After working in aerospace satellite engineering for more than 20 years, Kyle and Angela Roessler were ready for a change. “We wanted a job where we can travel the world, see different places and meet interesting people,” said Kyle.
From the SDSU website, the Roesslers learned about the American Language Institute’s 130-hour TESL/TEFL certificate program, which they completed in just four weeks by choosing the intensive daytime program. (There’s also the option of 11 weeks of nighttime courses.) Two months later, the Roesslers were teaching English in Casablanca. Talk about taking action on a dream.
Kyle Roessler answered a few questions about their experience abroad.
How did the program’s free worldwide job placement assistance work?
We received lots of interesting options from the ALI assistant director of teacher training the program coordinator, but in the end we found our job in Casablanca from Dave’s ESL Café [a popular, free web resource for English as a Foreign Language teachers all over the world].
What made you choose Morocco?
We wanted somewhere we had never been and that sounded exotic. Casablanca fit those two requirements.
Where did you live?
We rented an apartment near the center of town. Our apartment was near a tram stop, as was the school, so it was easy to get to work.
Dades Gorge, near Ouarzazate in south-central Morocco
What did a typical day look like?
We taught at all different times and in different locations, at school and at different businesses. Saturday was our busiest day when we both had three classes (two two-hour classes and one three-hour class). We taught kids aged 7–18 and adults, business English and general, and also SAT and GMAT prep. So we got a lot of different teaching experiences in our nine months.
Were there TESL/TEFL instructors from other countries at your school?
Yes, from Canada, England, Scotland, and Morocco.
Do you have anecdotes to share: small world occurrences, unexpected humor, places you explored?
The kids we worked with loved watching Mr. Bean cartoons. They’re nearly silent, so they’re easy for ESL students to understand and enjoy. Also, we had a tough time initially understanding when to get certain dishes from restaurants. Eventually, we figured out that they only serve couscous on Fridays. That was a surprise, but it fits in with how Moroccans make and serve couscous in their homes (only on Friday, too).
How was the food?
Terrific. We had couscous every Friday, Moroccan tea, and tajine — it’s usually chicken or beef cooked with a variety of vegetables over charcoal in a clay pot. Very yummy. We were in Morocco for Ramadan so got to try many of the sweets that are made especially for that season, like for Christmas.
Tell us about some of the friendships you made.
We lived in the same building as one of our fellow teachers and got to know him well. However, the most surprising friendship is with a young woman we met on the tram. She helped us get new SIM cards for our cell phones when we first arrived, and we got together for lunch about once a month. She even invited us to her parent’s house for lunch.
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Was teaching abroad everything you hoped it would be?
It was interesting, it was challenging, but it was a lot of fun. We had expected to teach rich and poor alike, but we really only taught business people and kids from rich families. I am not convinced I made a difference in anyone’s life, but who can tell that right away? I only had one class where I felt like everyone was enthusiastic and really learning things; that was a great feeling and it told me I should be teaching beginners more because they are so excited to be learning something new every day. But I think a lot of those issues were due to where we chose to teach.
What do you think are the biggest strengths of the TESL/TEFL Certificate program at SDSU?
The fact we got to spend so much time in classrooms with real ESL students made me feel much more comfortable when I had a two-hour class to prepare for and run on my very first day at the school.
What words of advice do you have for anyone contemplating teaching English abroad?
Go for it! You can’t really tell if it’s for you until you try it out. And anytime you get to travel when someone else is paying you, it’s a good deal.
Anything you’d like to add?
I’m an author of four self-published novels, the most recent entitled, The Navel of the World. I’m working on a new novel that could be of interest to ALI folks because it will introduce the world to my suggestions of how English can be simplified to make it a more useful international language.
Andrew Toledo (bottom left) with his Advanced After-school English Club, in mid-Secret Santa gift-exchange.
Andrew Toledo had always wanted to teach abroad, so after he graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in psychology, he did a Google search and found that his alma mater had the very thing he was looking for — a TESL/TEFL Certificate program, through the American Language Institute.
Because he had a part-time job at the time, Toledo chose the 11-week nighttime program to complete the 130-hour certificate. (There’s also an accelerated daytime option of four weeks of intensive study.) Then he took advantage of the program’s free worldwide job placement assistance.
“It was great,” said Toledo. “I was able to get a job in South Korea on my first try. This could also be due to my facilitating experience with the Intensive English Program at the ALI, boosting my résumé and chance of getting hired.” He answered a few questions about the program, and his experience teaching English abroad.
Andrew Toledo’s 6th grade students in from of the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace in Jongno-gu, near the Seoul main district.
What made you choose South Korea?
I chose it because I somewhat studied the language independently and have several South Korean-American friends. I felt pretty comfortable with the culture and already enjoyed the food, so it was an easy choice. At first I wanted to try Taiwan, but it was quite difficult for an Asian-American to find a job there.
Why is it difficult for an Asian-American to find a job in Taiwan?
Lots of private English schools in Taiwan are still a business, so they require that “White American” look in order to sell their services to parents. I would look great on paper, however due to many CVs and resumes requiring a photo of yourself in Asia, I was turned down quite a bit. I even used my connections in Taiwan where my friend’s mother was able to ALMOST get me a job. They were in the process of hiring me, but once they saw that I wasn’t White (not fitting the American stereotype), I was quickly ghosted.
Where did you live in South Korea?
I lived in Geoje-Do, the second largest island in South Korea, just south of Busan. The island isn’t necessarily isolated from the mainland and is connected by a large bridge named Goga Daegyo. It’s an industrial island famous for its shipyards. My village (Hacheong-Myeon) was small, consisting of elders and Daewoo ship workers. It’s an old traditional farming village reminiscent of Korea in the 1980s. I invited some of my Korean friends from Seoul to my village, and they were amazed and said it looked like a movie set! Although it was quite rural, I enjoyed every single day and did not necessarily feel lonely at all. It was refreshing to see kids playing outside, elders taking walks, people using the bus system constantly, all while being surrounded by nature. It was a great mixture of nature and social life. Keep in mind it’s a village, so stores and restaurants don’t stay open very late. That being said, all I had to do was hop on a bus and head to the downtown area, which was only 15 minutes away, if I felt like having a nightlife. If I wanted to go to Busan (second largest city in Korea), I could just hop on a bus and be there in about 1 hour. By the way, buses are always on time. It’s great!
