job. It ignited my love for travel, shaped my career path and taught me resilience and adaptability in ways I hadn’t expected. For anyone considering a similar journey, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s a life-changing experience that challenges you, enriches you and opens doors you never knew existed.