Imagine yourself as a bright-eyed, ambitious individual with dreams to teach and explore abroad. You've chosen China, with its rich history and futuristic cities, as your destination for teaching English. But little did you know that this journey might be met with some unexpected perceptions from fellow expats: "Losers Back Home" or LBH in short.
1. The Origins of the Perception
The term "LBH" has been widely used to describe English teachers in China since the early 2000s, when China began opening up to international educators on a larger scale. However, this wasn't always the case for Chinese expats seeking teaching positions abroad; prior to that point, many were forced to teach privately due to visa restrictions and language barriers.
2. The Realities of Expatriate Life
While there is some evidence that at one time, China's lax visa requirements allowed certain individuals who might have struggled in other careers to enter the English teaching industry, this doesn't represent all teachers - or even a significant majority.
It’s not true for many Chinese expats trying to make it big abroad. The reality of most foreign ESL instructors is very different from how they're portrayed.
3. Professional Qualifications
In recent years there's been an increasing trend toward requiring better qualifications and certifications, such as the TEFL certificate or even advanced degrees in TESOL (Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages) or related fields.
This change has attracted a more professional group of educators into China’s ESL industry.
4. Personal Growth
For many expats, including those who might be perceived as 'losers' back home but have excelled here and become great teachers - teaching in China offers opportunities that may not exist otherwise:
- Cultural immersion
- Career development
- Financial stability
5. Travel Opportunities
One of the most exciting aspects for these individuals is undoubtedly travel.
Imagine taking your students on a field trip to the Great Wall or spending long holidays exploring ancient ruins, bustling cities, and beautiful landscapes.
For those interested in experiencing this firsthand: if you're looking for teaching opportunities that offer such adventures and challenges, consider checking out Hangzhou Jobs' "Jobs in Hangzhou" page. You might be surprised at what you find!
6. Perceptions vs Reality
The perception of English teachers as LBH stems from outdated views and generalizations about expats who chose to teach abroad.
In reality, many foreign ESL instructors come with excellent qualifications - often better than their domestic counterparts.
7. Cultural Differences in Perception
It's worth noting that these negative perceptions are primarily held by fellow Western expatriates rather than the local Chinese population or even other Asian nationalities living and working within China’s borders as teachers themselves (i.e., Japanese, Korean).
Chinese students typically hold great respect for their foreign instructors.
8. The Real LBHs
Ironically, true 'losers' from back home - those who would genuinely struggle to maintain employment due to personal issues or lack of qualifications - rarely make it past the initial screening processes that schools and recruitment agencies now implement.
These days, if you want a visa renewal for teaching in China, being an actual LBH won't get you there.
9. Changing Times
The modern era sees most ESL teachers moving abroad with clear career goals and ambitions to share cultural experiences while earning competitive salaries (upwards of $3-5k monthly).
This new generation represents the true face of international educators within Chinese classrooms today!
10. Breaking Stereotypes Together
As we continue forward into this interconnected world, let us work towards breaking down outdated stereotypes that only serve as barriers between communities.
By celebrating our differences and acknowledging shared human experiences across cultures - rather than clinging onto baseless prejudices about certain professions or nationalities – we can create more harmonious expat environments worldwide!
Conclusion
It's high time to shatter the misconception surrounding English teachers in China. Far from being "Losers Back Home," these educators represent a diverse group of professionals seeking cultural immersion, career growth, and opportunities not always available elsewhere.
If you're considering teaching abroad, remember that your journey is filled with promise – regardless of where home was or what drove you to this new adventure. Don't be held back by outdated perceptions; embrace the transformative power that international education offers.
The next time someone mutters "LBH," share a smile and tell them about all those who are truly finding success, personal growth, and happiness in China's classrooms.
You might just change their mind – or better yet, inspire another to take this incredible leap.
Categories:
China, Teachers, English, Teaching, Abroad, Losers, Expats, Perceptions, Educators, Chinese, Cultural, Stereotypes, Teach, International, Foreign, Instructors, Better, Qualifications, Personal, Opportunities, Career, Outdated, Phenomenon, Cities, Journey, Fellow, Seeking, Barriers, Certain, Individuals, Industry, Represent, Reality, Professional, Change, Group, Travel, Students, Differences, Rather, Nationalities, Share, Experiences, Classrooms, Breaking, Growth, Hangzhou,
Rate and Comment
