• Some days teaching is hard. Other days my students present me with the origami that they made during the break (for sure not during my lecture... right?). • But on the good and bad days I try to remember that these students are as individual as the paper origami they make. I've been learning recently that everyone is just a little bit broken, no matter their country or background. Each individual is bruised by their home-life, jaded by their culture, or weighed down by their past. But most people manage to fold up all their insecurities and make themselves look presentable to the world. • When I was growing up, the slightest approval or personal investment from a teacher meant the world to me. Teachers don't have to care about their students. It's not in the syllabus. That's why it was special. And I suspect that's even more true here in China. Chinese teachers are expected to be harsh and disciplinarian. So when I smile at my students throughout my lecture, I can almost feel their confusion. That's become my goal—to teach my lesson clearly and confuse them with love. • How do you reach your students while maintaining high academic standards? Have you seen any long-lasting effects of confusing your students with love? • —guest post by @izbiss • #teachtoreach #teachersmakeadifference #teachersfollowteachers #teachertalk #heartofateacher #missionalexpat #teachenglishabroad #confusedstudent #passionforpeople #hearttoheart #brokenpeople #sharethelove #morethanateacher #teachersofinstagram #chinaexpats #teachingmethods #lifeinChina #whynotchina
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    Some days teaching is hard. Other days my students present me with the origami that they made during the break (for sure not during my lecture... right?). • But on the good and bad days I try to remember that these students are as individual as the paper origami they make. I've been learning recently that everyone is just a little bit broken, no matter their country or background. Each individual is bruised by their home-life, jaded by their culture, or weighed down by their past. But most people manage to fold up all their insecurities and make themselves look presentable to the world. • When I was growing up, the slightest approval or personal investment from a teacher meant the world to me. Teachers don't have to care about their students. It's not in the syllabus. That's why it was special. And I suspect that's even more true here in China. Chinese teachers are expected to be harsh and disciplinarian. So when I smile at my students throughout my lecture, I can almost feel their confusion. That's become my goal—to teach my lesson clearly and confuse them with love. • How do you reach your students while maintaining high academic standards? Have you seen any long-lasting effects of confusing your students with love? • —guest post by @izbiss • #teachtoreach #teachersmakeadifference #teachersfollowteachers #teachertalk #heartofateacher #missionalexpat #teachenglishabroad #confusedstudent #passionforpeople #hearttoheart #brokenpeople #sharethelove #morethanateacher #teachersofinstagram #chinaexpats #teachingmethods #lifeinChina #whynotchina
  • Teaching in different cultures and different countries bring different experiences. I have taught English in five different countries: India, Dominican Republic, America, Middle East, and now China. • Each place is nuanced and amazing in it's own way. In India, kids love stories. Stories hold history and lessons for life. You can teach in an English story and they memorize it instantly. In the Dominican, everything has life and energy. English is taught through patterns and music. Students in the Middle East crave information. They want knowledge and understanding. They may challenge you, but once your prove yourself they trust you explicitly. • In China, teachers are expected to be strict and shame students. Students are apprehensive in class, but extremely curious. It takes time to break them out of their shells. Once they see that you care about them, they will attach to you. They give love openly and respect those who give them respect. I have loved the different experiences of teaching. Being in China has taught me a lot about teaching, cultures, and understanding. Just think about everything you could learn after teaching abroad! 👩‍🏫🌏 • #teachingoverseas #educationabroad #culturalexperience #missionalexpat #loveopenly #caredeeply #servantleaders #servantsheart #teachersmakeadifference #globalimpact #teachingmethods #teachoverseas #teachingenglish #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers #studentsuccess #curiosityintheclassroom #chinalife #whynotchina #lifeabroad
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    Teaching in different cultures and different countries bring different experiences. I have taught English in five different countries: India, Dominican Republic, America, Middle East, and now China. • Each place is nuanced and amazing in it's own way. In India, kids love stories. Stories hold history and lessons for life. You can teach in an English story and they memorize it instantly. In the Dominican, everything has life and energy. English is taught through patterns and music. Students in the Middle East crave information. They want knowledge and understanding. They may challenge you, but once your prove yourself they trust you explicitly. • In China, teachers are expected to be strict and shame students. Students are apprehensive in class, but extremely curious. It takes time to break them out of their shells. Once they see that you care about them, they will attach to you. They give love openly and respect those who give them respect. I have loved the different experiences of teaching. Being in China has taught me a lot about teaching, cultures, and understanding. Just think about everything you could learn after teaching abroad! 👩‍🏫🌏 • #teachingoverseas #educationabroad #culturalexperience #missionalexpat #loveopenly #caredeeply #servantleaders #servantsheart #teachersmakeadifference #globalimpact #teachingmethods #teachoverseas #teachingenglish #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers #studentsuccess #curiosityintheclassroom #chinalife #whynotchina #lifeabroad
