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

[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?

[dima-pr.livejournal.com]

I was always struggling to find a comfort zone there. Noisy, dirty, crazy traffic, awful buildings at suburb. I didn't find any beautiful architecture at city centre, I dislike how they decorate their apartments inside. And general attitude of the majority of local looks like this: you are white, this mean you are Russian and this mean you are rich. Give me you money! They try to charge you as much as possible. Regarding mountains, you can find first beautiful landscapes at Mtskheta something about 20 kilometres from Tbilisi. Landscape at Tbilisi itself resembles some Martian scene.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I doubt anyone will mistake me as Russian in Georgia. I don't look Russian, and as soon as I open my mouth it should be quite obvious I'm American or Canadian. In my view, almost any major city is noisy and dirty. It seems there are plenty of parks and greenery to escape to there in Tbilisi. But it's interesting to hear your impressions of the city, thanks. :)