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]

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. :)