Are you a first time English teacher in Asia (or are you planning to be)? Check out these tips to make the transition that little bit easier!
Make a good first impression
The first impression I made in Taiwan was not a strong one. The day after training, the new teachers were supposed to make a visit to their respective branches for the first time. Still drunk from celebrating the night before, I woke up to an angry “where are you?” phone call. I didn’t make it to the branch at all and I’m pretty sure some of the management never really forgot it.
Go in strong
Just like prison, sometimes the key to survival in the classroom is to find the biggest, baddest kid in class and kick him in the teeth. Not literally of course, but there is often one kid in a new class who will challenge you, and it’s important to quash that rebellion straight away. Bring them down a notch or two and the rest of the class should fall into line.
Be yourself
There was a bit of an expectation in Taiwan to be the all singing, all dancing clown teacher. This isn’t my style. There is no point trying to be something you aren’t and as long as you find your own way to connect with the kids you’ll be fine.