Teaching English in Brunei
To TEFL or not to TEFL……that is the question.
Whether ‘tis nobler to plod along in the same old rut,
Or to get yourself up and kick some butt…..
(With apologies to Billy Wobbledagger)
I was made redundant in January 2009, at the height of the credit crunch. The retail sector in the UK had collapsed, the future was bleak and at 55 I really had no hope. What to do?
My choices were not too broad. I could, of course get on the pity train and sit at home collecting benefits, waiting for Uncle Gordon to help (if he had the time or inclination).
Or, I could change direction, take a step into the unknown void and do something really exciting, like………………what?
My wife is an English teacher (of note and with 25 years experience) and I had always wanted to be a teacher, but circumstances etc etc……..you know, life gets in the way.
So onto the PC, Google and some research. A few weeks later I was in Ayr on a TEFL course for a weekend. Dark days in February, cold, rain, miserable - typical UK. Wow, what a time! What a revelation! Not only was it fun, but I realised that this was what I had wanted to do for so long. Suddenly I had hope again, was looking forward to a new challenge, felt positive about what I could do and who I was.
With a bump, I came down to earth as we were faced with the prospect that my wife’s teaching contract would not be renewed in June. Posts were reserved for the young probationers you know! Of course, age discrimination is illegal in the UK. Now we were up the creek with not a paddle in sight. Google again and on the 30th June we heard the good news. We were off to Brunei! Loraine had been offered a full time teaching position with a great salary and wonderful perks. Google it, it is a wonderful place. Tropical, warm, peaceful, wealthy….yes, paradise.
So, we landed here in August to start a new adventure, a new life, but I had no prospects of ever getting work. I was going to be a house-husband for the rest of my life. My entry visa stated “Spousal”. Suddenly in December, there was a demand for someone to present English classes to adults and I was approached. I presented my TEFL qualifications and now I present 2 classes of 2 hours per week and I love it. The money is good and it adds to the wonderful lifestyle we are enjoying in Brunei. (I attach some photos to illustrate this)
After waiting for almost a year, my weekend course in Ayr has paid huge dividends. Not only because I was able to apply for a position, but I find that the practical experience, the real-life situations learned and the hassles with coping with Kostas, have enabled me to deal with the real thing.
I have adults ranging from 18 to 50 in my class. They are from as far afield as Thailand, Venezuela, Indonesia and Japan. In a 2 hour lesson, I have to be on my toes and prepared for anything. Kostas prepared me for this!
So, if you are feeling a bit down, have yet to land that TEFL job and are wondering why you ever wasted the time and money on the course….DON’T!!
Just do it! Not like Tiger did, but you know what I mean.
Happy TEFLing!
William
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