Andrew is a recent graduate of the MA in Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse program at DePaul University (2019). He simultaneously earned a graduate level TESOL certification.
Andrew worked from September 2017 until June 2019 at the UCWbL as a peer-writing tutor, receptionist, and member of CMWR. When not teaching, he enjoys working out at the gym, eating street food with his coworkers, and exploring nearby Xiamen.
Update (2/8/20): Andrew has been accepted to a PhD program in Applied Linguistics at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Current Career
Where have you gone since graduation? Where do you work?
“I am currently working as a writing and oral instructor at Huaqiao University in Quanzhou, China.”
Do you enjoy your new position as an instructor?
“Yes, I enjoy my job because I am currently teaching one oral speaking class to sophomores and juniors. In addition, I teach three sophomore introductory writing classes and two junior research writing classes.”
What was your biggest challenge adapting to life in another country?
“One major challenge is the difference of teaching at Huaqiao University here in China and back in the United States. Since China blocks certain websites like Google and Youtube, it can be difficult to access teaching materials without the use of a VPN.”
“I was teaching a research writing class this semester and some students had difficulty finding sources because promising websites were not accessible. Another major challenge is learning how to use different applications here in China, especially WeChat. Since China is a ‘cashless society,’ I am learning how to use QR codes to order food.”
I imagine you also had a degree of culture shock heading into China! Was it severe this time around, or not so bad since you’ve taught abroad before?
“I lived in South Korea for two years, so I did not experience as much culture shock living in China!”
I know you’ve told me before that you only intend to teach abroad for a year or two. What’s next? Do you plan to go back to grad school?
“I would be interested in applying for a PhD program related to second language writing and speaking, because I want to work with second language learners for the foreseeable future.”
UCWbL Retrospective
How has your writing process changed since you joined the UCWbL?
“My writing process has changed, because I understand the importance of receiving feedback from someone and taking time to incorporate this feedback into my essays. Furthermore, I try my best to avoid writing papers last minute and give myself a few days to start my writing and drafting process.”
What skills developed at the UCWbL help you with your current career?
“When I was at the UCWbL I learned to work on my time management skills especially from my first to second years as a writing tutor. When I first started, I underestimated how much time I needed to spend on giving feedback on essays, because I struggled to finish written feedback appointments in the hour limit. I learned personally how much time I needed to spend on the letter and marginal comments. Furthermore, I have learned how to provide more effective feedback especially in regards to organization and grammar.”
“Currently, at my job at Huaqiao University, I often have to grade assignments and provide feedback for my students that is useful for their next drafts. The UCWbL has helped me understand what feedback I need to provide to my students depending on what stage the assignment is in.”
What is your best memory at the UCWbL?
“My best memory working at the UCWbL is working as a receptionist, because I learned how to proofread other tutors’ comments and also help new writers feel more comfortable when coming to the UCWbL. Also, I won the award for having the most appointments this past June, so it was nice to receive this achievement.”
What advice would you give to current UCWbLers, whether it be about writing, post-grad, or life in general?
“My advice is to continue to use the UCWbL as a service even after you graduate. I love the fact that alumni of DePaul can still make appointments at the UCWbL. Currently, I am living in China, but I have definitely made written feedback appointments on assignments that I am working on for my class, because it always helps to have a second opinion when revising.”
Andrew is one of many DePaul students who has had the opportunity to teach in China following the completion of a graduate TESOL certification offered by the WRD department. TESOL graduates in good academic standing can apply for a one-year teaching appointment at Huaqiao University’s Quanzhou campus.
