Alumni Interview with Harry Collier IV

What inspired you to go abroad?

I was looking for a change. I was living in a great city and had a good job but I felt that my life was lacking. Everything was routine and monotonous. I wanted something more. So I began to look for the next adventure. I knew I wanted to get out of the States and see the world, and teaching English seemed to be the best way to do that.

Why did you choose your specific program/organization?

I began to look for programs that would help someone who didn't have any teaching experience. After looking at a few programs I finally settled on Language Link because it had a reputation for being a great introduction to EFL. Their internship program came highly recommended and once I contacted them I found that the recruitment team was as enthusiastic about my joining the company as I was. They really bent over backwards to make sure all my questions were answered and that I felt comfortable moving halfway across the world to begin my new adventure.

What was your favorite part about Moscow?

My wife will kill me if I don't say it is her. But other than her I must say that Moscow has so many amazing things. Far more than I knew about before I came here. The architecture is stunning. The people appear cold and distant at first but once you get past a few cultural differences, they are actually quite warm and friendly. I also hate winter, however Moscow is very very efficient with removing snow and ice, and I no longer mind a cold December morning walk to work. If I had to narrow it down to just one thing that I like though, it would have to be the reading. Russians still love to read and literature is a big part of their life. As an avid reader myself I love going into a Russian bookshop and pushing my way through crowded aisles to find that perfect book. I love seeing the joy in the eyes of the people waiting in line to purchase their new books. I love that my younger students know all about great literary characters and can talk about them.

What made your experience abroad unique?

I think what makes my experience truly unique is that from my first day I have lived with a Russian family. At first it was not always easy, and there were many misunderstandings (especially when I was home alone with a woman who didn't speak my language and I didn't speak hers) but eventually we all became one grand family and now I cannot imagine living anywhere else. Also living with a family, I have experienced many things that normally only Russians get to experience. On New Years Eve we stay up and eat late then walk through the city. I know how to cook Russian dishes that are family secrets. I have spent countless hours helping relatives and neighbors do various tasks. I do not believe that most get this acquainted with the locals. Not everything is pleasant. For example most teachers cannot tell you the ins-and-outs of going to a Russian funeral but I have been to three. In 2010 I got to experience 3 weeks in a Russian hospital. Throughout it all though I have enjoyed really getting to see the country through the eyes of the Russians.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

Extremely. I had a lot of trouble adjusting to teaching English and living in Russia but the support staff were there every step of the way, motivating and making sure that I would succeed. I am sure that their hard work early on is the reason I have lasted 10 years in this profession.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I don't think there really is too much I would have done differently. Probably, learning Russian early on would have been helpful in my day-to-day life, but not speaking the local language really hasn't hurt me too much.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

My typical day involves teaching English and living a "boring" family life. A good day for me is going to work, helping people to learn something new, and then coming home and spending a quiet evening with my wife.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

I play the bass guitar. I write. On occasion, I unicycle in the park. Sometimes I paint.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

I feel it is a little unfair of me to answer this question because my accommodation is in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Moscow. I was never into going for long walks before moving here but now it is a daily ritual to walk around the neighborhood. I know a lot of the local people and shop assistants. It is really a dream to live in here. I have never lived in the company provided accommodation. I have never experienced the trials of having a flatmate that I didn't know. I have visited other teacher's flats that do, and I have never seen a bad flat. Whenever I hear a teacher has had a problem with a flat or a flatmate, I know the company has been quick to fix it.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

I think everyone should know before they start that teaching abroad is a job. It is not a year-long vacation. I cannot stress enough that there is work to be done and during the first few months, when you have to learn the ropes of teaching, the workload is huge. What I think that everyone should know shortly after starting the program is that it does get easier. Teaching is a skill and with practice and patience, it becomes a joy. Don't give up at the first sign of difficulty. I have seen many people do this and I have seen many people miss out on some great opportunities and memories because of it.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

Now Russia is my home, so I would say that teaching abroad has impacted my life greatly.

Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?

I would. I know it is easy to say that 10 years later, when things have already worked out so well for me, but seriously if I could go back to the joy of learning to teach, when everything was new and exciting not knowing the future I would do it all over again. I have met some amazing people and I have made some incredible friends.