The story of the rise and fall of the online EFL industry serving China: An Early Preview for Online ESL Teachers.
Registrations have closed but we are taking names for future viewings. Please fill in the form below if you would like to be notified of any updates!
Registrations have closed.
Thanks to everyone who joined the premieres!
Free Live Premiere
Limited Spots Open
About the Film
In 2020, there were over 100,000 Americans teaching English to millions of Chinese students online. With billions of dollars in venture capital funding, the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) industry was poised to become the largest sector in the ed tech space. Then, in 2021, with US-China tensions rising, the industry collapsed overnight with the announcement of a new policy restricting for-profit education in China. English Hustle follows teachers in the USA and the Philippines living through this rollercoaster, with insights from experts on Chinese history, politics and foreign affairs.
Discussion
A 10 - 15 minute discussion with Charles, the director, about the development and concept behind the film.
Early Film Preview
The film is 32 minutes in length and we will be previewing the entire film for you live on Monday March 13th at 10:00am EST.
Live Q&A
After the premiere of the film, we will be answering your questions for the final 10-15 minutes!
About the Director
Charles Abelmann
Trained as an educational researcher, Abelmann has extensive experience working in education in the US and China. He managed World Bank education projects in China and has led private and public schools in the US and advised Chinese school leaders and policy makers. He previously produced a film about John Dewey’s travels to China by retracing his steps with twelve student filmmakers.
Some of the film characters...
Teacher Lexi
NOBELSVILLE, INDIANA, USA
All from a basement closet in her Indiana home, Lexi taught for twelve different EFL companies, gained a sizable YouTube following through her EFL-centered vlog, and earned enough from teaching and affiliate marketing to fund the extracurricular activities of her seven homeschooled children.
Teacher Tim
BANGKOK, THAILAND
The EFL industry affords Tim the opportunity to live the life of a digital nomad. He details his travels on his popular YouTube channel, OnlineTeacherDude.
Teacher Jean
BAGO APLAYA, DAVAO, PHILIPPINES
As a single mother, Jean’s employment at 51Talk, a Philippines-based EFL company, helps her support her three daughters as she completes her own college education.
Join the waitlist for future viewings.
.png)