After I spoke with a representative from API, I was contacted by one of the main coordinators for the teach abroad programs the organization offers to set up an interview. To prepare for the interview, I reviewed my resume and my past experiences and why I wanted to go to China to teach; like you would for any type of job interview. Teaching abroad is something that I have always wanted to try and I thought that if I didn’t try it now, then when would I? Would that be something I would later regret? I had also tutored two children before and wanted to build upon that experience, so I decided to go forward in the process.
After interviewing with API, they contacted their partners in China to match my experiences with openings there. It took a few days, and about a week after I interviewed with API, I was contacted by one of their partners for an interview. I was a bit nervous for this interview and asked my coordinator with API for advice. The advice she gave me I think helped me become more comfortable and that was to be myself. I think that’s the best advice to give someone who is looking to teach abroad because the school’s main objective is to see why you are going there in the first place. Are you going solely to go abroad or do you want to learn about the culture and challenge yourself? If you are interviewing, make sure to be yourself and highlight your experiences and reasons why you want to teach abroad. I knew when I started the process that I wanted to work with university age students because, you guessed it, I have worked with this population the last two years and will continue to do so in the future.
In my case, I truthfully enjoyed my interviews with both API and with their partner abroad. I think because I prepared and was honest about my intentions for the program, it helped me to go into depth about my reasoning to teach abroad. Because I had taken the time to reflect on why I wanted to go, I was excited to talk with each person to hear more about the program, the school, and the students. It was fun to hear about all of the great things that lay ahead of me and where I could be in the future!
The next day they offered me a position and I accepted immediately! It was a whirlwind between the time I initially spoke with API and having an offer. I think it took about three weeks to find something and I believe this is kind of rare. Even the coordinator with API was kind of surprised that the process was this fast. Make sure to give yourself time to make a decision. In my case, I knew that I wanted to work in China and at a university given my goals and experiences, so my placement at the Dalian Medical University in Dalian, China, where I teach, was a good fit for me. I cannot wait to be there in about a month!
Bottom line for the interview process, be yourself!
Stephanie is teaching abroad with API in China.
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