this goodbye

Last time I wrote you how my kid learner and I said goodbye to each other for the summer. Well, actually that turned out to be not a real goodbye, as she asked for another class before the vacation. I was moved that she convinced the parents to meet me one more time. As a matter of fact, I also was planning, because we always end bigger blocks with a conclusive poster, which is what I was preparing for the end as well. That class when the parents suddently told me this was the last, I still wasn't ready to deliver the closing collage project, so it felt awkward for me too to wave goodbye like this. But anyway, we won over the parents for a decent pre-vacation project: yay!

Every time we created something in class -- and it was almost always -- I took a photo of it. Not just for future reference, but also for future use. For these closing lessons, I always print some of these art projects of ours and build exercises around them, so we recall them both as learning experiences and as creative experiences. She can contemplate and comment on the material we learned and on the feelings their production triggered. I must say, it was very rewarding to do this last poster with her, because she kept saying how much she liked this and that. She picked at least 4-5 favorites. As far as language learning is concerned, we went through the alphabet, the numbers, the seasons and months, school subjects, clothing, sports, animals, and some cultural events like Saint Patrick's Day, Christmas, or Halloween. So far little grammar was introduced, because at this age she is not yet familiar with grammatical terms in her mother tongue either. 

At the end of the class, then, she gave me a chocolate she fancies ("Merci"), with a hand-written letter:

Dear Anna,

Thank you for teaching me.

Whit (sic) love,

L.

It was just adorable. Then she asked me if I am going to be stricter next year. ;-)

living with and as a local

Last month I talked with Eszter, a European vagabond, who went on a 3-month-long trip in Latin America. Inspired by her story, I decided to host a fellow-traveller from Asia, who arrived from a far-far land to see our continent. In her itinerary, she had Hungary as well, so I offered her accommodation during her stay in Budapest. We talked a lot about her home, the Philippines, my home, Hungary, and the benefits of cultural exchange, like CouchSurfing. Here is a short interview with her, in which you will learn about her journey, her view about Europe and Europeans, and about a set of dazzling islands called the Philippines.

Hi, Myca! What kind of tea can I serve you?

It doesn’t matter, everything is new for me. We mostly drink coffee in the Philippines.

Really? Then I had a funny misconception, thinking that the Far-East is all about tea. 

Well, I also had my misbeliefs about Europe, like that there is no traffic jam, no flood, and things like that.

Wow, yeah, we know a lot about traffic jams. And as far as flooding in concerned, the Balkan area just experienced its largest disaster in long years.

Yes, I know. This trip of mine around Eastern Europe taught me a lot.

So, where exactly have you been?

I landed in Germany a month ago, then moved on to Salzburg, Austria. From there, Slovenia came, with Ljubljana and Bled. My next stop was Croatia, where I checked not only Zagreb but Plitvice, Pula, and some surrounding sea resorts as well. After that, I came to Hungary, more specifically to Budapest, Szentendre, and Eger. From here I will move on to Prague, in the Czech Republic, and from Hamburg I will fly home to the Philippines.

Then, your trip is approximately a month long, right?

That’s right. That’s how much I can stay away from my job in sales. Of course, the journey had financial limitations too: it was partly because of the money that I decided to choose Eastern and Southern Europe as the destination of my first roundtrip. The other reason was because I wanted to see new things and less popular places.

What did you like the most? Any favorite spot so far?

Hard to pick one. There were amazing things everywhere. I couchsurfed most of the time and my hosts, local experts, took me to beautiful places. One of the best days of the trip was when we went around tiny little towns in Dalmatia. Also, to mention something strange I encountered, never before have I seen people so casually (un)dressed as around those beach towns. Men walking in light green trunks or women in monokinis.

Was this then the biggest culture shock?

Yes. I wouldn’t say I was too shocked by anything. If you ask how people in the Philippines are different from the Europeans, maybe what can be said is that there are much more of us (100 million). Really, one of the most populated lands are the Philippines! And there are many languages and tribes on the several islands that constitute the Philippines. Maybe because of this, people are very welcoming wherever you go in the country. They invite and host anyone no matter where they come from.

