About Donovan​

Travel Blogger. ESL Teacher. Optimistic Millennial Adventurer. 

My incredible journey in the world of ESL, or teaching English as second language, began back in 2009. It was the good ol' days: I was in my early twenties, fresh out of college, and ready to take on the world. Nothing could stop me.

And then everything fell into place. An overseas ESL opportunity appeared, the interview came, my visa was approved, and by late December, just after Christmas, I packed my bags, left my comfort zone, and boarded an international flight to Seoul, South Korea, where I'd undergo my first ever ESL teaching job at an English winter immersion camp for kids. ​This job, only month's duration, turned out to be one fascinating adventure that would change my life forever.

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​Just How Exactly Did I End Up Teaching English Abroad?

Read more about how my incredible ESL journey began. Find out why I chose China as my final destination and how I prepared for a life changing move to a country on the opposite end of the globe!

Read the Full Article ➜

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So I moved back to Los Angeles, my hometown, and I'd manage an after school tutoring and enrichment program for middle school students. But, something was missing. My soul itched to return overseas—to relive that exciting life of living and working in a foreign culture on the opposite end of the planet.

​And by 2012, well, I'd get another chance. This time around? China. I'd accept a 1-year position teaching English in a 'small' town called Kunshan, which was about 15-minutes out from Shanghai by high-speed train China. 

Fast forward about 7.5 years later and, it's crazy--I've been blessed with an extraordinary journey. I've learned more than I ever could've imagined about cultures around the world. I've taught thousands of kids, met people from nearly every corner of the globe, and made dozens of unforgettable trips across China, it's neighboring regions, and to far away countries like Australia and Dubai. 

I'm PROUD to say that my life teaching English abroad has been one heck of a fulfilling adventure. I've got so many great stories to tell, so many photos and videos for you to see, and so many resources to share.

Don's ESL Adventure

​And with that, I created Don's ESL Adventure as a platform to showcase any and everything covering my life exciting teaching English abroad, living and working in China, and travels across the world.

Case and point: I want you to know how I did it. I want you to see what I did. And I just hope that one day you can experience what I've experienced. After all, you might just have the time of your life, too. 

And thus, welcome to Don's ESL Adventure!

Let's get started! Check out an in-depth statement about my vision and mission for Don's ESL Adventure ...

Vision & Mission

Sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. I've got plenty of articles to keep you informed, entertained, and engaged. 

Click on any article Below to get started!

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​30+ Top Things to Do & Places to See in China That Aren't Shanghai or Beijing

Find out about exciting trips to make across China. I guarantee that you've never heard of many of these fascinating destinations and experiences, which is all the more reason to take a peek ...

Read the Full Article ➜

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F**k it. Shut up and Travel

There was a time where I said "F**k it." I had saved some money, finished my ESL teaching contract, and decided that I was going to travel the world unhinged. Wherever I wanted to go, I went. And well, at one point in your left, I'd hope you'd do the same thing. 

Read the Full Article ➜

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The 1st Year: What to Expect Teaching English Abroad in China

You've probably arrived here looking for some insight into teaching English Abroad. And well, maybe you're also considering a job opportunity in China, just like I once did. I'm here to tell you everything you can expect during you're first your as an ESL teacher in China. . 

Read the Full Article ➜

See More Articles ...

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Or, find out more about me ...

Travel Bucket List
1. Switzerland
2. Senegal
3. Antartica
4. Stonehenge
5. Northern Lights

Top Places Visited
1. Hong Kong
2. Sydney, Australia
3. Dubai
4. Singapore
5. Guilin, China

Top Career Goals
1. Blogger / Content Writer
2. Author
3. Screenwriter
4. Director
​5. Artist

Top Places to Work
1. Disney
2. Universal 
3. Discovery
4. KCET
5. NASA

Top Favorite Movies
1. Independence Day
2. The Matrix
3. Inglorious Basterds
4. The Lion King
5. The Departed

Top Favorite TV Shows
1. Seinfeld
2. The Fresh Prince
3. Batman / Superman
4. Entourage
​5. People vs. OJ Simp ..

Top Favorite Hobbies
1. Watching Movies
2. Traveling
3. Writing
4. Capoeira
5. Practicing MMA

Top Sports to Watch
1. UFC / MMA
2. Boxing
3. Basketball
4. Gymnastics
5. Track & Field (100-m)

Top Celebrity Crushes
1. Reagen Gomez-Preston
2. Sanaa Lathan
3. Meagan Good
4. Tanashe
5. Jessica Lucas

Top Video/Comp. Games
1. GTA V
2. COD: Black Ops II
3. Golden Eye
4. Smash Brothers
​5. Roller Coaster Tycoon

Top Favorite Rappers
1. Jay-Z
2. Snoop Dogg
3. T.I.
4. Tupac
5. DJ Quik

Top Things to Do Traveling 
1. Bus Tour
2. Observation Deck
3. Cruise
4. Local Cuisine
5. Stage Show

Top Music Videos
1. Fatty Girl
2. Thriller
3. Men in Black
4. Crossroads
5. Ups and Downs

Top Comic Book/Anime
1. Batman
2. Superman
3. Goku (DBZ)
4. Green Lantern 
​5. Ryu 

Disney Movies
1. The Lion King
2. A Goofy Movie
3. Toy Story
4. Aladdin
5. Moana

Websites I Check Daily
1. Yahoo
2. Facebook
3. Youtube
4. Don's ESL Adventure
5. VladTV