Why did you pick this program?
This program offers a practical understanding of the material and hands-on experience with real ESL students. Istanbul is magical and offers opportunities for those who want to start a new adventure, learn about an ancient culture, traditional food and customs, and many wonderful places.
The excitement of starting a new chapter in your life and meeting new people, having fun, sharing experience and knowledge as well as learning something new and the constant professional development was my goal when I chose this program. Traveling can help people discover the things they never knew exist.
This program is great because teachers gain a lot of experience in teaching, teachers learn how to observe a class, how to create an effective lesson plan and share opinions with their colleagues. It prepares teachers for the upcoming challenges in their future development as professional teachers.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
I think that traveling is the best thing that can happen to a person. I was traveling around the world and visited many places so far and I won't stop here since Japan is my next destination. I have seen and learned a lot of things and interesting facts that I would have never learned if I stayed at home. I mostly learned these things from people I met since most of my friends are from different countries and the best part is that no matter where we are, we still find time to visit each other and do something different every year.
We volunteer, we work on different projects in education, we teach and this makes everything exciting for us because we can share different stories every time we meet.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Those interested in taking this program must know that they should be prepared for an intensive, professional, serious approach to studying and learning new techniques, ways of teaching and making your classroom an organized place. They should be aware that they will get a lot of information and it is great if they take notes during the classes.
The materials are practical and will guide them no matter where they will go in the future. The staff is responsible and there 24/7 to give help and support but the teachers must be prepared all the time with questions or concerns regarding the material.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
I don't have a favourite story but I can tell that meeting new people and visiting different places was special for me. The time I spent in New York, Washington DC, California, Germany, Austria, Antalya, Istanbul etc. was wonderful and makes a perfect story itself.
Last words of wisdom?
Prospective travelers should be ready to ask a lot of questions before they move to another country or travel. The most important questions are related to the name of the organization, travel cost, program cost, what is covered by the program, accommodation, climate changes during the year, health and travel insurance, opportunities.
