Motswana teaches English in China
Tshegetsang Tebelelo | Friday June 11, 2021 14:15
The 30-year-old was born and raised in Selebi-Phikwe. She is currently working as an English teacher in Liaoning City, China, shining a light on the career possibilities for other local graduates available around the world.
Kegane holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (English and Psychology) from the University of Botswana.
She explains how the move to China came about. “After graduating in 2014 it was very difficult to get a job and then around 2017, I redirected my focus and started on the TEFL journey in order to search for opportunities outside my country,” she says. “I did intensive research and eventually got my certificate and started on the job search.
“It wasn’t easy. I kept on getting rejected because of the passport I hold as we are considered non-natives in those countries, but I didn’t give up. “I did over a hundred interviews before I landed my job in 2019.
“My love for travelling and working with kids sort of pushed me to work extremely hard and this eventually paid off and I got a job as a foreign teacher.”
TEFL or Teaching English as a Foreign Language is an international certificate required for one to teach English abroad or online. According to Kegane, the minimum requirement is TEFL over 120 hours.
“Anyone above the ages of 18 can get certified. With a TEFL certificate and a bachelor’s degree you can work anywhere you wish abroad, be it Europe, Asia or any country of your choice.”
She adds: “There is a high demand for English teachers in Asia but often when I mention a TEFL certificate, most people at home have never heard about it.
“It’s one of the requirements to get a teaching job abroad. “I am a Motswana and it’s possible to make it too because I managed to break through the non-native barrier.”
In February 2019, Kegane began working in China as an English teacher. However, while back home in September 2020, her flight back to China was cancelled due to COVID-19 and the fact that schools there were closed. Since then, the school has reopened and Kegane has restarted her duties, although she does this online from Botswana. Kegane recounts her experience of teaching physically in China.
She explains that the cost of living in China for her was low as she secured free housing near the school she works at and therefore was not financially strained. The financial freedom meant she could explore other parts of China.
“China is such a fascinating country with an ancient culture. “My experience has been nothing short of a miracle and a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
That, however, is not to say Kegane did not face any challenges in China. One major issue was the language barrier. “When I went to China I couldn’t speak Chinese to save myself. I just knew greetings and a few words and that was a hurdle I had to overcome.
“With the help of my colleagues, students and the whole community, within a short period of time, I could hold a conversation be it in class, malls, taxis and even restaurants. “That speaks volumes about the Chinese people. “They are just amazing, so loving, giving and helpful.” Kegane explains that with the help of a Motswana friend who also stays in China, the transition and adjusting to life in China was a breeze. The time difference between Botswana and China was difficult to get used to as China is six hours ahead. This made communication between her and her family members difficult, but in due time they all adapted.
Being a stranger in a foreign country can sometimes invite unwanted attention and even disrespect. Kegane says she never had any negative experiences of that nature. “I have never faced or experienced any sort of racism,” she says. “In such a unique place as long as you’re black, forget about blending in because you’ll always stand out, whether you like it or not. “If you have never been the centre of attention because of your skin tone, height, hair and your looks, just brace yourself because you’ll automatically become a celebrity.
“However, Chinese people are some of the most loving and welcoming people I have ever met.
“From the moment I landed, they were helpful and welcoming and they have taken me to places I never thought existed just for me to experience their culture first hand. “I have never experienced racism but all I could feel and see was genuine, curious and loving people.” Kegane has advice for others who wish to follow her path. Determination is the name of the game because the rejections will come thick and fast.
“When I was applying for jobs, I got rejected so many times that I even lost count. “So, if you want to teach abroad as a non-native speaker, then you have to be resilient.
“If you keep getting knock-backs don’t despair, grow a thick skin and just let that passion drive you until a door opens, because eventually, it will.”
She advises those with bachelor’s degrees in any field, who are interested in teaching English abroad, to reach out to her Facebook blog for more information. The blog is Kessy Kegan TEFL.
*Tebelelo is a regular Mmegi contributor