Student Blogs - 20th June 2009

Charlie's story from Africa

Charlie looks back over the last three years and reflects on how dramatically his life has changed. From leaving England, to taking the course in Thailand and now teaching in Tanzania

Just over three years ago, my marriage was coming to a painful end. It hadn't been great for a few years but now it was near breaking point. I had always promised myself that when my children were old enough to cater for themselves, then I would go overseas to South East Asia and teach English for the remainder of my life. So when my marriage finally snapped, I decided to take a TESOL course as far away from home in Britain as possible. I found a few TEFL sites on the internet but was drawn to Chichester College UK TESOL certificate run by Spencer International in Bangkok. Firstly because it was a million miles away from home; secondly because it seemed a well planned course and guaranteed a job placement on completion. I flew out and spent some time in Thailand exploring this beautiful kingdom and met a lovely Si Sa Ket girl called Anna. On my arrival at the college, the head tutor Steve, came and very patiently answered all my questions about life as a Tesol teacher in Thailand. I felt reassured and quietly confident.

I flew home to the UK and spent a month painfully burying my marriage and saying goodbye to friends. Then with one last look over my shoulder, I boarded the first of two planes to Bangkok. I arrived with two weeks to spare and moved into the recommended accommodation. The course was excellent. I enjoyed every moment of it. It was practical and not at all what I had expected. The tutors are as far as I'm concerned, were the best I have ever encountered. As well as theory, we were given the opportunity to teach real students in the evenings from the very first week. The social side was also refreshing as everyone on the course soon became friends. We often went to restaurants together and enjoyed the odd party!

Before I knew it the course was finished and I was offered a job as a teacher at one of the newest, best equipped schools in Thailand. I loved it! I loved the Thai teachers, the students, the job and the hours. (5 a day)

After a year in this remarkable school I was offered a teaching position in an International school in Tanzania. I have been here in Africa for a year now and have just been appointed Principal of the school. I still keep in touch with Steve my tutor at the TESOL Centre in Bangkok as well as all the teachers at my old school. Had it not been for his faith and encouragement in me, then I would not be where I am today. I strongly recommend that you take the TESOL course offered by Chichester College in Thailand, you never know where it may lead.

Yours Gratefully

Charlie.

6th August 2009

Anna shares her experiences from training to starting work in Thailand

25th June 2009

Rowan's first experience of this amazing "Respect Teacher Day" in Thailand's idyllic southern province of Surat Thani

1st April 2006

Francois and Sanru Jansen van Rensburg, a young couple from South Africa, joined Chichester College's TESOL course in Bangkok in February 2007

1st March 2006

Lindsay looks at how her life has changed over the 2 years since she took the course in September 2004

1st January 2006

Darren, a participant on the TESOL course in August 2005, looks back at the the past few months