But in the end you were hosted by Europeans as well, right?

Yes, I stayed at people’s place most of the times, only 1 o 2 occasions in a hostel. I like to live with and live as a local and I was lucky with each of my hosts. I can only recommend CouchSurfing.

I also like the concept of it, but at the same time I think one needs to address certain risks too. Did you ever feel lonely and vulnerable during this relatively long journey of yours?

I would say that I enjoyed every day of it but sometimes I felt I just want to go home. I guess not because I couldn’t take any more new experiences, that is, it is not that I got filled. It is more that I missed my family and my home. I love the Philippines! I told a lot of stories about my country to most of my hosts. About the monsoons, the floods, the Chocolate Hills, the island transportation, the dialects, and a lot more.

Indeed, I learned a great deal from you about this land that I had hardly known before. You mentioned the language. How did you manage with communication on your trip?

In the Philippines the second official language is English, because the land was occupied by the Americans. As a lucky consequence, I (and many of my compatriots) are fluent in English. In the countries I visited, like Croatia, Slovenia, or Hungary, it was not so. Many of the people don’t speak English, but all in all I always managed. Language was not a problem if you want to get a message across.

Good to hear! What’s up for you now?

Well, I will go home soon, about which I am happy, but I will also be happy to work hard and save some money for my next trip. It is definitely to repeat! I will either come back to visit some of the places I missed this time, like the Balkans, or I will aim for Western Europe, but that will cost much more. I’ll see.

Good luck with that. And have a safe trip to Prague and to Manila!

look up

A couple of days ago a former student of mine posted a video on her Facebook page. Her description of the short film was: "This is a very thought-provoking film. Watch it, then get away from the computer." Her words made me wonder, so I gave it a shot. And it was worth. Watch it with me:

I was amazed, not so much by the novelty of the message, but by the extensive presentation of how far we go (or fail to go). I remembered how strange it feels lately that if I look around on the subway, 7 out of 10 people are on their phone, texting, emailing, playing, sometimes talking. Even if you overcame your shyness and wanted to exchange a word or two with someone, or just a look, it would be just impossible. Of course, I haven't given up on trying (though I must admit, ever since I have a smartphone, occasionally I also fall into the trap of being "efficient" while travelling: sending another email, instead of letting go of virtual problems and embracing real happenings). So, the other day I was watching a guy who was plugged into his phone. Listening to music -- ears occupied -- and texting -- eyes occupied. He was so absorbed by his phone that he almost fell when the subway -- gently -- stopped. Then, as he bounced back on his feet, he wanted to lean on the door, but it just opened: he almost fell out. Not only do we make clowns of ourselves but we also tend to risk our lives (to send one more sms or email while driving).

I used the video in one of my classes as a closure. My student was thrilled by it and admitted how true it is and we know that! Just as she uttered these words, her office phone started to ring... she hesitated a bit but then she picked up. So our class -- an hour of freedom and relaxed conversation in the middle of a crazy working day -- ended prematurely. It is hard to allow ourselves to be. Present. Relaxed. Free.

waiting for godot .. and summer

My kid learner just can't wait for the summer to come. Summer means sunshine and freedom for a kid. And no English classes. :-) As a farewell to the classes and a welcome to the vacation, we decided to make a poster about some of the things that might await her in the following months. 

First we selected and cut some pictures, typically from magazines and commercial material (see what all that crap is good for?). Then we collected a couple of words and phrases connected to and inspired by those images (because it is also about the associated feelings not just objective reality). We arranged the photos on the colorful paper and prepared labels to accompany them. Of course, we turned to her favorite tools: sticky notes. After putting everything in place and fixing them there by glue, we admired our work for a little while. Children like to comment what they like the most (and least :-).

Which do you think she liked the most: being with friends, bathing, hiking, or visiting exhibitions?

