Bridge-Linguatec Online TEFL Course: Part II

I received responses from my tutor last night regarding my essays submitted for module 1 and was very impressed. She responded within 24 hours of my submission, as Bridge Linguatec promises, and she provided very specific and knowledgeable feedback. I expected something to the effect of, "Looks good, fix this." Instead, she referred to specific parts within my essays and then offered helpful information to enhance my learning experience. For example, she told me that the technique of cutting up an assigned reading and distributing it among students is sometimes called "jigsawing." Very helpful.

Bridge-Linguatec Online TEFL Course

I just finished the first module of thirteen for my online TEFL through Bridge-Linguatec and, thus far, I'm very happy I made the choice I did. Instructions were clear and, as I suspected upon looking through the website, the interface was simple and visually appealing. I plan to complete a module a week, which should be doable even with work and school if I allocate some time to the course on the weekends.

The module 1 test was fairly simple, but I assume that difficulty will increase as I advance through the course. I felt that the two required essays were very worthwhile. They actually got me thinking about how I want to structure my lesson plans and what type of teacher I'll be. I have yet to hear back from my tutor regarding my essays, since I submitted them late last night, but she has been prompt and helpful in her responses to my e-mail queries.

Also, Bridge-Linguatec just added videos to the course that I have yet to watch but am excited to see. I'll report after module 2 to let you know whether or not they prove useful.

Work Visas in Spain

My husband looked into work visas in Spain and it sounds like getting one can be quite a challenge. Apparently unemployment there is high right now, so foreigners are low on the list of people to employ. Also, he found that you need a work permit in addition to the visa, which can take 3-6 months to obtain. Considering that info, we're not sure we could support ourselves in Spain with the $820/mo. I'd make as a North American culture assistant. That was a little disheartening, but I will probably still apply and inquire to find out what our options are.

I also spoke to my current employer about my plans, and he was very helpful and kind. As it turns out, he studied Latin America in school and also travelled all over the region in his 20's. He had lots of awesome tips on connections that the university may have down there. He also offered his opinions on the different regions and provided in-depth descriptions that I've yet to find online or in any article. I plan to solicit his help and advice in the near future, when I've done a little more research and can ask intelligent questions.

My boss Margie has also been very encouraging and has expressed excitement for me throughout the process, despite the fact that I will regretfully have to leave my job as her assistant behind as I pursue this future.

I'm so happy to have shared my plans, because I find that people are generally kind-hearted and supportive, even when your plans are not necessarily in their best interests.

Lucky me

I have to share my luck with applying for a passport at the post office the other day.

I went down there at 12:45 on Friday, but ended up having to leave for a meeting at 1:30.

My meeting finished earlier than expected, at 3:45, and I quickly hopped in the car and raced back to the post office, knowing that the passport office closes at 4:00.

I got there and they had already taken away the "take-a-number" stand. They would only serve people who had a number.

Then, one of two women still waiting for a passport pointed out that a number had been dropped on the ground. Apparently someone took one and then decided to leave.

Holding that number got me in as the last passport application of the day!

The guy handling applications was extremely nice, and gave me a document to show that I'm in the process of applying so I wouldn't have to pay the extra $60 to expedite the passport.

Lucky me.

Getting a Valid U.S. Passport

I'm currently clamoring to get my passport by the April 16th application deadline for the Ministry of Education grant. Unfortunately, passport processing times are high right now "due to high volume." Even expedited service will take 3 to 4 weeks.

It's also a lot more expensive that I figured. $97 for adults, plus $60 for expedited service. Anyhow, I'm heading down to the post office today with the necessary forms, my birth certificate, and 2 photos. Hopefully it won't take long. The best source for figuring out how to go about getting a passport is the U.S. Department of State. They offer a detailed page on passports with info on locations and documentation requirements.

An opportunity arises!

