Job Discussion Forums

Kiyasarin · Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Posts: 8 Location: California

Well, my only knowledge of Cape Breton (and forgive me if you hear this all the time) is that I'm a HUGE fan of Ashley MacIsaac. I understand he's a bit of a rascal and might not be the best representative of CB, but he's a fantastic musician.

Not to break up the Canadian love fest Wink

, but I wanted to thank Shmooj for his vote of confidence. I really can't take the credit, though--it's because of all the helpful information provided on this discussion forum by you, Shmooj, as well as Denise, Capergirl, Glenski, PaulH, etc., that I've been able to make informed decisions about how to proceed. I've already had years of painful experience stumbling blindly into a career and simply hoping for the best, and quite frankly I'm a little tired right now of flying by the seat of my pants. And I like to think I learn from my mistakes (most of the time, anyway).

Okay, grovelling thanks over, now back to the lluuurrrrrvvvv! Laughing

Kiyasarin

Kiyasarin · Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Posts: 8 Location: California

Oops, I left Wolf off my grovelling thanks list...

Wolf, thank you too for your posts!

Okay, NOW grovelling thanks complete. Think I'll go check out how the "Men to Boyz" thread is progressing over on the General Discussion forum. Laughing

Kiyasarin

Capergirl · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2003 11:11 am Post subject:

Capergirl · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2003 11:28 am Post subject:

Kiyasarin · Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Posts: 8 Location: California

Yeah, I didn't think he'd be a good reference, but he's the reason I know anything at all about Cape Breton, so I had to mention it. Sorry! Smile

And no, I haven't heard of the two you mentioned, but I will definitely check them out.

Kiyasarin

JDYoung · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 157 Location: Dongbei

Shenyanggerry: When you come to China in February are you headed for Shenyang? If so, there are a bunch of Canucks at my school. We know some good spots.

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

JDYoung, yes I am returning to Shengyang. You mean there is actually something beyond Sophies, Glare and Bar street? Wink

Guest · Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 11:04 am Post subject:

Hi,

I arrived in China 3 months ago with No Degree, No qualifications and no experience and it is absolutely wonderful here.

I only teach 10 hours per week, but I do spend about 6 hours per week preparing for my classes. I teach from Grade 3 - Grade 6 and then I have 3 Junior 3 classes per week also.

If you plan your lessons according to their ability, I think the main thing you can really do (when you only see each class for 40 minutes per week) is to make the lessons interesting for the younger children and to correct their pronunciation. 90% of the children at this School say egga
and oranger and handa etc. even the older students.

In the case of the Junior 3's, they are about 16 and they are all much smarter than I am - the only thing I have going for me is that English is my native language. In this case, I have to keep one step ahead of them at all times. Their written English is quite good, however it is very hard to get them to speak, and when they do, they are not as good at oral English as some of my Grade 3 kids are.

Celeste · Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 11:39 am Post subject:

Sorry Shmooj-

We need to know. Sort of the way in Japan everyone seems to want to know your astrological signs and bloodtype. (I was born in a tiny little town called burns lake, but mostly grew up in Prince Rupert and most recently am from Vancouver- but no one is really FROM Vancouver...)

So, Shmooj, where ya from, eh? Laughing

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

Naaaahhhh you wouldn't be interested. Far too east of anywhere Canadian. I did spend 8 really really boring hours in Toronto airport a long time ago though. I've also lived in a small house in the plains of northern India for 4 months with an 85 year old one legged missionary from "beatiful British Columbia" as she was wont to say. On top of this I also lived for six months with a Canadian couple in Calcutta.

Does that count? Can I join the group, ohhhh go on?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Shmooj, you're going to have to pass our test if you want to be an honourary Canadian. Steiner did quite well a couple months ago and is now an honourary Newfie (not sure if that's a good thing though especially when he sees what tax bracket he's now in).

nomadder · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2003 2:40 am Post subject:

Nova Scotian as well. Think Shmooj is from England isn't he? Just met some of his clan in Toronto. They like being out of the class(accent) system. Actually all the more so once I told them we don't always know what accent is from where and what it means.

Guest · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2003 12:55 pm Post subject:

Hi
I have only been here in China teaching for 3 months - with No Degree, No experience and No qualifications. If you want to ask me any questions I will try and answer them for you.

[email protected]

Midnightstar · Joined: 07 Nov 2003 Posts: 20

Dear Ria,
Your original post was a great suggestion. And I agree with most of the other posters that a feeling of "unity" or "solidarity" would make the adjustment for newcomers alot easier. I'm a newcomer to this board, but not a newcomer to the ESL game. I've been teaching in universities in Asia (Japan) and North Africa for about 6 years now. My current contract is about to expire and I feel I should make a major change (same game, but different location). I'm feeling a bit nervous (like when I first started out). For any of you newcomers wondering whether or not feeling insignificant and insecure is the norm, take it from an old-timer in the ESL game - don't worry, this feeling will pass. It's only normal to feel this way in the beginning. I will be happy to answer anyone's questions (I PROMISE not to flame anyone!).

Best Regards,
MS