As the end of University approached I felt somewhat unqualified for the labour market. With a degree in English and Film, TV and Media Studies it was further research or McDonalds and neither really appealed. Luckily I was already married and quite easily persuaded.

My wife, also a student, suggested we mitigate our wander-lust by teaching English in China for a year. She had seen an ad in the New Zealand Herald and the pay seemed good. I, of course, instantly dismissed the idea. Teaching in China? It seemed a bit unconventional to me. Besides, I don't really like Chinese food.

Two days later I came up with a brilliant idea to solve our post-University cash problems whilst also allowing us the freedom to find work wherever we travelled! It was a master-stroke, a moment of genius, the muse was upon me and thus, yea verily, I declared: "We should teach English in China."

My genius was less than appreciated.

Seven years have passed since then and I still haven't taught English in China. I have taught in Malta, Turkey, Austria, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom though. It's also funded my progress through 30 further countries and an uncountable number of wine bottles. It's been a fun journey and I've met an amazing number of individuals in some of the strangest places. This English teaching is a funny business.

As the newly appointed English Second Language (ESL) Editor here on Wandering Educators I'd like to introduce you to some of the characters I've met and stories I've gathered. I'd also like to discuss various opportunities around the world and how to take advantage of them. 

If you have some ESL stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to email me — craig [at] wanderingeducators dot com — and I'll get back to you within five days. If you'd like to find out more about me and my travelling life, drop by the Indie Travel Podcast where Linda and I talk about our travels and how to live a life of long-term independent travel.