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CNBC
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNBC
35-year-old American moved to Chengdu and lives on $30,000 a year: "[It's] poverty in America, but in China I'm living large'
In her late 20s, Aleese Lightyear worked in reality TV production and lived in New York City, which she thought was her dream. "At the height of my career in New York, I was probably making $100,000 a year [and] working eight months out of the year, which on paper sounds great, but New York City is one of the world's most expensive cities, so that $100,000 went extremely fast," Lightyear tells CNBC Make It. "I was spending all of my money going out and buying clothes so that I could be trendy and feel like I was living in the 'Sex and the City' New York City dream." As her 30th birthday approached, Lightyear realized she was still working 70 to 80 hours a week, but didn't have any retirement savings. And because she was a freelancer, she didn't have benefits or health insurance. "I should have been saving for those things. I was living check to check, which sucked. My last few years living and working in New York City were some of the most stressful years of my life," she says. "I came up with this idea that I wanted to leave New York because I was tired of working 70 hours a week for ten years. Being in my 20s, I felt like a 50-year-old woman." One day, Lightyear woke up and searched, "How do I make money and travel the world?" The first result was about teaching English. After speaking with a coworker who had taught in South Korea, Lightyear began researching what it would entail to teach overseas with no prior experience. "I kind of put that on pause because I just wasn't sure if that was right for me. It took me about two years to make the decision that I wanted to become a teacher," she says. "Google told me I just needed a TEFL certificate to teach English to foreign language learners, so I enrolled." Lightyear completed a 13-week program to earn her Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification, initially setting her sights on South America. She quickly changed course, however, deciding that if she was going to leave her life in New York behind, she would go as far as possible. "If I'm going to move all the way across the world, I better go to the furthest country that I know absolutely nothing about and have a full adventure, and China just seemed like pure adventure, fun, excitement, and great money," Lightyear says. "I'm someone who has traveled a lot but I'd never been to Asia before, so I didn't really know what to expect and to be honest, my first few days were just a huge blur because there was so much culture shock." Lightyear, 31 at the time, made her official move to Beijing, China in 2019 — and she hasn't looked back. She lived in the Chinese capital for four years before moving to Chengdu, where she is a teacher at a university. Lightyear works 18 hours a week, four days a week and has a yearly salary of about $30,000 USD. "$30,000 a year is poverty in America but in China, I'm living large," she says. Her typical work week is entirely different than it was in New York. In China, she works Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, offering two to three classes a day. Some of her benefits include free health insurance, a travel stipend, a rent stipend, a flight allowance and two months of paid summer and winter vacation. Lightyear took a pay cut when she left her job in Beijing for one in Chengdu. But her life in Beijing had started to feel too similar to her time in NYC, so she has no regrets. "I didn't move all the way across the world to work as much as I did in New York," she says. "My current work-life balance is a dream. I'm able to have time to do so many different hobbies, to take the time to actually learn the language and to do whatever I want when I want, and that feels amazing. I just feel so lucky and happy to be able to have so much time to myself." In Chengdu, Lightyear lives in a pre-furnished three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a balcony and laundry room. Because of the rent stipend she gets, Lightyear only has to pay $278 a month for her accommodations. Lightyear supplements her income as a teacher with content creation and an active YouTube channel. Both of those things allow her to save up to $1,000 a month. It's something she was never able to do living in the U.S. Now that she's been living in China for over five years, Lightyear says when she visits the U.S., she experiences reverse culture shock. She's almost always having to explain to friends, family and strangers why her life now is so much better there than it was before. "For the typical American, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation about what life is truly like in China, but I feel completely safe as a woman, as a woman of color, being independent, doing anything. I feel very at ease in this country," she says. Though she feels comfortable in China, Lightyear says that because the country is so homogeneous, as a person of color she "sticks out like a sore thumb," and it does bother her at times. "I probably cannot go an hour being outside without someone pointing at me and saying, in Chinese, 'there's a black person, look, there's a foreigner," she says. "If I'm going to a touristy spot, the amount of people who take photos of me while I'm not looking or will ask me to take photos, then next thing I know, there's a line of people who want to take photos with me." Despite those uncomfortable moments and the time it's taken to adjust to Chinese culture, Lightyear says her self-confidence has skyrocketed. "I still face a lot of challenges [and] there are so many things I still have no idea about, and in the very beginning, that was the hardest part," she says. "You know the saying that if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere? Well, throw that away and apply it to China. If you can make it in China, you can truly make it anywhere. I feel fearless and like there's nothing I can't do." 0.14
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
What's your Plan B?
