Hello Novalee,
Nice to meet you. I'm also new here. I'm from Thailand, but I have studied in USA for 4 years. I still want to improve my English though. Maybe we can exchange our experiences some time. What subject do you teach? How do you like being a teacher? I 'm thinking of being a teacher too, but I'm not quite sure if I will like it. Also, teachers donot get paid much in Thailand. Let's talk about it later,
Sirima

Wich part of Spain ? I know Galicia and Barcelona. Did an EU project with schools in Vigo.

Hi Minny and David. Nice to meet you. Minny, I teach English to kids, teenagers, adults... well, actually anyone who wants to learn. I love my job because it's very gratifying to see learners' progress, most of all, children. And, of course, I love languages, especially English. But teaching can leave you weary at the end of the day. Are you considering becoming a teacher in your country? Which subject?
David, I'm from Castille which is in the northwest of the country. I've never been to Vigo, but I've heard it's a great place, and I'm looking forward to travelling there... some day! Did you like Spain when you were here?

See you around

Hello Novalee,
Can you tell me what your name means if you donot mind? It sounds so cool to me. Anyway, about being a teacher... I have thought about it, but as I said, I 'm not sure if I can earn a lot of money from this profession. Most of all, I'm not quite sure if I can be a good teacher. I just feel like teachers need to know how to explain things well, how to make some boring subjects interesting. I guess they should know how to draw attention also. That's what I thought when I took classes with some boring teachers. Sometimes they have great big chunk of knowledge; but they donot know how to transfer to students. I hope you know what I mean. I donot want my students say EWW! when they talk about me. The subject I teach would be Arts, the only thing I know. I also love English; but I'm not good at it.(you can tell from my writing)
How long have you taught? Do you teach at High School? I had the first teaching experience when I was in my freshman year(17years old). I taught Drawing to 12th grade students who want to be in Art major in University. In Thailand when people want to go to University, they have to take an exam, so called Entrance Exam. They also have only five choices to go to particular majors and Universities. Unlike in USA, people have to take SAT exam, and get the best score. Then Universities will pick them out. After Sophermore year, they can pick their majors. I guess Thai education system gives students tough time to decide which way they want to go. Not Art people though, I think most of them know what they like. It is in their instinct.
I was so happy when my first group of students could pass the exam and went to good art schools. I know how you feel when you see your students accomplish. After that year, I rarely had time to do something else but studying. After graduated, I taught water coloring and drawing for a short period of time. Then I had to come back to school again.
Wow! I can't believe I wrote a lot today. I guess I have to say Hasta la Vista for now.
Talk to you later,
Minny

What an interesting post! I must say that there are some really good teachers in the forums. I agree with you that it might be a good idea in the long run to give students time to decide which way they want to go, and I also believe it might be good for them to follow their instincts, but on the other hand having the privilege of talking to someone with experience is something that you don't find in every forum you visit! Hasta pronto, amiga.

Hello there,
Well, I agree with maj. Minny, your post has been very interesting! I like knowing about other education systems around the world, so that I can compare them with our own. And, yes, it's very satisfying to see your students' progress.
You are right in what you said about being a teacher: explain things well and make them understandable and enjoyable, too. But IMO if you really like the subject you are teaching, classes are definitely successful. I mean, you never stop thinking how to improve them If you love Art and Drawing, you could be a good teacher.
I'm so glad that you wrote a lot in your last post and I must tell you that your English is quite good and fluent! Good for you!
Novalee is the name of the main character in "Where the heart is" by Billie Letts, a very good book which I recommend you to read.
Hasta luego (f)

Thank you guys. How are education systems in your countries? Tell me more about your countries. Novalee, Maj, where are you from? Novalee, Is the book" where the heart is" a short story. What is it about?
Later,
Minny

Loved it hitchiker came along too. Barcelona my favourite so far. Enjoy teaching.