Matthew S

“One of my CELTA trainers recommended Shane English [School] to me as the best option for professional development in Asia for someone with limited teaching experience. Within a month of completing my CELTA course, I sent my first TEFL resume to Saxoncourt, inquiring about an opportunity in Japan. Shane’s recruiting department contacted me the next day and notified me that there were pressing growth opportunities in China, and asked if I’d be interested in considering any of those. Having long been curious about China, and excited about the idea of learning some Chinese, I replied that I was interested, and that led to the interview process.

The interview process, which included a written pre-interview task, was thorough and left me impressed with the company. Following the interview, I was offered a contract, which I accepted the following day. The visa process was lengthy, but the people at Shane were helpful in walking me through the process. I arrived in China in October of 2017 for a week of training with our Director of Studies in Beijing. Having previously only taught adolescents and adults, and not young children, I needed direction. I completed modules on teaching young learners and Shane methodology and resources, observed a handful of lessons, and then taught several observed lessons before departing for my city. I arrived in Nanchang confident in my ability to plan and administer lessons that adhered to the Shane curriculum.

The first four months of teaching in Nanchang have been some of the most rewarding of my life. I’ve never eaten tastier food, the people are kind, the children are fun, and the language is fascinating. Of course, there are challenges. I work each week to improve as a teacher, and I’ve got a lot to learn. But I’m thankful to have the support of an experienced and outgoing Director of Studies, and I’ve also been fortunate to meet experienced teachers within the Shane network, people’s whose experience I can lean on as we grow our new school and as I develop professionally.

I’m glad I made the decision to come to China, and I’m glad I decided to come with Shane. With Shane, I feel that I have support and guidance and also professional autonomy, space to develop without pressure to conform to a rigid orthodoxy. I also know that, as an international company, there are potential future opportunities as Shane continues to expand in China and throughout Asia.