Greetings From Current Teaching Staff

Richard Wang China, Teacher, 2004

Sometime in May 2004 I wrote an article entitled “Reading GLV” and sent it as an email to Mr. Hong Xiu Ping, the founder of Gateway Language Village (GLV). He was very interested in it and replied me very soon. That was such a big surprise for me that I began dreaming about working for GLV. But my oral English was about Level 5 at that time. I told Ping about this, and soon after he called me. We talked for about 10 minutes. At the end of the phone conversation he said he would welcome me to come to GLV to study for some time by providing me with a special scholarship and the possibility that I could get a job at GLV later.

On May 21st 2004 I came to GLV and attended the Total Immersion Experience (TIE) English training program for four weeks. . On June 21st I began to serve as a volunteer. A month later I became a staff member and was transferred to work as an assistant to the Evening Program Administrator.

Later I was transferred to other staff positions which helped me to learn so much about the workings of the school.

On July 20th 2006, about two years after I joined the GLV staff, I finally began my journey to become an English teacher. GLV management recommended that I enroll in the TEFL international teacher training program (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). I received my TEFL certificate successfully a month later. I became a qualified English teacher on January 15th 2007!

Here I’d like to say that I have benefited so much from GLV that I consider GLV my “Life University” and my “home away from home’. I have not only improved my English to a totally different level, but have learned so much from my international colleagues who are like family members. We are teachers and students of life. I have learned so much from my students as well. Definitely, all I have shared with you is from my deepest feelings. This is not to be considered as advertising for GLV. I strongly believe the dream of GLV will contribute to the development of education in China and perhaps even in all of world. We are doing our best to make this dream come true—One Peaceful World, One Great Family. Thank you, GLV. I will be enjoying our 10th Anniversary celetration!

Mark Lee UK, Evening Program Coordinator, 2006

When you join GLV as either a student or staff member you become part of a unique group of people dedicated to improving themselves and the people around them. These people are the reason GLV has survived and flourished over the years. I am honored to be part of this select group of people. I would like to wish all the students and staff, past and present, good fortune and happiness now and in the years to come.

Robert Ayres Australia, English Program Administrator of Hangzhou GLV, 2006

As a free spirit, I have traveled to a lot of places in my home country of Australia as well as the world. I have been to many countries and many more cities. Each time I arrive at a new place, I am filled with wonder and excitement at the new discoveries that await me.

When I first decided to come to China to teach English I had the same feelings of anticipation. My first city in China was Zhongshan, where I taught English for 2 years. It was amazing to me, that a Chinese city could be so modern and yet keep the old traditions alive. I was fascinated by it all. Then, I came to Zhuhai to begin teaching at GLV. The city of Zhuhai opened my eyes to another aspect of Chinese life. Zhuhai is so modern and progressive that it felt like I was in another country altogether. But, GLV turned out to be the most amazing experience! With all my traveling, I did not think that there was anything left that could surprise or impress me.

The high level of professionalism of the staff and the enthusiasm of the students at GLV were values that I had not experienced since arriving in China and it was inspiring. I have now been with GLV for more than 2 years and, like most of the teachers at GLV, I want to stay a part of the family. So much so, that I have taken up the position of English Program Administrator in the second GLV school in Hangzhou. And on behalf of the staff, teachers and students at Hangzhou GLV, I wish the Zhuhai parent school a very happy 10th anniversary. May there be many more.

Bonnie Tan China, Teacher, 2008

OGLV is such a good platform for everybody to perform that it is our responsibility to maintain its rising reputation. It is a harmonious group due to its good education philosophy and humanized administration.

I have worked in a foreign company as well as government schools, but now I am an English teacher at GLV. I enjoy the work environment here. I appreciate the kind help from all staff. I enjoy everything here.

Kevin Brown USA, Teacher, 2008

Like the students who are faced with the choice of attending many great language schools, I, as a teacher, had many options available to me prior to joining the GLV team. However, since arriving here, I have found not only that I have made an excellent choice in my career, but I also enjoy the international environment that the other teachers, facilitators, and entire GLV staff bring to my everyday life. I enjoy learning from their experiences and knowledge which makes coming to GLV fun.

Happy 10th Anniversary, GLV! Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of such a successful team. I wish you many more years of continued success.

Tamara Smith USA, Teacher, 2008

The month of September, 2008 marks my 4th month at GLV. As this is my first foray into teaching in China, I did not know what was in store for me when I signed the contract to join the GLV team. Thus far, the school, staff and overall environment have exceeded my expectations. I thoroughly enjoy interacting with everyone at the school, from staff to my fellow teachers and students. I look forward to being a part of the team for years to come and wish GLV continued growth and success.