What are the career opportunities for someone who has finished B.A. Functional English? Rishal Dear Rishal, Options include content writing, proof reading, editing, technical writing, social media management, public relations, corporate communications, journalism, blogging, proofreading, teaching, customer service, and administrative roles. Master grammar, develop your vocabulary and writing skills, become proficient in word processing, editing software, online communication tools and digital tools and platforms. Also, consider a Master's degree in English, Journalism, or Communication for specialised roles. Gain certifications in areas like Digital Marketing, or TEFL/TESOL. I have a Applied Electronics and Instrumentation, but don't have any related skills. I want to attempt the government exams, but am afraid I will be a waste of time given the competition. What can I do? Arathi Dear Arathi, Government exams test general knowledge, aptitude, and reasoning, which are skills you can develop. Competition is intense, but not insurmountable. Success depends on your preparation strategy, dedication, and consistency. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and identify the subjects you are comfortable with and those you need to focus on. Take mock tests to evaluate your current level of preparation. Research various exams and choose one that aligns with your interests and abilities. Develop a structured study schedule, break down the syllabus into manageable chunks and set realistic daily and weekly goals. Refer to standard textbooks, past question papers, and online resources and join a reputable coaching institute or an online platform if needed. Practise regularly to write essays and answer questions clearly to improve your speed and accuracy. Celebrate small victories. Take regular breaks and engage in activities you enjoy. Connect with other aspirants for support and motivation. Also, identify a Plan B in case this does not work out. I am in Class 11 and thinking of becoming a dietician. What should I do for this? Aiswarya Dear Aiswarya, Becoming a dietician is a great choice if you are interested in nutrition, health, and helping people lead better lifestyles. I hope you have a Science background now with Biology, Chemistry, and Home science. If you don't have Biology, you can still become a nutritionist, with some specialised dietetics courses and certifications. Pursue a in Nutrition and Dietetics or Food Science and Nutrition or Clinical Nutrition or Home Science (with specialisation in Nutrition and Dietetics). Colleges like Lady Irwin College (Delhi University) and AIIMS (for clinical nutrition) in Delhi; SNDT University in Mumbai; Mount Carmel College in Bengaluru; Manipal University, and NIN in Hyderabad are well known institutes. An in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics or Public Health Nutrition or Food and Nutrition will help you progress in your career. To become a Registered Dietician (RD) in India, you will need to complete your Master's in Dietetics/Nutrition, complete a six-month internship from an IDA-approved hospital, and pass the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) RD Exam. Other options are being a clinical dietician, sports nutritionist, public health dietician, corporate wellness coach, among others. I am working in engineering but planning to switch my career. I have a strong interest in neurology, human evolution, and biology. I am considering pursuing an open Anthropology or B.A. Psychology. How should I approach this? Hasanul Dear Hasanul, What are your specific interest*? Which aspect of neurology, human evolution, or biology excites you most? Do you want to focus on research, clinical applications, or a combination? As far as your long term goals go, B.A. Psychology, (particularly Neuropsychology or Biological Psychology) will provide an understanding of the brain and its functions. Anthropology, especially Biological Anthropology, would be the ideal choice to study human evolution, primate behaviour, and the biological origins of humans. Both Biological Anthropology and Biological Psychology provide a strong foundation in human biology, evolution and explore the biological basis of behaviour, from a different perspective of course. If your primary interest is in the biological and evolutionary aspects of humans, choose Anthropology. Anthropology will focus on the study of humans, past and present. Its subfields would be Physical or Biological Anthropology, Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, which teach human evolution and biological aspects of humans. If your primary interest is in the brain and behaviour, choose Psychology. B.A. Psychology will focus on the study of the human mind and behaviour. It would include Neuropsychology (relationship between the brain and behaviour), Cognitive Psychology, Biological Psychology (physiological basis of behaviour), which align with your interest in neurology and human behaviour. If you are interested in both, consider a Liberal Arts programme with one as major and the other as minor. Research universities and curriculums carefully. Also study career paths that align with your interests. Consider roles in research, academia, healthcare, or other related areas and then shortlist the educational requirements for your desired career. Examine the course curriculum and descriptions for programmes that fit your requirements. Reach out to professors, researchers, and professionals in these fields and ask them about their experiences and career paths.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Children's Development Expert Wang Hongzhe Appointed as Brand Consultant for TutorABC Junior to Ignite Children's "English Brain"
