Trainers
Tobias De Visser
Having had a Bi-lingual Father and German Teacher for a grandmother, the idea of travel was something that excited my imagination from a young age. My youth was filled full of stories of amazing trips and adventures that not only my parents, but also my Grandparents had experienced during their younger years. My Grandfather was also a Judo and Jujitsu Instructor and regularly researched Japanese language, culture and martial arts.
Myself, not so interested in the martial arts side of things, still found however, all of these experiences opened my eyes from a young age to the artistic and cultural appreciation of both Europe and Asia's long and colourful histories.
As the years passed, I found myself caught up with either studies, or work commitments. My favourite way to pass the time was to indulge my imagination in the stories I recalled of Europe and Asia from my youth. The daily reality that I faced told me that "no way" would I ever find myself in the position of traveling and having my own stories to tell, until one day..
It all began when I was working for one of my various in-between-study-jobs - I found myself working for a Library, and had come across some "teach-yourself" Japanese CD's and books. Loaning them to myself and listening to them, I began trying to imitate the language I heard, in my own loungeroom at home. I could have never imagined at that point where things were about to lead, one year later..
So there I was a year later, full of confidence, having saved enough for what I thought my initial travel expenses would be, with my "In Class Training" completed with Teach International.. My "parrot fashion" Japanese was coming along smoothly, and I had prepared my Visa and booked my ticket for Japan..
What happened from there.. well.. I wont spoil your fun - or imagination - but needless to say, it was not quite what I expected, but far more than I could have ever possibly imagined!
Looking back on it all, where I am now with Teach International, it's amazing to think that after everything, all it took was one small step.. and a committed decision to challenge my own thinking and face my own fears. The reward was a truly life changing experience, that I could not have achieved any other way. I wish for you also, fantastic and life changing experiences, with your own amazing stories to share!
Sincerely,
Tobi
