Study Overseas Program Feedback
Here are some comments from students who have taken part in the Study Overseas Program...
In August this year, Teach International ran it's first course in Istanbul, Turkey. There were seventeen participants who completed their in-class course and practice teaching in real language schools in Kadikoy, a part of Istanbul where there are numerous English Language Schools. Here we got a taste of the real Istanbul, away from the tourist scene although there was plenty of sightseeing to be done as we were only a short ferry ride away from the cultural heart of Istanbul. Gaining valuable experience teaching Turkish students of different levels and at number of language schools, some trainees were even offered interviews and jobs at the schools following the course. It was dynamic group of people who ventured to Turkey seeking the ultimate, on-the-ground teaching experience, working hard through all the components of the course and all while enjoying the delights of Turkey.
Sally Robinson, Teach International Istanbul Trainer, August 2009.
The whole experience was amazing. From the inclass sessions and the dynamics of different people out of their normal surroundings to the teaching of the students in a country full of history, great food and amazingly helpful people.
Maria Calipari, Istanbul August 2009.
I would absolutely recommend it. With trainers and class members right there you have a great network to answer questions, run ideas, clarify, create and feel much more comfortable than if you are on your own. Many of us will continue the above via email with all the new friends we have made, so the support continues.
Julie Boaz, Istanbul August 2009.
My advice to anyone considering an overseas course is to DO IT!! The opportunity to teach different levels, class sizes, ages, in a variety of schools overseas is invaluable. The support is fantastic and the chance to see another country offers the option of going somewhere that you may not have considered for future employment. The prospect of talking to people who have been working in the industry on location is an added bonus. I know how to better handle the practicalities of living in another country and am no longer anxious about applying for work overseas … I know I can do it. I am a more confident teacher and person because of my overseas experience. I feel truly fortunate.
Kaylene Cameron, Hanoi April 2009.
I completed an in-class component in Canberra in 2008 and was completing my on-line units before attempting to organise a practice teaching venue…. When the overseas course was advertised I thought that would give me the impetus, not only to complete the prac teaching, but to upgrade to Cert IV and treat the whole thing as a new career move.... Completing the course overseas gave me the opportunity to experience a taste of what it will be like when I eventually move overseas to teach EFL
Irene Berry, Hanoi April 2009.
The best challenge was working with and “strangely” understanding children and adults of another culture when neither of us had enough of each others language to actually hold a conversation.
Jacqueline Thomas, Hanoi April 2009.
The fact that I could experience the'real deal'. I mean, living in a developing country, coping with living in a country where English is not spoken widely, is outside my comfort zone, so this gave me an opportunity to see whether I could cope with this whilst studying/working. The fact that we lived there for the 2 weeks also gave the opportunity to experience local food, and get a feel for whether this will be a place for me to get a job.
Beverly Sharp, Hanoi October 2008.
Not only is it a life-changing experience, but even just helps with personal growth and with challenging ones self. Even if you don’t want to be a teacher at the end of it, you’ve walked away with something that much bigger than what you had before – and some amazingly strong new friendships.
Benjamin Payne, Hanoi October 2008.
I really enjoyed meeting the very diverse yet so very compatible group of students. To say that we simply bonded would be an understatement. I think being in such an environment far away from home was largely the reason for this. As a consequence the support we were able to offer each other was immeasurable. I also enjoyed being immersed in the culture that I planned to teach in.
Dean Souter, Hanoi October 2008.
Whilst in Hanoi I was able to meet with potential employers in schools and colleges and have just recently accepted a one year contract as a teacher in a highly reputable college. I start in July. So now it’s time to buckle down to finish the on-line components of the course ... and then to get packing.
Linda David, Hanoi April 2008.
I found it challenging and that was probably why I enjoyed myself so much. It was a roller coaster ride and I learnt so so much. I would recommend the experience to anyone and I hope you are able offer this to others. I would do it again in a flash. I am pleased I got a glimpse of what it would be like in reality, both good and bad points.
Leah Winton, Hanoi April 2008.
