Adventurasia Community

(Written by: Candice Lim Hing, between 2001~2003)

Hey everyone!

I’m going on to my third week in Taiwan. I began teaching kindergarten last week. It is sooooo hard -500 times harder than I ever expected. I have 21 kids in my class and 20 is supposed to be the maximum. All the kids are 4-5 years old but their level of English is so different from each other. I have brand new students that do not speak a word of English to kids who have been in the program for a couple of years. I wanted to quit after my first day. They did not listen to me at all and the class was very undisciplined - especially the boys, which is the majority of the class. Things have been getting a little bit better everyday, but it is definitely a challenge to keep the attention of the whole class.So, if any of you have any good ideas, I could use some.

I have also been spending countless hours using tapeto manually “laminate” my props/posters. The branch that I am teaching at is too small/cheap to be able to afford to get a laminating machine. Ayaaahhhh!!! I have also come down with a cold. So, I’m in a bit of a crabby mood. I am going for more training everyafternoon this week for which I am getting paid a whopping $500NT/per afternoon! That’s $25 CAD for those of you who don’t know the exchange rate. I am spending so much money and have not been making much at all. I have been told that things will get better-I certainly hope so.

On the up side, the kids are super cute, even the bad and naughty ones. One kid, is such a cute “bad” kid. He has his “I’m sorry teacher” act down so good that he makes me want to laugh. Some of the kids will also come up to you to hug you and tell you that they love you - it’s awesome. I think that if I have a smaller class, I would be having a lot more fun. Most of the other teachers only have about 12 kids and they are able to control and enjoy things more.

I also went to play rugby last weekend with a bunch of other teachers - it was really fun. It rained so it was not very hot and we could actually run around. I have also met a lot of cool people here. The ratio for girls:boys here is about 80:20, so guys you are in luck if you come to Taiwan. Gals, on the otherhand, you can be in luck if you want to meet foreign guys wanting and Asian girlfriend. I think all the Taiwanese guys our age are in the military - poor me:).

I am also learning how to hack - that’s playing the hackey sack. I am very slowly learning the game- practice makes perfect right?

Well, that’s my update for this week. Write me and update me on what you guys have been up to. Takecare!

Filed under: Taiwan