Foundation Complete

How answers actually create more questions

Course update

As it stands, I have now completed the Foundation core module for the TESOL Advanced Diploma. And, let me tell you, the Foundation module was fantastic. I really really really enjoyed my time in the class, for a few different reasons. For starters the other people in the class were really nice. As in, really open and eager to learn, and also eager to share their own ideas and feelings. For me, the other people in the class really contribute and impact on how I feel on courses overall. If there is a particular dick head in the class I usually decide I don't like it. Same if there is a typical 'know-it-all' in the class. These people are the worst in my opinion... They always know better then the teacher. There was one guy in the class who liked to act the teacher but he was very tame compared to other people I have been forced to spend time with. He was genuinely trying to help rather than being arrogant. 

Another thing that really made the 5 day course a great experience was the teacher. His name is John, and I really don't think I can be more complementary about him. He is super smart, a great communicator and just really entertaining. He is clearly passionate about teaching TESOL and helping students become better teachers. And I think I learnt more in the last week with John than what I have in the last year of fluffing through life. All the rules of grammar, learning where language comes from, lesson plans, and just general teaching skills were all covered. He was a gem. I hope he is paid well.

The materials provided were pretty good. We got the course manual, which is also available in PDF (handy for taking with you overseas), and that contained lots of general info as well as practical advise on how to teach English as a second language. It also contained types of lesson plans and heaps and heaps of activities that you can use to engage your students. John made good recommendations for different types of texts that would be appropriate to use in classes, and also suggested good books for us as teachers to read and use for classes and skills.

In saying all this, the course is limited. I am lucky enough to have a Uni degree, and as such I don't really need any other qualifications aside from my TESOL certificate to teach English overseas. However, something that a lot of my fellow course-goers did not know was that this course IS NOT NATIONALLY ACCREDITED and by itself CANNOT GET YOU A JOB. Some countries, like China for example, are so desperate for English teachers that they may waiver the whole 'needs a formal degree/certificate/diploma' and hire anyway. But if you are planning on going to South Korea you need to have a university degree to obtain your working visa. Many of the positions I have seen advertised say that a TESOL qualification is desirable but not required, whereas a degree is a must. Other in the course do not have tertiary education, and they now need to go and complete further studies to get a job. 

And the fact that it is not really recognised in Australia was pretty annoying. They certainly did not tell me this when I enrolled... I would have been furious if I was not unable to work overseas. In saying that, they may not have bothered to tell me because I had already told them I have a higher education. So for me it was moot. But for others is certainly is something they need to know. So if you are thinking of taking this course then I would say do it, but remember that its more of an extra tick in a box, its certainly not the ticket to your new life. 

NB

If you do want to be Nationally Accredited in TESOL the ATA does offer a Cert IV and also a Diploma of TESOL. And if I decide I want to do these when I come home I can, and they have RPL available. So I am not in any way saying this course or the course provider is not good, I am just saying that there are different levels available and you really need to have a think about what your requirements are before enrolling in one or the other.

I will probably talk about the course again as I go along, but I suppose to sum it up I would ay I really enjoyed it, I plan on staying in contact with my fellow learners and I think it was worth doing. I feel way more confident about going out and teaching people to speak English. Its no Bachelor of Education, but for a short course it was totally worth it. 

Yes, I recommend you do it if this is your thing. It was not really that time intensive either, but if you are working full time I would say take the days off (the weekday classes were evenings) because its a late night and your head will be full of knowledge. I would also suggest you ask lots of questions, because there is so much more to TESOL than they can possibly put in a book. Hopefully you will get John as your teacher and have the same experience as me :)

Next step: Getting a job

So now I can enter the next phase - get a job. This isn't that simple, for anyone who knows me you will know that I have been looking for a suitable job for the last 3 years. It should be a little easier to find work in ROK though... Apparently I am highly marketable. This is why:

• I am blonde
• I am white 
• I am a female in her mid 20's
• I have a Bachelors Degree

And thats about it. And it really is in that order. And I have been browsing ads for jobs in ROK and there are literally hundreds. And this is really where the questions start... Over the course of the week I learnt lots of new things over a variety of topics. But for every new thing I learnt, and for every question I had answered, a new question would pop up in my mind. 

"Yes, Bonnie. You are highly employable"

Well, thats awesome, how am I going to get a job though?

"Apply online"

What is this, internet dating? I really don't feel comfortable just sending all my details to an unknown person or company. And how the hell will I know if the conditions they are offering are legit or standard? I have emailed the ATA so hopefully I will get some more info on what type of contract and conditions I should be looking for. 

And since I have mentioned the Big Plan soooo many people either know someone who has been to ROK, know someone who has worked there, or know someone who is currently working there. So I will draw on those resources and see what happens.

I don't know if you are aware or not but I was hoping to get away in August. It turns out that it can take a few MONTHS to get a visa organised. That has really pissed me off, I honestly thought I could just go there and work and that would be fine. I knew I would need a visa, but I didn't realise I would need Academic Transcripts, criminal record checks, 2 (I think) references, etc etc.

And what sort of references? Personal? Academic? Professional? I have no idea, and it seems no one else does either. I will ask Facebook and see what everyone says...

In local news...

I am slowly organising what is happening with the horses. Billie the pony is going off to a friends place to finish her breaking so at least I will get some rides in before I go. Beau appears to be limping less so that is really good, but we are no closer to finding somewhere suitable for him to go while I am away. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I actually lose sleep regularly worrying about these freaking horses. 

Mum is going on her cruise this week, and so are dad and my step-mum (not the same cruise, its just strangely coincidental that both parties are going on a cruise this week) so I don't want to start applying for anything just in case I get offered a job. I know, sounds strange but I need their approval before I accept any contracts. I need constant positive feedback or I curl into a little ball. Makes you wonder how the hell I will get by all alone in a foreign country. 

Nothing else is really bothering me too badly thins week, I went out a heap on the weekend even though I was at class during the day too. I am trying to be  'yes man' in order to hang out with my friends as much as possible. I will miss them heaps and heaps, and be insanely jealous of all their outings while I am away. Oh well, First World Problems.

I am a little concerned about not being able to find clothes that fit in Korea. Every time I say this people roll their eyes because I keep making it sound like I must be obese or something. But the fact is, Korean women are really tiny and have narrow hips. And I am a normal white chick. Average build, pretty short - for a white chick. If I were Asian I would be considered a fatty :s at least I have small feet so shoes should be ok. 

Here is a pic of my certificate :D 

Oh, and I am going to call up Officeworks tomorrow and completely lose my shit at them. They have 'lost' all my printing. They are hopeless, I wish I wasn't so lazy and would find somewhere else to get my printing done. 

And thats about it for now!

xx