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

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

It's a class thing :))

Almost all of my relatives have higher education and I cannot imagine someone leaving an "intelligent" job and switching to a lower class.

Teaching of course is also an "intelligent" job when done seriously.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

You're an elitist! A snob! :)) Almost no one in my huge family has college degrees, and I think absolutely nothing of it. I thought you're against social stratification and class divisions? If so, then there are inconsistencies in your logic. :)

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

I'm for improving people but not for equality of everybody.

So it means I want that everyone should be given a chance to get higher education and improve their consciousness and behaviour not paying much money, etc.

It should be a primary task for a state.

But if someone is from a lower class and expresses traits of a lower class I will try not to interact with such a person.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

It's very dangerous to stereotype people in the manner you do. What are "traits" of a lower class? For instance, many well-educated and rich people behave as raging assholes, are selfish and abuse others. But it's okay because they're upper class, educated and possess a random piece of paper we call a degree or diploma? Conversely, many lower class people are noble, humble and go out of their way to help others and their community. Why should you not interact with such people? Of course, you can do what you want. :)) For me personally, it does not matter what color skin someone has, what degree they hold, their sexual orientation, social class, etc...it's about character and the emotions they stir within me.

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

I do not have a complete list, of course.
But, just random thoughts:

1. Brain does not work. Such people cannot quickly participate in a meaningful dialog. They are like cows. They stare at you, you already said all the info you wanted but they did not pick. I hate to reiterate obvious things, not moving further.

2. Rude, loud behaviour. Take any black male and you get the picture.

3. Opportunistic behaviour. They can work for money but steal when there is no control.

Such people are just dangerous.

A positive example: Her Majesty the Queen :)

My grandmother who raised me always was that way.
She, in fact, did not get the higher education because communists did not let her to do so.
But she was from a wealthy _pre-revolutional_ family and translated that family code of behaviour - snobbish of course but ablsolutely straight and honest.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I especially like the cow analogy. :)) "Any black male"...and how many black males do you know and regularly communicate with? We have several black male lawyers at my firm - imagine that! :))