Update on teaching abroad

[peacetraveler22]

Some of you have written to ask about my plans to teach English abroad, which I discussed in this post. I was invited for a Skype interview tomorrow, and will let you know what transpires. This is my first interview via the laptop, and it seems strange to me but it's the only option when you're trying to recruit candidates from the other side of the globe, at least for the initial screening interview.

I have no idea what questions they will ask, but it's just an introductory session to learn more about the "Teach & Learn with Georgia" program, what they expect from me, and where I may be placed (in Tbilisi or some remote village). They will discover more about my qualifications, life goals and personality in the process...it's like a date almost, to see if we are compatible. :)

This will be my first time speaking with native Georgians, so let's see what happens. Already there were some challenges in the application process. Email addresses and forms on the official websites of The Georgian Ministry of Education and Science did not work, causing frustration and inefficiency with sending documents and applications, etc. Maybe this is done on purpose, to prepare potential teachers for the challenges they might face if they move to the country.

It's a huge life decision, but it seems the opportunity is one step closer, if I choose to seize it. Lots of balls in the air to try to juggle and balance. Stay tuned...:)

Comments

[yacc11.livejournal.com]

I used to have a remote interview - it's so ordinary for me :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

You can never replace in-person communication, with employers, friends or family. The energy and perceptions are different. But we must make do with what we have, and it's the only option in this case. I don't get nervous during interviews, so I expect things to go fine. :)

[perycalypsis.livejournal.com]

is it kosher to send your personal data to abroad ?
some info about www.tlg.gov.ge site
person: David Tatishvili
address: Fanjikidze 1a
address: 0148
address: Tbilisi
address: GEORGIA
phone: +995577514111

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I called them, and they gave me the proper email address for sending everything. However, it would be beneficial if they removed the fill-in application form, because potential teachers don't realize it doesn't work until you get to the end and try to "submit" and everything disappears. So, you waste time filling everything out, and it goes nowhere. Same with scanning all the documents, putting them into an email for transmission, and then getting an "undeliverable" message. It does not bode well for the efficiency of a government when official websites have bad email addresses, wrong information, etc....but what government is efficient? I think absolutely none, some are just worse offenders than others. :)

[logofilka.livejournal.com]

You do not use Skype to to talk to your clients? I don't think the interview via laptop would be much different.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

No, I work in a big law firm and represent corporations mostly, not individual people. Almost all communication is done via email or phone. In my charitable immigration work, I help local people in the Washington, DC area, so we meet at their homes, or outside the office. In the event we need to meet a high-level executive in the corporation, we simply fly to him or her....but this is very, very rare.

[nkhaba.livejournal.com]

Good luck with your interview tomorrow! Though I can't imagine what could go wrong and what they could not like about you :-) Unless you won't like them :-)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I certainly have flaws, and some quirky personality traits, but I doubt they will be revealed during the interview. Usually I'm calm in such situations. :))

[juan-gandhi.livejournal.com]

Wow. Georgians are great people! And the country is very beautiful.

The only thing... be careful there. A lonely woman walking in the street is probably considered a legitimate prey there. Otherwise...

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

If they are great people, I should not be viewed as "prey." :)) I rarely trust any man's motives, regardless of the country. :)))

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

First I would ask what causes you to make such a turn.
Teaching English abroad is serious downshifting for a lawyer.
Usually such positions are for people for whom their native language is the only thing they know.

PS. And wear a T-shirt with Putin :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Why do you consider it a "downshift" for a lawyer? Everyone working in the TLG Program must have a degree, so they have a university education and are skilled in other areas besides just being able to speak English. The reasons "why" are numerous. :))

[kremlin-curant.livejournal.com]

Good luck. Now you're about to become a real Peacetraveler.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks! There are many factors to consider, many obstacles to overcome...let's wait and see what happens. :)

[baby-rhino.livejournal.com]

Good luck with the interview!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Many thanks! :)

[dima-pr.livejournal.com]

