Being an online ESL tutor has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It’s more than just teaching English—it’s a two-way street where my students not only learn from me but also impart invaluable lessons that have shaped me both professionally and personally. Every class feels like a rich cultural exchange, filled with moments of growth, reflection, and inspiration.
When I first started teaching, I assumed my role was simply to provide guidance, help my students communicate in English, and boost their confidence. What I didn’t expect was how much they would teach me. Over time, I began to realise that my students were offering me some of the most important life lessons, reshaping the way I see the world and pushing me to constantly evolve.
Here are 12 of the most valuable lessons my students taught me:
To be open-minded
Teaching students from different cultural backgrounds has shown me the importance of openness. I've learned to embrace diverse perspectives and recognise that what may seem unusual to one person can be perfectly normal to someone else.
To be respectful at all times
Regardless of language barriers or differences in opinions, mutual respect has been the foundation of my relationships with students. This has taught me the true value of respect in all interactions.
To be patient and understanding
Learning a new language is tough, and every student learns at their own pace. Through their struggles, I’ve learned to cultivate patience, not just in teaching but in all areas of my life. Sometimes, slowing down is the best way to move forward.
To be resilient
Many of my students have shared stories of resilience—overcoming challenges not only in learning English but also in their personal lives. Their perseverance reminds me to stay strong in the face of adversity and to keep going, no matter how tough things get.
To be kind and compassionate
In each session, I aim to create a supportive environment where students feel safe to express themselves. This process has helped me understand the power of kindness and compassion in making others feel valued and understood.
To stay humble
Every day, I am reminded that no matter how much I think I know, there is always more to learn. My students' humility in the face of learning something new encourages me to remain grounded and approach life with curiosity.
To be supportive
As a tutor, I am in a unique position to offer support and encouragement. But it’s been the support my students have shown one another—and sometimes even me—that has taught me how vital it is to lift others up in their journey.
To become an attentive and empathetic listener
Teaching isn’t just about speaking; it’s about truly listening to what your students need. By learning to listen with empathy, I’ve become more attuned to their feelings, helping them feel heard and understood, which has enriched our learning experience.
To accept that it is okay to make mistakes and not have all the answers
Many students are initially hesitant to speak for fear of making mistakes. But those errors are part of the learning process, and my students have taught me to embrace imperfection—not only in them but also in myself.
To recognise that we are all unique
Each student brings something different to the table, whether it’s their personality, experiences, or learning style. Celebrating these differences has made me realise that our uniqueness is what makes us truly special.
To be carefree and optimistic
Some of my younger students, in particular, remind me of the importance of staying carefree and optimistic. Their joy and enthusiasm are contagious, encouraging me to approach life with the same playful energy and hope.
To never stop learning
Perhaps the most important lesson of all: learning never ends. Whether it’s a new word, a cultural insight, or a different way of thinking, my students continuously remind me that life is an endless journey of discovery.
A Rewarding Journey
Being an online ESL tutor has been an incredibly rewarding journey. My students have positively influenced and enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined. I’ve grown not just as a tutor but as a person, learning to be more open, compassionate, and adaptable. Their insights and experiences have inspired me to continuously strive for self-improvement and to remain curious about the world.
Every lesson is a reminder that learning is a shared journey—one that goes beyond grammar rules or vocabulary lists. It’s about connection, understanding, and growth. I am deeply grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from my students, and I’m excited for the many more yet to come. Together, we continue to explore not just the English language, but also the beauty of learning, connection, and the human spirit.
Here’s to the ongoing journey of discovery we share—and to never, ever stopping the learning process!
Watch out for the next post about ‘Living in the UK’ where I share my thoughts and feelings about my life here in the UK for the last 5 years. In the meantime, you may also be interested in ‘Travelling and Learning'.
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