What did a typical day look like?
I would wake up at 6:30 am to have breakfast in my apartment and walk a whopping 1/4 mile to work, which started at 8:30 am. I liked waking up early because I don’t like rushing to get myself ready. I worked at three schools in three different villages. Because I built such a strong relationship with my co-workers, I was offered rides to work and didn’t need to rely on the bus for my morning commutes. My students were all elementary students with very little English skills and pure hearts. I have heard great things about rural children compared to those who live in the city, and I believe it. Although students were a little hyper and rowdy, they were interested in learning, usually respectful, and enjoyed interacting with me (both in and out of the classroom). I still wonder about them today and hope they are getting a quality education.
Were there TESL/TEFL instructors from other countries at your school?
Nope, I was the only foreigner at my school. In fact, the whole village only had two foreigners in total! It was a challenge, but my Korean language skills definitely improved and I made several South Korean friends that I still keep in touch with today.
The annual Jinju light festival.
Do you have anecdotes to share: small world occurrences, unexpected humor, places you explored?
Two years in Korea, so I have sooooo many! I’ll only report about two briefly.
1) I was there for the impeachment of Park-Geun-Hye. [Editor’s note: The 11th president of South Korea, 2013–2017, and the first woman.] It was actually illegal for me to be near protests, but you can’t stop the protest from coming to you. I was on the bus heading to Seoul when some protesting farmers decided to walk their cows on the freeway as a form of demonstration. It was interesting and I couldn’t avoid it, but it did hold up traffic and I reeeally needed to use the bathroom.
2) My first instance of homesickness was somewhere in my first two months of South Korea. My co-workers wanted to play volleyball (we played every week), but I wasn’t emotionally willing on this particular day. I had feelings of loneliness, missing home, and culturally isolated. My co-workers went outside without me and I could hear them having fun, but I stayed in my office to work on lessons to keep my mind busy. All of a sudden, I heard my name being yelled from outside. My windows were closed, so the voices were faint. I opened the window and saw my school yelling for me to come out and play. It was heart-touching and I couldn’t say no after seeing that! So I ran out and joined them for volleyball. I ended up losing because I’m terrible at volleyball, but it was worth it!
How was the food?
I love Korean food! I loved it here in San Diego, and I liked it even better in Korea! The meat was so fresh and had a distinct quality that only South Korea has. It is probably impossible to replicate here due to the way our food is processed in the U.S. My new favorite dish is a pork soup called Dwaeji-Gukbap.
First-grade students in their music festival uniforms.
Tell us about some of the friendships you made.
So many! My co-workers, previous students I facilitated at the ALI, friends of friends, my boss from my part-time job in the U.S. and her friends, the random people I met in the cities and villages. I was quite social and enjoyed the amount of people I met. More importantly, I valued the few friends who I built strong relationships with. I still contact them to this day and we talk about visiting each other again almost every month.
What do you think are the biggest strengths of the ALI’s TESL/TEFL Certificate program?
The activities and how they support their graduates through facilitation opportunities. I have a notebook of all the different games and activities that I learned through the ALI.
What are you doing now?
I’m pursuing my M.A. in International Education at SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont. I hope to work with International students coming into the U.S., preferably at the ISS (International Student Services) center at a university. I’m in my practicum phase at the moment and will be doing a 6–9 month internship at Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire.
Anything you’d like to add?
Two things!
1) Reverse culture-shock is real. One way I have been battling it is through food. I learned how to cook several South Korean dishes, so I like to bring those to parties and potlucks. It’s a great way for me to re-visit my experience and show others about my experiences without feeling pretentious. Let’s put it this way, I spent two years in Korea and when someone asks “What was it like?” they’re mostly saying “tell me in less than 5 minutes.” There is no way I can do that justice, and a majority of my story and experiences cannot be told without them losing interest. The only people who understand this feeling are those who have worked/studied abroad as well. Food is a great bridge to connect others to your experiences.
2) For anyone else thinking of working in South Korea, it’s not always easy. There are social norms you must respect, many South Koreans are quite shy, and socializing takes a bit of effort. Just remember, you are a guest in a new country, and sometimes guests are scary! There will be rocky times, and times where it is smooth sailing. With effort, a good heart, and a strong will to stand back up and try again, your journey will have more positive moments than negative ones.
In preparation for a study abroad program in her senior year at San Diego State University, Chandler Marshall made a few visits to SDSU Global Campus, through which the program is administered. It’s there that she saw an American Language Institute flyer for Teaching English as a Second Language, which spoke to all her interests — her lifelong desire to teach, and her passion for travel and experiencing other cultures.
“I went home and did some online research,” said Marshall. “Soon after, I went and spoke with my counselor to get an overview of the program. She gave me a lot of information and contact to the ALI assistant director of teacher training.”
Shortly after graduating with a B.A. in social science, Marshall enrolled in the TESL/TEFL certificate program, choosing the accelerated daytime schedule — four weeks of intensive study. “It was so fun and informational that the time actually went by very fast,” said Marshall. The 130-hour certificate program also has the option of 11 weeks of nighttime courses.
“This program is one-of-a-kind and one of the best decisions I could have made after graduating from SDSU,” said Marshall. She answered a few questions about the program, and her experience teaching English in Japan.
Kindergarten 1 class.
How did the TESL/TEFL program’s free worldwide job placement assistance work?
The worldwide job placement assistance is one of the best benefits of the TESL program through the ALI. I never expected to get so much help and support from a program as I did from the TESL/TEFL certificate program coordinator, the program director, and the rest of the professors. The team does an amazing job of being available to help and guide you in the direction that is best suitable for you. Throughout the program, the instructors give you a ton of information on locations, cultural differences, salaries, and all else you would need to know prior to living and teaching abroad.
After graduation, the directors and professors from the ALI are so helpful and supportive. I went into the office many times to meet with the program coordinator and he would have brochures, and contact information for jobs in the location I was interested in. Since I wanted to work in Japan, and the program coordinator actually lived in Japan for many years, he had many recommendations. Not only that, but he would constantly check in to see how the job hunting was going and to offer more ideas. On top of that, they are able to write letters of recommendation when I was applying to jobs. They continue to frequently send other job offerings and information on events that are good to attend for future work.
Snowy day fun in Japan!
How soon after completing the program were you teaching English abroad?
