Job Discussion Forums

james_baldrey · Joined: 26 Nov 2004 Posts: 31

After reading so many opinions on teaching ESL, i have found a quote that makes me feel so much better. It's probably the best thing i could have read whenever i get any ideas of going back home. I have done 3 years ESL in 2 countries and this guy knows what he is talking about! Read it!

"From The Berlin Wall in 1989 to the Carpathian Mountain Range of Romania, to a snow-capped Mt. Fuji, the underground tunnels of the DMZ in Korea, or a snowy Red Square on New Year's Eve; paddling through the jungles of the Philippines in a canoe, or gazing up at the ornate Mosques of Istanbul --- to where I am now, here in Bangkok, enjoying 32C with bright sunshine as I write this mini masterpiece. Not to mention all the amazing experiences & life-long friendships that have originated in the classroom.

Would I trade in those experiences for a cubicle, an individual retirement account and a Gold American Express card?

No way. I'm a lifer."

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:00 am Post subject:

Second that!

I often tell people starting out that they should realize that they may NOT want to go home. Ever!

Since '89 I've had the privilege to work in Botswana, Korea (twice), Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand. From tsunamis to "live fire" exercises and much more. And the best thing about the occupation is that - done right - the vacation time will allow you to see and experience even more of the world.

Who wrote your great quote?

james_baldrey · Joined: 26 Nov 2004 Posts: 31

Kent F. Kruhoeffer

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Thank you, James. I thought that sounded familiar. Very Happy

It's not always fun & games, but I meant what I wrote.

TEFL has opened a door to the World for me.

Antaraaaa · Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 120 Location: Dublin, Ireland

I just want to add that Kurt is a wonderful person to meet F2f! Amazing man on and offline Very Happy

He has put so much heart into this forum, I really appreciate him.

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Antaraaaa

Long time no see!

Drink any purple tea lately? Laughing

So, how are ya?

Where are ya?

And who the hell is Kurt? Mr. Green

Antaraaaa · Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 120 Location: Dublin, Ireland

HAHAHA!!! OH MY LORD.....please forgive me, LOL. I dunno Kent, I guess the answer to "Where are you" would be a firm " with me head up me arse" after that!

Toronto Canada is home for now Very Happy

Ant

Ps....I haven't even looked at anything purple since Bangkok, lol

ddarko34 · Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Posts: 12

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Dear ddarko34

16 years. YIKES! Very Happy

Yes, it was (and still is) a blast.

Like any field, you'll have good days and bad days;

You'll work for some good schools and some crappy ones;

You'll earn good $$$ in one country, peanuts in another;

You'll get to see some unforgettable places,

and meet some unforgettable people

who will change your life!

TEFL is a roller-coaster.

As long as you enjoy teaching, and make an honest effort to grow & learn from others, you may just end up like me: a hopeless but devoted TEFL addict with a suitcase full of memories, souvenir bits and bobs from around the World, hand scribbled 'love letters' from past students, a beat up old passport with more stamps in it than the Post Office - and an insatiable, adrenalin fueled appetite to hop on the next plane to who knows where.

PS: Antaraaaa, get your head out of there! Mr. Green

PSS: Speaking of roller-coasters, this is really fun: http://www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/