Right Time Right Place: Andrew Eising

In addition to doing many other amazing things, our good friend Andrew Eising has worked as a sought-after English teacher in Taiwan and Brazil.  Here he shares a bit of what that’s like…

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the name Jesus?
Wonderful Counsellor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Everlasting Father… the Alpha and the Omega.  He is always there, and while I don’t know what the future holds, He will be there with me.  He will use the experiences ahead as well as the ones behind me for his greater glory – even when I have absolutely no idea how.

How did you first become interested in teaching English overseas?
A university friend of mine mentioned an opportunity he knew about in Taiwan.  Also, I’d always wanted to travel overseas and explore God’s wonderful creation – not just nature, but people and culture as well.

What was the best part about teaching English in Taiwan and Brazil?
Learning about culture and traditions.  I’m recognizing how traditions are a part of our culture, and how we believe or do many things because we/our culture have always done them that way, and these traditions become beliefs over time.  I’ve also discovered different ways people in different parts of the world show love – the five love languages popular in North America can be modified in many ways.

What do you miss the most when you’re away from home?
Personal contact with family and friends – especially bear hugs!

How does your walk with Jesus make you a better teacher?
As a Christian, my top goals in life are to glorify God and serve others.  That means teaching isn’t first about me, but about the opportunities God is providing me to help my students.  I travelled there for them.  Because God is always willing to be there for me, to forgive me, to work with me, I can model these things to my students.

What advice would you give someone who would like to teach English overseas?
1. Make sure you have a means of communicating regularly with loved ones back home, preferably by video.  2. Make sure you have an English speaking contact where you’re going (if you aren’t fluent in the language spoken there).  3. Get out, explore, meet the locals.  Don’t stay in your apartment!  See the world you are in, explore this wonderful creation.  4. Learn the local language: If you want them to respect you and your English heritage, respect theirs.  Not only will you learn to communicate with them better, but you will learn to appreciate the difficulty of learning a language.  The more difficult it is for you to learn their language, the more difficult it probably is for them to learn yours.
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