u/Educational_Dirt4714

Hi friends,

I'm seriously considering moving abroad, but I'm a bit worried about overwhelm. Wanted to hear from others who have taken the risk and how it went for you. Here's a bit about me:

+I speak the language of my destination country.

+I have a few (really not many) friends located in the country.

+I have been once before and struggled. But that was 10+ years ago. I was young and dumb and choose to prioritize going over taking care of my own needs, so went cold-turkey on all meds (no anti-depressants was the primary issue.)

+I'd be going with more language than previously, under very different circumstances (as a professional rather than 'missionary'). (I regret immensely that I went under those circumstances then, but I can't change it. Again, young and dumb. Please be kind.)

+My destination country has a reputation of being bureaucratically challenging for expats, but I am highly qualified for a work visa, speak the language, and have local connections.

Anyway, I'd be glad to hear about anyone's experience, whether your background is similar to mine or not. Just like to gain some perspective.

If someone mentions they're sick, I know I can 祝早日康复。

But what are other options to express "Take it easy", "take care of your self" to express general good will without being invasive.

Would it be weird for a foreigner to recommend eating garlic? Do folks still recommend that regularly?

Hello!

I'm considering work in China starting next fall. I'm an experienced teacher (more than 10 yrs) with 140-hr TEFL, TEFL for EAP, and a Master's in Bilingual education. I'm probably going to start the DipTesol in January '27 to further strenthen my application. I studied in China for a semester, achieved HSK4 proficiency (though it's probably declined since then). I currently teach ESL in a college in the US and I'm interested in a University job in a tier-2 or tier-3 city.

I'm wondering how far in advance did you apply for work and secure a position? (Yes, I am white and a native speaker of English.)

Thanks for constructive feedback.

Hello!

I'm considering work in China starting next fall. I'm an experienced teacher (more than 10 yrs) with 140-hr TEFL, TEFL for EAP, and a Master's in Bilingual education. I'm probably going to start the DipTesol in January '27 to further strenthen my application. I studied in China for a semester, achieved HSK4 proficiency (though it's probably declined since then). I currently teach ESL in a college in the US and I'm interested in a University job in a tier-2 or tier-3 city.

I'm wondering how far in advance did you apply for work and secure a position? (Yes, I am white and a native speaker of English.)

Thanks for constructive feedback.

Hello!

I'm considering work in China starting next fall. I'm an experienced teacher (more than 10 yrs) with 140-hr TEFL, TEFL for EAP, and a Master's in Bilingual education. I'm probably going to start the DipTesol in January '27 to further strenthen my application. I studied in China for a semester, achieved HSK4 proficiency (though it's probably declined since then). I currently teach ESL in a college in the US and I'm interested in a University job in a tier-2 or tier-3 city.

I'm wondering how far in advance did you apply for work and secure a position? (Yes, I am white and a native speaker of English.)

Thanks for constructive feedback.

Hi there,

Context:

-I'm 33 and single.

-I taught a semester in China about 10 years ago.

-I have TEFL 140 hr & 40 hr English for academic purposes certificates

-I have a M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction focused on bilingual education

-I have 10+ years experience teaching language learners of all ages in the US.

-I'm interested in university faculty positions or international high school teaching

I'm considering pursuing a DipTESOL remotely. I live in the US now and I'm thinking of pursuing full-time work in China.

Has anyone taken a job and then completed the DipTESOL while in the new location?

For anyone who has completed DipTESOL, how did it improve your experience as a teacher and the quality of instructional interactions with students?