I thought that after 21 required posts that I'd want to take a little break from the blog scene. But, I'm finding that after a couple days without writing I feel strangely suppressed. So, here I am. I'm also writing, however, because I am extremely excited by a job opportunity I just received notice of.

I got an e-mail from the Romance Languages Department at the University of Oregon informing me that there are approximately 1000 grants available, offered by The Ministry of Education and Science of Spain (MEC), for "North American Language and Culture Assistants in Spain."

I meet the requirements insofar as I have a B.A. and intermediate to advanced Spanish skills, but I do not, however, currently hold a U.S. passport. I'm worried that I won't be able to get one by the application deadline of April 16, but I plan to head down to one of the many locations that offer passport services in the Eugene/Springfield area as soon as possible.

If I get this grant, I would work as an English language assistant teacher, which would be perfect considering my aspirations to teach abroad. The duration of the grant is 8 months, from October through May. This timing is perfect for me considering that I will complete my final class for graduation in August. The grants include medical insurance, something I hadn't even considered when looking for a teach abroad job in Latin America. They also include a teacher orientation course. Additional expenses, sucha s food, lodging and transportation, would be my responsibility. This was actually a relief to me considering that I am married and a homestay or host family situation would not work for us.

My only concern is that I would not be able to get a second job in Spain because I'd be there on a student visa. The pay is $820 U.S. dollars a month after taxes, but I'd need to support myself and my husband until he is able to find a job, which may be difficult for him considering that he doesn't speak any Spanish. I'm sure, however, that we can make it work. We're both able to live on very little, and I'm sure there are opportunities for strong, English speaking lads like hisself.

There are a lot of documents to gather and have prepared by April 16. In addition to clamoring for a passport, I need a medical certificate of good health, which I just learned can be obtained from my primary care physician. I also will need to get a certificate of good conduct from the police department. Then, I will have to gather the usual scholarship materials, including a personal statement, letter of recommendation, transcripts, etc. I guess I better stop blogging and get started!

Just the beginning

I've delayed in posting this blog because, while it's the last required post for my J333 Writing for Multimedia course, I feel like I'm just getting started. I know that things will get a lot more interesting once I actually begin applying for jobs, and I can't wait to start posting based on experience rather than research.

The goal of this blog was to illustrate how helpful the Internet and sharing technologies can be when it comes to conducting an international job hunt and preparing to live abroad. I've seen the benefits firsthand and am ever more convinced that:

• The Internet is an invaluable resource for networking
  Forums from sites like Dave's ESL Cafe and TESall.com feature posts from thousands of veteran and aspiring teachers who offer encouraging and honest advice.


• Forums can reveal untruths
  Posts from forums can help you see through the claims and charisma of company websites. While a company or program website will always say it's first-rate, disappointed consumers are more than willing to attest otherwise.


• The Internet is the best source for "destination investigation"
  While books and magazines are fabulous for sprawling picture spreads and engaging editorials, they can't beat the up-to-date nature of the Web. If there's an unprecedented coup in Uruguay, I want to know about it before I book my plane ticket.


• The Internet allows for visibility
  Because anyone can publish information to the Web, its easier than ever to get your name out for all to see.


• The Internet is a great source for learning about cultural acceptability
  There's no better way to access information on and from anywhere in the world. You can find out with the click of a mouse whether or not your idea of professional conduct aligns with that of your intended destination.


• Online job search engines, like Monster and Career Builder, are perfect for passive job hunters
  Because I won't actually be available for global employment until August, I don't feel that I should contact employers for a couple months yet. However, I can post my resumé on career sites and hope that an employer will come to me.


• For job hunts abroad, the Internet is the way to go
  Most employers post job openings online now, because it's cheaper and easier. Also, when conducting an international search, you can access resources you'd never even consider in print—a Peruvian newpaper's classified section, for example.

As a result of this project, having endowed me with these insights and more, I feel well prepared for whatever international opportunity may come my way. It has turned teaching abroad from an unlikely and frightening possibility into something I'm confident I can and will do.