Preparation

Well, I'm heading to Taiwan a year earlier than I had originally planned, so I've been rushing to get things ready for the trip. I am a bit nervous-- I've never taught English as a second language before, although through the Sonoma State Credential program I have supposedly received "training" in this area...

My first step was to prepare a resume and cover letter, it wasn't too hard as I had begun this process for my Sonoma class. Then I googled teaching in Taiwan and started looking for advertised jobs. I found several agents that immediately offered to help me find work. The first was "Footprints" based out of Canada, they even conducted a phone interview with me. However, they haven't been in too much contact. Mirela Ploesteanu from International Avenue in Taichung/Taizhong/台中 who has been really helpful so far. (I really don't like the old-style romanization of Taiwan cities... it just sounds wrong to me.)Then there is Mickey Ho from ESL Dewey- also in 台中 who says he can help me get a public school job... even though I have a BS in soil science when I've heard I need a BEd. He assures me I just need the teaching credential and I'm cool. We'll see. Andrew Liu from the same agency helped me find a place in 宜蘭 but it is a 補習班 and I was thinking I would try out teaching at a proper school (private or, if possible, public) first. Anyways, can't commit one way or the other until I get there, so I just have to be patient I guess.

Did the CPR class then hand delivered my stuff to the credential office at SSU (working against the clock! i need that paper! why oh why did i put this off for so many months?!) Took several sets of passport photos, got another official diploma from HSU (my original is framed) went to the Taiwan Visitor's Center in SF and got a visa. So looks like everything is going to work out ok, 近育師的妹妹 will come pick me up from the airport and help me get set up. I also have had 近育師 record some things for me to say, like "Thanks for coming to the airport to pick me up, I hope I am not too much trouble." and "Could you help me take a picture?" Haha, I'm gonna die.

Just kidding, things will be fine. I have so much help from good people. Two weeks to go!

I hope I am doing the best thing.