TAIPEI, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TutorABC, a global leader in online language education, proudly announces the appointment of renowned children's development expert Wang Hongzhe as Brand Consultant and Ambassador for TutorABC Junior. Drawing on decades of trusted expertise, Wang will help refine TutorABC Junior's scientifically driven, highly effective approach to English instruction—enhancing a platform already endorsed by Oxford and Cambridge Universities and trusted by over 100 million learners across 100 countries. This strategic partnership sets a new industry benchmark and offers parents a reliable seal of quality. 【Activate the "English Brain" for More Effective Learning】 "In my 20 years in education, I've repeatedly seen children lose motivation, struggle to find sound study methods, and score well on tests yet fail to communicate in real-world scenarios," Wang explains. "I encountered these same obstacles as a parent—until I discovered TutorABC Junior, which tackles all these issues through a remarkably holistic approach." Wang credits the platform's AI-powered matching system, which adapts lessons to each child's interests and current proficiency, igniting genuine engagement. His own son, a basketball fan, was paired with a native-speaking teacher who shares his passion for sports. "That personal connection keeps my son excited and immersed in English," Wang says. "Every lesson is guided by inquiry-based learning (Big Question) that aligns with a child's cognitive development, prompting active thinking and expression. The spiral teaching method provides continuous review to reinforce what's been learned, and CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) introduces science, culture, and other diverse topics. This blend not only refines language skills but also broadens a child's overall learning horizon." 【Premium Quality Teaching and Robust Curriculum as the Foundation】 "As a children's development expert, I believe high-quality instruction is the foundation of effective learning," Wang emphasizes. "TutorABC Junior's teacher training is the most rigorous I've encountered: each of its 35,000 global native-speaking educators is fully trained under the Cambridge English Teaching Framework, holds TESOL/TEFL certification, and has more than five years of experience teaching children." Beyond that, the platform's AI-personalized courses, Oxford-based curriculum, alignment with Taiwan's 108 Curriculum Guidelines, and GEPT exam prep ensure that students not only excel on tests but also gain the confidence to use English in real-life settings." 【Why TutorABC Junior?】 Four-Teacher Premium SupportAn industry-first model featuring a native-speaking teacher, a bilingual teacher, a tutor for post-class reinforcement, and a learning advisor—ensuring comprehensive, personalized guidance. Internationally Accredited InstructorsAll teachers are fully trained under the Cambridge English Teaching Framework, TESOL/TEFL-certified, and have at least five years of experience using TPR (Total Physical Response) methods. kidSAFE & COPPA CertifiedThe only platform in the industry with both kidSAFE and COPPA approvals, guaranteeing online safety, privacy protection, 24/7 flexible scheduling, and a dedicated parent monitoring app. Synchronized British and American CurriculaHigh-quality UK and US materials help children seamlessly integrate into global education systems, focusing on practical language skills and international perspectives. Aligned with the 108 Curriculum GuidelinesCovers all key competencies with structured preview and review sessions, boosting classroom confidence and engagement through regularly updated content. Noticeable Progress in Just Seven WeeksInquiry-based, spiral, and CLIL methodologies drive a 21% average proficiency boost—often propelling students to high school–level English before they finish elementary school. 【Limited-Time Offer: Personalized Consultation with Wang Hongzhe】 Widely celebrated for his pioneering educational philosophy and proven parenting strategies, Wang's appointment as TutorABC Junior's Brand Consultant underscores the platform's capacity to truly "activate the English brain." To commemorate this partnership, TutorABC Junior is offering a limited-time promotion: parents who register for a trial lesson before the end of this month will receive a one-on-one evaluation from Wang Hongzhe himself, along with complimentary online English lessons. This exclusive opportunity provides parents with a clear understanding of their child's learning needs and the most effective roadmap to English mastery. >Register Now for a Free One-on-One Trial Lesson and English Proficiency Analysis! About TutorABCTutorABC ( a global leader in online education, is authorized by Oxford and Cambridge and recognized as "The Only Premium and Professional Online Education, Powered by Oxford and Cambridge." Since 2004, it has also partnered with world-class institutions like Barron's, Kaplan, and over 400 leading international universities to offer English, Chinese, exam prep, and study abroad services. With AI-powered matching technology, certified teachers, and professional materials, TutorABC delivers personalized, high-quality learning. Over 100 million students, 3,000 corporations and 35,000 teachers worldwide trust TutorABC for language education. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TutorABC Sign in to access your portfolio
