Things have been moving very quickly. I do have more information about the place I am going to, including the College. I still don't have my Visa, nor my tickets, and I won't collect them until the day before I go.
Yesterday in amongst all the things I have to do I sprained my ankle too. I didn't think it too bad when I first did it but over the next few hours it got worse, so I ended up at the doctor. I'd iced it, and taken analgaesics, but it was very difficult to walk. The doctor strapped it and gave me a note to get it xrayed today if necessary, but luckily it seems to be improving already - just 24 hours later than when I did it.
I had made contact with someone who had recently returned from the college at Shaoxing, and she gave me some of the information I had been seeking, which was good. And yesterday I went to the Australian college for a session on "Cultural Awareness" which was interesting, and I met the two guys I will be travelling with. One of them had returned last year from working at the college, and the other is new to teaching English, just like me.
I can't imagine what the school will be like really - oh, I've seen photos, but it is hard to contemplate the logistics of a school of 9,000 students who board at the school. It has 4 canteens - so we can choose which ones we go to to eat at.
The toilet (bathroom facilities) sound like they will be an interesting experience - even in the teacher's quarters. I'm not looking forward to that!
The students are around the 18 t0 22 years of age mark, and their English is pretty good, although they only use it in the class. As well they learn other languages so it must be hard for them.
From a teaching prospective the facilities are poor. Blackboard and chalk. For one that is used to using videos, computer, data projector it will be a challenge. As well there are no printing or photocopying facilities, so one has to be creative. Especially with so many adult students in a class.
And I won't know until I get there, what I will be teaching! Of course the most important part is the teaching English, but I believe I will also be teaching History, and Meeting Procedure subjects. Mmmm.
Showing posts with label Teach International. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teach International. Show all posts
Thursday, 14 February 2008
Monday, 14 January 2008
The course completes.
What a course! I loved it - but not the pressure. I've not ever been on a course where so much was achieved in so short a time. We attended the course on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night from 6 pm to 10 pm and on Saturday and Sunday we were in class from 9 am to 6 pm. And it was full on! And at times quiet a lot of pressure. Most students seemed to be stressed by it all, but we all survived our assessment and just before 6 pm on Sunday night, we received our certificates and headed home!
First of all, I must say they were a great bunch of students. All 19 of them. There's not one of them that I would not be happy to meet, travel with, or socialise with. I probably was not the oldest of the students and most were much younger than me. All great people.
As we were leaving someone suggested that "we have a beer". I initially chose not to join them. I was "knackered" and keen to get home, as I had to move out of my house sit house as well. And I hardly had the energy to scratch myself.
But as I walked to the Roma St Railway Station I realised that those that were going to the pub were walking with me and in the end I went into the Transcontintal Hoteal with them and had a much welcome glass of wine (Verdello). I stayed for a while, and then left in time to catch my train home.
When I arrived home I turned on my computer to see if any emails of importance had arrived - and there was one from Teach International - congratulating me. It was a brilliant gesture from the the trainers.
I eventually went to bed at 10.30 pm. Tired and happy.
First of all, I must say they were a great bunch of students. All 19 of them. There's not one of them that I would not be happy to meet, travel with, or socialise with. I probably was not the oldest of the students and most were much younger than me. All great people.
As we were leaving someone suggested that "we have a beer". I initially chose not to join them. I was "knackered" and keen to get home, as I had to move out of my house sit house as well. And I hardly had the energy to scratch myself.
But as I walked to the Roma St Railway Station I realised that those that were going to the pub were walking with me and in the end I went into the Transcontintal Hoteal with them and had a much welcome glass of wine (Verdello). I stayed for a while, and then left in time to catch my train home.
When I arrived home I turned on my computer to see if any emails of importance had arrived - and there was one from Teach International - congratulating me. It was a brilliant gesture from the the trainers.
I eventually went to bed at 10.30 pm. Tired and happy.
