Brain Food: We'd love that job - TEFL teacher - Jonathan Osman, Shane English School, Shanghai

How did you get the job? I've taken a year out from my job training restaurant staff in the UK to travel. When I was at home, I found myself day-dreaming all day long about wanting to do something different, about seeing the world. I had previous experience working with kids and I went for an interview. The idea behind taking a teaching job was to see another country and another culture. I would have gone anywhere in the world, but I've always had an interest in Asia.

Does reality match the dream? I didn't really have an idea of what to expect from living in China. Strangely, it's the simple things that are exciting, like trying to buy food - you get to see how everything works. It's not a nine-to-five job, so I get a lot of time to travel. I love exploring the city, from the brand-new buildings to the old parts. The cost of living compares favourably with the UK, so I'm able to have quite a good time on my salary. There's a very good social life - I'm often in karaoke bars in the early hours of the morning, and there are some great places to eat. You couldn't pay me to work in an office now.