I completed the program in August 2016, and I moved to Japan in June 2017. I wanted to stay in San Diego for around a year after completing and take my time in the job hunt.
What made you choose the country you chose?
The main reason I wanted to live in Japan was I wanted to experience an extreme culture difference. Japan is an amazing country in so many aspects. The level of respect that the Japanese people have toward one another as
well as their country was very interesting and exciting to me. I knew from the start I wanted to teach in Asia. After doing the TESL program, it was solidified that I wanted to work in Japan. I met many incredible students from all over the world, but I really admired my Japanese students and all that they had to say about Japan as a whole.
Utsunomiya, Tochigi, where Chandler Marshall lived while teaching abroad.
Where did you live?
I lived in the Tochigi Prefecture. The city I lived in was Utsunomiya, which is the capital of Tochigi. It’s a short 50-minute Shinkansen (bullet train) ride to Tokyo.
What did a typical day look like?
I worked for a private school where the program coordinator was good friends with the owner/boss. Two times a week I would have Baby Class (2–3 years old) from 9 am–12 pm. I would get to the school anywhere between 7:30/8 am to set up and prepare. Every day from 12–2pm I had a lunch break/time to lesson plan or prepare for classes. From 2:20–4:30 pm I taught my kindergarten class (5–6 year olds). From 4:30–6:30 pm I taught an elementary class (7–8 year olds). Once or twice a week I had an evening class until 7:30. These kids were ages 9–12 depending on the class or week.
Were there TESL/TEFL instructors from other countries at your school?
I worked at a small private school so the teachers I taught with were from America. In Utsunomiya, I met many expats/TESL instructors from all over the world.
The Great Buddha (“Daibutsu”) of Kamakura is one of Japan’s most fascinating historical landmarks.
Do you have anecdotes to share: small world occurrences, unexpected humor, places you explored?
Something that was amazing to me was the level of respect in Japan. For example, no one talks on their phone on the trains out of respect for others who may want to sleep or just simply want it quiet. Also going up and down escalators was so intriguing because everyone stays on the left side so that if people want to walk, they have plenty of room on the right side. Also ALL THE VENDING MACHINES WERE LIFE SAVERS! Haha. They have sodas, teas, coffees, espresso, flavored waters, and even hot drinks in vending machine all throughout the country. You can’t walk more than 100 meters without running into a vending machine. Which is great because anytime you’re thirsty or need some coffee, the drinks are super accessible. (They even have some with beer and alcohol.) I explored many parts of Japan as well as many other countries in Asia. We had a good amount of time off, which made it very easy to travel and see what Japan and other countries in Asia had to offer.
How was the food?
The food is absolutely amazing. Options are endless when it comes to food in Japan. Whether you want an amazing sit-down restaurant, to street food/street markets, they have it all. People in Japan truly take pride in their food and very rarely did I have a meal that I wasn’t completely impressed with.
Tell us about some of the friendships you made.
I made many lifelong friendships here in Japan. First off, I have a wonderful relationship with my boss and we plan to stay connected throughout the future. On top of that, the teachers I worked with were great and friends that I will have forever. Outside of work, I met many amazing people from all over. I have friends who are from Japan, and friends who are teaching here as well. Its something really special to teach abroad and meet people you would never get to meet otherwise. These friends truly impact your experience and will be lifelong friends.
How long were you abroad, and what are you doing now?
I was here in Utsunomiya for a year. Though I could have renewed my contract, I will be heading home because there are some big family events happening in the near future. I am looking into other teaching jobs in Asia as well as Europe for the 2019 year. I know that I will return to Japan at some point in the near future and this country holds a special place in my heart.
Marshall with summer school students.
What do you think are the biggest strengths of the TESL/TEFL Certificate program at SDSU?
I truly don’t think there is another program like the one at SDSU. It is so hands-on when it comes to observing and actually teaching in the classroom. On top of that, you have a new lesson daily on either English or how to teach English. You also present a lesson at the end of the week to show what you learned, and get constructive criticism to help for the future. It’s very unique compared to many certificates because it isn’t online and you get to practice in front of professionals and people who have been doing this for many years. Not only that, but post TESL certification, you receive so much support and help that can be very hard to do on your own. Which makes it so much easier to find the perfect job for yourself. This program is one-of-a-kind and one of the best decisions I could have made after graduating for SDSU.
Ziplining at the Arii Hills Skywalk in Jeongseon, Gangwondo, Korea, after the 2016 Annual NET (Native English Teacher) Kickball event.
“Despite being successful in school and at work, and even attaining significant financial security, I never hit upon a career that seemed to fit me,” said Susan Zyphur, a 2006 graduate of UCSD. All that changed when she decided to teach English abroad. In a Google search, she found the SDSU American Language Institute, and within three months of completing the TESL/TEFL certificate program, was teaching in Korea.
“Attending SDSU’s ALI was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and it was the best money I’ve ever spent,” said Zyphur. “I would absolutely do it again, and I highly recommend it.”
She answered a few questions about her journey through the program, and her adventures in Korea and Japan.
Please give us a brief overview of your education and career.
I received my bachelor’s in psychology from UCSD. I did well in school, but every career I set as a goal never really worked out. My mother had always told me that I should be a teacher because I really enjoyed tutoring, but after seeing the difficulty my sister had in finding a job, not to mention her low salary, I never seriously considered it as a career. I tried studying other subjects at community college to find a career that spoke to me, and also tried working in business in various fields.
Why did you choose the TESL/TEFL Certificate program at SDSU’s American Language Institute?
I knew that I wanted to attend physical classes for my certificate and looked for a program that would provide in-class teaching experience. I had originally planned to enroll in UCSD’s certificate program, but after attending their open house I knew that it wasn’t for me. I did a Google search and found SDSU’s ALI program, and after emailing and meeting with the program director, I knew that SDSU’s ALI program would be perfect for me. The people I spoke with were friendly and liked their jobs, the students I met were happy to be there, the program could accommodate my full-time work schedule, and I could be teaching within a few months — there were no downsides!
How long did it take to complete?
I attended the evening program and finished in about 3 months.
How did the program’s free worldwide job placement assistance work?
It proved very helpful for me. The teacher training program coordinator provided me with the necessary documents to apply for the English program in Korea (EPiK). After teaching for a year in Korea, I found a job in Japan thanks to a job notification email from the program director. Just prior to returning home, I received another job notification email from the program director about a position in San Diego, and am now working at that school.
