Lilly Allardyce: A Journey of Teaching English in China with a TEFL Certificate

In teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), countless individuals have embarked on journeys that have taken them to far-flung corners of the globe. One such individual is Lilly Allardyce, a passionate English educator from Sacramento, California, whose career took an exciting turn when she decided to teach English in China. Armed with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, Lilly has navigated the intricacies of language instruction and immersed herself in China’s rich culture and vibrant educational environment.

The Decision to Teach Abroad

Lilly’s decision to teach English abroad wasn’t spur of the moment. Growing up in Sacramento, she was always interested in different cultures and languages. She majored in English literature as a student, and after graduation, she explored various career options. While she enjoyed her work in marketing and communications, Lilly felt a more profound calling to teaching. She loved helping others improve their language skills, which led her to teach English overseas.

A significant turning point came when Lilly was introduced to the world of TEFL. The prospect of living and working in an entirely different culture while gaining invaluable teaching experience was too appealing to resist. She enrolled in a TEFL certification program, and after completing the necessary coursework and training, she felt confident and ready to embark on this new chapter of her life. With a TEFL certificate, Lilly began looking for job opportunities abroad, and China quickly became the focal point of her search.

Teaching in China: The Beginning of a New Adventure

Lilly’s journey began in one of China’s most dynamic cities—Shanghai. Known for its rapid development and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Shanghai offered Lilly a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. When she first arrived, she was both excited and nervous. The language barrier, cultural differences, and teaching in an entirely new environment posed challenges, but Lilly was eager to embrace them.

She started teaching at a language centre, where her students ranged from young children to adults. The diversity in age groups and learning abilities provided Lilly with an exciting opportunity to develop a broad range of teaching strategies. From using flashcards and games with young learners to facilitating more complex discussions with adults, she quickly learned how to adapt her approach to meet the needs of each student.

Embracing Cultural Differences

One of the most significant aspects of Lilly’s experience in China was the cultural immersion. China’s rich history and traditions stood in stark contrast to her life back in California. The culture of respect, hierarchy, and collectivism was different from the individualistic mindset Lilly had grown up with. However, she found the differences to be enriching rather than challenging.

Living in China, Lilly had the opportunity to explore the country’s landmarks, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and picturesque ancient villages. More importantly, she deeply respected Chinese culture, including its emphasis on education, family values, and hospitality. Her students often shared their personal stories and family traditions, further enriching Lilly’s understanding of the culture. Over time, she also picked up some Mandarin, which helped her feel more connected to her students and the local community.

Teaching English in China also meant that Lilly had to adapt to the Chinese education system, which tends to be more rote-based than the student-centred approaches she had experienced in the U.S. While it took some time to adjust, Lilly learned how to engage students creatively while respecting the system’s structure and expectations. Incorporating more interactive activities, storytelling, and technology into her lessons became key components of her teaching strategy.

The Impact of TEFL Certification

Lilly credits much of her success in China to her TEFL certification. The comprehensive training she received through the TEFL program gave her essential tools and knowledge to teach English to non-native speakers effectively. The coursework covered a wide range of topics, including grammar, lesson planning, classroom management, and understanding the diverse needs of English learners.

The TEFL program also emphasized cultural sensitivity, which Lilly found invaluable as she adjusted to life in China. It wasn’t just about teaching the English language but about creating an inclusive environment that respected and celebrated cultural differences. Lilly’s ability to build rapport with her students, understand their learning styles, and maintain a flexible attitude toward teaching directly resulted from the preparation she had received through her TEFL certification.

Challenges and Growth

Teaching abroad, especially in a country as large and diverse as China, presented its fair share of challenges. In addition to the language barrier and cultural differences, Lilly had to navigate practical issues such as finding housing, setting up a bank account, and dealing with occasional miscommunications. However, she viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth. Every obstacle became a lesson in resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability.

One challenge Lilly faced early on was the variation in student motivation. Some students were highly motivated and eager to learn, while others needed extra encouragement to stay engaged. Lilly learned to be patient and creative in her teaching methods, incorporating games, music, and even pop culture references to make learning more relatable and enjoyable. Over time, her students’ progress and enthusiasm reinforced her commitment to teaching and reminded her why she had chosen this path in the first place.

A Lasting Impact

After several years of teaching in China, Lilly returned to the United States, but her experiences while teaching abroad continue to influence her personally and professionally. She maintains lasting friendships with former students and colleagues in China, and her love for Chinese culture remains strong.