Imagine two best friends, just 11 years old, hatching a plan to travel the world together. Sounds like a childhood fantasy, right? But for Sonia Holland and Erin O'Brien, this dream became a reality, and their journey is nothing short of inspiring. But here's where it gets controversial: could teaching English abroad be the key to unlocking your travel dreams?
These two childhood friends, both 26, grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and have been inseparable since they met at the age of six. Their shared passion for adventure led them to devise a grand plan at 11: to explore the globe together. They even started a small business selling brownies to their neighbors, saving every penny in a bank account dedicated to their future travels. Although their initial savings didn't amount to much and they eventually lost access to the account, their dream remained unwavering.
After completing their college degrees—Holland in business and O'Brien in science—they decided it was time to turn their childhood fantasy into reality. 'We were single, fresh out of college, and thought, why not?' O'Brien told Business Insider. Despite having no formal teaching qualifications, their years of tutoring during college gave them the confidence to explore teaching opportunities abroad.
And this is the part most people miss: the idea to teach English in Asia came from an unexpected source—a guy Holland once dated, who mentioned his ex had taught in China. This casual comment sparked their interest, and soon they were researching teaching programs across Asia. Initially, South Korea seemed like the most practical choice, as China's borders were still closed in 2022 due to the pandemic.
For a year, they taught at a private English academy in Suwon, just outside Seoul. The workload was intense, with up to 10 lessons a day and minimal breaks. However, a coworker who had previously taught in China raved about the better working conditions, ample vacation time, friendly locals, and affordability. This planted the seed for their next move.
After their stint in South Korea, they spent a few months backpacking through Europe and then returned to South Africa to take up desk jobs in their respective fields. This period of reflection helped them confirm that teaching abroad was still their true calling. When China reopened its borders, they seized the opportunity and applied to schools across several cities, eventually landing jobs in Guangzhou, a bustling economic hub in southern China.
Guangzhou offers the perfect balance of affordability and connectivity, making it an ideal base for their adventures. They found a spacious two-bedroom apartment near their school, with rent subsidized by their employer. Their schedule is manageable, with weekdays from 8:40 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. and a generous two-hour lunch break. The school provides three meals a day, and they often use their lunch break to hit the gym, relax, or catch up on their favorite shows.
Weekends are for exploring—strolling through parks, enjoying picnics, meeting friends for karaoke or spa visits, and indulging in local cuisine like barbecue and hot pot. They've also started vlogging their experiences on YouTube, occasionally traveling to other provinces to document their adventures.
But here's the kicker: adjusting to life in China wasn't without its challenges. From navigating the cashless payment system dominated by apps like WeChat and Alipay to adapting to the nap culture prevalent among both students and adults, every day brought new surprises. The sensory overload of bright lights, loud noises, and bustling streets was also a significant adjustment. Yet, they've found the experience incredibly rewarding, fostering independence, resilience, and a broader perspective on life.
Through it all, their friendship has been their greatest asset. 'We have each other,' Holland said, emphasizing the importance of mutual support. This bond has made all the difference, and they both agree they likely wouldn't have taken this leap without one another.
So, what do you think? Could you see yourself teaching abroad to fund your travel dreams? Or do you believe there are better ways to achieve this goal? Let us know in the comments—we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