How soon after completing the program were you teaching English abroad?
I completed the program in November 2015 and left for Korea in mid-February 2016.
What made you choose the country you chose?
Being new to teaching, I wasn’t sure if I’d want to do it for more than a year. So, I wanted my first contract to be in a country that paid well, provided benefits and housing, and would pay for my flight to and from the country. I also wanted to work for a program with a good reputation so I wouldn’t worry about losing my job for reasons such as funding, etc. Korea’s government-sponsored EPiK was a good fit. Plus, I was looking forward to experiencing a culture that’s very different from my own.
Where did you live?
I lived in a tiny village in Gangwon-do in Korea, about 90 minutes from the North Korean border. In Japan, I lived in the city of Koriyama, in Fukushima province.
Templestay (sampling temple life) in Korea with foreign and native Korean friends.
What did a typical day look like?
In Korea I taught elementary and middle school students at several schools, and I went to a different school every day. But I never taught more than 20 “teaching hours” (40–45 minute blocks) per week, and no more than 40 hours per week (teaching hours + office hours). In Japan I taught ages 2–12, with 40 hours per week of actual teaching (preparation was done on my own time). I taught 2–4 year olds two mornings per week for 3 hours, and always taught ages 5–12 in the afternoons. One day a week I went to a local kindergarten and taught 3 different classes in the morning, and two days a week I had private lessons in the evenings. My weekends were always free.
Were there TESL/TEFL instructors from other countries at your school?
Yes! In Japan I worked with teachers from South Africa and the Netherlands. I was the only instructor at my schools in Korea, but there was another teacher in my village who taught at a few local elementary schools. He was from Canada.
Do you have anecdotes to share: small world occurrences, unexpected humor, places you explored?
I honestly can’t list all of the crazy, funny, interesting things that happened to me in Korea. It was an incredible experience and the culture is very different. For the most part, my experiences were good and the people were very friendly and kind. In Japan, I found the culture to be unique but more Western than Korea, so it felt a little more like home.
What dinner looks like in Korea.
How was the food?
I miss Korean food a lot! I’ll never forget the mudfish soup a local restaurant made — it doesn’t sound very appetizing, but it was delicious! I like spicy food so I adapted very easily to the food there. Unfortunately, I had a bad sushi experience in the U.S. years ago, so I’m not a big sushi fan. But I love onigiri (rice balls), and I have to say that the Japanese really know how to make good desserts. You can buy delicious eclairs everywhere, including every convenience store. I miss milk pudding, it was my favorite!
Asha the cat, born in Korea, now a U.S. citizen.
Tell us about some of the friendships you made.
I made incredible friendships in Korea that will stay with me forever. The other teacher who lived in my village became like my little brother, and we still talk. The Korean teachers that I worked with, and the Korean friends that I made, all have an open invitation to come stay with me in San Diego. They also became valuable resources when I applied to graduate school — all of my letters of recommendation came from my Korean coworkers. I even made a very unique friendship that followed me to Japan and then back to the U.S. — my cat, Asha, was born on a farm next to one of my schools in Korea. I also really valued my co-workers in Japan, who I still talk to, but I didn’t have as much time for socializing while I was there.
How long were you abroad?
I lived in Korea for a year and then in Japan for a year.
What are you doing now?
I’m back in San Diego for graduate school (I’ll be studying TESOL), and I’m working at an English school in Little Italy called Q International School. I love getting paid to do something I enjoy!
Autumn foliage in Injegun, Gangwondo, Korea.
What do you think are the biggest strengths of SDSU’s TESL/TEFL Certificate program?
The fact that all of the instruction is in-class makes a big difference; I was better prepared and had fewer problems because of it. The instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, and they can answer any questions you might have about the material you’re learning or the experience of teaching abroad. The evening program was also a huge factor in choosing SDSU’s ALI because I was working full time and my work schedule wasn’t very flexible. But the biggest benefit for me was the in-class experience requirement — learning by doing, with real students. My mentor, an ALI instructor, was very helpful and supportive, and I learned a lot from her.
Anything you’d like to add?
My life changed a lot after completing the program, and although my experiences abroad weren’t always fun, they were always interesting. I’ve grown so much as a person as a result of living and working abroad, and I’ve finally found a career that I feel passionate about. I owe part of that to the program director, the program coordinator, and the other ALI instructors for helping to prepare me to be a great EFL teacher.
Carissa Baird, graduate of the TESL/TEFL teacher training program at SDSU’s American Language Institute
“What did I get myself into?!” was Carissa Baird’s first impression upon arriving in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2013 to teach English as a second language. By the time she left, six months later, she would write on her blog:
From the expats to the locals, fellow teachers and students alike, I have experienced some of the most genuine kindness I’ve ever come across in my life … I’ve received countless gifts and other expressions of gratitude and kindness from people I’ve only known a few months, sometimes just a few hours. I’ve been invited to their homes, their workplaces, and their social gatherings. If they cannot offer you food, they will always be ready with a smile, a greeting, a kiss. Their generosity is compelling.
“The TESL/TEFL teacher training program at the ALI [SDSU’s American Language Institute] opened me up to a world that I didn’t even know existed,” said Baird. “Teaching English was just going to be a means for travel at the time I started, but I realized that it provided so much more. Not only have I been able to work and travel both domestically and abroad, but this certification made me realize that I LOVE teaching as a profession, and now I’m pursuing my master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The program at ALI put me in touch with some great people, including my assigned mentor who I still seek out for advice now, three years later.”
Baird shares her journey from trepidation to exhilaration:
Where did you go to school and how did you find out about the TESL/TEFL Certificate program at SDSU’s American Language Institute?
I graduated from San Francisco State University in 2010 with a B.A. in art with an emphasis in art history. In 2012, I heard about teaching English as a second-language and researched programs to obtain my teaching certificate. I enrolled in the ALI program in spring 2012 and completed it 11 weeks later. I was a facilitator in the ALI classes for a few months until I got my first job teaching abroad.
How did the program’s free worldwide job placement assistance work?
I would receive emails from Van [Hillier, program director] about teaching opportunities and apply for the ones I thought might be interesting. When the email for Saudi Arabia came through, I just thought … WHY NOT!? How many people do you meet that can say they lived there? So I went for it out of sheer curiosity and potential bragging rights. (And the money was good). Also, before I left, they put me in touch with another teacher that was also going, so it was nice to have someone else along for the ride.
