I came to China for the first time in August of 2015. I was not working for JESIE at that time, and my experience was very different. I knew at the end of the school year that I dearly loved China and wanted to stay here for more time. Searching around for a new job, I stumbled upon JESIE. I appreciated that this company supported their teachers so much, insisting upon observations and oversight of lesson plans. I liked that there were foreigners working high up in the company, as well as Chinese people who have lived abroad. These people I felt would be able to understand more about the expat experience. Additionally, it gave me the opportunity to live in Nanjing, a place which I loved visiting during my first year.

I signed up. I have not regretted this decision for a moment. JESIE has absolutely helped me to grow as a teacher. I feel like I have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and try new things in the classroom. I love both of the schools I work at, Gulou Experimental Primary School where I teach first grade, and Lang Ya Lu Primary School, where I teach fifth grade. The teachers at both of these schools are enthusiastic helpers, but also respect me as a teacher, and use me as a resource. Last year, I felt like an expat who lived in China and just happened to teach. This year, I feel like a teacher who just happens to live in China.

Additionally, I am certain that I made the right decision coming to live at JESIE in Nanjing. The building is located in the center of Nanjing, where I can easily get to all sorts of Chinese and foreign stores. My apartment is at least three times larger than the one I had last year. The coworkers here are constantly around to help! Obviously, as with anywhere a foreigner might live in China, it is imperfect. I do live in a school dorm, which does restrict some activities, but this has been a very minor drawback in my experience.

As I mentioned, I did work for a different company before coming to JESIE. There are so many difference between my first employer and JESIE. I feel like JESIE really does try to assist their foreign teachers not just as teachers, but also as foreigners. It is a much more supportive, hands on environment than the one I experienced last year. They are always available to talk through or help with any questions. Ultimately, I am incredibly happy with my work and my life here at JESIE.