How did you get involved with the AUA Language Center?
AUA has a long history, and some of my colleagues from SIT Graduate Institute worked here before.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
I get to work with Thai teachers, foreign teachers, and students. I love it when an activity or technique works well and helps learners get into flow. I am most fulfilled when my students, or my teachers, find that place of flow—absorbed in learning.
Relaxing in Laos
How should trainees prepare for a trip to Thailand?
It’s hot and humid—so be prepared, as best as possible, for that. Also, the TESOL program is very intense, so making sure to clear time and space for that is important. Scheduling a relaxing trip to the beach at the end of the course would be a nice way to treat yourself.
Who are the most successful type of AUA trainees, and what kind of qualities do they possess?
The most successful participants are those who are open-minded. We have all had many experiences in classrooms (if not as teachers, then certainly as students), and being open to approaching these experiences with new eyes is an important mind-set. In addition, not being afraid to fail is helpful. As a new teacher, there are going to be plenty of sub-par lessons, but learning from these experiences is what’s important for growing into a successful, reflective teacher.
Middle School Boys English Class Selfie
How do you support trainees who may be struggling?
Communicating clearly about expectations is one thing that is important, particularly for someone who may be struggling. If everything feels a bit overwhelming, then it can be helpful to know what is most critical and what are the ways to work on that. Moreover, holding time and space for someone in need can be a big boost. So if you need another hour after class, or an early morning meeting to go over something again, I’ll be there.
What is something future teachers should know about learning how to teach English?
Just because you know how to speak English does not mean you know how to teach it. However, teaching is a trainable skill, and with practice and feedback, one can get better. Speaking of skills, even if you just teach for a year or two, the skills you learn are transferable to many other jobs. For instance, I know a salesperson whose presentations for customers are superb because of the training and experience she had teaching English for a year. Finally, being a language-learner is a great complement while learning how to teach. As a learner, you get to experience the feelings of success and failure that your students may be having. So, if you come to Thailand to teach English, I suggest that you also study Thai (with a tutor or in a class).
How have you seen participants benefit from their time with AUA?
AUA is a vibrant language center, so participants have benefitted by being exposed to one type of environment that many go on to work in. For instance, they have formed connections with other experienced teachers who recommend places to work, to live, to travel, etc. In addition, some participants have gone on to work at one of the 14 AUA branches around Thailand.
At the Desk
Why should future teachers be excited to learn with the AUA Language Center?
AUA is known as one of the most affordable places for Thai students to study English, and thus reaches some demographics that other, more expensive language centers do not. Being able to make a tangible difference in students’ lives is one reason to be excited to learn at AUA. Another reason is that the trainers here are among the best in the world, with an array of different international experiences and a passion for what we do.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Interesting question! I’ve been lucky enough to have lived in five different countries, and several cities within the US, as well as travelling to many other places in the US and abroad. People often assume that I love to travel, but I don’t. It’s a pain to me to sit on cramped planes, wait at noisy airports, sleep in uncomfortable beds, etc. However, I do value the experience of being and living in different places. I would much rather stay in an apartment in a residential neighborhood than be in a hotel.
Better yet, I prefer to live with a local friend or family, use the local language, and adorn the life of a local person. Tourist attractions do not interest me. I like going to a neighborhood restaurant or peaceful natural place. Best of all, being invited into someone’s home and seeing how they live. In the end, travel (by definition) is about going somewhere else and then returning “home.” When it’s meaningful, I think that I take some of what I experienced and weave it back into my life and identity at home, wherever that may be at the time.