Trainers
Alana Gleeson
We all have a moment when the ‘bug’ hits, don’t we? Mine
was clearly as the plane took off for my high school exchange to France
in 1996. There was just something about the charge of the engines,
the soaring into the unknown and the world of waiting possibilities that
sucked me in instantly. Once I arrived in France and fell in love
with its people, culture and croissants, I was sure that travel and cultural
discovery were going to be a major part of my life.
My exchange experience and love of the French language lead me to a BA with honours in French at the University of Tasmania. Unsure of exactly what I wanted to do with my life, but knowing that I desperately wanted to travel and use my language skills, I didn’t hesitate when the opportunity arose to teach English in New Caledonia shortly after my graduation. What a fabulous (if somewhat idealistic) introduction to the world of TESOL! I taught about 10 hours a week – fabulous students, great, relaxed atmosphere – and the rest of the time, I lazed about on palm-fringed beaches… it was heaven!
Having roped my fiancé into the industry by the time I arrived back in Australia, we decided to head off together to South Korea. We were teaching in a ‘hagwon’ in Seoul and just had the most amazing experience. We both found ourselves to be totally at home in the classroom and we also had the great pleasure of introducing the kindy kids to the Wiggles (which we may or may not have regretted after the one millionth time we heard “Dorothy the Dinosaur”!).
After our first contract in Seoul, we came home to get married and decided to complete the TESOL foundation certificate with Teach International. It was such a good move on our parts – it really seemed to bring together and refine all of the skills and knowledge we’d gained until then. We then returned to Korea, this time to a small mountain city, which was like a different country compared to the bright lights of Seoul. This was another fabulous experience and ended in a very teary and reluctant departure.
But I’m very excited to be finally living in Australia and continuing my ESL career, teaching migrants at TAFE in Hobart and now joining the Teach International team as an assistant trainer. I have been so impressed with TI throughout my studies (Foundation Course, Cert III and Cert IV) and I remember thinking during my first day of the TESOL course, “Wouldn’t this be a great place to work?” Now that it’s happening, I can’t wait to start sharing my experiences with others and spreading the good Teach International word!
