Job Discussion Forums

rogan · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 416 Location: at home, in France

Ria,

I owe you a public apology.

I am sorry for my unnecessarily abrasive reply to your post.

I had had a hard day at the shalk-face and the admin-face and my comments were unjustified.

Shalom.

Rogan

Ria · Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 34

After being off-line for a couple of weeks, it was nice to see there has been a tiny bit of action on this thread.
Midnightstar: I really liked your post. BTW, how long does it take for that feeling to pass? And, out of curiosity, where are you off to next?
Rogan: I think we can all relate to a bad day! Thanks for your thoughtfulness Smile

(also, look in your pm inbox).
I actually do feel that this forum is a pretty good way to find a little of that support and solidarity. Whether I'm posting or just browsing, I have enjoyed learning more about what teaching is like, the various points of view, and so on. I mean, when you think about it, if the posters weren't helpful and supportive, not to mention friendly, there probably wouldn't be much going on at Dave's Cafe.

Sonic · Joined: 16 Oct 2003 Posts: 12

Hiya Ria, really nice idea. I, too, am a newbie. I am about to move to the reality stage, and I am winding down my soon-to-be former life. I am nervous sometimes, but, since I made the decision, it feels really right sticking with it. Some days, it feels like it's an difficult dream - there is a lot of planning to do, but most days I am very excited. I am taking a month's CELTA course in February, and from there it's on to the search for the right job. I plan to go to Shanghai. I hope it works out for you. Few people on this forum seem to regret their decision to start teaching abroad. I'm sure I won't.

Jasper Smile

Deborann · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2003 4:37 am Post subject:

When we are preparing students for international exchange we always warn them about the '3 month' itch. That seems to be about the time when the excitement of being overseas and having everything new and fascinating wears off, but is before the ability to really communicate kicks in. The time many of them ring home and say - I want to come home I hate it here.

We tell them (and their parents) that this is totally normal, and hang in there for just a few more weeks and it all gets better.

Interesting to know if as adults, working overseas, the same time frames hit, or are they extended because there are different experiences and expectations.

Ria · Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 34

Hi Jasper (sonic)!
Good luck with your course and in Shanghai. Just wondering, where are you taking your CELTA and why did you choose to do it there?
Ria

Guest · Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2003 1:25 am Post subject:

I am a newbie (old newbie) who just flew here on the seat of my pants without any experience, degree, qualifications etc. and I am loving every minute of it. The School wants me back for a second year and so I must be doing something right!

I do put a lot of time and effort into preparing my classes as I would like to make a small difference to these children's lives. I only teach Grades 1 to 5 so I have to make it more fun and interesting than serious and I also have to try and correct their grammar. That is a challenge!

I go from one extreme to the other. I teach at a Private boarding school for children from wealthy familes and then on the weekends I volunteer at the local Orphanage.

Life could not get any better than this.

Midnightstar · Joined: 07 Nov 2003 Posts: 20

Dear Ria,
Thanks for saying you liked my post (on Dec. 1). When you said, "BTW, how long does it take for this feeling to pass?", I'm assuming you are referring to my idealistic nature. Personally, I thought this "idealistic" nature would have been died long ago. You see, I have been working at a couple of universities in Japan for 5 years, and I have come to the conclusion that I need a change - I'm becoming "Asia-ed out". To answer your question, "Where am I going?" - probably somewhere in the ME - I once spent some time in Morocco and Qatar and I liked it. I titled my response, "The Death of Idealism", but on second thought, maybe its just reality setting in and its the death of me being naive (I could talk for hours about this, so I'll stop). Anyway, thought I would reply to this and say that I am rapidly becoming jaded (good or bad, you decided).

Best Regards,
MS

Ria · Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 34

Hi Midnightstar,

When I asked, "How long does it take for this feeling to pass", I was actually referring to the feelings of insignificance and insecurity you mentioned in your Nov. 22 post. I do feel that you must be hanging on to at least a little of your idealism, however, if you are spending as much time as you are thinking about the death of it! Wink

I think this is probably something a lot of people struggle with in many different fields. In my opinion, a change can often inject new enthusiasm and it sounds like you are hoping this is true as well. Perhaps Morocco (or Qatar) is just the ticket! I, myself, am starting a new job in about a month (not teaching yet, but it will definitely help finance my certification course!) and am excited by the prospect of working in a new location, with new people, in a new situation...
I don't think you're jaded...just normal.
See you around! Ria

Midnightstar · Joined: 07 Nov 2003 Posts: 20

Dear Ria,
Its been a couple of weeks since my last post. I've been on vacation from the "Japanese experience." I could be wrong, but from your posts, you sound like your in limbo just like me. Well, I hope the new year is kind to both of us in this regard. Did you find any "alternatives" yet? If so, let me know. My eyes and efforts are still on the ME. I have some leads, but who knows? See ya later...