Baird (left) and another ESL teacher in Saudi Arabia walking to the main road from their apartment, on their way to the DQ — Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. (“It was the only compound where we could run/exercise outside, without having to wear an abaya,” said Baird. “Note our running shoes, haha!”)
How soon after completing the program were you teaching English abroad?
Six months, however it could have been a lot sooner if I’d pursued it more aggressively.
Where did you live?
The company I worked for arranged our housing and had us staying in our own apartments, which was basically a long-term-stay hotel out in the middle of nowhere. We weren’t on a compound or anything. Our housing was paid for but we didn’t have a choice as to where/what it was.
What did a typical day look like?
Be picked up by a driver in a van full of other female teachers at 7 a.m. and be taken to Saudi Electronic University to start classes at 8 am. (There’s no mass transportation other than taxis, and women aren’t allowed to drive, so transportation was provided by the company.) When I first started I had only one class per week, but as time went on I had more and more classes both at the original school and then at Princess Nora University. Classes — with all female students — were about 2-4 hours long, depending on the class, and levels ranging from beginning to advanced.
Some days, toward the end of my stay, I would teach two or three classes and then go to my private tutoring classes in the evenings. (Which is exhausting after a full day of regular classes, but a good way to make extra cash.) But staying busy in Saudi Arabia was a blessing, as there wasn’t much else to do. After school, the driver would come back to pick us up and then drop us off at home, making several stops along the way since not all the teachers lived in the same place. Usually we would stay home after that, making dinner, watching TV, sleeping, or whatever.
KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] wasn’t too accommodating when it came to entertainment or other recreational activities, especially for single, Western women without family nearby. Going to the mall or the grocery store was a common outing, or any events that the foreign embassies were putting on in the evenings, which were lifesaving, but hard to get into.
Baird with two of the four children she tutored privately in Saudi Arabia. (“I don’t have many photos from teaching in Saudi Arabia because the women weren’t allowed to take photos of their faces,” said Baird. “So mostly you get photos of their hands forming ‘peace’ signs. Children are allowed to be shown because they haven’t hit puberty yet and aren’t required to cover up.”)
Why were foreign embassy events hard to get into and what kind of events were they?
Saudi Arabia is a “dry” country, so there is no alcohol or bars. Also, there are no movie theaters or live music/concerts (secular music) or dancing venues. A lot of the entertainment options we take for granted here are practically non-existent there, unless you have a hook-up at an embassy. The foreign embassies were like an underground social scene for expats in KSA. There were bars, live concerts, dancing and DJs, special dinners and festivals, etc. BUT to get into them, you usually had to have someone directly involved with the embassy to “sponsor” you, which basically meant they’d vouch for you to be allowed in, understanding that you wouldn’t do anything stupid. When you entered the event you had to be on a list, show a valid passport, check your cell phone at the door (no pictures allowed), then go through a physical screening process — metal detectors, etc. — before being allowed in. Once inside though, it’s like Pleasure Island from Pinocchio!
Were there TESL/TEFL instructors from other countries at your school?
Yes, there were instructors from the USA, the UK, Scotland, and even from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman. I’ve also met instructors from Australia and India.
Do you have anecdotes to share: small world occurrences, unexpected humor, places you explored?
Oh my gosh! I could go on and on about these things! Living abroad for the first time was insanely difficult in the beginning, but incredibly rewarding in the end. The cultural exchange and personal growth, as well as friendships that come out of it are invaluable. I have too many stories, but I’ll direct you to my blog: carissasade.tumblr.com.
An excerpt:
I met a guy in Saudi Arabia who happened to be staying at my hotel (although we weren’t really allowed to speak to each other) who was from San Diego, received his TEFL at ALI, went to school in San Francisco at the same time I was there, and then took his first job teaching abroad in Saudi with the same company as mine. We ended up becoming great friends and traveling together a lot. After losing touch for a year or two, we ran into each other again in San Diego, teaching at the same language school! SMALL WORLD INDEED!
How was the food?
Food in Saudi Arabia, when you can find the authentic stuff, is great! I really liked the traditional Saudi dish kabsa which is basically meat, rice, and sauce — but with lots of spice and flavors! Something typical that the girls would bring to class is Saudi “coffee,” which was basically cardamom tea that I grew accustomed to, but didn’t like at the beginning! This was usually accompanied by dates — a staple in the country — and lots and lots of sweets, candy, cakes, etc. Also, grape leaves stuffed with olives and drenched in olive oil were delish! However, it seemed that the more “popular” places to dine were American restaurant chains, ironically! Applebee’s and a cheesy Italian place called Pietto’s were hot spots. But sometimes when you’re craving a little bit of home, this was nice.
Tell us about some of the friendships you made.
Gosh, I’ve made a lot of great friends both with colleagues and students alike over the past few years. In Saudi Arabia, I made great friends with a few teachers — male and female — that I got to travel with a lot while we were there, to Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Bahrain. The students I’ve had at the schools I’ve taught at in the U.S. have had such a significant impact on me. I still talk to many of them even now, almost two years later, and they tell me about their marriages, their moves to other parts of the country, and their newest educational and professional endeavors. (Facebook is a wonderful tool in this field of work!)
What do you think are the biggest strengths of SDSU’s TESL/TEFL Certificate program at SDSU?
Taking a similar class right now, I have to say that the SDSU program completely surpasses it on so many levels. I liked the support both in and out of the classroom, and I enjoyed the variety of instructors whose strengths were highlighted in different presentations throughout the program. The variety in teaching and learning new strategies was so awesome! It was great to be able to learn straight from the experts of specific aspects involved in ESL teaching. Also, being able to schedule and observe classes at the ALI was so great! In the class I’m in now, we have to go out and try to find our own classes to observe, which can be grueling. The ALI program was very hands-on and helpful in finding me a job after the program, even if it was as a facilitator there at SDSU. I felt very prepared.
Where are you pursuing your master’s in TESOL and where would you like to teach?
CSU-Fullerton. I’m hoping to obtain this master’s to have the ability to teach at a community college or university here in California, however I might have it in me to go abroad once again! Not sure where, but the possibilities are endless and that excites me!
Baird and her students at International House – San Diego, a private language school in Fashion Valley where she worked after returning from Saudi Arabia.
Who was your mentor during the SDSU program and why do you still seek out him out for advice three years later?
