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My desire to teach English began with a sign in a travel agency window. The title read “Teach and Travel” and continued with promises of paid adventure. “Come to the exotic city of Tianjin and explore a vibrant culture … “The invitation appealed to my top 3 strengths: curiosity, love of learning, and creativity (according to a strengths assessment with VIA Institute). I was enjoying teaching computer software to adults and college students, but I had always wanted to travel more and to experience working and living in other cultures. I obtained a TESOL certificate and began a new life.

While I am teaching, I am also always learning. As we are often reminded, students are not empty vessels. They often give as much as they receive. Communication is key to connection and connection is a basic human need. It is deeply satisfying to assist students with the language needed to meet their goals, for example: to study in another country, to teach, to gain employment, to start an international business, or to simply pass an exam. Teaching is a means to share and give back.

My curiosity and love of learning about other people and cultures has taken me across Canada and the United States, to travel a little in 7 other countries, and to live and teach English, briefly in Chilé, and for 3 years in China. I am a life-long learner who is always taking courses and still studying French and Chinese. My short term goal is to upgrade my teaching skills and to continue to teach on-line. For example: One student is a Russian music teacher who wants to also teach English in Russia. My long term goal is to once again teach and travel, perhaps to Thailand or South Africa.