Trainers
Justine Lawson
The idea of travelling and working overseas has always appealed to me.
I did a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Hospitality Management
and that led me on the tourism path. I did lots of travelling and worked
in some fantastic places in tropical Queensland but I always wanted something
more satisfying, yet still involving people. Then I stumbled across an
ad for volunteer teachers in Nepal.
I’d always had images of trekking through snow capped peaks and this gave me the chance to try my hand at teaching too. What an experience! I lived with a family and the 15 kids boarding at the school for 6 months. There was never a dull moment, whether it was having Nepali lessons with Didi the cook, the girls helping me wear the traditional dress (my school uniform), or suddenly becoming the maths or science teacher when someone was absent. Not only was the teaching a fantastic experience, but living amongst the locals was so interesting. And I got to spend 3 weeks walking through the majestic Himalayas!
So the seed was sown and I headed back to Australia and got my TESOL qualification. Since then I’ve taught in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Taiwan. Teaching mixed nationality classes in Australia and New Zealand was great fun and it gives you and the students the opportunity to learn about so many other cultures. However, teaching overseas and being a “student” yourself is unbeatable. Every day brings new experiences and challenges as you get to know your new surroundings – exploring local markets, crossing the roads in Hanoi, dodging stray buffalos in Pokhara or trying to order dinner in Taichung restaurants when the menus are only in Chinese!
The TESOL qualification is like a ticket to the world and opens up so many opportunities in countries you’ve probably never even thought of visiting. I think everyone should do it; whether it’s for 6 months or 6 years, you won’t regret it!
