Fifteen months ago, I took a break from the US, to explore the world of teaching.On August 31. I arrived in Costa Rica, not knowing what to expect, I stood confident and proud, from my achievements before, but nothing would prepared me for the challenges I had ahead .On September 2009, I took a long and gruesome 80 hour course, which I had to relearn the structure and grammatical points of the English language. It was not easy, but I gutted it out! proud of my accomplishments, receiving my teaching certification at Maximo Nivel, I was excited and sure things were going to be alright, but reality took a turn for the worst. On January 2010, after 3 months of worrying and stressing, I got the window of opportunity I was waiting for, but it wasn't what I imagined. Along with my friend Rohan, we decided to take the opportunity, to build on our experience as teachers for future endeavors. Through our program at Maximo Nivel, we found a man that was looking for teachers to start up his new school. When I took the position, I had some understanding of what teaching was like, from my experience substitute teaching in New York, but nothing could prepare me for the up and downs I was going to prepare me for the experience ahead. I got what I wanted, but now it was a matter of implementing the skills that I learned, and incorprate it into my personality, so the process of learning would be fun. It worked! my students were accepting of my methodology. From business people, students, and every day citizens, everyone was excited to learn English. As time went on, I noticed the shift in mood with my students and the institute itself. When I first started, I found it rewarding, because of the travel and compatibility with my schedule. It was in the central location in San Jose Costa Rica, from the second floor of the building, you can see people rushing to work, in the wee hours of the morning, and hooking their way back just in time for rush hour. Tourist and locals can be seen walking the streets looking for stores to shop.Most of my classes were in the morning, so I had to prepared from the night before. The students were very well mannered, early in the mornings, they would greet me with respect referring to me as professor or teacher. They ask many questions, when they were unsure and made great efforts in learning the materials that was presented, but the one thing I found puzzling is there unsureness of not wanting to make mistakes. Many times, they freaked out, even if they had a 50-50 chance, I tried every method possible trying to motivate and inspire them. I told them it was ok to make mistakes, because that was the mother of learning , but as I got to know Costa Rica more, I found out the locals (Ticos) were proud people, who didn´t like to look foolish, so they do things to avoid the problem. Many times, during the exams and quizzes, when they were unsure of the answers they would gaze over at their partners answers to make sure they had the same one.For me I wasn't use to it, because from New York, as a student. I tried different strategies at times, trying to loosen them up, and irradicate the fear factor out of their minds, but for me, it was like taking a fish out of water. As time went on, I taught them the importance of patience and not to worry about grades and numbers, because it was more important for them to get their ideas across effectively. I began to make an impression on them, but with the Financial downfall and lack of effective advertisement, the institute fell to its demise. I was down, but not out as I found another position 2 weeks later. Having the longevity it had in Costa Rica, I was pretty stoked about the new opportunity. I imagine the atmosphere to be organzied and well operative. Boy was I off! getting around the city was like a mouse running through a maze. Many times when I showed up, I had to wait for my students to show up for class, and many of the students didn´t even show up with their materials to learn. I was frustrated and upset, expecting better from a place that had a good reputation, and for me, it made me feel very confused and unsure about continuing teaching in the future. I had another chance to rebound myself, thanks to my friend Travis, who recommend me to work with him. I nailed it perfect on the third try, the institute was very organize and helpful getting me in the right frame mind to teach and prepare my lessons. The lessons were easy set and manageable as all the materials were available. I give all respects to my students at Eaton, because of their hard work and dedication they have made me feel complete with my abilities and effectiveness as a teacher. In the beginning when I arrived, they were hesitant and unenthusiastic to continue learning, because of the prior experience they the other teacher. The first class, I talked with them trying to get them to open up. We connected instantly. I learned to be more patient and talked less, as they began grasping the concepts and ideas I was teaching them. They gradually picked up the material, as I found new ways to implement new styles and techniques in teaching. From my experiences before, I found out that certain cultural difference still linger , especially when it comes wanting to know grades and numbers, but what makes this group different from prior groups before, is their dedication and enthusiasm of wanting to learn. They thank me many times, letting me know how good I was as a teacher. Little do they know, it because of them, I managed to find my niche and now looking to carry it over to Asia in February.... I want to thank Rohan, Maximo Nivel, Travis, Institute Costarricense, Inglesia Impressial, Pro Language, Hostel Bekuo and the students at Eaton for the making this opportunity possible. The experience could not have been possible with all your help and guidance. One Love
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