Have you ever thought about charity job as a lawyer inside the USA? I think you can contribute a lot. Many people there need help but can't afford it. You have highest incarceration rate as a nation at the entire planet. I think it should be plenty of work for the well-motivated lawyer. Regarding Georgia nothing special. A little bit worse compared to Russia but a little better compared to Azerbaijan. At my personal perception, Tbilisi is the worst city I've ever been to. Sorry Georgian, but it's true. Some of you are really friendly people but I value different stuff. If you have a choice choose Batumi. Batumi is the best there because of beaches. Regarding English learning, there are plenty qualified teachers starting from 4 $ per hour via Skype. You can easily hire them for a couple of dozen Georgian for a tiny fraction of your income. IMHO you undervalue your legal knowledge and experience. Sure you can work as English teacher, nurse or farmer worker. But what for?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I do charitable work as a lawyer, providing free legal representation to asylum seekers, and other illegals who qualify for protection under various U.S. immigration laws. I have no desire to work in the criminal justice system. I don't like the sea, so Batumi isn't attractive to me. I'm drawn to the mountains. The point of this journey isn't about teaching English. It's about doing something different, helping others, and merging my passions for humanitarian work and travel together in one opportunity. I've always wanted to live in another country short-term, so why not now? I'm bored with being a lawyer after 15 years in the profession. Finally, money isn't a driving force in my life. I value simplicity, and you probably value other things based on the nature of your comment. Why do you dislike Tbilisi?

[rollson.livejournal.com]

BTW
I have to warn you!

-Georgia - is a not a state with a Coca Cola Museum!
it is a different country!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yeah, thanks for the clarification! :))

[qui11.livejournal.com]

Hi, Peacetraveller, I might be not completely following the line, but why don't you want to consider teaching via Skype while staying home, doing your job and gradually, if you find it challenging, move to a place for a full-time employment.

Anyhow, good luck with the interview!

(Just to cheer you up - I was doing a lot of very personal matters via Skype, like taking sessions with a psychotherapist, a lot of educational courses and they were extremely successful, nothing's different from f2f )

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

How old are you? Perhaps you're used to be living in the virtual world and communicating mostly this way if you're younger. I do not like it, and it can never replace human contact where you can touch an arm, more easily read body signals and vibes, etc. This job switch is not about teaching English, it's about having a different experience, and living in another country for a short period of time...this has always been one of my life goals.

[theodorexxx.livejournal.com]

It's a nice way not to pay your debts

[theodorexxx.livejournal.com]

Ha-ha, what do they think of themselves? Do they think Georgia is a paradise every American want to live in?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

The interviewer specifically said Georgia is a "developing" nation, and still very "traditional." This is what they think of themselves. :) I doubt most Americans even know that Georgia is a country, honestly.

[popados.livejournal.com]

Teacher in Georgia?! Wow!!))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Not sure yet. Just exploring options. :)) But why not? It could be a great adventure. :)

[pasha1980.livejournal.com]

I was in Georgia last summer. It's a beautiful country. I hope you will enjoy it.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I think I will enjoy it for sure! The people seem lovely and hospitable, friendly and open, and I'm drawn to these vast mountain landscapes and simplicity....let's see what happens. :)

[Александр Марков (from livejournal.com)]

Was it a snap decision like f#ck it im done i quit, where is my traveling kit? or you wanted to say bye to your career long before the readers found that out? Anyway, best of luck on your adventures! ;)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

A big decision is like this never spur of the moment for me. I thought about it a long time, and still am not sure the timing is rights, so I wait to see if they offer me the position. Then, I have to make the final decision. I'm tired of being a lawyer, and am reading for another career change...

[nar-row.livejournal.com]

So, how are you doing, Shannon?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Hello! :) I'm doing fine, just trying to survive the horrible summer heat and humidity. July and August are my least favorite months. I frequently feel exhausted, uninspired and lack motivation due to the hot temperatures. That's why I haven't written in the blog recently. And how are you? I hope well! :)

[alyonabul.livejournal.com]

Good luck!)) I am a teacher of English too, let's communicate)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Hello! You teach English in Russia, or another country?