Blast from the Past: Meet English for Life graduates Sarah and Andrew
Sarah and Andrew got their TESOL Certificates in the summer of 2010. We caught up with Sarah, and you can now find her living, teaching, and perfecting her Japanese in Kita-ku, Toyko, Japan. Check out our original interview with them below.
Andrew and Sara, teaching in Zhejiang Province, China
“We can really do this!” say Drew and Sarah, who currently teach in Zhejiang Province in China. “We came to this experience with some hesitation but teaching has shown us we are more capable people than we originally thought.” The Archibalds confess that Sarah’s year of assistantship in Japan had not prepared her well and Drew had never taught English before going to China. Both have learned on the job to create courses “from scratch” and have grown closer to the English majors they teach at Zhejiang Academic and Forest University. “Our TESOL training was so valuable for us, particularly the practicum. But there’s nothing like the real thing.”
Why did you seek TESOL certification?
“We wanted to travel and find great jobs at the same time. We hope to be able to teach English back in the States, if necessary, although we plan to teach in South Korea for the next school year.”
Advice for TESOL grads and teachers?
“Remember that the first few weeks with new students will be difficult but things will get better. Keep your classes fun and interesting. We also think it’s important to stay in touch with other TESOL graduates. Sharing teaching experiences and even visits keeps you connected and takes the edge off of the challenges.”
Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
“When your students are actually learning and having fun at the same time, that is a great experience!”
Do you have a passion for helping people learn something new? Consider teaching with English for Life’s TESOL certification course. Our classes are flexible, affordable, challenging and FUN! Teach, travel and transform your world.
