Yesterday was a good day, a day of achieving, and a day of opportunity. I was asked to be involved in a project that would take me overseas; teach acting in China for two weeks, flight, room & board paid for.
It's just what I've been looking for, a chance to get away, a chance to build my resume, to go somewhere amazing and new, to learn... but I keep stopping myself.
I have a little teaching experience, but I feel it is not enough to make me worthy of this trip. I cost a lot just to bring to China. I don't speak Chinese (though nobody said I'd have to), I don't have an MFA or even a BFA in teaching or directing (just a lib studies B.A.)...
When I was offered the job, I was excited about it. I thought for a couple hours I could really do it. So did the person who asked me. But now I'm second guessing myself.
Is it unethical for me to take this job? Does it matter? If I stay in the U.S. I'll be taken advantage of just because I have little experience and only an undergraduate degree... But if I go, I'd have some experience, and in China!
It makes me really sad to think of not going... but I don't want to cheat the people hiring me. I know if I went I would work very hard to be worthy of them. I have three months to decide. Should I go?

[geis]

If they hired you and you were honest on your resume, then they obviously do think you're qualified for the job. I've found the skill of a teacher has little to do with the number of degrees they have.

And even if you find out that teaching isn't your forte, it's only two weeks. It's not like you'd be stuck with it forever.

My advice is to go for it.

[Thunder Bow]

You MUST Go! Take the risk and feel proud about doing it. This a time for Pride not self doubt.

[lovesdogs99]

GO GO GO, it's a once in a lifetime chance. You have three months where you can practice and become more confident. If you don't think you're good enough.. You are. It'll be a missed chance if you don't go. It'll be a great opportunity to get better too.

[doyoutrustme]

Go for it, at the very least you will come home with a funny story.

[BLUEDOVE]

I think the point you make is about your integrity,
and should you dispense with it and go. You obviously DO have integrity or you would not have
mentioned this at all. If you are to keep it,you will
have to not betray self,and not betray employers.
Why not tell them the TRUTH,but you think you
will manage job anyway,but you place importance
on your honor too,which is why you are now telling
them?

[WantToGrow]

I understand the self-doubt thing, but as others have said, if you were honest about who you are and won the job, then clearly the employer sees good in you and has confidence in your abilities. As you said, you know you would do everything you could to do a good job, so you are ethical and responsible. If you put aside your self-doubt and really would otherwise want to do this, then go for it! Once you are there and engaged, the fear and hesitation you have now will be a thing of the past and your confidence will blossom as you achieve goals put before you.

What a great opportunity!

[cool09]

I have a little teaching experience, but I feel it is not enough to make me worthy of this trip

What level would you be teaching: beginner, intermediate? You have nothing to lose, imo. If you go and only one person learns something from you then you have succeeded, imo. How did these people in China find you? Reference? It's also a chance to build your self-confidence and learn some things about teaching if you feel that you are just satisfactory. Good luck.

Thanks everyone!!! I just read all of your posts now, and was still feeling bad about it, but now I'm just gonna go for it! Thanks for the support, I do think it will be a good experience and in a few months I can work on my skills (and maybe beginning Chinese...) and if I put all my effort into this, it won't be in vain! Thanks again

[geis]

Chinese is a really fun language to learn, BTW. At least it was for me.

Wishing you the very best of luck!