Think Camp America, Taiwanese style. I chose English Camp Taiwan as it was a three month paid working holiday. I wanted something short term to gauge if teaching overseas would be a realistic option for me. Learning I would be co-teaching with other university students from around the globe whilst getting paid to teach in a fun camp-style environment was an instant selling point for me.
Alumni Spotlight: Ash Galley
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Ash is a recently graduated 26-year-old female teacher from Down Under. She quickly became restless needing a challenge and the justification to travel again.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
From the initial Skype interview, David was immediately on-board and proactive. He gave out step-by-step instructions and direct links for visa information. Queries were answered within minutes.
It was a prerequisite for counselors to fund their own visa and flights. Once in Taiwan, David would take care of the rest. They provided us with accommodation, travel expenditure, outdoor activities, training, materials and sim cards for phones, and much more.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Be independent enough to explore Taiwan beyond the camp, otherwise, you will have limited knowledge or appreciation.
I made a conscious decision to fly to Taiwan a week before the camp started, and I will not recommend that you do so too. Give yourself time to transition into your new surroundings.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
You awake in the household of the host family you are assigned to for the two-week duration of the camp. A typical Taiwanese style breakfast consisting of fried egg, fruit and white fresh bread is prepared.
You and your host child will then travel to the camp together via foot or by car. Upon arrival at the school, you are greeted by your other co-counselors and students.
Leading up to the camps, a week is given for the organization and construction of how the day/week will run. This is a collaborative work with your co-workers. The camp will be from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5PM. There is a different theme with different activities for each day.
In the mornings, camp songs and short warm-up games are done by the entire group together. The children will then be separated into age and English ability levels, and you will have to teach two hourly classes per day. Children have multiple breaks throughout the day including an hour rest time. A hot lunch is also provided for all.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
Taking the plunge to go abroad to work for 3 months seemed like a good challenge. Knowing I would be supported and alongside other English speaking co-workers seemed like a comfy and easy transition.
The prospect of travelling by myself around rural and remote areas away from the city and public transport petrified me. I didn't have much confidence in my bearings, and usually relied on others because of my hopeless sense of direction. So when I had the option to take two weeks off the camp, I jumped on board the opportunity to travel down the east coast.
Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience! Yes, there were many times in the trip I spent frustrated walking around aimlessly, but I managed on my own just fine.
Many Taiwanese were so friendly and were ready to jump in and help if I approached them for directions. This was a great self-confidence booster for me – to know that I am more than capable travelling on my own without the reliance of others.