The list of reasons why I love teaching abroad is endless. It’s a great way to get to know a culture up close and personal, to give back, make some money, gain work experience, see the world, and so on. The hard part is deciding where to do it!
Vietnam was an easy decision. It has good weather, amazing beaches, cheap food, and hosted friends who gave me the 411 on their experiences. The challenge was in choosing a school where I would fit in, make enough money to live comfortably, and feel supported. I spent hours sending emails, attaching CVs and cover letters, and selling myself via skype interviews before I came across Fisher's Superkids. The introductory email I recieved from the owner letting me know his wife was a Michigander from Saginaw had me hooked. Then came the line about passion and heart of the school, their beginnings, and their hopes for the future of the school and the children of Vietnam. The sinker however was the fact that the school is located in Da Nang, Vietnam, home to the world famous China Beach!
****picture to come
Superkids is a family owned school that has been in business for 5 years. The school is made up of over 1000 students, 15 Vietnamese Teacher Assistants and 6 native teachers. The student body is primarily 4 - 13 year olds, with the exception of a few teenage classes. I was assigned to the youngest of the bunch! I have two Potato Pals groups, which are 4-6 year olds, a Fingerprints group, which is 6-7 year olds, and Let's Begin, which is 7-8 year olds. This is my first time working with such young kids, let alone young kids that don't speak my language, and let me tell you it is not easy. I give mad props to people like my Grandma Eunice, Mrs. Bolek, and Heather Trusock, who are kindergarten teachers through and through. I don't know how you did/do it every day and still have hair on your head!
My "Let's Begin" class is by far my favorite group because they remind me of my fabulous 4th graders back home and I can speak in full sentences when I talk to them. Potato Pals 1 is my most challenging group, and at the same time the most adorable. I have to be a singing, dancing machine to meet their constant need for attention, movement and entertainment. The pictures below are of Potato Pals 1.
During this lesson, we were learning about "Good Friends" and the students made flowers to place their picture on for our "Field of Friends" bulletin board.
I teach Monday thru Friday from 5:00-8:15pm and Saturday 4pm-5pm at Fisherkids. Along with these classes, I also teach at two different preschools twice a week and I am starting a private tutor session next week with a woman in her mid 30's. My schedule conveniently seems to coincide with the rain, making commutes to and from work generally dry.
Aside from the rain, I love everything about Vietnam and I am very happy with my decision to become part of the team at Fisher's Superkids!
