However when you are running a people business, a direct Client based business, then it is the Client who is the most important aspect of the business and so far we have invited one of our past Graduates from days gone by (who attended the ITTP TEFL-Prague Onsite course in September 2005) to contribute as Monthly Guest Writer.
This month we have again invited in a Graduate of the ITTP Onsite Program, but this time a recent Graduate from July 2012, and it's our honor to bring you Mary's feedback of her ITTP TEFL Prague experience. THANK YOU again so much Mary for taking the time to contribute and for originally adding your ITTP review to the leading independent and unbiased reviews website! Here in Mary's words is this August's Monthly Guest Writer article:
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| Mary at Kutna Hora (Click on photo to enlarge) |
I have always had a propensity towards
travel, but lacked the funds and opportunity to do so. Could now be
the right time?
As I pondered the above questions, and
talked to many people about international teaching jobs, I was
directed toward Prague by people who had similar experiences. I aptly
checked online, and through the positive reviews and the more than
adequate correspondence with Neville, decided that ITTP/TEFL could
give me the experience I needed and possibly quell my urge to travel,
at least temporarily.
Before I had a chance to second guess myself, I
made the deposit and began the process. Thanks to the people involved
across the pond, as Neville says, making the deposits and
corresponding via email was the easy part.
I arrived in Prague months later, to
find myself scared to death as it began to sink in that I was alone,
and traveling was completely out of my comfort zone. Being away from
family and friends that love me unconditionally was daunting, and I
began to wonder if I had made the right decision. After an uneasy
night in a hotel, I ventured out to meet some of the nicest, coolest,
and most helpful people I have ever met. My roommate was immediately
helpful and kind, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend.
When arriving to class, late of course
since I am challenged when it comes to directions, Mila, our
instructor, was kind and understanding. The class was small, which
concerned me since I was worried about making acquaintances. Worrying
about anything, when it pertained to my trip, proved to be futile.
The people in class were so remarkable and intriguing; we had a
fabulous time in and outside of the classroom. There was not one bad
moment in Prague, a few awkward ones, but not one bad one. I felt
completely safe in and outside of the city.
The choice of ITTP apartment option which I went for was a bit
outside of the city, which I enjoyed because it gave me an authentic
view of the culture, minus the throngs of tourists. I also enjoyed it
because it was comfortable and very clean, thanks to Neville’s
fastidious care.
The historic knowledge I gained from
this fabulous city, as well as the experience and instruction from
Mila, was such a positive experience that I am finding it difficult
to put into words.
I chose to return home to my husband
and career since I have three more years until I fully retire from
the American educational system. I am hoping to relocate and teach
overseas when my husband is retired as well.
Upon my return to work;
I was surprised to discover I would be teaching a classroom of
students who spoke English as their second language. I would also be
team teaching with an international teacher from Australia. I felt
well-prepared for this group of students because of the useful
strategies Mila taught me, as well as feeling empathetic to my
partner, as I briefly experienced the loneliness that accompanies
relocating to a foreign country.
I plan to return next summer and tour
parts of Eastern Europe with a friend. As I am hoping one day to
teach internationally, I am confident that my month in Prague
prepared me, and helped propel me into the next phase of my career.
Mary Murfin
MMurf62 [at] aol.com
MMurf62 [at] aol.com
Hezky den!/Lovely day!
Neville :-)