Friday, 11 January 2008
TESOL Classes
I've attended my first two TESOL Classes at Teach International - two nights from 6 pm to 10 am. And I've got more to go. Tonight 6 to 10 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. I'm going to be a mess on Monday!
As well on Sunday I move out of my house sit.! Pressure!
Last night we learned about the proper documents for applying for postiions at overseas school. My resume or CV which might be good for Australian positions needs updating to cater for overseas readers. That I will do this morning and resubmit.
Each class has been full on. No wasted time. All 19 or so students are enthusiastic and all very well involved in the sessions.
Last night one of the other students and I asked to leave 20 minutes early, so that we could catch a train. To save a long lonely hour wait on the railway station. So we finished quickly, and got ready to run, raced down the stairs and found we were locked in. Myfriend ran upstairs to find someone with the key!
We made a hasty retreat all along George St to the Roma St Railway Station and made it with a few minutes to spare. Phew!
We did get a little homework to do too. Busy days.
As well on Sunday I move out of my house sit.! Pressure!
Last night we learned about the proper documents for applying for postiions at overseas school. My resume or CV which might be good for Australian positions needs updating to cater for overseas readers. That I will do this morning and resubmit.
Each class has been full on. No wasted time. All 19 or so students are enthusiastic and all very well involved in the sessions.
Last night one of the other students and I asked to leave 20 minutes early, so that we could catch a train. To save a long lonely hour wait on the railway station. So we finished quickly, and got ready to run, raced down the stairs and found we were locked in. Myfriend ran upstairs to find someone with the key!
We made a hasty retreat all along George St to the Roma St Railway Station and made it with a few minutes to spare. Phew!
We did get a little homework to do too. Busy days.
Thursday, 10 January 2008
A New Adventure
Several years ago I completed a degree at Griffith University - a Ba of Adult and Vocational Teaching (as it turns out majoring in Literacy and Numeracy), and all along I have been interested in teaching English. I did a little literacy tutoring - but my first client was difficult. Seldom turning up, and wasting my time so I gave it up at the time.
Some months ago I started researching Teaching English overseas, and late in the year started a TESOL course. TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I have spent a lot of time researching and feel that I could be well suited to a program of Teaching Medical English to use my nursing knowledge. So I set out to do the course. I have completed some of it on-line, and am currently doing the in-class component of the course at Teach International.
Some time ago when I was speaking with the folk who own the house that I am housesitting while they are overseas, Mr G put me in touch with his sister who works for a college that trains and finds employment for TESOL teachers, and organises work experience and volunteering and cultural exchanges.
I made contact with them advising them that I would be in touch when I had done my studies, but I was surprised to receive an email from them asking me to submit my CV, which I did.
An interview followed and the prospect of employment at a school in Shaoxing, China, was discussed.
Last night I finished the first day of the Teach International in class component of the TESOL Course. During the day I received a phone call and more information about the position in Shaoxing, and I have committed to making a decision and completing the documents by next Tuesday.
This is the start of a new adventure for me. Hence the new blog.
Some months ago I started researching Teaching English overseas, and late in the year started a TESOL course. TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I have spent a lot of time researching and feel that I could be well suited to a program of Teaching Medical English to use my nursing knowledge. So I set out to do the course. I have completed some of it on-line, and am currently doing the in-class component of the course at Teach International.
Some time ago when I was speaking with the folk who own the house that I am housesitting while they are overseas, Mr G put me in touch with his sister who works for a college that trains and finds employment for TESOL teachers, and organises work experience and volunteering and cultural exchanges.
I made contact with them advising them that I would be in touch when I had done my studies, but I was surprised to receive an email from them asking me to submit my CV, which I did.
An interview followed and the prospect of employment at a school in Shaoxing, China, was discussed.
Last night I finished the first day of the Teach International in class component of the TESOL Course. During the day I received a phone call and more information about the position in Shaoxing, and I have committed to making a decision and completing the documents by next Tuesday.
This is the start of a new adventure for me. Hence the new blog.
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