What is your favorite travel memory?
I admittedly have an unhealthy fascination with snakes. Growing up in South Texas, Rattlesnakes, Cotton Mouths, Copper Heads, and the less dangerous species are a normal part of everyday life.
In the spring of 2009, I decided to travel to Borneo Malaysia in search of the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. My basecamp for this excursion was a stilted house in the middle of the rainforest.
One day while out walking I saw an extremely large snake slithering through the underbrush. Judging from the size of the snake I immediately assumed it was a nonpoisonous constrictor. I casually followed along trying to get a good picture without much success.
Upon my return, I went to identify the snake and discovered that it was the world’s largest venomous snake, the King Cobra!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
My first English teaching assignment overseas was in South Korea. The school I taught at based their curriculum solely upon repetition and memorization. The students never seemed to have much fun but education was such an ingrained part of their culture they went through the motions and undeniably achieved great results on their examinations.
For quite some time as an educator, I believed wholeheartedly in the old-fashioned methods of instruction. As I started taking more of an interest in my profession and studied different teaching methodologies I have completely changed my teaching style.
I have seen firsthand the payoffs of student-centered learning and catering to each student’s individual learning style.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Though moving location year to year makes keeping in contact with my past students a challenge, social media has helped make it an easier feat.
Just recently I had a student from Japan send me a message telling me how much he missed my smile. He came from a very strict family that put tremendous pressure on his success.
His message made me realize that sometimes something as simple as a smile can mean everything to a student. As an educator, it’s our responsibility to understand the influence we have on our student’s lives.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
I’m not sure if there’s any other school quite like Galapagos TEFL. The school was set up by teachers who traveled the very same professional paths that many of their new students will follow.
Being able to learn from the mistakes and successes of others is invaluable in career advancement. With the support of Marlboro College, you immediately have a built-in support network of some of the most respected names in the field of English education.
Being able to attend classes in the beautiful islands of the Galapagos is just a bonus!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
In today’s market, for a company to be successful they must offer a product that provides a value above its cost.
I’m not sure how to put a monetary value on an accredited TEFL certification that gives you the credentials to teach all over the world, however I believe the career advice, contacts, and networking potential is priceless unto itself.
I believe the company also must stand for something bigger than itself. We dedicate ourselves to the teaching profession and reshaping the modern classroom into an enjoyable experience.