Obviously, the exhibition. :-) Check where her pencil was (accidentally) caught. Well, she's a future scholar. ;-)

Happy holidays, kids!

the path of an international school teacher

This is already the 5th piece of our monthly interview series which offers us to gain insight into the diverse career paths one can pursue with a sound English knowledge (and most often, a degree in English studies). First we took a look at university jobs, from the perspective  of an experienced instructor and a beginner lecturer, then we turned to high education, through the lenses of an older teacher in a religious school and a younger educator in a state school. This time it is my pleasure to introduce Bogi, a high school teacher assistant, and her peculiar institution, which is a private American school. Let us see what she has to tell us. 

Hello, Bogi. Thank you for your time. As a short introduction, could you tell us where you work and for how long you have been there? 

Hello, Anna! Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I feel honored that you chose to write about me in your blog. To answer your question, I currently work at a Budapest-based international school as a High School Teacher Assistant. I have been working here for almost two years now, and I really enjoy being part of such a great community that my school has.

What is special about your institution? What is the difference between your school and a regular state school?

As ours is an international school, as opposed to a regular Hungarian one, the list of differences between the two would be pretty long. First of all, the language of instruction at our school is English only, and most teachers and students do not even speak Hungarian. Our students are usually used to traveling and moving from one country to another because of their parents' job, so they are very flexible and open-minded. These families rarely stay in the country for too long, so our school always have a lot of students coming and going each year. 

That must be pretty challenging for the teacher as well. Before this school, have you taught in any other environment?

I have started my career at this school right after I graduated from university at the age of 23, and I have immediately fallen in love with international teaching and the atmosphere that it comes with it. For this reason, I'm sure I would enjoy teaching abroad at an international school, and it doesn't really matter in which country. But I know it has to be an international school, as I really appreciate the diversity and open-mindedness international schools offer. 

Sounds great indeed! How is the education of an international school  structured as opposed to a local, let's say, regular, school? 

As far as I can see, education at our school is all about emphasizing critical thinking skills, inquiry-based learning, and creativity. We think developing the whole child is really important, and we encourage tolerance and cross-cultural understanding. All these values that we share make our education system unique in its own way, and I think this is how our form of education differs from others -- in its vision and values. 

What do you like about being a teacher here? 

I love the fact that students here are all global citizens, they love traveling, they are very open and curious about other cultures, and most of them speak multiple languages. Also, I feel like I've become a member of a very caring community since I got here, which is yet another reason to like the school. The cherry on the cake for me is that people here always thank you for everything you do. I find it a very nice custom, as it makes you feel appreciated at your workplace. I have to tell you, it was kind of new for me. I had to get used to being thanked for doing my job all the time. I like it! :)

No wonder! :-) But let's be realistic and talk about the tough cookies as well. What are the main challenges for you, and what do you think are the main challenges of state school teachers? 

The main challenge for us is that our classes change a lot every year. We always have a number of newly-enrolled students, and sadly, we need to say good-bye to many of our students at the end of each year. It's quite hard to keep up with this always changing environment, and it's also not an easy job to make a bunch of students who do not know each other that well into a community. I believe teachers at my school do a very good job with this matter. 

In state schools, teachers face very different difficulties. They need to deal with a growing number of students in one classroom, they have financial issues, and the administrative work of teachers takes up a lot of their time. Of course I can only say these things based on what I hear from my colleagues, and I'm sure not everyone has the same problems, but I know for sure that we (I and my teacher friends working at state schools) almost never complain about the same issues. 

Which is a bit odd. I guess then, students -- invariables in education -- are no problem, at least not the major. :-) So, finally, tell us who you would recommend a career in your school to. What is the ideal candidate like?

If you would like to become an international teacher, you need to share certain values that all international schools base their mission and vision on (open-mindedness, tolerance, and cross-cultural understanding, to name a few). 

