Many people say that my life could change a lot after taking this TESOL course. I can break out of the old routine and make room for something new and exciting. I can open up a world of opportunities to teach English abroad: travel, meeting interesting people and get new perspective on life.
During my university time, I had a chance to be an English tutor to underprivileged children in Birlar village-one small orphanage in Hanoi for 3 months. My heart had been stirred for a while when I met and saw them live without parents and education background. I took care of 5 children and taught them some simple English greetings. I must say that it was a very comfortable and enjoyable experience and I could see the kids were enjoying the lessons. The moment when at the end of the class one day, one kid smiled with me and said “Thank you” made me realize that I should be a teacher who could make those poor children communicate with the wider world and I knew that they deserved to possess that right.
It was then that I knew I must to learn how to teach this language more effectively because of the fact that my university major is International Economics.
Having Google searched for a while, I eventually read about TESOL courses at Educap- authorized by ATA Training Academy, Australia. I was really excited to start the course because the staff were very friendly, professional and gave me a lot of amicable advice.
Here, at the home of Educap, I have had opportunities to make friends and gained an enormous amount of knowledge from Ms Heather – one of the most dedicated foreign teachers I have ever met. She provided us with the skills to be able to lead the pack, control and manage the class. We not only studied teaching methodology but also put into practice everything we have learnt and became real teacher leader. Many warm-ups games, funny songs and useful lessons together with her bright ways of delivering knowledge, I have loved every minute of her class which has been a fantastic experience.
One thing I have learnt from her is that she knew how to praise students. Our class had very one shy student and she was often afraid of making mistakes and seemed to lack confidence. Ms Heather was really patient and gave her heartwarming encouragements. She gave us the feeling that we could do anything provided that we have faith and confidence. We may have great qualifications and loads of work experience, but if we don’t have the confidence to go with it, it doesn’t stand for much. And after the TESOL course, I certainly have the confidence to make myself stand out from the crowd.
I know I have a lot to give and still a lot to learn but I am quite confident in myself because I have a foundation to build on, I have a dedicated and knowledgeable teacher to ask for advice. I have a faith that this will positively change my life and the lives of others.