First EFL Students in Malta

 

    I  Taught a Student and I Liked it.....

        (as in I Kissed a Girl and I  Liked it by Katy Perry)

 

Today I'm going to talk about the good part of things, for a change.  I had my first few classes with students--and I did like them.  And I think--I hope--I'll be a good teacher.

 

It was true--teaching in the real world was not as terrifying as teaching while being observed during the CELTA course.  Having had no real teaching experience before, I didn't even know if I would like teaching.  I'm really relieved that I do.

 

I'm teaching three different classes (I'm holding back on the complaints until the next time--but I'll give you a hint: the complaints have to do with being forced to teach three separate classes, including one in the evening--when I really only wanted to work part-time in the first place).  I've got three German students, two French and one woman in her 50s from Switzerland who speaks French and German, but is absolutely determined to learn English.

 

My first week went well; one of my favorite students is returning home to Germany this week, though.  If you're reading this, my young friend, leave me a comment so I know you got back safely to Germany.

 

I had my less than impressive moments, however--like the time I went to play the Susan Boyle video to inspire my German students.  We finally got the Utube video to come on, but something was plugged in wrong and Susan Boyle's voice came out like Alvin and the chipmunks.

 

At that point, I could see my German students questioning my American taste in celebrities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Thanks, Alexandra, for the support. Yes, I did it. When times get tough, I tell that to myself--that I really did (G-d Willing, etc.)---Ilene

[alexandra]

Sounds intense. But you did it and you are teaching and your dream is being lived out---that is so cool. ---alexandra

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

I didn't like:
-The anxiety I felt the whole time when being observed while teaching
-The extreme fatigue from attending classes all day and then doing three or more hours of homework at night

Those two main things....Ilene

[alexandra]

Hmmm, thanks for the warning. What didn't you like about the course?---alexandra

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Hi Alexandra--thanks for your comment. The CELTA certificate is recognized everywhere in the world. However, I thought it made sense to be trained where I wanted to teach. I don't know how to answer your question about: did I like the CELTA? For me, the word like didn't enter my mind. I needed to do it, it almost killed me and I'm now glad I did it. But there were many times during the month of taking it that I wanted to quit---Ilene

[alexandra]

Ilene--I with my family are looking into locating in Malta for a year arriving next spring(2010). I would love to teach ESL while there. I have read that you recommend getting the certification independently so one can choose where to work. Did you like the CELTA program in Malta? What about getting certified here in the U.S.(we live in Washington state) before coming to Malta? I am so pleased to find your blog. Thanks for doing this. I have more questions but will start from here. alexandra

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Hi there Joe (Xkupa), I did make it through the first week. Thanks! Yes, I took the CELTA in Malta at NSTS in Gzira. The hardest part is coming home at 7 PM and then having to plan a lesson and also continue with writing assignments from the US--which I must keep up in case something goes wrong with the permit renewal in Sept. But I just got an email from my first student who left on Friday. It was really sweet---Ilene

[Joe Arevalo]

Hi Ilene, if you can survive that first week, you just have to round a few more bases and you are home. Did you take your CELTA? In Malta? ~Xkupa