I recommend that you pursue your career at a school like ours if you are prepared to deal with kids from very different cultural backgrounds, having all sorts of unusual issues (stemming from their lifestyle, their family background, their financial background, their religion, and so on). It helps if you enjoy traveling, as there are many opportunities around the world that you can explore as an international teacher. Once you are in international teaching, you will probably feel like moving abroad and experience new things. If you like challenges, you are the perfect candidate! :)

Thank you, Bogi! It was a pleasure!

not just a dream

Do you ever wonder what happened to the people you'd once sat down with to exchange some ideas and dreams? Do you wonder if they have realized what they were planning or it was just their fantasy? Well, you don't have to wonder anymore, because I am bringing you back together with one of our old TEA guests, Eszter. Six months ago we got to know a young Hungarian vagabond, who was then working in a bar in Scotland. Her goal was to earn enough money to go on a longer trip to South America in the following year. She told us that she was not going to spend her entire life working: half a year of working and half a year of travelling is what she wants. Nice dreams, we might have thought. Well, believe it or not, she is not (just) a dreamer: she made it. I caught her for a catch-up interview the week after she returned from a 3-month round-trip over the Atlantic.

 Hola, Eszter! Where were you in the last 6 months?

Hi, TEA drinkers! Well, it's a long story. I resigned in December, came home for the winter holidays, then in February I flew through London to Havana, Cuba. I spent 10 days there, then went to the indigenous villages of Mexico and Guatemala. After that came Lima and the mainstream Peruvian track, which led me to Bolivia and Northern Chile. Finally, I stayed in Argentina and flew home a couple of weeks ago.

Wow, quite a lot of places! How did you manage to cram this many locations in three months?

Well, yeah, I had to hurry. In Havana I spent 10 days, while in Buenos Aires 5 – these were my favorite cities. In the other locations, it was even less. But, honestly, I couldn't imagine to spend more time in these cities. Except, of course, if I had more time… The capitals are not so nice as, for example, in Europe – which is why I would say I liked Toledo and Madrid, two Spanish cities I visited on my way back, even more than most of the Latin American metropolises. Latin America, I feel, is more about nature, the oases, the lagoons, the endless white soil and horizons, than the urban experience.

And was this what you had expected?

I don't know really what I expected. As for the sights, yes, they were exactly like what I had expected. Next time, however, I will try to move away more from the mainstream and check the less popular places.

You know, I think what I expected was the sensation of freedom, to be able to do what I want. To do different things every day. And this I got perfectly. I loved being with fellow-travellers who share this lifestyle and mindset. I must say, though, that we are a weird minority – because few can afford having a 9-month holiday. 

Probably it is not just about who can afford this but also who wants this. Why did you decide to go on this trip?

Because I like travelling. I want to travel around the world. I started in Latin America because, first of all, I haven't been there, and second of all, I wanted to see Cuba before the Castro regime collapses, because then Cuba loses its charm. I regret, though, not to have stayed longer in Mexico and having missed Costa Rica and Colombia.

Now let's turn to more practical issues. These are all non-English speaking countries. How did you manage with communication?

I learned a bit of Spanish beforehand, acquiring a 100-word vocabulary. I tried to use this as efficiently and creatively as possible. It was important to know certain words and phrases, like I want to get off here, or numbers, directions, meals, while, for example, I couldn't talk about my family in Spanish. I also had a very useful dictionary application on my phone. I must say, these were all necessary but not sufficient, because firstly very little percentage spoke English, and secondly, the Spanish they used was not Castillian but local indigenous variations. So I had difficulties but I always managed somehow.

Also, what was a great help is that I used CouchSurfing. I contacted a number of local CouchSurfers, mostly young and intellectual people, who spoke English. They took me to places and helped me understand local customs. CouchSurfing is a very good way to get to know like-minded locals.

Talking about local customs, how did you feel as a young woman in such distant and different cultures?

I didn't feel it mattered I was a woman. Actually, there were great many (single) female travellers. If you are attacked, it's not because you are a woman. The point is that you just need to follow certain basic rules, like don't go out in the dark alone, avoid certain areas, don't wander around drunk, etc. These countries do have dangerous parts but they have touristic, thus, safe, parts as well.

Did you ever feel alone and lonely in the middle of a foreign and constantly changing environment?

