American Teacher in Ecuador

Yusuf, Nicola - our wonderful trainer, Sarah, Steven, and Misha Graeme, Natalie, Delia, and Annie our Awesome Trainer As I waved through the taxi window to Steven, Natalie, Nicola and Andrea, who were standing outside Casa Cacique, I almost started to cry.  Being with the same 12 people (well, 11) for 5 weeks, eating every single meal, going out at night, supporting each other through lessons and input sessions and planning sessions, was a life changing experience.  Even when we fought over the printer and copier, resource books, tape and staplers, we were all on the same page. The last night, they threw a big party for us.  The students were invited which was really cool, to talk to them one on one outside of class.  There were gigantic speakers, a disco ball on the ground by the pool, bottles of rum and mixers, and food. Misha, Yusuf, Stephanie, and Natalie We started out ever so calmly, teachers on one side, students on the other, eating...

Not tomorrow but the next day will be our halfway point.  I feel like I was born here, these people are my family, and this is where I live forever.  I can't believe it's only been just over 2 weeks.  It's really weird. The workload is exactly what everyone says.  If you're thinking about doing this, don't take it lightly. We are in classes 6 1/2 hours a day (2 hours is either teaching or observing).  Then we work through our 3 hour break on lesson plans and assignments.  We work all weekend and try to take 1-2 hour breaks by walking into town.  Each lesson takes about 6 hours to prepare; assignments take about 12 hours.  We have 2 lessons to teach per week and one assignment given to work on over the weekend. Here is a picture of one of our fellow students prepared for the mosquitos on a mini break Saturday night.  Too bad the nylon white knee socks didn't show up too well. Sexxxxy There was a second trip to the Jungle Laundromat t...

Thanks, Keely, for the post title!  I have arrived at Casa Cacique in Montanita, the site of my 5 week course for teaching English that I began today.  The program is put on by International House and the course will result in a CELTA certification, which is the most widely recognized and respected certification to teach English as a foreign language.  You would never know by this gate that you've arrived: This program is a residential program, meaning that students each have their own cabana, with a bathroom, as well as three prepared meals a day. When I got here Sunday evening, I was allowed to choose whichever cabana I wanted since most of the group were still on the shuttle bus from Guayaquil.  I asked Adolfo, the groundsman, for the quieter side and he pointed to the cabanas on the right.  So I walked into the cabana that was straight ahead of me, put my stuff down, and decided to stay without second-guessing my choice like I always do. My caba...