Rebecca Thomas – 2008 – Teaching in Shanghai

I had been working as a 911 dispatcher for 13 years and decided that I really wanted to begin teaching. I worked on activating my teaching certificate and started looking for job opportunities. I discovered several opportunities to teach abroad and was contacted by several agencies. I researched the agencies and was very pleased with all of the information associated with Reach to Teach.

I spoke with several representatives from Reach to Teach to find a placement that I would enjoy. After several discussions I decided that Shanghai was my destination of choice. Reach to Teach then located and researched several opportunities in the Shanghai area and provided me with some options.

I feel that I was very lucky to have people help to find the best opportunity for me. I received so much support and encouragement from the representatives (Richard especially) while I was planning my travel arrangements. There were some initial difficulties obtaining a working visa due to new restrictions associated with the Olympic Games and Reach to Teach emailed me daily and called me frequently to help work through the issues.

I arrived in China in September of 2008 and began my incredible journey into teaching. I have heard so many stories from people who were not provided assistance or options and discovered that many of the terms of employment, promised before their arrival, were not delivered. I have only had positive experiences with my employer and employment. I work about 20 hours each week and have time off to explore the beautiful country of China and share my experiences with the wonderful friends I’ve made here and family who have been able to visit.