My First Week Living as an ESL Teacher in Beijing

One of my primary postings as an ESL teacher in China was in the capital city of Beijing. After a long process of securing my work visa, I finally caught a flight out of my residence in Alaska, with a layover in Seattle before landing in Beijing.

Arriving in Beijing

Arriving in Beijing was an impressive culture shock. While I had a bit of prior experience in Chinese cities, those had mostly been in Western China. Beijing felt far more cosmopolitan and had a much more centralized structure. As the national capital, Beijing seemed very aware of its perception and reputation, so I often encountered clearer signage, better infrastructure, and more English-language directions than I had expected.

Once I landed, my ESL company sent an advisor to assist with my documentation. I was brought straight to the visa office with my passport and other necessary papers before we went out for lunch. Afterwards, I was dropped off at my hotel, where the company covered my accommodations for the first week—something fairly common for first-time ESL teachers in China.

Upgraded to CELTA Program

The ESL teaching job I had been hired for required more than a standard TEFL certification. For my new English teaching position in Beijing, I was required to complete a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) program. Alongside my regular teaching duties, I attended CELTA courses each evening after class. Though the workload was demanding, I managed to pass the preliminary courses. Since the ESL school funded the program, I was reimbursed for both transportation costs and the course itself.

Good Times at Beihai Park

Even with my weekdays full of ESL classes and CELTA coursework, my weekends were generally free. My favorite spot in Beijing quickly became Beihai Park. This scenic park is part of a chain of lakes located just west of Tiananmen Square. Since the park was so peaceful, I often spent my weekends taking long walks around the grounds.

There was always something to see. Traditional Chinese dragon artwork decorated the walls, temples stood atop hills, ducks paddled across the lakes, synchronized tai chi sessions took place in open plazas, and bikes were available for rent.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but Beihai Park would soon become my weekly escape. At least three times a month, I returned for peaceful strolls and much-needed relaxation.

Summer Palace

On Sunday of my first week living in Beijing as an ESL teacher, I made a point to visit the Summer Palace. The palace grounds form an enormous imperial complex, with lakes, stone walkways, historic gardens, manicured forests, and stunning views toward the Forbidden City. Notably, the Summer Palace was once a summer retreat for emperors during the Qing Dynasty.

Luckily for me—though some might disagree—it began raining heavily during my visit. I had packed an umbrella, so I kept walking, and the large crowds quickly thinned out. Thanks to my waterproof hiking boots and trusty travel umbrella, I had much of the palace grounds to myself for the better part of two hours. It was a calm and memorable experience.

Trip to Hong Kong

The last major note I recall from my first week living and working in Beijing was planning a trip to Hong Kong. To finalize my visa process, my company required me to visit the visa office in this iconic supercity. Although I didn’t make the trip during my first official week in Beijing, much of my time was spent organizing the journey with help from my boss and coworkers.

Conclusion

Overall, that concluded my first week in Beijing. In truth, it was a little too hectic between CELTA courses and my first ESL classes. Still, I packed in a lot of rich, meaningful experiences in a short span of time. Getting started in a new country is never easy, but having memorable and enlightening moments early on can make a world of difference. For anyone teaching English abroad, especially first-time ESL teachers in China, the first week sets the tone for an exciting, rewarding journey ahead.