Back where everything started
I couldn't believe my eyes when I just opened this page and realized that it's been over a year since I last posted something. Time really does fly, especially when you're busy doing all kinds of things. However, as I'm back in Malta for another training I thought I should revive my blog. Not only to write about my experiences here in Malta, but also to update you on what's been going on this past year. I'm pretty sure some of it will be interesting for a lot of people.
First things first: In February 2018 I decided to apply for Erasmus +. I thought it would be a great idea because I didn't go anywhere in 2017, and I do believe that English teachers should try to spend time in an English speaking country on a regular basis. Language changes, vocabulary develops, grammar changes - these things need to be updated. Besides, I hear a lot of 'wrong' language, so it's important to go abroad and listen to correct language.
When I made the decision, first of all, I wasn't sure if I would get the funding. And then, I had no idea what my year would look like. I assumed I would manage everything fine. Everything meaning working at school, teaching a class of adults once a week and doing a one-year training to become a certified teach for Gymnasium, which is High School that lasts 12 years and after which students pass exams that qualify them for university. Now that I've been in this program for 8 months, I have to say that I kind of underestimated it a little. It's very sophisticated and exhausting. I teach 20 hours at school - since we're a private school that is growing but still quite small, that means that I'm teaching grades 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12. A lot of preparation, a lot of work, many long nights. On top of that I have to attend classes every Tuesday. There they teach us basics of the educational system as well as methodology for our subjects.
If I'm honest, I guess I would think twice before accepting this training in Malta if given the choice again. Of course it's super nice to be back here - the people, the weather, the landscape. But on the other hand I may have needed the break as well. But oh well. I'm glad to be here and will make the most of it, that's for sure.
Regarding the course, I decided to mix things up a little. I'm doing a mixture of a language course and methodology. In the first week I'm going to attend classes which are designed for people who want to enhance their own language - there will be vocabulary building, reading, speaking, and so on. In the second week, I'm going to attend classes on media use. Since we live in a highly technologized world there are always new websites that can be used in class, new fun activities that can be connected to media and again benefit learning languages. Of course, I'm going to write about my classes here and keep you informed on my progress.
So much for now. I could technically tell you about the adventures I had to go through on my travels to Malta, but I'd rather just forget about it and not bore you with all the gory details involving a lot of running, unfriendly staff, unpacking suitcases in front of a crowd, more running, lots and lots of stress, lost suitcases, missed busses, brushing teeth with my finger and t-shirts 4 sizes too big. Bye now.
First things first: In February 2018 I decided to apply for Erasmus +. I thought it would be a great idea because I didn't go anywhere in 2017, and I do believe that English teachers should try to spend time in an English speaking country on a regular basis. Language changes, vocabulary develops, grammar changes - these things need to be updated. Besides, I hear a lot of 'wrong' language, so it's important to go abroad and listen to correct language.
When I made the decision, first of all, I wasn't sure if I would get the funding. And then, I had no idea what my year would look like. I assumed I would manage everything fine. Everything meaning working at school, teaching a class of adults once a week and doing a one-year training to become a certified teach for Gymnasium, which is High School that lasts 12 years and after which students pass exams that qualify them for university. Now that I've been in this program for 8 months, I have to say that I kind of underestimated it a little. It's very sophisticated and exhausting. I teach 20 hours at school - since we're a private school that is growing but still quite small, that means that I'm teaching grades 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12. A lot of preparation, a lot of work, many long nights. On top of that I have to attend classes every Tuesday. There they teach us basics of the educational system as well as methodology for our subjects.
If I'm honest, I guess I would think twice before accepting this training in Malta if given the choice again. Of course it's super nice to be back here - the people, the weather, the landscape. But on the other hand I may have needed the break as well. But oh well. I'm glad to be here and will make the most of it, that's for sure.
Regarding the course, I decided to mix things up a little. I'm doing a mixture of a language course and methodology. In the first week I'm going to attend classes which are designed for people who want to enhance their own language - there will be vocabulary building, reading, speaking, and so on. In the second week, I'm going to attend classes on media use. Since we live in a highly technologized world there are always new websites that can be used in class, new fun activities that can be connected to media and again benefit learning languages. Of course, I'm going to write about my classes here and keep you informed on my progress.
So much for now. I could technically tell you about the adventures I had to go through on my travels to Malta, but I'd rather just forget about it and not bore you with all the gory details involving a lot of running, unfriendly staff, unpacking suitcases in front of a crowd, more running, lots and lots of stress, lost suitcases, missed busses, brushing teeth with my finger and t-shirts 4 sizes too big. Bye now.
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