Hi, I’m Dan, the founder of Teach English Global (TEG). As we approach the fourth anniversary of my recruitment company, which helps teachers embark on their journey to China, I think it’s the perfect time to share the story behind TEG!
My Early Adventures
In my early twenties, I travelled extensively through Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, immersing myself in diverse cultures and meeting people from all walks of life. I held a variety of unique jobs, including banana picker, travel agent, charity fundraiser, and digital marketing salesman. In 2017, I returned to my hometown of Manchester, UK, where I spent 18 months in a corporate sales environment—an experience that felt worlds apart from my previous adventures. While I gained valuable skills and insights, the corporate lifestyle didn’t resonate with me. As much as I love Manchester, it couldn’t compete with the beaches of Australia.
A Journey of Reflection
Disillusioned about my career path, I took a solo trip to India for two months to reflect on my future. While there, I met a teacher from the UK who had spent three years teaching in China. He shared his experiences with TEFL, life in China, and the financial benefits of teaching abroad. I was instantly intrigued.
After weeks of research and careful consideration, I decided to pursue a TEFL certificate and spend a year teaching English overseas. The idea of teaching in China sounded like an incredible adventure, and the TEFL program checked several boxes for me:
- Travel and cultural immersion
- Skill development
- Opportunities to meet new people
I completed my online TEFL certificate with The TEFL Academy and, after an extensive job search, landed a position at a training centre in Shanghai. After navigating the lengthy Chinese Z Visa process, I flew to Shanghai in the summer of 2019, eager for the journey ahead. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of Teach English Global.
The Birth of Teach English Global
Having worked as a recruiter in Manchester, I thought the process of finding a teaching job in China would be straightforward. I soon realized how wrong I was! The job-hunting experience was confusing and often overwhelming. Online resources were filled with conflicting information, and my conversations with various recruiters were less than satisfactory. Most were Chinese, and cultural and communication differences made the interviews feel unfamiliar. I often found myself in 10-minute interviews, receiving job offers without a clear understanding of what I was committing to.
This experience planted the seed for TEG.
My time teaching in China was overwhelmingly positive. I enjoyed the work and thrived in a rich, diverse culture where students truly valued education. I found my Chinese students to be enthusiastic and eager to learn, making teaching a rewarding experience. Beyond the classroom, China offered me unforgettable adventures, from vibrant cities to stunning landscapes.
As I continued my journey in China, I met many other teachers facing similar challenges during their job searches:
- Lack of information on the education industry and school types in China
- Insufficient guidance on which school would best suit their experience and aspirations
- Minimal preparation for life in China beyond the classroom
- Inadequate information during the job offer process, often following brief interviews
By the end of 2019, the idea for TEG had blossomed into a tangible business vision. I was determined to create a recruitment company that genuinely assists teachers in finding quality opportunities in China. My goals included:
- Matching teachers with suitable positions based on their experience
- Ensuring teachers fully understand their commitments before accepting offers
- Guaranteeing fair salaries
- Navigating the complex visa process seamlessly
- Preparing teachers for life in China as expatriates, providing them with a head start
- Offering ongoing support once teachers arrive in China
Building TEG During the Pandemic
In January 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and by February, my school transitioned to online classes for the remainder of the academic year. I decided to return to the UK that same month and began laying the groundwork for TEG.
Since then, I’ve grown Teach English Global into what I believe is the most genuine teacher recruitment company operating in China. I’ve successfully assisted hundreds of teachers in realizing their dreams of teaching in China, even during the challenges posed by the pandemic. Every teacher I connect with receives honest, insightful advice from someone who has walked their path, setting TEG apart from many other recruitment agencies. The positive feedback and testimonials we receive speak volumes.
If you’re considering teaching in China and would like support from someone who has firsthand experience, I invite you to reach out!
