LELETHU ONGEZIWE NOKWE
Achiever of the week: Lelethu Ongeziwe Nokwe
Oct 12, 2020 | By Nqobile Mdima
This week’s feature is Lelethu Ongeziwe Nokwe from South Africa. Lelethu holds a Bcom degree from UKZN, Westville campus. She majored in Supply chain and Marketing Management. After graduating she started working in a corporate company. She had the potential to develop her career in her former workplace, but her job didn't make her feel fulfilled. As a result she enrolled for a 120 Hour TEFL Course with Global TEFL. After obtaining her TEFL certificate, she resigned and started preparing for her career move - teaching English abroad. She knew that teaching was her passion and gift, so teaching English in China was a great opportunity for her to make a positive impact and change in her Chinese students' lives. Lelethu's TEFL experience in China was also an opportunity for her to learn and upskill herself as an Educator so that she can be able to introduce new/different teaching ideas in her mother's kindergarten - Future Harvest. Lelethu worked in China for one year in a kindergarten (Kid Castle Corporational Education). When she was not working she hanged out with her friends, attended church and travelled.
Lelethu shares with us her TEFL journey - how she prepared for this big move, how she made the most of her TEFL experience by embracing the change, the pros and cons of living/working abroad and the importance of growing your home country's economy.
What made you decide to work abroad and why did you choose to work in China?
I was feeling unfulfilled in my previous job and I knew that there was more for me out there and China presented me an opportunity to explore a hidden gift/calling; teaching. I was anxious about moving to China, but following my old friend’s TEFL journey on social media eased my anxieties and I was sold to the idea of teaching in China. Making a positive impact and change was also a big driving factor as to why I decided to move to China.
Was it always your desire/plan to ever move abroad?
Yes, I have always wanted to travel and explore different parts of the world. I remember in my matric year our LO teacher shared details of a trusted Au Pair program in the US and I was interested in the opportunity, but since I didn’t have a driver’s license I didn’t meet the requirements. I have also attended seminars related to work abroad offers/opportunities.
Do you regret leaving your corporate job and pursuing a teaching career?
No I have no regrets, it was God’s plan for my life. It was a necessary transition. I love teaching and I am in my happy place.
Moving abroad can be quite expensive, did you pay for all the costs yourself? How long did it take you to save for this big move?
My school covered most of my expenses. I paid for my utilities, internet, food and property management fees.
I used my resignation payout, I didn’t save.
Did paying for TEFL Advisory services help make your transition simple and easy?
Yes it was beneficial and an integral part of my decision making. I don’t think I would have conjured the courage to move to another country without Nqobile’s service.
Would you recommend your TEFL Advisor? And if yes, why/ if no, why not?
Absolutely, Nqobile is highly knowledgeable about the TEFL industry and shares from her personal experience so you can trust her advice. She is also very transparent and not afraid to say when she doesn’t have the answer or limited knowledge about your query. She is patient and always looks out for your best interests. If you are going to China for the first time you need Nqobile’s service, it will help ease your anxieties and make the transition smoother.
Did your experience help you achieve any of the goals you had when you were planning to move abroad?
Not entirely due to the global pandemic. The second half of my contract I couldn’t save as much as I planned to but besides that I got to travel a bit prior to the lockdown.
Which APPs did you rely on to survive in China?
•Metroman
•Googletranslate
•Toaboa
•Meituan
•Didi
•Baidu
How did you overcome homesickness and loneliness?
I overcame homesickness by calling my family every day and sharing my experience in China with them via pictures/videos and they too did the same they shared pictures with me. I would also meet up with my friends regularly to overcome the loneliness .
Did you manage to make new friends in China?
I had a friend who was in China before I moved to China but when I moved she was in SA. She then introduced me to other South Africans in my city and we became friends. I then found a church in my city and met new friends there as well. I also met some people on the WeChat groups and Facebook group.
You had many ‘first time’ experiences – flying, living abroad, working abroad, teaching full-time, living alone, experiencing a pandemic etc. How did you overcome the anxiety that was triggered by all these experiences?
Prayer was my weapon and source of strength, my family’s support and just keeping a positive attitude and mind-set. There is always a first time for everything and you don't know what’s on the side until you go to the other side. I have never feared change, I welcome change and embrace it.
Please list advantages and disadvantages about moving abroad alone.
Advantages:
- Learn a different way of living/doing life
- Meet new people/make new friends
- Expand mindset /challenge way of thinking
Disadvantages:
- Communication barrier
- Cultural shock/clashes
- Can be lonely if you struggle to make friends
Please list advantages and disadvantages about working and living in Xian City.
Advantages:
- Convenient
- Efficient transport
- Clean, tourist attractions
Disadvantages:
- In-land, no beach
- Humid, hot
Do you think it’s important for graduates to decrease the brain drain stats in Africa and South Africa?
Yes, it is definitely a conversation we need to start having as young South Africans. We need to develop our own economy and trail blaze for the next generation.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering leaving his/her corporate job to pursue his/her purpose?
I would say plan for your exit, make it a strategic exit and be sure that you are content with your decision to move and okay with the opportunity cost. I would also just encourage them to be confident in their decision as people will challenge your decision, your 'why' needs to be strong so you won’t doubt yourself. Change is scary but we can’t run away from it.
