I recently completed my first semester teaching in China! I am very proud of myself; I have completed a goal of mine that was four years in the making. I first became interested in teaching in Asia in 2008. I'm wouldn't change anything that I encountered along the way. I feel that it made my desire to live and work abroad increase. I remember being excited and enthralled in the blogs I would read about others' adventures abroad. I couldn't wait for the chance to do it myself!
I arrived in China in early October. I am in a small Chinese city located in Shandong Province. I teach 5th graders. I have six classes making a total of 24 hours a week. My classes are 35 minutes long. This was my first time out of U.S. as well as my first time teaching.
I loved teaching and to my surprise I was naturally good at it. My students and I bonded very quickly. I really love my students; they are so smart and sweet. I realized that I had made the right decision to try out teaching. My school isn't the best, but I no longer allow my employer to make me upset. I also really love China; it felt amazing to know that my research paid off. I was a little concerned about liking my city. There's isn't a lot to do here, but I like Dongying regardless.
Socially, I had ups and downs, but in the end I distanced myself from negative, harmful people and found true friends. These friends I truly believe I will have for years to come. I think what made this easier was that I didn't come with the express intention of only making friends. I came to experience living and working abroad, increase my independence, and achieve career confidence. The great friends are a wonderful bonus!
I had a really great first semester! I learned valuable things about myself, focused on the bigger picture, took a great chance, meet wonderful friends, and had fun. I think I grew a lot, too. The important things went right; that lets me know that I am in the right place at the right time!
