Job Discussion Forums

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I'm not insulted - the guy's just being honest. "I've tried other things and they bored me. I heard this TEFL deal can help me get a job overseas - tell me more."

Good luck to the OP. Yeah, Korea could be a good starting gig to get your feet wet and decide whether you want to stay in TEFL long term.

cangringo · Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 327 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Chancellor · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 7:59 pm Post subject:

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Im defining it by the fact that I could have done more, or didnt do as well as my ability would suggest....not living up to my potential.

To be honest, Ive not done much I believe in, and that was my problem. For me, I feel the TEFL route is something, so far, I do believe in, and I get a lot of satisfaction from what I have done.

Maybe the OP can find a similar level of satisfaction.

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

Nick, enjoy and learn from your time in Hainan, get your degree, then do a post grad TESOL add-on [rather than a one month "certificate"]. You are then set to TEFL away in most countries, including your home. You're young enough to make a career out of it, and I wish you well.
When you become as jaded and cynical as some on this forum, it's time to get out.

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 8:44 pm Post subject:

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I could very easily take this miles and miles off topic by disucssing that last point further - success and how we measure it. BUT that wouldnt be fair to the OP...

But what I will say, and I say this in the hope that it serves as a motivating factor to the OP, is that I wish some of my old colleagues who felt disapointed in me, or my family members who wish Id pushed on more at home could have seen me in some of my classes.

I think if they could have seen me in class, no matter how they perceive my success (or lack of) at home, I think they would have been very proud, and very impressed...

And that is why I wish the OP well....because in my limited experience, the sense of satisfaction, of appreciation, and the feeling of a job well done, far outweighs many of the traditional symbols of success etc we may normally recognise.

Seeing the penny finally drop with a puzzled student, having them all laugh when one of your jokes work, having them enjoy a lesson and thank you afterward, and actually seeing them grow in confidence, and hopefully ability......

Fantastic.....it really is....as Im sure all types of teaching sometimes can be....maybe if you have been in the game a long time you can forget that....but i think....when its good, this job is just great!!!!!

cands · Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 4 Location: South Africa

Hey all,

Well Im also a newbie like the op. hoping to head out to Taiwan by end of Feb, I also dont have any experience but I know i can do a great job because I'm intelligent and dedicated person, i dont expect a free ride, i expect to be alittle overwhelmed initially but thats why we have these forums, so that people out there can offer advice and support.

So please stop over analysing, nit picking and jumping to conclusions about people. And thats not meant for everyone Wink