Job Discussion Forums

Capergirl · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2003 11:50 pm Post subject: Fare Thee Well

My Arabic students are all finished their ESL program as of today. They received their certificates this afternoon, then we had a nice celebratory dinner, and tomorrow they will fly home for their vacation. It was only a month ago that I went through the very same thing with my African students. I miss them already. Sad

I think I get too attached to my students...even though they are adults, I feel like they are my kids. Confused

Does anyone else go through this when students complete their courses and move on? Razz

NK2001 · Joined: 22 Jun 2003 Posts: 8

I can empathize, I miss my students too. I work at a college and I'm only a few years older than some of my students, actually some of the ones that take the non-credit classes are older than me but I also refer to my students as "my kids." I've already seen one class graduate and I miss some of them a lot. It's really nice to hear from them once in a while, a couple have even dropped by. Boy, it sure makes me feel old.

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

When I finished my job in Japan it was prettty anticlimatic. Then again, I wasn't really close to many of the students, and we knew that would happen for a while.

I felt a bit of a pang of loss with my Chinese students, but as they and I will all be returning next year (I taught no seniors)the real test will be next year....

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I quit a two-year job in exasperation over the worsening treatment being meted out to me. The decision was vital - either I would take the initiative, or the school would muddle along until the last day, then leave me in a puddle.
I am sorely missing some of my colleagues and their sunny frames of mind towards me and our charges; I am also missing those little friends of mine, in fact, over 500 of them. Not one of the kids was unfriendly or even indifferent to me. How do adults call little children in Chinese? Right - 'xiao pengyou', or 'our little friends'.

I had a stand-in job in a different kindergarten. From day one, it was a breeze (as it had been in my first year at my two-year job). Helpful colleagues, very enthusiastic children, even a very friendly private school boss. My stand-in term came to its planned end, and I was offered another short-term employment at a primary school. The same scenario repeated itself - everything went smoothly. HOw can you NOT miss anybody when it comes to its natural conclusion?
But, I was kept on for another term. The school had a contract with an expat teacher that was unable to fly in on time. I was therefore asked to stand in. I started this job with great enthusiasm, and on day 2, they came to offer me A HIKE TO MY HOURLY WAGE.
Now, I have completed that job and am in HK, waiting for a new visa and to return to the mainland to start my summer holiday.
But, I am missing a lot more people than I ever did before.

Capergirl · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2003 11:34 am Post subject:

I never missed the kids I taught in Korea...then again, they were an unruly bunch (what's with that duk-jeep game anyway? Jeez Laughing

). When I left Taiwan, however, I was totally heartbroken. I'd had a few classes that were my own and some that I co-taught with Taiwanese teachers. The students I had in my own classes I saw the most, so I missed them the most when I left. Some of them wrote to me for a couple of years afterwards. I've lost touch with all of them now but I still think about them from time to time. Sad

I didn't think I would miss my adult students, but surprisingly enough I do. Confused

cafebleu · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 404

Good for you - you have managed to develop a relationship with your students, something that some teachers never manage to do. Or maybe don`t want to do. I am in Japan and find that while I can stay in contact with a few, it is difficult to do once you move on.

Not always but many times there is a purpose to friendship with foreigners here. I find that some ex students consider me to have served a passing purpose and because there is nothing concrete such as arranging a homestay that I can do for them, they don`t want to know me. However, there are a few with whom I am in contact still. They don`t make `What can my ex teacher do for me?` their objective.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2003 8:51 am Post subject:

I'm planning to leave KSA in two months and the thing I am absolutely dreading the most is saying good bye to my students. I became extremely close - maybe too close for professional purposes - with my girls here - they used to say I was their 'big sister' and I'm going to hate leaving them. I've had my ups and downs with them, but definately more ups than downs.
The thing is, I know that once i leave here, that will be it. Saudi girls hardly ever get the chance to go abroad, certainly not independently. So, while I may keep in touch by email, it really will be goodbye.

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

Hey Capergirl I am the only one catching your musical references I think it's safe to say. Wink

I am related (only by marriage though) to them... SO what was the question again??? Ahhh....OK I miss my Chinese students at least the ones I spoke to socially....As for most students though---GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

Capergirl · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2003 4:09 pm Post subject:

Hi Gerard...I think you are right, my fellow Caper. Wink

You are related to the Rankins? That's very cool indeed. That means you're practically royalty in these parts. Very Happy

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

Can I print that out as a reference!!! Cool

Since I am illegal in Korea (God I want to puke just saying korea) nobody wants to give me a reference...After one of them reported me to Immigration....!!! And they were lying the whole time!!! NURSE!!! NURSE!!! Haha It is hard to remain civil with these clowns that cheated and lied through the Olympics and the World Cup and then blame everybody else...I hate YOU!!!

khmerhit · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2003 7:07 pm Post subject:

Gerard, you need a holiday old chap. somewhere quiet like Rankin Inlet.

Capergirl · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2003 2:27 am Post subject:

Gerard, you're illegal in Korea? Do I want to know this story? Shocked

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

Gerard - ouch. Being illegal in Korea is a song I hope never to dance to. Hang in there. I'm not a Caper - but only by about 60km or so to the "wrong" side of The Casueway (Antigonowhere). (Ooh . . . let's see anyone besides maybe binx get all that.... Twisted Evil

)

I'm teaching a part time class of mostly high school students right now. Only about a dozen or so of them. They're a great bunch of kids - and they're great at expressing themselves with drama! I'm going to miss them fiercely when the class ends in a week. Crying or Very sad

Capergirl · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2003 12:10 am Post subject:

@Wolf...Only bnix would get that? Come on now, give the other Bluenosers a little credit. Wink

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth