"Have
bags will travel" was my quick prayer of availablity as I responded to the
challenge of Educational Services International (ESI) to spend the summer
teaching English in China. I checked the record of ESI so was confident in
their organizational credentials and was grateful for a ten day intensive
training to get to know my teaching team, receive cross cultural training
as well as helps in using the teaching materials.
Now four years later and three summers of teaching, one in Novgorod, Russia
and two in Hangzhou, China has convinced me this is the most overlooked opportunity
for "protected adventure with a purpose." Teachers, through ESI are under
contract with the respective governments thus receive many benefits, security,
and privileges.
My first summer assignment in china was at a Geological University in Hangzhou,
a beautiful city south of Shanghai. each of the three teachers had an air-conditioned
room and private western style bath in a dorm on the campus. Our students,
mostly young professionals and a few University seniors, were enthusiastic
about learning to speak english more effectively and to learn more about western
culture from an American.
Teachers come in all ages, races, cultures, and educational levels. Having
four young grandchildren gave me many family stories...and a unique experience
of sharing an apartment and teaching with three wonderful college girls in
Russia.
Grandparents alert... start using your life's experiences to add zest
and adventure to your life and be a blessing in making new friends as well
as serving others in those far-away places. Each summer I only with that I
could be three people and go to three different places....Yes, ESI needs more
teachers...especially grandparents!
