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Richelle Gamlam

Teach Abroad & China Expert
Beijing, China

Member for

3 years 9 months

Traveler, blogger and serial expat, Richelle has been living and working in China for the last four years. From high school English teacher to college admissions consultant, Richelle has tried her hand at many different jobs in China. She spends all of her vacation days traveling Asia off the beaten path, and in her spare time, she loves to scuba dive, salsa dance and try weird foods no one else will eat. For more of Richelle's crazy misadventures, check out her blog .

University
George Washington University
Travel Experience
15+ Countries
The 5 Best Countries for Teaching English in Asia Featured

The Best Countries Where You Should Teach in Asia

By Richelle Gamlam on 04/17/2018
Want to teach English abroad in Asia, but you aren't quite sure where? Learn about 8 great destinations, and why each one made the list of top countries for teaching in Asia.
10 Things to Know Before Teaching Abroad Featured

10 Things to Know Before Teaching Abroad

By Richelle Gamlam on 04/09/2018
Ready to start a career teaching English abroad? Here are 10 things you should know before you hop on that plane -- provided by a fellow teaching alum who's traveled the world.
Why Teaching Abroad After Graduation is The Best Decision You Can Make

Why Teaching Abroad After Graduation is The Best Decision You Can Make

By Richelle Gamlam on 03/09/2018
Unsure what to do after graduation? Teach abroad -- now's the perfect time. Learn seven great reasons that teaching abroad is a smart career move and will help you grow as a person.
Top Countries for New Grads to Teach Abroad

The Top 10 Countries to Teach Abroad After Graduation

By Richelle Gamlam on 03/06/2018
Diploma in hand, you're ready to conquer the world. If you've decided to teach abroad, your next big decision is... where? Here are 10 amazing countries that are ideal spots for new grads to teach abroad.
Interact With Parents as a Teacher Abroad Featured

How Much Do You Interact With Parents as a Teacher Abroad?

By Richelle Gamlam on 01/03/2018
One of the scariest aspects of being a new teacher is meeting parents -- the same is true even if you've been teaching for years! Learn about when you might interact with parents while teaching abroad, situations where this occurs, and how to manage these interactions.
Demo Classes as a Teacher Abroad Featured

What You Need to Know About Demo Classes While Teaching Abroad

By Richelle Gamlam on 12/14/2017
You know you want to teach abroad, and then you hear the dreaded words: "demo class." Here's everything you need to know: learn what demo classes really are, how to prepare for one, and how to ace a demo class.
Do I Need a Recruiter to Land a Teach Abroad Placement Featured

Do I Need a Recruiter to Land a Teach Abroad Job?

By Richelle Gamlam on 12/04/2017
When you decide to teach abroad, you might wonder: Do I really need a recruiter to land a job teaching abroad? Learn more about recruiters, what they do, and when to use one to find a placement teaching abroad.
How to Manage a Large Classroom of Students While Teaching Abroad

How to Manage a Large Classroom of Students While Teaching Abroad

By Richelle Gamlam on 11/20/2017
As a new teacher, you may be surprised to learn how big a classroom of student you're expected to teach. Never fear! Our teach abroad experts have tips to help you manage a large classroom while teaching abroad.
What to Know About Teaching in Different Chinese-Speaking Regions Featured

What to Know About Teaching Abroad in Different Chinese-Speaking Regions

By Richelle Gamlam on 10/26/2017
Want to teach English to Chinese-speaking students? Whether you decide to teach in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or mainland China, here are the important details to keep in mind.
Understand Your Teaching Contract Featured

How to Completely Understand Your Teaching Abroad Contract

By Richelle Gamlam on 10/02/2017
If you're planning to teach abroad -- or just got your job offer -- it's important to understand what you're signing up for. Your teaching contract tells you a lot, and here's how to understand it all.

My Guides

Comment Title Attached To Post Date
Great question!… What's the normal workload for teachers in China? 09/30/2017
I think the most challenging… What's the most challenging part of teaching in China? 09/30/2017
Definitely! I've been living… Is it realistic to make a career and build a life teaching English in China? 09/30/2017
Hi Kayla!
If you're a native 		I have done a TEFL course but do not have any other qualifications. What countries can I still teach English in? 09/20/2016
I actually created a salary What is the range of salary I will receive in this field? 09/20/2016
I definitely think so! I have Is it realistic to make a career and build a life teaching English at any of these countries? 09/20/2016
Hi Lauren,
I actually wrote a 		What places are hiring English teachers in China? 09/20/2016
Just to add to CIEE's What’s the normal workload for teachers in China? 09/20/2016
I actually had a friend teach How do you go about teaching in Burma? Is it safe to teach there? 09/20/2016
it depends on the country. Do you need a TEFL certificate to teach overseas? 09/10/2016
In China, usually teachers in Can you come home for holidays while teaching overseas? 09/10/2016
As someone who has taught and Is it dodgy to work for a school in China that has teachers working there illegally? 09/10/2016
Hi Shanequa,
That depends on 		What do I need to do to teach overseas if I don't have a specific certification? 09/10/2016
You may also want to apply What are some good options for me if I only want to teach abroad for a month or two? 09/10/2016
Saudi Arabia and the UAE tend What are my chances teaching in Middle East? 09/10/2016
Hi Allison,
I actually wrote 		How can I teach abroad with a family / kids? 09/10/2016
For clothes and shoes, most Is it smarter/cheaper to pack a lot now for teaching in China? Or should I wait to buy clothes when I get there? 09/10/2016
These salary expectation What are the qualifications like for teaching in the Middle East? 09/10/2016
Some schools in China Do I have to speak the local language to teach English abroad? 09/10/2016
Hey Robby! I actually did a What countries have the best salaries? 09/10/2016
Ideally, a TEFL with in-class Should I get tesl vs tefl certified? 09/10/2016
Hi Lindsay,
I also recommend 		Any recommendations for a good, affordable, online TEFL course? 08/27/2016
UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Which country offers the highest payment for teaching overseas? 08/27/2016
I did an on-site TEFL program Is an on-site TEFL certification worth the money? 08/27/2016
Cambodia is also a good Where can I teach if I don't have TEFL or CELTA certificates? 08/27/2016