Three Things I Learned About Teaching Overseas Through Briercrest

Tori Johnson, a 2nd year TESOL student, shares about the opportunity she had to teach English in China.

A few years ago, I never would have imagined myself doing anything extraordinary. As I became more familiar with Briercrest’s TESOL program, I felt God lead me in that direction and before I knew it, I was on my way to China for a two-month long pre-internship away from family and all I’d grown to be familiar with. When I reflect on it, I can’t help but laugh at the adventure I’d gotten myself into and consider what I can take away from the experience:

1. 1. Teaching overseas gave me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I’ve gained in the classroom. There’s a huge difference between learning about teaching and actually doing it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I had to do an internship. In fact, Briercrest’s TESOL program provides each student with the opportunity to do an internship in the midst of their program to gain teaching experience even as a student.
2. 2. Going to another country for the first time requires a lot of support mentally and emotionally. My professors and other students in my program provided me with the support in a variety of ways that made my adjustment to being overseas so much easier.
3. 3. Most importantly, my internship showed me that I can do it! The idea of teaching overseas once petrified me, but being able to do an internship has given me confidence in teaching and now I feel more excited than ever to jump into the life of an ESL teacher.

There are many other internship opportunities through the TESOL program at Briercrest! Learn more about TESOL.