TEFL/TESOL/EFL/ESL what have you *see definitions at bottom* June 10, 2009

fancy-shmancy logo, eh? baaa!

Soooo, today I got my username and password to enter my virtual TEFL classroom.  I’ve started the course readings and they are pretty interesting and eye-opening.  So far I’ve really only gotten through the course introduction and then some of the history of language teaching, methods, and such.  It’s definitely a lot to think about, especially in terms of teaching methods and techniques.  It made me realize that the sister-in-law, Miss Ashley, has no easy task when it comes to teaching those fourth graders in Maryland – not to mention the fact that she is also dealing with ESL issues for a few students who don’t really speak English.  But I have to say, having been home for two weeks with less than a full schedule, I’m glad to have something to dig myself into and really try to understand and master.  Though it is already clear that to really master TEFL you would have to learn and teach for years – I suppose this is why they have graduate programs on the subject.

But I’m doing my part and I will try my best.  There are lots of great online resources to help me out in terms of ideas for activities and teaching styles, but I also came across a book list from a seasoned TEFL teacher of his top ten must-haves for anyone attempting to teach English as a second or foreign language.  There are some great suggestions and I put a few books on my Amazon Wish List just in case anyone is feeling like they are channeling Santa Clause (p.s. go for the used versions).  Here it is:

In the meantime I think I’m going to head up to Burlington tomorrow to see what Barnes and Noble might have in the way of handy TEFL resources.  If any of you know anyone who knows anything about this and think they might have some suggestions or helpful hints, PLEASE do send them my way (kdimercurio@gmail.com).  Thanks everyone!

And anyone in VT should definitely not forget to make it up to Burlington for some Jazz Fest!

*TEFL= teaching english as a foreign language, TESOL = teaching english to speakers of other languages, EFL=english as a foreign language, ESL = english as a second language .  Key difference between EFL and ESL = country in which the language is being learned – if the student is learning in a country where English is the primary language it is ESL and they will be immersed in the language inside and outside of the classroom, whereas with EFL the student is learning in either their home country or a country where English is not the dominant language and therefore they will only be immersed in the language during class-time (most likely). There are even more terms I’m sure, but these are the common ones and I figured we could all use a little clarification, no?*

News News News June 7, 2009

Well, there’s not a whole lot of news, but I suppose I ought to get in the habit of updating this thing even when there’s not much excitement.  I DID get my plane ticket, I will be flying out of Boston on the 30th of June (only a few weeks from now)!  I start work on the 2nd of July and will be visiting friends and family in my old neighborhood in Managua, la Colonia Maximo Jerez.  Also got myself some health insurance.  Anyone planning on doing some extended travel or living outside of the US should definitely check out Patriot International from International Medical Group – very reasonable options.

Also, finally had to make the decision about TEFL courses and settled on doing the TEFL Basic Online course,  since I needed to be down in Nicaragua by the end of the month and wouldn’t have been able to make it to the month long course in Costa Rica.  This course I am able to do at my own pace and have 6 months to complete.  It offers many of the same options as the other courses, but is self-paced and does not include the in class teaching practice of the in-person international programs.  I will be starting this course while I am at home and if I don’t finish before I head out of the country I can finish it in Nica (don’t know if I mentioned that the Quaker House has wireless internet!).  Another nice little feature is that should I decide to do one of the more comprehensive courses in the future I get a $300 credit toward any of those.  So, there’s that, not quite what I had hoped for but nonetheless it will be a big help and is a good step in the right direction.

Once again, I really want to thank all of my friends and family who have been so generous in helping to reach these goals, and of course I hope to keep you all as up to date as possible on everything that’s happening in my life!  Your support means a lot to me and I want to make sure that we don’t lose touch even with this big move.

Lastly, Tabitha – you are a gem. Don’t forget it, and I await your arrival.

Hello world! May 25, 2009

Done! With my bro...

Here I am! First blog ever…certainly didn’t see myself as the blogging type, but I suppose this is what happens when you graduate from college and move to another country.   Yesterday was Middlebury College commencement and today is the beginning of my life as a real person.

In the last 3 days, so much has happened. On Friday I received the wonderful news that I was accepted as the new caretaker for the Quaker House of ProNica.  What does that mean?  ProNica is a quaker non-governmental organization with a base in Florida and Managua.  Check out the link on the side to their website.  Essentially, from what I have been told so far, I will be living at the Quaker House and on duty from 5 pm on during the weeks and most weekends.  I will be taking reservations, checking people in, keeping the place stocked with supplies, keeping track of finances, making sure everything is running smoothly, and just being a friendly face to answer questions and help orient delegations of volunteers when they arrive in Managua.  Then, during the days I will be free to volunteer and/or work in whatever way strikes my fancy.  Who knows what that will be, but I’ve decided to give myself a good month to settle in to my new life before I try to figure out part 2.

So that’s that bit.  Then yesterday had a lovely graduation.  And by lovely I mean that is poured for the first hour (yes, we were outside – Middlebury no longer does a rain location), and then cleared up to become a beautiful sunny day.  After the ceremony and lunch I packed up the rest of my belongings and moved out of Shannon Street A, my home for the last year.  By the time I had finished with all of that it was time to start welcoming family and friends for a final celebration dinner at the Jackson’s in Cornwall.  I have to say, that was one of the most special nights I have had in a long time, and I am very grateful to have been able to have my dear family and friends and loved ones around me on such a night.

AND NOW – all I’ve got to do is figure out what’s next.  When to leave.  What to pack.  What shots to get.  Plane ticket, health insurance, bank account, etc.  That ought to keep my on my toes for a bit, eh?