BEST OF BOTH WORLDS FOR BRIAN WITH ENGLISH TEACHING INTERNSHIP IN CHINA
A Newbridge, County Kildare resident who has never left Ireland for more than a weekend, is about to make a life-changing experience – teaching English in China.
Brian McAlinden, like many people, felt the squeeze of the recession. So when his hours were cut, he realised now was the perfect opportunity to mix teaching with Chinese culture – a great love of his.
To kick-start the 24 year old’s great adventure, Brian gained a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification through County Waterford based
i-to-i.
And as he had never taught before, he took advantage of the company’s TEFL internship, which offers around-the-clock in-country and local support for newly qualified teachers.
Brian, who leaves for Shanghai in August this year, said: “I decided to go for the internship as it’s my first time teaching – it offers a lot of support.
“I’ve always been interested in Chinese culture, its got a wonderful history and the country is going through a massive change economically, I think it will be a real experience to live and work there.”
Brian, who previously worked in a supermarket, is one of thousands of people every year who take a TEFL course with i-to-i, and who also realise that in many cases, just the certificate is needed to open the gateway to a rewarding teaching experience around the world.
He didn’t even need his business studies course he completed at the Institute of Technology Carlow.
Not only does Brian have a recognised qualification with i-to-i, he can also enjoy a spending allowance, free accommodation and food, and a sightseeing tour.
And how will Brian settle in to his new lifestyle?: “I’m hoping to take it all in, and adapt to anything that’s thrown my way.”
i-to-i are currently recruiting for February departures for the China internship. So if you want to start an enriching new life, visit www.teflcourses.com or call 058 40050.