MS

Deborann · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2004 9:04 pm Post subject: Techniques

What techniques have you used to 'restablisize' yourself when the insecurities and homesickness and frustrations hit?

It would be good to come up with a list of 'cures' that we can try when it all gets too much and we feel like throwing in the towel (or chopsticks).

Midnightstar · Joined: 07 Nov 2003 Posts: 20

Dear Deborann,
I agree with your "3-month itch" analogy. After this marker, I would, from personal experience, just grit my teeth and bear it by working on personal improvement (goals, opportunities, etc.) - whatever "personal improvement" means to you. I have been in this business for five years now - the "homesickness" and "insecurities" never disappear, but these feelings become less intense over time. I hope this helps.

Best Regards,
MS

TeresaF · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 12 Location: New Orleans

I thought this thread was a nice idea, even if there aren't a whole lot of people responding directly to the question.

FWIW, I'm have a newly-minted college degree (not in basket-weaving Smile

). I haven't "made the leap" yet, but I'm about to do so. I'm leaving for the CELTA course in Costa Rica at the end of the month. That's beginning to sound really soon! I chose to take the course in Costa Rica because I am primarily interested in teaching English in Latin America. It made sense for me to take the class in a country where I would like to live. It is also considerably cheaper than taking the course in the U.S. I'm hoping that I can find a job in Costa Rica after the course is finished. I know a lot of people say you don't _need_ the CELTA (or even any certification) to get a job in L.A., but I would rather get certification that is recognized in other areas of the world, in case I choose to do this a bit longer.

I have a teeny bit of experience: I volunteered as an ESL tutor for a year and a half in college. Even though it was radically different from a classroom setting, I think it will be really helpful to have had that experience. I also found that knowing some Spanish was really useful in anticipating which areas of grammar would be difficult for my students, and which would need little explanation.

Ria, if you haven't already learned another language, it might be helpful to take a course in one before you leave. I know the community college here offers very inexpensive non-credit classes in a few foreign languages. I found that my Spanish classes really helped my understanding of English grammar.

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

when I feel homesick, I tend to call home. so cheap from Hong Kong and I can talk to all the lovely people i miss so much. Or I will make my home-sytle comfort food...chicken, mashed spuds and veggies. I will write in my online journal to vent and let people at home know how I feel, since some of them tend not to understand how I can be homesick. Yes, I was always the independant child and therefore, according to my mum, how could I feel homesick. Well, my dear, it happens.

I will watch my favourite videos. I will go for a walk and remember why I love Hong Kong and why I choose to come here after Japan.

In Japan, there were enough other western Canucks there with me and we would comiserate about snow, turkey dinners, bbq's and the other home stuff we missed. Friends are great.

There is also always Dave's, where I am sure you can post how you feel and someone will lend a sympathetic ear. We have all been there and felt it. My first 2 months in HK were h***!! I was homesick like i have NEVER been homesick before. I was miserable...despite the fact that this was where i wanted to be. A few phone calls home and to good friends and I was almost cured.

During the holidays, it can be rougher and I hope everyone had a nice Xmas and New Years. If anyone wants Homesick Sympathy or Commiserationg, please drop me a line!

Chris Peralta · Joined: 07 Jan 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Halifax, Canada

Hi,
uuhhh, this is my first post on the board and i dont really know where to start like most. Heres my deal. I am graduating for university this year with a BSc and since i dont have a clue what to do next, I figured I'd teach english somewhere. I have already checked out the JET program, which looked awesome....but i havent found much other than that for good programs. I am looking to start/leave in September or shortly after and be back for the following June...or shortly after. I understand that some of the programs are one-year contracts. Any light into anything I said would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Peralta

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

Chris, you have legitimate queries. You might get a better response by posting your query as a new topic in the Newbie forum and/or searching for stuff pertaining to JET or whatever else you are interested in.