The school at which I received my certification to teach English (as of Oct. 2) has hired me...to teach English! My employer is the American Language Center (or, Istituto Americana, if you'd rather), and I started today! Group classes start next week, so I will get to teach English to groups of 3-5 people at various levels (elementary, intermediate, advanced) at different times of the day. There's no telling who or when those will happen, as things like class enrollment (or really any type of initial school/business orientation, etc...) happen at the last minute. So, I'll probably know next Tuesday if I'm teaching a class next Wednesday. And, if I happen to be teaching Wednesday, I'll know at the beginning of class Wednesday how many students I'll have. That day. Should be interesting...
Anywho, the student I met with today is a 21-year-old who studied English last year in America for nine months (in North Carolina, of all places!). He returned to Italy in August, and has since decided that he wants to attend university in the States. So, it is my responsibility to work with him two hours each day to get his spoken, written and grammatical English to the level it needs to be to get accepted to, attend and succeed at an American University. No pressure, right?! The good news (for us both) is that he will also be taking a TOEFL prep course through the ALC, which will prepare him to take an entrance exam specifically for international students. This means I share the burden with the instructor of that class...which happens to be the director of the school. So, I may be biased, but I'd say this kid is in pretty good hands. (This is where you, loyal blog readers, chime in and tell me how right I am! Please and thank you, of course.)
As it stands, I have an apartment for a month (after which I will look for a more permanent residence) and a job until at least June. Yay! Now, I can't say for sure, but it looks like I'll be coming back stateside around Christmas or New Years, as I'll have to apply for a work visa at the American Embassy, most likely in Chicago. I'll be sure to report when, exactly, this will be happening, as I'll want to maximize the amount of time I can spend with you and regale you with tales of my English instruction. Which I will have because I actually have a JOB! Splendid.
Looks like I need to skedaddle and plan some lessons!
Baci e abbracci!
Make sure you teach them important phrases like "Ima fixin'ta ..." and the correct pronunciation of the word "ruin".
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting the job, Shannon! I'm so happy for you! You should take a picture of yourself and your very first student. I just love your blog! xo
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your Chicago friend here can now call herself a "marathoner." :-)
Great news on the job, Ms. Gordon. I'm also very excited that the USofA is making you return to its (lake)shores for a visa. It will be wonderful to see you around the holidays! And yes, your student is in great hands. ;)
ReplyDeleteYour Mom is a little slow in reading your blog...shame, shame on me. Only by a month though. Really? Make sure your students know that there is NOT an "R" in wash.
ReplyDeleteLove ya babe. Mom xoxoxox