Interview with Chad teaching English in China
 

What is your name?

My name is Chad Pearson
 
Where are you from?

I am from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
 
Where are you teaching or where did you teach? 

I taught in China with English First Qingdao for two and a half years, presently I am the director of studies at English First in Warsaw, Poland.

What do/did you like most about living and working abroad?

I like the differences in culture and food, trying new and exciting things I never would have had the opportunity to try before. For example, learning to eat with chopsticks and speak Chinese. In Poland the food is delicious and hearty and the people are very honest and straight forward. The girls in both countries are beautiful as well.

What do/did you dislike the most? 

Other stupid foreigners, mostly Americans, who act like assholes and try to take advantage of women and give foreigners a bad name. I also hated how dirty Chinese men were, they spit everywhere and piss in the streets. I also hate airports, especially Beijing airport, it's a hell hole.
 
How did you get started teaching abroad? 

I took a TESOL course online and starting hunting for jobs on Dave's ESL Cafe.

Do you have any back ground in teaching English, if not, how did you learn? 

TESOL and a practicum at an immigration centre prepared me, but the best way is to learn by doing, I learned by teaching.

How long have you been teaching English?

Nearly three years.
 
Do you feel teaching English overseas is a good way to make a good living?

You can't get rich unless you go to a dangerous part of the world like the middle east, but it is a good lifestyle, you can live quite well on a teacher's salary and travel. You could save, but I prefer to have a few drinks and party a little after the day is done.

Can you give some good advice for someone thinking about living and teaching English abroad?

Don't judge, don't whine. If you are a person who expects everything to be easy, stay at home. You will encounter people who are rude, people who eat disgusting things, people who view the world far differently from you. If you are adventurous and have a positive attitude, go for it.

Can you describe what it is like living and working in country you're in?

Warsaw is a big city. I travel to work everyday on a subway. It's a huge city with many good restaurants and bars. The women are beautiful, blonde hair, green eyes.
 
Do you have any warnings for people considering teaching English overseas?

Don't sign a contract based on someone's word. Don't walk the streets in a strange town at night unless you are one tough motherfucker.  
 
If you could do it over again, what would you do differently? 

I'd dedicate myself to learning Chinese a lot better.
 
 
Is there a way for someone to contact you for more information? 

Yes: Chad Pearson

 logboysayzwhat@yahoo.ca