Ken Levin was my mentor and yes, I still contact him from time to time, and even just meet up for coffee every once in a while! He’s great for intelligent conversation about the field and excellent advice. I’ve even had him help me out by writing recommendation letters for both graduate schools and professional opportunities. He’s always been super supportive and able to relate to the wacky world of international work.
Anything you’d like to add?
Teaching English has introduced me to some amazing people from all over the world that I’ve formed lasting friendships with — students, co-workers, and administrators. There’s a whole world of people that ESL teaching has opened me up to, with endless opportunities, and I’m so grateful that I fell into this amazing community! I really hope this helps and inspires anyone who is looking to go down this road. It seriously brings tears to my eyes and so much joy to think about what this little certificate has brought to my life! I’ve lived more in the last few years than most people have in their lifetimes and I’m thankful to TESOL for providing me with the confidence and means to pursue these otherwise overlooked opportunities. Travel and teaching are two passions I never thought would guide my life’s path, but now, I can’t think of any other way. Thank you to ALI for being the catalyst to this life of adventure!
For more information on the 130-hour TESL/TEFL Certificate program at SDSU Global Campus, visit ali.sdsu.edu/teslteflcertificate
Natalia Mityushina came to SDSU’s American Language Institute for the first time in 2012 at the advice of her mother’s friend in San Diego, who told her how wonderful of a place it is to live.
Natalia certainly did enjoy the area and her education during her two months of studying Intensive English for Communication (IEC) to improve her English and find a good job in her hometown of Moscow, Russia.
Little did she know that, a little more than two years later, she would be back at the ALI in the International Business English (IBE) program after working in Russia’s financial world.
“I wanted to make changes in my life,” she said. “I wanted to study business in a U.S. university. I needed a lot of preparation to be accepted.”
Natalia started back at the ALI in January 2015 with IBE. When that session ended, she heard about the new Social Entrepreneurship (SE) program and wanted to give it a try. The SE program focuses on creating businesses that solve social problems.
“Some of my classmates were involved and liked it,” she said. “I tried it and loved the program.”
The SE program taught her the importance of helping other people. “SE showed me how people can be more successful in business and how you can help improve lives throughout the world,” she said.
Natalia’s proposed SE project was to one day open a fitness school for people who had never tried it before, remembering how it was when she first went to a gymnasium and felt out of place.
She also took the Pre-MBA and Pre-Master’s programs in hopes of building up her resume to obtain a Ph.D. in business through an American university. Natalia just completed the TESL/TEFL (Teaching English as a Second Language/Teaching English as a Foreign Language) program with hopes of one day teaching English to non-native speakers either in the U.S. or abroad.
“Non-native speakers come with a lot of issues in English,” she said. “Learning English is important. I want to be able to help them.”
Natalia added that the ALI has been of significant help to her.
“I’ve met a lot of great people here,” she said. “The ALI has great instructors who have helped me a lot. I like the atmosphere. The teachers don’t only talk, they listen to what students have to say. ALI attracts wonderful, enthusiastic, and hard-working students who want to communicate as much as possible in school and out of school. It’s a fantastic learning community, where I want to study and work in the future. I’m lucky to be here.”
Editor’s note: The ALI will be updating its student profiles to let you know what some of our former students are doing today. Here is the original blog on Joe Candelario, posted Aug. 16, 2013, along with a look at his current status. Today Joe Candelario is on a clear career path – he recently came back from teaching English in the Czech Republic, and is working as a facilitator at the American Language Institute (ALI) at San Diego State University (SDSU). However, after graduating college Candelario wasn’t so sure of a direction. When a friend told him about the ALI, he decided to take a chance and move forward with his future. “I thought the teacher training program sounded like a good idea, so after thinking about it for a couple months, I decided to go through with it and enrolled in the TESL/TEFL certificate program,” he said. After graduating from the program, Candelario found a position as an English teacher in the Czech Republic. He taught young children from the age of kindergarten to third grade, and credits the ALI teacher training program with helping him teach English successfully. “One of the most important things that I got from Van [director] was to be prepared, have contingency plans, and always be flexible, so you can pull something out of your hat if something goes wrong. I can’t tell you how many times I forgot to bring my lesson plans or English cards. I would have to think of something on the spot, so that flexibility and multifaceted skill-set really helped out teaching in the Czech Republic.” Candelario has taught at a summer camp in France and still plans to teach abroad either in Europe or South America. He definitely recommends the program for “anyone who is adventurous and is always looking to learn new things.” He also advises that, “It pays off to know, to meet, and to network when you are living abroad because you never know what is in your future.”
Update on Joe
Did you get to teach in Europe or South America? If so, how did it work out? I taught in Podebrady and Nymburk, Czech Republic, which were less than an hour from Prague. It went really well for a first job teaching children. The most difficult thing was creating my own curriculum for five different age groups. I also taught at an English immersion camp in France called “American Village” for two summers. Those were both great experiences. Will you share an anecdote or two of your experiences? In the Czech Republic, I remember teaching a group of 5-6 kindergarteners who were by far my most difficult group at that level. There were two boys who were quite rowdy, a couple well-behaved children, and one little girl who was always silent during the lessons. A few months into teaching this group – right when I’d just about had it – the little girl finally responded in English. It made everything all worthwhile. In the American Village, it was like going off to Neverland. My first summer, I worked at a gorgeous, centuries-old Burgundian Chateau which was loaded with history. Surrounding the stone walls of the grounds were rolling vineyard hills. Each day after breakfast we’d teach ESL, then put on skits, followed by different “American” games and activities. The counselors were a vibrant mix of travelers, linguists, raconteurs, intellectuals, musicians, and people in search for meaning in life. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. How long did you teach as a facilitator at ALI, and how did it help you? I taught as a facilitator for a couple months in 2012 and again in 2013 upon returning from Europe. It was a good opportunity to observe skilled teachers and to gain experience working with international students. What are you doing nowadays? Since then, I’ve been teaching at EF (Education First) San Diego. (Editor’s note: This is an international language school in San Diego where students come to study English.) It’s a solid job. I work with Allen Yang, who also did the TEFL program and worked as a facilitator at ALI. How much of a factor has the TESL/TEFL program been in your life? I’m grateful for my experience doing the teacher training program and facilitating at ALI. The staff were supportive and encouraging and were invaluable in helping me in my job hunt early on.
