2006 - 2009
Leeds University International Exchange
Mentor and Tutor
Whilst studying at Leeds University I volunteered to act as a mentor and tutor for foreign exchange students visiting Leeds University.
2009 – 2010
Aston English – Jiangsu Province, China.
ESL teacher and Trainer
In 2009 I made the decision to come and work in China. I had been referred by a friend who had moved to China a year previously. I decided to work in China as I have always loved experiencing new cultures. When I started working as part of the Aston team, I found that previously learned skills and gained experience helped me to perform my duties well. I was able to apply previously learned skills such as time management, the importance of team work and public speaking. This experience enabled me to perform well and to develop good working relationships with fellow teachers, management and owners.
When visiting any culture different to that of your own there is a chance that issues may occur, I found that culture tolerance and good communication meant that when our team met issues we were able to solve them without having a negative effect on the team atmosphere or the relationships between members of staff.
2010 – 2011
Ningxia Television Broadcasting Company (NXTV) – Ningxia Province, China.
Television Presenter
After completing a one year contract with Aston English, I decided to take an opportunity offered by NXTV. I worked for a private, German-Chinese owned, company within the TV station in charge of producing a TV show aimed at young English learners aged from four to eight years old. One of the challenges we faced was ensuring that each show was suitable for the entire age range of the target audience as there is a substantial difference in English ability, levels of concentration and the quantity of information a four year old and an eight year old child is able to process.
Whilst working in with NXTV I had the privilege of working with a hugely diverse team with varying age ranges, skill-sets and experience. I was able to learn many new, non work related skills from other team members. My responsibilities included set design, editing of scripts and plays, creating, choosing and editing suitable music, designing and choosing props and costumes, presenting, filming and attending work related meetings and dinners with Chinese and foreign investors.
2011 – 2013
Hello!英语外教培训中心 – Jiangsu Province, China.
Development Manager
After completing a one year contract with NXTV, my wife and I returned to Jiangsu Province where I worked as a development manager for a Chinese owned English training center. I was in charge of the complete development of the school, I started work before the school opened and developed marketing plans, classroom designs, course ware, training structures and implemented other platforms and structures that the school would need to function effectively.
While in this role I particularly enjoyed the challenges involved with direct sales with Chinese customers, it was interesting to see the differences between potential Chinese customers and those I would come into contact with in the United Kingdom. It was a great opportunity to develop and shape a whole new skill-set based on the previous marketing, sales and training experience I gained whilst working in previous roles.
2013 – July 2014
ESL Teacher
I worked as an ESL teacher for a training center in Shanghai, teaching children aged 3 years old to 16 years old. We used Alo7 educational software.
