| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
newinSeoul
Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 64
|
 Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:44 am Post subject: Summer Camp? |
 |
|
Has anyone worked for summer camp in Taiwan. Specifically American English Village camp? How was the experience overall? I want to hear from people who have worked there if the accomodations are decent and the food etc..whether they pay what they say or not. Any information appreciated.
Cheers |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Aristotle
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Posts: 1388
Location: Taiwan
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DirtGuy
Joined: 28 Dec 2004
Posts: 529
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:10 am Post subject: |
|
|
I worked at ALV's winter camp and then they offered me a job for this summer. Declined the offer due to the horrible summer weather but I will work for them again this winter.
Here are my observations for what they are worth:
1. Don't bring any teaching materials as they provide everything you need. You will get just a little bit of leeway in how/what you teach but best to just go along with the flow and do it their way.
2. Every teacher gets a TA assigned to them. You still do all the teaching but the TAs keep you on track and help with any cultural problems. It's a nice set-up.
3. They paid for accomodations, some meals, phone card, transportation to and from school and picked me up at the airport plus a set fee for my teaching time. Expect to split a room with at least one other teacher but sometimes more. I stayed in a hotel that was walking distance to the train station in Taipei.
4. Expect them to change the terms of your contract and usually at the last moment. They pay extra if you work more hours but do not expect the contract you initially signed to be what you actually do.
5. You will work your butt off both physically and mentally. Your day starts with a wake up call at 6:00 or 6:30 and sometimes school does not end until 9:00 or later. Which means you don't get back to the hotel until much later than that. The program is pretty much non-stop and any break time for the students means meeting/prep time for the teachers.
6. It will help immensly if you like to dance and are good at helping your students create skits for "graduation." A high energy level and lots of stamina are another two essentials.
7. Don't stress on things. They have been doing this for a long time and they make things work. Technically, you are working illegally but who gives a s---. I worked on a landing visa and left on the day it expired.
I have to admit I have probably never worked so hard in my life yet I had a good time. I plan to return for the next winter session and am really looking forward to it.
Hope this helps.
DirtGuy |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
newinSeoul
Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 64
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 3:34 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Thank you both for the helpful information! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 6:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
I also worked for ALV. I worked there summer 2003. I was thinking about going there this summer but instead I will travel China with my parents. I was offered a job and then turned it down.
Like Dirt Guy said, everything is planned out. You don't really have to think nor do you have time to. The biggest thing, I think is to know a lot of games. It seemed that they did not want me to teach but to play games during the lessons. They gave me a book but then complained when I did the exercises in the book. It is better to play hangman and stuff than teach a lesson. So learn some new games and you will be fine. Also you have to develop a skit for your homeroom. So if you are not into skits I would suggest learning one or two before you show up, it will make your life easier. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