Editor’s note: The ALI will be updating its student profiles twice monthly to let you know what some of our former students are doing today. Here is the original blog on Alicia Wszelaki, along with a look at her current status.
If you’re like most people, you are probably wondering how you can travel the world, make a difference, and still make a living doing so. One way to see the world and pay the bills is through teaching English overseas. A way to start is completing a TEFL certificate program. This program focuses on the development of effective and innovative teaching methods for an international classroom, with the added benefit of helping graduates find jobs overseas.
Alicia Wszelaki completed the TESL/TEFL program at SDSU’s American Language Institute (ALI), then traveled the globe teaching English. She shares her experiences here.
The Program
The program teaches you how to be a teacher. They prepare you to go someplace where you are a foreigner and now you have to become a part of that culture. So the program goes over, not only the essentials of how to teach students a language, but also how to be a part of, and respect that culture. You learn methodologies about teaching and you go through a lot of the theories. This helps you not only in the classroom, but also outside the classroom since you’re communicating everywhere that you go. I recommend the program at ALI to anybody thinking of changing their career because it gives you a chance to change yourself too, to challenge yourself. The program builds a lot of confidence in people. Before I took it, I was totally afraid to speak in front of a group of people. It became my vehicle to change my life.
Best Candidates for Success
I think the program is a great opportunity for somebody who is willing to take a challenge and willing to step out of their safety role. The program can be for everyone. And I think, in general, if someone is looking into the program, they already have what it takes to go because they’ve already thought about it. Somewhere the seed has been planted and they have what it takes to do it.
Change Your Life
I feel like I started again. I felt like I was going to school for the first time and I really wanted to be there. It empowered me to go out and do something different. Those four weeks really changed my perspective and gave me a lot of confidence. I think that’s the main thing. I think the program gives you confidence because I’ve never taught before. They give you everything that you need; all of the tools. In the morning, you’re in the classroom, then in the afternoon you are in another classroom where you’re actually watching a teacher firsthand and you are interacting with the international community.
Proudest Moment
I was teaching in Japan. I had a group of about 30 kindergartners. Teaching kindergartners involves a lot of songs and activities. There was one girl that would sit in the back of the room and stare at me. She didn’t sing a word, she didn’t clap her hands, she didn’t do ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes;” nothing. I didn’t know how to break through. Then one day the girl was screaming at the top of her lungs. Every single word that I ever taught in the class – every single word to every single song, and doing all the motions. I was like, “Wow, everybody gets it when they’re ready to get it.”
Advice
Just do it. It’s a bit scary to change your life, to say I’m going to leave everything behind and try this without having a safety net. It’s so easy once you do it. People want everything answered for them when they go abroad and start teaching. And sometimes, you just can’t do that because everybody is going to have a different experience. Answers will come when you get there. Put yourself out there and everything will come to you. I encourage anybody to try the program, because even if you never leave the country, the program gives you tools to being a successful communicator. In our country, you still have to work with international people, so even if you don’t step outside or get a stamp in your passport, the program still makes you change.
UPDATE ON ALICIA
What is your current occupation?
I’m owner of Path 88 Productions, a media production company located in San Diego. In addition to producing documentaries, we specialize in photography and video projects for the travel industry, corporations, and private businesses. Some of our recent films include, Camino The Journey to Santiago and Long Distance.
We understand you are doing a documentary on a Japanese woman who ran an English newsletter for 30 years. Please tell us about that.
Our latest film, The Newsletter, tells the story of a group of women in Kure, Japan who for the last 30 years have published Parkway, an English-language newspaper with global readership. It is a tale of passion, friendship and how life happens between the lines.
This short documentary is a direct result of taking the TESL/TEFL program at the American Language Institute. It is through my time teaching in Japan that I was introduced to the staff of Parkway, who asked me to be their English editor, a position that I have enjoyed since 2008.
You have traveled the world since you were an ALI student. How much of a factor was the TESL/TEFL program in getting you started as a globetrotter?
Being a graduate of the TESL/TESFL program has given me added confidence to travel. It has opened up opportunities to work and live in other countries. Since my graduation in 2003, I have had the chance to visit, live, work, and teach in over 30 countries.
Do you continue to stay in touch with any of your former classmates or the staff at ALI?
There is a bond with individuals who make the decision to become ESL instructors, whether they stay at home or travel abroad. Teachers share an underlying sense of adventure and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. It inspires and motivates me to know that my closest friends are the ones I have met abroad and at the ALI.
Do you still consider the TESL/TEFL program a life changer?
Taking The TESL/TEFL program at ALI started a chain of events that have led me to where I am today. I frequently travel the world and interact with various cultures. I tell other people’s stories through photography and motion pictures; my passions. Would this have happened without the course? No. A life Changer, Yes! And thank you.
Alan Ng decided to enroll in the TESL/TEFL program at the ALI because he wanted certification and to become more qualified to teach English abroad. He chose SDSU because of its excellence as a university, close proximity to his home, and the opportunity to learn from real professors in a classroom setting.
Before studying at SDSU, Ng held a number of varied and interesting jobs – security guard (he was the guy in the red polo short who inspected your bag at Petco Park, Qualcomm Stadium, and Comic- Con), YMCA summer camp counselor, Target backroom associate, dining host at Sea World, and clinician.
As much as he enjoyed his numerous positions, he wanted to travel abroad and teach. Ng’s most recent jobs have been teaching positions in China. He has spent the last two years working at a medical school called Jilin Medical College in Jilin City as the foreign expert teaching oral, writing, and reading classes to medical majors of all kinds. His current teaching job is as an English teacher at Dalian Maritime University in Dalian, China.
ALI TESL/TEFL Program
Successfully live and teach English overseas. Over 100 TESL/TEFL Certificate graduates have been employed in over 40 countries with the help of ALI’s job placement assistance program. Learn in a combined format – solid teaching with hands-on practical classroom experience. Program Highlights and Goals
Worldwide Job Placement Assistance
Lesson Strategies and Plans
Teaching Strategies
Technology
Language Acquisition
Program Highlights
For me, the highlights of ALI’s TESL/TEFL program was being taught by qualified professionals who had years of experience under their belt. I also appreciated having the opportunity to go into a real ESL classroom in the afternoon and observe professors in action, watch how they interacted with students, and discover the activities they used and the methods they employed. I can truly say that having the opportunity to “be in the field” or “trenches” of the ESL battlefield helped me a lot when I went overseas to start my own job as an English teacher.
I have to tip my hat off to my mentor during my TESL/TEFL formation period. I learned a lot seeing how he ran his classes, how he organized his content and delivered his lesson plans. I actually “stole” many of the activities he used and implemented them in my own classes in China to great success. Of course, I am also indebted to all the other fine teachers at ALI as well.
I also had a lot of fun meeting the foreign students who came to ALI, working with them and learning about their backgrounds. I met many nice students from Japan, Korea, China, Italy, Germany, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia during my time as a TESL/TEFL student.
Program Setup
I think what makes ALI’s TESL/TEFL program unique is the way they set up their classes. For four hours you study the theory of second language acquisition and are given an overview of how language teaching has evolved through history. In the second half of the class, you go into a real ESL classroom with your mentor and can work with him and his students for four weeks. I thought that was very cool, having the balance of theory plus practice. Also, bringing in different professors with different specialties is nice. I also liked how at the end of the program you get to teach a class of your own and get filmed while doing it. It’s a great way to put everything you have learned throughout the four weeks into practice.
Classmates, Homework, and Instructors
My experience with the TESL/TEFL program was great! I loved it. All of my classmates were nice and friendly and we got along together well. The homework was reasonable and not too much. The instructors were top-notch and very informative. Also, studying on the beautiful SDSU campus is always a bonus and having the different dining options like cafeteria or outside restaurants was enjoyable.
Simple Advice
Well, from the program director the advice was “Keep things simple stupid!” or KISS, and “Make class doable and full of success.” I still strive to follow these principles everyday while teaching my students. I also have now learned to “Keep the students moving,” and to draw them out with games and physical activities. Don’t let them settle into their “territories.” Also, have a movie playing in the background when the students walk in. Find ways to engage your students, physically if possible, to keep their attention and interest. Incorporate variety into your class and sprinkle in some total physical response (TPR), if possible.
Job Opportunities
I did not utilize the ALI instructors to help me find a job abroad, as I was fortunate enough to land one on my own via the Internet. My target country was China and after trying several recruitment agencies I learned that the “official” Chinese policy for hiring English teachers was that you needed to have two years of experience before a school could hire you. However, I was lucky enough to get into a Catholic Volunteer program called Maryknoll that had a “China Teacher Program” for recent college grads. With my newly acquired TESL/ TEFL certification from SDSU and bachelor’s degree, I was an ideal candidate for them and broke into China that way. I have been working here ever since.
China
I took a family vacation to China three years ago after I graduated from college and went to many cities like Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Guilin, Xi’an, Beijing, and Shanghai. During one of our tours, the tour guide told me that job opportunities were plentiful in China and that one could get a job easily if one had a bachelor’s degree. Since I had just walked on the Great Wall of China, saw the Terra-Cotta warriors of Xi’an and the beautiful rivers of Guilin, how could I pass up an opportunity to live in this country with 3,000 years of history and culture?
It was after this family vacation to China that I enrolled at ALI’s TESL/TEFL program.
I have had a blast these past two years working in China. Not only have I gained valuable teaching experience but I have made lifelong friends, both Chinese and non-Chinese. The people you meet when you travel abroad will be some of the most interesting that you will encounter in your life. The Chinese students are some of the most respectful and hardworking you will ever meet. They are also very helpful and will come to your aid whenever you have problems. China in general is undergoing massive changes as it attempts to modernize and climb out of its third-world country status. Yes, there are the glamorous cities of Beijing and Shanghai but that’s a small slice of the country. The rest of China is not that wealthy or developed. The average monthly salary of the Chinese in my former city Jilin is 3,000RMB or $476. Imagine living off of that money in the U.S. It’s impossible, yet that is roughly how much money the average person makes in Jilin City.
With regards to social structures, much revolves around the single child, since families are only allowed one child and most of my students did not have siblings. (There are exceptions of course. If you are from a farming family, are an ethnic minority or both of your parents are single children then they are allowed to have more than one).
Living abroad in China has been an enriching experience for me personally as I have learned how to live on my own in a foreign country, speak a new language, and adapt to a new environment. I guess this is another point worth mentioning and another benefit of teaching EFL abroad: If you want to become fluent in any language, move to the country that speaks that language. Obviously, this is nothing new, but after living this for two years I can attest to its accuracy. While I was living in Jilin City, no one but a small fraction of people in my social circle spoke English. As a result, whether I was taking a taxi, shopping at a mall, ordering food at a restaurant or watching a movie, I had to speak Chinese to accomplish the task. I was able to use the language every day with native speakers and have my pronunciation and output corrected by them.
Consequently, my spoken Mandarin has improved tremendously after two years. My brain forged tons of new neural pathways to understand Putonghua (Mandarin) and is still etching new ones in at the moment. This is another perk of living abroad and teaching English in any country, if you’re serious about it, not to mention how you will personally grow living in a totally new culture. The way you view yourself and think about yourself will also change as people operate differently and treat you differently as a foreigner.
Dalian, China
Dalian is a major city and seaport in the south of Liaoning Province. It is the southernmost city of Northeast China and China’s northernmost warm water port, at the tip of the Liaodong peninsula. Today it is considered a financial, shipping and logistics center for Northeast Asia and has had a significant history of being used by foreign powers for its ports (the British, Russians and Japanese all occupied the city at one point).
If you’re like most people, you are probably wondering how you can travel the world, make a difference, and still make a living doing so. One way to see the world and pay the bills is through teaching English overseas. A way to start is completing a TEFL certificate program. This program focuses on the development of effective and innovative teaching methods for an international classroom, with the added benefit of helping graduates find jobs overseas.
What is your current occupation?
Alan Ng decided to enroll in the 
China
Living abroad in China has been an enriching experience for me personally as I have learned how to live on my own in a foreign country, speak a new language, and adapt to a new environment. I guess this is another point worth mentioning and another benefit of teaching EFL abroad: If you want to become fluent in any language, move to the country that speaks that language. Obviously, this is nothing new, but after living this for two years I can attest to its accuracy. While I was living in Jilin City, no one but a small fraction of people in my social circle spoke English. As a result, whether I was taking a taxi, shopping at a mall, ordering food at a restaurant or watching a movie, I had to speak Chinese to accomplish the task. I was able to use the language every day with native speakers and have my pronunciation and output corrected by them.
Dalian, China