Describe a typical day at work.
My typical day at work starts with coming to class excited to facilitate lessons around pedagogical practices. We always start off with a fun warm up game either led by myself or one of the trainees. From there, we delve into different topics such as classroom management, how to give effective instructions, and teaching skills like listening and speaking. Trainees spend a lot of time actually putting these into practice by facilitating activities with the class and being the "teacher." We finish off with time to plan lessons for actual classes that trainees teach to Vietnamese students at language centers around Ho Chi Minh City. During that time, I guide the lesson planning process and sit with trainees individually to give them support. Some evenings, I may attend the lessons taught by trainees or go with them to English Club where they interact with Vietnamese adults who are looking to improve their English skills.
Graduation day at Ninja Teacher TESOL Academy
Why do you do what you do?
I love what I do because I have a deep passion for education and for improving the lives of others. Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." I believe that the role of a teacher is crucial, and by becoming a teacher, one has the opportunity to affect many people's lives. I love being a trainer because it allows me to shape aspiring teachers into effective educators. Being able to travel by teaching is an awesome opportunity, but it's important to remember that these are children's futures and education in your hands. You don't have to feel like it's a lifelong calling, but you can also do lots of good while traveling!
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is to see how much trainees grow after four intensive weeks of TESOL training. In those short weeks, there is so much progress being made in terms of knowledge, skills, and most of all, confidence. I've had trainees walk in incredibly nervous, shy, and unsure of themselves walk out feeling prepared to handle a classroom of students. It's rewarding on graduation to hear how everyone, including myself, has learned something new.
Celebrating with IELTS students on Teacher's Day at University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I would tell myself to be okay with the unknown and just go for it. I am a meticulous planner, and I gain a sense of security from having everything organized, but sometimes things don't go as planned, and that's okay. Learning to embrace change and be flexible is an important skill to have while traveling. While it's good to research and learn as much as you can, don't stress so much that it interferes with what you end up doing. Be open to meeting new people, having new experiences, and remember that when you're uncomfortable, you're growing.
What makes your organization special?
Ninja Teacher Academy is different from other TESOL certification programs because we are really focused on the participants as individuals. Many other programs churn out dozens of participants without any individualized attention or support, but we choose to keep our program limited to a small group so that we can form relationships and meet the needs of each individual. We're more than just a TESOL program because we offer emotional and social support as well as job placement after the program. We want our participants to have a good experience with the company they work for, so we vet the schools that we partner with.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
Everyone on the Ninja Teacher Academy team has experience teaching English in Vietnam as well as in many other countries. We each bring our own experiences and skills to make the transition smoother for those who are coming to a new country—we know what it's like and how difficult it can be. Often times, TESOL programs may teach general pedagogical skills, but they aren't specialized for a specific market. Ninja Teacher Academy focuses on Vietnamese English learners, so our trainees can apply what they learn immediately in their classes here in Vietnam. NTA also has strong partnerships with schools here in Vietnam, making it easier to find a reputable company.
High school students learning English as a Second Language in Durban, South Africa
How do you help support participants?
As the Head Trainer, I support participants by facilitating their TESOL training. As someone who not only cares about good teaching but also has an interest in research-based teaching practices, I focus on sharing teaching methods that actually work and can be applied in practice. I also like to give ample opportunities for participants to practice these skills. I can lecture all day, but that doesn't necessarily make you a better teacher. You need to try it yourself and have chances to fail, reflect, and tweak it for next time.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Experiencing new cultures opens your eyes to not only different foods, languages, and experiences but also new ways of thinking and different ideas. It allows you to see that your way of seeing the world isn't the only way of seeing it. That can help you become more open-minded and self-reflective, which is always a valuable skill that employers look for in employees.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Research shows that learning a new language can develop your brain to think in new and different ways. Because each language carries with it a different way of thinking, when you learn a new language, you are able to communicate with others as well as change your brain!
Enjoying Vietnamese street food with trainees
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Be flexible, expect to be uncomfortable, and learn to be okay with the discomfort. You can't expect that another country will be like or do things like your home country. That doesn't make it better or worse, just different. For example, you might get frustrated by how slow everything moves, but did you notice how that allows for more community and connection because everyone isn't rushed? If you can reframe your mindset, you can learn to appreciate the differences between cultures.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means to continue learning and growing while improving the world in some way. Travel is a great way for self discovery as well as learning more about other people, languages, and cultures. In addition, it's important to consider, as well-intentioned as you may be, if you are truly empowering locals and communities.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
Everyone deserves to have a great teacher and a solid education. I hope that as more people travel and teach, they keep in mind the importance of education as a tool to transform the world and the crucial role a teacher has in a child's life. Teachers have such an amazing opportunity to make a positive impact, and that teacher can be you!