Well, only once, in Peru. I was very high above sea level and my body just couldn't handle it. It was hard to breathe, I had constant headache and fever. I couldn't eat. It was then that I felt I need to get out of here. Other than that I always enjoyed being out there and among new acquaintances.

Can you recall one memorable experience then?

It's hard to pick one.  But for example the Oasis of Huacachina, Peru. It was a village for gringos (tourists), a pond in the middle of the immense sand. On one evening we went sand-boarding. It was so weird! I mean, I hadn't seen the desert before. It was amazing. It is not covered with sand, but it is made of sand! So, firstly, this sand experience was totally new for me. Secondly, the oasis, with the pond, the water-bikes, the Cuba Libres, and the sunset, was breath-taking. Then, we had this sand-boarding trip in the evening. We were playing like children, in the sand, in the sunset. The whole desert was our playground. This was complete freedom!

Sounds amazing indeed. Now, after this awesome period of 3 months, what's next for you?

Now I stay in Hungary for a couple of months still, going to concerts like Aerosmith and Rolling Stones, then a bit of family vacation here and there. From September, then, I'd like to get a job in Scotland again, now in a normal bar, not in a country-side hotel. Then in February, my plan is again to go on a bigger trip, either to South-East Asia or to Northern America.

So be it. Good luck! See you in the TEA room next year. :-)

Deal!

thank a teacher

Today is World Teachers' Day. In certain communities there is a whole week dedicated to teachers, calling the period between May 5 and 11 Teacher Appreciation Week. As with similar commemorations (like women's day, LGBT day, Roma day, etc.), one might ask why we need to set a date to appreciate them. Why we need a call to thank a teacher.

Personally, I never had inhibitions about saying thank you. Perhaps because (or as a consequence) I always had close relations with my professors, from elementary to university contexts. In primary school, for example, I had an arts teacher, who I simply adored with a child's enthusiasm. She never could get angry, always having a hidden smile on her face, which I just loved. Only once did it happen that we made her upset to the point that she said: "Now I am angry at you". I just smiled at her and said: "But you are not." And she burst out in laughter -- a laughter I still can recall. We celebrated every single Teachers' Day with her. I remember one present particularly: I made a four-page card for her, with some drawings and her favorite poem, which she appreciated a lot.

In high school, then, I found a different inspirator. This time it was not soft kindness that caught me but some kind of mystical dignity (understandably, since I changed from a child of emotions to an adolescent of dreams). My Hungarian teacher proved to be more than a model for me. She was strict and clever, a strong woman. We feared her in the beginning; many even came to hate her, because she was just not an "easy piece". At the same time, some of us got mesmerized by her strength and dignity, and later by her humor and care, which she opened up for us as the years passed. She was a character. At the end of my studies, I was the one that made her and gave her the class present. She was so touched that, for the first time, we saw her cry.

University was a different context, obviously, but I found my motivators there as well. While in earlier ages, it was much more the personality of the teacher that drew me, in higher education professional factors became more important (while the amiability remained a must). I was largely inspired by my Latin teacher, for example, who showed me how exciting etymology and going back to the origins can be. He had a great influence on how I view languages. Then, I had a writing (or rather, critical thinking) teacher, who pushed my limits in perfection and precision to an extent I had never imagined. The fact that I have great writing skills has a lot to do with him. I remember I used to say before our conversational and writing classes: Now I go change the world. He challenged our thinking so much that I felt his classes opened new worlds for me every time. Those were the days when I thought everything was possible.

In my postgraduate years, when you kind of become colleagues with your professors, my focus shifted from professional matters back to personality. Or rather, to the mixture of these two. I started to appreciate those who, while pursuing their research, remained human and open-minded. Ironically, there are not a lot of these teachers, despite the belief that educators are by definition open and people's persons. I love to share my struggles and successes with my more experienced colleagues and especially appreciate when they return my honesty by sharing their own difficulties and dilemmas too.

Without concluding -- as my story goes on -- I want to express that teaching makes room for amazing connections that change lives. I am grateful to all who gave me a push on my path. Instead of thanking a teacher, I thank all my teachers.