  • Let's talk about student loans. Most of the people who graduate from university will have some amount of student loans. As soon as you graduate, you are expected to pay them back. Here in China, we make enough to be comfortable and save some money for the summer. But, if you have loans, they can be unmanageable on our salary. My current salary is the same as when I worked part time at the University of South Carolina as a mentor to students. We get other benefits like provided housing and basic food, but we still have everyday expenses. Throughout this year, I have heard a lot of people stressing about loans. In fact, this was a make or break reason that many people decided not to return. Some advice from people here with loans: look at the type of loan you have (federal or private). Private loans can be unforgiving. They will not lower your payment just because your salary is small. Also, talk to your lenders ahead of time. If you explain the situation, you may be able to work with them on a payment plan you can afford on this salary. Look into income-based payments. If you work for the U.S. government (as a public school teacher or a U.S. based university professor) you can get loan forgiveness as a public servant. Unfortunately, this is one topic that many people don't talk about when you're getting ready to move overseas. However, it will effect your life while you are here. If you have a lot of student loans, I would suggest truly weighing your options. You may need to work hard at paying down your loans before you will be financially ready for the overseas move. Don't know where to start? Send me a private message! @wanderwoman_kat72 #smartmoney #financialplanning #financialfreedom #wisewords #movingoverseas #expatadvice #expenses #studentloans #moneymoneymoney #moneymatters #whynotchina #teachoverseas #teachenglishabroad #chinalife #expatsofinstagram #travelblogger #takemyadvice #sias #SiasUniversity
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    Let's talk about student loans. Most of the people who graduate from university will have some amount of student loans. As soon as you graduate, you are expected to pay them back. Here in China, we make enough to be comfortable and save some money for the summer. But, if you have loans, they can be unmanageable on our salary. My current salary is the same as when I worked part time at the University of South Carolina as a mentor to students. We get other benefits like provided housing and basic food, but we still have everyday expenses. Throughout this year, I have heard a lot of people stressing about loans. In fact, this was a make or break reason that many people decided not to return. Some advice from people here with loans: look at the type of loan you have (federal or private). Private loans can be unforgiving. They will not lower your payment just because your salary is small. Also, talk to your lenders ahead of time. If you explain the situation, you may be able to work with them on a payment plan you can afford on this salary. Look into income-based payments. If you work for the U.S. government (as a public school teacher or a U.S. based university professor) you can get loan forgiveness as a public servant. Unfortunately, this is one topic that many people don't talk about when you're getting ready to move overseas. However, it will effect your life while you are here. If you have a lot of student loans, I would suggest truly weighing your options. You may need to work hard at paying down your loans before you will be financially ready for the overseas move. Don't know where to start? Send me a private message! @wanderwoman_kat72 #smartmoney #financialplanning #financialfreedom #wisewords #movingoverseas #expatadvice #expenses #studentloans #moneymoneymoney #moneymatters #whynotchina #teachoverseas #teachenglishabroad #chinalife #expatsofinstagram #travelblogger #takemyadvice #sias #SiasUniversity
  • We ❤️️ CTA! When foreign teachers arrive at Sias, they quickly discover the value of the Culture Team Ambassadors. The CTA is made up of Chinese students who have signed up for countless unpaid hours of helping foreign faculty with their everyday tasks. We truly would be lost without their friendship and assistance. Read about their selfless service on the AIA blog! #lifeinchina #travelblog #servantsheart #chinaexpat #thankful #teachoverseas #communitysupport #workculture #englishteacher
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    We ❤️️ CTA! When foreign teachers arrive at Sias, they quickly discover the value of the Culture Team Ambassadors. The CTA is made up of Chinese students who have signed up for countless unpaid hours of helping foreign faculty with their everyday tasks. We truly would be lost without their friendship and assistance. Read about their selfless service on the AIA blog! #lifeinchina #travelblog #servantsheart #chinaexpat #thankful #teachoverseas #communitysupport #workculture #englishteacher
  • Visual presentation of 200 countries spread around the globe, with populations ranging from near 1.4 billion (China or India) to countries a mere 0.001% of that size! How teaching in China makes a difference: + Invest in future leaders of China at our American-style university. + Learn Chinese culture, history and customs for international business. + Learn Chinese language. + Make contacts/friends with Chinese globally with the above experience, knowledge and language ability. #whynotchina Graphic from #weforumgroup
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    Visual presentation of 200 countries spread around the globe, with populations ranging from near 1.4 billion (China or India) to countries a mere 0.001% of that size! How teaching in China makes a difference: + Invest in future leaders of China at our American-style university. + Learn Chinese culture, history and customs for international business. + Learn Chinese language. + Make contacts/friends with Chinese globally with the above experience, knowledge and language ability. #whynotchina Graphic from #weforumgroup
  • Love being on #williamjessupuniversity campus! Just met a #filmmajor who is #golfinstructor :)
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    Love being on #williamjessupuniversity campus! Just met a #filmmajor who is #golfinstructor :)
