Teaching Chinese as a Second Language Program

While I was teaching English in Taiwan; I also registered for the Chinese Teacher Training program at the Chinese Language Center associated with National Chengchi University in Taipei. The program was 96 credit hours total for 8 weekends (12 hours per weekend) and it was pretty intense. We were given lots of info in 12-13 subject matters. It was good to have the resources but at the same time, there wasn't enough time to digest all the info in a short amount of time. At the end of the term, we had to pass a final exam, teaching demo, and a group lesson plan. Once you passed all the required assignments, then you would receive a certificate in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. I've never had the chance to take a college/or above leveled program instructed exclusively in Chinese Mandarin. It was definitely an interesting and memorable experience for me:)

Highlights 2008 - Gunpo, South Korea

I taught at Gunpo Elementary School in South Korea for about 8 months in 2008. It was definitely an experience I will never forget. It was very difficult at first because of the language barrier, some cultural shocks, and just being in a foreign land without knowing anybody. It got better after I start making friends and was surprised how many foreigners were there in the Seoul area teaching English. I started a blog while I was there- to share my experiences and thoughts with friends. Overall, it was a good experience, I feel like I've learned a lot. I wanted an adventure, and I definitely got one!

South Korea 2008 blog : http://kr05192008.blogspot.com/

Highlights of 2009 - Taipei, Taiwan

I taught at a univeristy extension in Taipei, Taiwan at the beginning of the year for about 4 months. It was my first time teaching adult students, so I was very nervous before my first class. Thankfully I had very good students:) although they are all older than me, but they still gave me the apporpriate respect which was a huge relieve for me. Because I was there towards the beginning of Febuary, I got to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It's the year of Cow and they had the COW decorations everywhere in Taipei. Also there are lots of Pandas too because the 2 pandas in Taipei Zoo were gifts from China, so the people in Taiwan were all crazy about the pandas (in a good way^=^).

And I found this cool display at the airport! it has the Chinese zodiac with the corresponding years of birth. I've attached the pix above as well.