I began my Teach English as a Foreign Language course here on the Island of Koh Samui 3 days ago. I was very nervous about the course and I had no idea what to expect.
I want to say firstly that I am excited to be on this Island and participating in this TEFL Training course. The surroundings really make the difference and this is a very special Island.
Really, I have not given myself the chance to explore too much around the Island, fearing many tourist traps and things like that. When the time is right, I will rent a motorbike for the weekend (฿200 a day), go everywhere and practice speaking Thai with the local people here while doing some networking. Koh Samui is very tourist oriented but it is also not difficult to find the Thai culture here. I believe now that the people of Thailand will never allow the Thai culture to get swallowed up into this tourist thing.
Sunday night (March 22) I could not sleep very well and I felt so nervous about the TEFL program. I realized that this was a normal reaction to something completely new and the feeling will subside as soon as I begin the course. This was true to the fullest extent. Teaching English as a Foreign Language will simply take practice, with trial and error and consulting the right people for guidance. My TEFL instructor, who is an amazing teacher and incredibly inspirational, used to live in London and sat behind a computer for a living. He now lives in Koh Samui Island and has a family here.
This TEFL class only consists of 5 students, including me. I feel very lucky to be in such an organized and small class. Today we began the Thai Language course and it was so much fun to learn from out native Thai speaker instructor; he is so much fun. I learned more in 2 hours, that I have tried to learn in 2 years. I realize now how important it is to continue studying spoken Thai language and how this will connect me closer with this wonderful country.
Three things, "Fun, fun, fun;" that's the only way that I can describe this TEFL course.
4 comments:
cool .. sounds like you are lucky to be in that class .. im sure you will learn a lot in that setting .. i completed a english teaching course at a private university in colombia and i think you will soon realize how this can be a very challenging job (if you have not already) but also very rewarding
Blake, yes it will be challenging, that is why I am doing it too. I will most likely be teaching young adults and adults. My level of English is high and I want to be able to teach on a more adult level. I am hoping that I can teach young adults and adults.
I look forward to hearing more about the training. I'd be thrilled to hear the good and the not-so-good about hit.
I'm doing my research and looking into which countries to go to. Thailand is in the top 3. -mikey
i'm curious whether they are training you moreso in the language and how to translate English or does it train you the approach to teaching in general?
how can you focus.. the scenery and setting are so divine. xoxo
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