Why did you pick this program?
Disney English fell into my lap, I remember saying to my dad 'there's a job working for Disney in China, teaching' I applied and the next day I got an email inviting me to the next stage. I think the whole process took like 2 weeks and I'd accepted the job. Disney English seemed like a perfect fit. I grew up with Disney films and I love teaching. I also love exploring and getting involved with different cultures in different countries so I got all 3 in one go.
The ethos of the company and the opportunities that they offered were amazing, I don't think I could have found another job that fitted so well.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
I tell them to do it. We are young with little attachments to keeping us rooted to one spot. Life is there for exploring and having adventures. Growing up in a small town certainly has its downsides because people get stuck in their ways. I say 'get unstuck and explore the rest of the map!'
I would tell my students the same thing, there is so much more to life than watching tv, playing video games or eating roast dinners. There are temples, animals, foods that yes you can see on TV from the comfort of your sofa but you can't replicate the smells, tastes, noises from being there first hand.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Disney English isn't for everyone, and that goes for all jobs. The weekends are either Tues/Weds or Weds/Thurs and this can be hard to adjust too. However in the expat communities you can find something to do every night of the week.
It's hard to be away from home. I've made my apartment my little sanctuary with photos and hobbies I did back home. I found immersing myself into my surroundings, thinking and eating like the locals made it so much easier. I was a super fussy eater before I came here, now I'll at least try anything once.
I know from experience that some people want to still live their Western lifestyle and they find it hard, its expensive and its limited.
So yes the one piece of advice I'd give is - try to live like a local for at least a week/a month.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
I have some many stories, it's impossible to choose just the one. I have met so many friends, in this line of business people do come and go either quickly or slowly overtime. But the friends I've made here are more like family to me. I know that wherever I end up or wherever I go on vacation I'm bound to know someone there.
I've had some many different adventures here in China that when I look back in years to come I'll know that it was worth every second.
What's a typical day like at Disney English:
Work starts at 1330 on a weekday and usually finishes around 2030. In that time you have time to plan, see friends at work and teach between 2-3 classes. Weekends are usually crazy because all the cast members are in and using classrooms and there are demos slotted in there too. After awhile the craziness of the weekend becomes second nature.
Now that I've been with the company and I've taught all the classes I tend to spend less time planning or getting ready for classes and this frees up my time to do more personal things like extra training courses or observing other cast members.
