Achiever of the week: Jessica Banda

    Dec 01, 2020  | By Nqobile Mdima 

This week’s feature is Jessica Banda. Jessica is from South Africa, KZN province. She holds a Bachelor of Economics from Rhodes University. Jessica is an ESL teacher in China. She works for Kid Castle Educational Corporation in Shanghai. She has been living and working in China for one year. Before she moved to China she worked as a Merchandise Allocator for Sheet Street (Mr Price Group Head Office). This job wasn't motivating her, as a result she decided to teach abroad so that she can achieve her dream to travel abroad. Jessica saw TEFL as a big opportunity to regain her confidence and motivation. 

Jessica shares with us her TEFL journey, her first international flight experience, the pros and cons of living in a big Chinese city and her future plans.  

What were you doing before teaching English abroad? 

I worked as a Merchandise Allocator for Sheet Street ( Mr Price Group Head Office). 

 Was it your plan to ever become a teacher? 

No, it wasn't my plan to ever be a teacher. As I have an economics degree I saw myself being in the financial field.

 What motivated you to teach abroad and why did you choose China? 

It was a very impulsive decision that one of my best friends and I talked about and I also felt like my current job then wasn't so motivating. I just felt like I was stuck in a career and not growing as a person. I've always wanted to travel overseas. I saw it as a big opportunity to regain my confidence and what better way than living and working here, so that was a big motivator for  me.

  What are the advantages and disadvantages of teaching in a training school in China? 

Advantages: 

• You get to start your day at later time than normal.
• Curriculum is already set for you.
• Small group of students in class. 
• Support from your Chinese colleagues.
• Having the best students.

Disadvantages: 

• Working on weekends. 
• Pressure from management.
• Sometimes getting overworked.
• Minimal amount of holidays.

 How many years have you been working and living abroad? 

About one year and a month.

 Did covid-19 make you regret moving abroad? 

No, it actually didn't. We ended up teaching online and I still got to keep my job with full pay. It worked in my favour in the end.

What were your coping mechanisms during the lockdown in China? 

•  Watching movies/ series/YouTube.
• Cooking. 
• Keeping in contact with family and friends. 
• Also just resting at home since I didn't have to leave the house.

How do you overcome homesickness? 

To be honest I never really struggle with homesickness. I definitely do miss my family and friends, but I've lived away from home before and moved to another province. That whole transition really prepared me on how to be able to live alone and just growing up and being independent. My mom also instilled that being independent trait from when I was a kid so I don't really struggle alot with being homesick.

What are the advantages about living in Shanghai city? 

Firstly it's a big city, so you can definitely find anything and everything you need from traditional to western. Since it's a big city there is definitely a lot to see and do alone or with friends. Shanghai happens to have a Disney World which was such a fun and great experience to do with friends and it was my first time. Expat culture is big in Shanghai and you can easily meet new people. Public or private transport is so easy to navigate and also shopping.

What are the disadvantages about living in Shanghai city? 

I would have to say that it tends to be expensive but it's still possible to save.  I've lived here for a year and I still can definitely save a portion of my salary and be able to also do all the fun things.

The locals like spitting in public. I think this is just a general thing in China, but I still can't get used to that and the locals do it proudly which I cannot stand.

  What has been your highlight ever since you moved abroad and how has the experience influenced your life? 

I would have to say it's how brave I was when I made this decision. It was definitely not easy but with support from my family it has been such a blissful transition in my life. Ever since I took this decision it just made me realize how important it is to be open to change and also getting out of your comfort zone. It has showed that if something is not benefiting you anymore it's time to move on.

How scary or exciting was it to take your first international flight? 

It was an exciting experience as it was my first time traveling abroad. I flew with Emirates airline. I travelled from Durban to Dubai then Dubai to Shanghai. I never had any issues or delays with the airline.

You love fashion, how often do you go shopping and where do you buy your clothes?

I do love fashion. I probably shop every month lol. But I buy things that are cute or an item that I've been eying for a while. I shop at Zara, H&M, Taobao ( Chinese online shopping app) and from Chinese clothing boutiques. Basically anywhere where the quality is good.

What are your future plans? 

My future plan is to continue living abroad, I still see myself in Asia. I would love to teach in Japan but I haven't decided on that change yet. I also would like to open a business back home when I eventually decide to pack up  and move back home, but that is still in the planning stage.