Teaching in China

My teaching adventure began in 2008 when I came to China for a study. I was offered a part-time job in a kindergarten. It was fun to work with babies, who couldn't speak much of their own language. We were playing, singing, dancing. And I felt I liked it. And kids loved me too :)

In 2010 when I graduated the University in Ukraine, the only thing I wanted to do was to go back to China. (It's hard to explain, but I'm China-addicted). After months of search "how to get a job in China", lots of stress connected with documents, I bought a ticket, obtained express visa, packed, sent messages to my friends "I'm in Boryspil, waiting for a flight to China", and went to Beijing to work as an English teacher in a primary school. My schedule was pretty relaxing– at night I could go to a club, meet people, and in the morning play "Simon says". The job was fine. (However, you can guess, that teaching a class with 40 kids isn't easy). I signed a contract for a year. But Somebody had a different plan for me. After 3 absolutely stressful months, I had to leave China. (No worries, I wasn't deported, authorities just refused to extend my visa).

In 2014, when I quit a job in a company in Guangzhou, I started teaching. Yeah, what else could I do? What else I enjoy doing? It was a job in a training center. (The schedule was kind of "work with us and forget about your life": Wednesday-Sunday 1pm-9pm (that's why at first I refused this offer). (I worked there for 1,3 year–the longest employment ever!).

Once when I was on vacation in Ukraine, I got a message: Maria, I know you're free on Mondays and Tuesdays, can you take a part time job teaching in a college? It's a good opportunity for you. I said: Yes, of course. I didn't realize that I said "yes" to working 7 days a week (full time+part time), messy room, little sleep, lots of work. It meant having no life for a whole semester. (The college was in another city, I had to wake up at 5am. I usually slept for 2-3 hours–I had to prepare for classes, check 120 tests etc). I have to mention, that I NEVER taught adults. And I agreed to take this job only to get new experience and see how (well) I could manage everything.

Not having enough rest, I was exhausted, looked like a zombie, and at the end of the term I got sick (I was burntout). I had no time to go to the supermarket, to reply to messages or to talk with my parents. All I did was either having classes or preparing for classes. I guess you're wondering why I didn't give up. And here's my answer: I loved that job! It was my best teaching experience ever! I discovered a different side of me, I could learn, I could use my skills (not only teaching ones, but also creative/leadership/organizational/personal/ and acting!). And, another thing–I found that students loved me! That's what made me keep it up. Every Monday I entered the classroom and heard "Maria, we love you, we were missing you!" And I forgot about everything. I found my way to their hearts. (My colleagues asked me to attend my class to find "the secret of becoming a successful teacher").

I allowed my students to do many things, like eating during the class, not attending the class if they didn't want to, taking pictures of me and with me, laughing at me..... ( I required one thing–respect). My classes were more like comedy TV shows. It was fun for all! We had one to one oral exam, which they'll remember forever. I asked them to review everything we learned. When the day came, I gave a task: Tell me something great about yourself. They were shocked and confused! I helped those students, who couldn't answer. I wanted to let them know how unique each of them was. (They were blushing). I was very sincere and honest. (That's another thing this experience taught me–to share my feelings).

At the end of the term my manager stated: "You're going to continue teaching. Students love you so much! They evaluated you 99 points out of 100". I understood it was my reward for hard work. And it was an honor.  But I was dreaming about a day off and sleeeeeeeeep. I needed a break.

....Last week I've started a new job in a primary school. Big classes. Grade 1,2. When I ask them "how are you?", they answer: "I'm 6." That's their English level))). What makes the situation worse, I've been sick for a week already (and it's not getting any better), my sore throat doesn't let me show my abilities. But I'll do my best to make those teletubbies like me :P

For me being a teacher isn't only sharing knowledge, but also sharing LOVE and passion.