Welcome – I’m Henry, and This is My Hub
I’ve spent over 20 years teaching English across the globe—from classrooms in China and Saudi Arabia to oilfields in Iraq and now online.
Along the way, I’ve helped hundreds of adult learners improve their communication skills and coached dozens of aspiring teachers into thriving online careers.
At Henry English Hub, I bring together everything I’ve learned—as a teacher, mentor, and lifelong learner—to support two kinds of people:
English learners who want confident, personalized lessons that deliver real results
Online English teachers ready to go from side hustle to solo business
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe great teaching starts with understanding. Not just of the subject matter, but of the person in front of you—whether that’s a language learner striving for fluency or an aspiring online teacher navigating unfamiliar terrain. Every student is different. Every Teacherpreneur is on a unique journey. And for teaching to truly make an impact, it must meet people where they are. That’s why I approach education with three core values: personalization, practicality, and support.
Personalized – Tailored to your goals, background, and progress
Practical – Rooted in real-world communication and teaching situations
Supportive – With honest feedback, flexible methods, and clear next steps
Teaching, to me, is not about being the expert in the room. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to become the best version of themselves. That’s what I strive to do—whether I’m teaching English to a corporate learner in Russia, helping a new online teacher land their first job, or guiding an educator as they launch their own online business.
Learning is a journey. Teaching is a partnership. And my philosophy is simple: meet people where they are, give them the tools to grow, and believe in what’s possible.
HEY, I’M HENRY - THE AUTHOR…
Hi, I’m Henry Lilienfield, a TEFL veteran with teaching experience across China, Taiwan, Sudan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, South Africa, and online.
With a law degree, two post-grad qualifications in Education Management and Development Studies, and a Level 5 TEFL Diploma, I bring deep knowledge and a practical approach to everything I teach—whether it’s English lessons or how to start your own online teaching business.
JOIN MY MAILING LIST
Teaching English Experiences Around the World
Follow my journey across seven countries and 8000+ online lessons as I teach English to learners from all walks of life. From rural classrooms in Sudan to online platforms connecting professionals worldwide, each post captures lessons learned, cultural insights, and the real-world stories that shaped my TEFL path.
Click each country pic to read the full story.
🇹🇼 Taiwan (2003 - 2004)
My TEFL journey began in Taiwan, where I taught both Kindergarten and after-school English classes to energetic young learners. It was my first deep dive into classroom management, game-based learning, and the nuances of East Asian education culture. I developed early teaching instincts, learned to adapt quickly, and discovered the power of visual aids, songs, and storytelling in engaging young minds. Taiwan gave me a solid foundation in teaching and awakened my passion for international education.
🇨🇳 China (2005-2006)
In mainland China, I taught Business English, Legal English, and conversational English to college students across several provinces, including Anhui, Guangdong, and Guangxi, with placements in cities such as Nanjing and Shanghai. The role exposed me to a wide range of learners and sharpened my skills in English for Specific Purposes (ESP). It was also a period of intense cross-cultural learning, as I navigated academic expectations, language barriers, and the rhythms of everyday life in rapidly modernizing cities.
🇸🇩 Sudan (2008)
Teaching in Khartoum, Sudan, brought both professional challenge and humanitarian purpose. I designed and delivered tailored ESP courses for professionals in the oil and Telecom sectors, while also contributing to community development. The experience demanded creativity, resilience, and compassion, as I adapted to limited resources, cultural sensitivities, and harsh working conditions. Sudan was a powerful reminder that teaching is about both language and impact, often in the most unexpected places.
🇴🇲 Oman (2008-2009)
In my first teaching assignment in Oman, I worked with Omani college students at the Ibri College of Applied Sciences, aiming to reach IELTS 4.5 so they could begin their studies in Education, Business, and IT—all taught in English. I focused on foundational grammar, writing skills, listening, and speaking practice. It was a period of deep cultural immersion and personal growth as I supported students transitioning into academic English.
🇿🇦 South Africa (2009-2011)
During this period, I worked across rural South African schools as part of an educational technology rollout in partnership with Learnthings Africa, Microsoft, Vodacom, and MTN. My role involved training both students and teachers in ICT skills, PC literacy, and the use of e-learning tools. It was hands-on, grassroots-level work that bridged the digital divide and empowered educators in under-resourced communities.
🇴🇲 Oman (2011-2012)
I returned to Oman for a second round of teaching at The Rustaq College of Applied Sciences, this time with more experienced learners. I taught English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to second-year Business Studies students, integrating business-related topics into reading, writing, listening, and speaking tasks. This phase allowed me to fine-tune my EAP methods and mentor students already embedded in academic life.
🇿🇦 South Africa (2013-2014)
Later, I transitioned into higher education, lecturing at CTI and Midrand Graduate Institute (MGI), both under Pearson South Africa. I taught Academic English, Business English, and Study Skills to pre-degree BCom and IT students, helping over 300 learners from diverse backgrounds prepare for university-level coursework. I also contributed as a Business English Examiner and was involved in pioneering the use of tablets for digital instruction—presenting findings at a national seminar.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia (2015)
I took on a pioneering role in rural Saudi Arabia, teaching EFL and ICT to Year 1 students at a newly launched vocational college under the Colleges of Excellence initiative. My focus was on equipping students with the English and computer skills needed for success in technical fields. I also led an environmental action research project that engaged students in real-world learning. It was a foundational and forward-looking teaching experience in a truly remote setting.
🇮🇶 Iraq (2018)
As ELT Project manager in Iraq’s Halfaya Oilfield, I led a four-month English foundation program for engineering trainees working with PetroChina. I managed a multinational team of trainers, ensuring alignment with company goals and cultural expectations. The project involved intensive planning, reporting, and coordination with Iraqi, Chinese, and Emirati stakeholders. It was a demanding, high-stakes role that pushed my leadership skills and remains one of the most rewarding of my career.
🌐 Online Teaching (2017–Present)
I transitioned fully online seven years ago and have since delivered over 8,000 EFL and Business English lessons through leading platforms like Skyeng, EF, Hujiang, and italki. Specialising in helping corporate professionals develop real-world communication and soft skills, I continue to connect learners worldwide through tailored, high-impact online training.
Global Detours: My Pre-TEFL Path
1️⃣ Kibbutz Volunteer – Israel (1997)
My journey started in 1997 on kibbutz Kfar Blum, located in the Upper Galilee, in the northern part of Israel. Working and living communally with other volunteers from all over the world showed me what cross-cultural community life really means—and sparked my first taste of global adventure and travel. More here.
2️⃣ Working-Holiday in the UK (1997–1998)
After volunteering in Israel, I spent half a year working in the UK, mostly as a kitchen porter at Champneys' Health Spa and helping at the local pub in Wigginton on weekends. This period taught me adaptability and the art of showing up—skills that later shaped my approach to TEFL. More here.
3️⃣ Education Specialist – Somaliland (2002)
My first serious education project abroad came in 2002, when I worked as an Education Specialist for a New York-based NGO, called Hope Worldwide, in Somaliland for six months. This experience showed me that teaching can change lives anywhere, long before I ever set foot in a TEFL classroom. More here.
© Henry English Hub 2025 - www. henryenglishhub.com