  • Are you on the right track for #personalgrowth? #livecourageously #makeadifference #chinaexpats #teachinchina #englishteacher #faceyourfears #bethechange #challengethelimits #expatsofinstagram #liveyourpurpose #changeyourlife #uncommonlife #whynotchina #challengethestatusquo #sias #SiasUniversity
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    Are you on the right track for #personalgrowth? #livecourageously #makeadifference #chinaexpats #teachinchina #englishteacher #faceyourfears #bethechange #challengethelimits #expatsofinstagram #liveyourpurpose #changeyourlife #uncommonlife #whynotchina #challengethestatusquo #sias #SiasUniversity
  • I recently took a personality test. As a psych major, I've taken many as an undergrad. Unfortunately, I don't remember much of my results. The one I recently took was the Meyers-Briggs personality test. My results told me that what I seek, above all else, is purpose. Fulfilling my purpose and passion is what bring me happiness and meaning. I found a lot of truth in that. I seek out forming relationships with people everywhere I go. I am passionate about people's stories. Even here, halfway across the world, I have found opportunities to fulfill that passion. Being a teacher in China, you get to form friendships with your students in a way that is not allowed in the states. You meet their parents, you share their dreams, you listen to their problems and help them. At Sias, we have a leadership program that we teach. This allows us to connect with students outside of our own classroom. It also lets us guide our students to become gracious, humble leaders who care about their community. We can help them, through this program, to set goals and dreams to reach as future leaders. We can watch as they grow enough to truly succeed in these goals. What are some things you're passionate about? Can you see ways to use those passions while teaching in China? By @wanderwoman_kat72 #passionandpurpose #passionateliving #motivationmonday #myersbriggs #passionforpeople #liveyourpurpose #liveyourpassion #teachoverseas #lifeabroad #expatsinchina #expatsofinstagram #expatsuccess #teachersmakeadifference #whynotchina #sias #SiasUniversity #personalitytypes #personaldevelopment
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    I recently took a personality test. As a psych major, I've taken many as an undergrad. Unfortunately, I don't remember much of my results. The one I recently took was the Meyers-Briggs personality test. My results told me that what I seek, above all else, is purpose. Fulfilling my purpose and passion is what bring me happiness and meaning. I found a lot of truth in that. I seek out forming relationships with people everywhere I go. I am passionate about people's stories. Even here, halfway across the world, I have found opportunities to fulfill that passion. Being a teacher in China, you get to form friendships with your students in a way that is not allowed in the states. You meet their parents, you share their dreams, you listen to their problems and help them. At Sias, we have a leadership program that we teach. This allows us to connect with students outside of our own classroom. It also lets us guide our students to become gracious, humble leaders who care about their community. We can help them, through this program, to set goals and dreams to reach as future leaders. We can watch as they grow enough to truly succeed in these goals. What are some things you're passionate about? Can you see ways to use those passions while teaching in China? By @wanderwoman_kat72 #passionandpurpose #passionateliving #motivationmonday #myersbriggs #passionforpeople #liveyourpurpose #liveyourpassion #teachoverseas #lifeabroad #expatsinchina #expatsofinstagram #expatsuccess #teachersmakeadifference #whynotchina #sias #SiasUniversity #personalitytypes #personaldevelopment
  • #Repost @rebekahpusateri (@get_repost) ・・・ One year ago I went to China for the first time. I never expected that I'd end up living here! I've lived in China for six months, and I still have three more months to go. I can now read and speak some Chinese, I've been in six different Chinese airports, I've traveled independently in China, and have spent the night in the hospital with food poisoning. I've been to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Xinzheng, Zhengzhou, Anyang, Nanjing, Xinxiang, Linzhou, Louyang, and Dengfeng. I've experienced: pollution levels of 600 as a normal air quality, teaching in a classroom for the first time, and crazy scooter rides without a helmet. Every day consists of a new adventure and challenge I have to face. I'm so glad I took the leap and moved across the world! I love China; no other experience would've given me the opportunities and amount of growth as being an expat has. #expat #siasuniversity #worldtravel #lifeexperience #broadenyourhorizons #livingabroad #independentwoman #girlsvsglobe #girlswhotravel #travelingsolo #teachoverseas #englishteacher #livingthedream
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    #Repost @rebekahpusateri (@get_repost) ・・・ One year ago I went to China for the first time. I never expected that I'd end up living here! I've lived in China for six months, and I still have three more months to go. I can now read and speak some Chinese, I've been in six different Chinese airports, I've traveled independently in China, and have spent the night in the hospital with food poisoning. I've been to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Xinzheng, Zhengzhou, Anyang, Nanjing, Xinxiang, Linzhou, Louyang, and Dengfeng. I've experienced: pollution levels of 600 as a normal air quality, teaching in a classroom for the first time, and crazy scooter rides without a helmet. Every day consists of a new adventure and challenge I have to face. I'm so glad I took the leap and moved across the world! I love China; no other experience would've given me the opportunities and amount of growth as being an expat has. #expat #siasuniversity #worldtravel #lifeexperience #broadenyourhorizons #livingabroad #independentwoman #girlsvsglobe #girlswhotravel #travelingsolo #teachoverseas #englishteacher #livingthedream