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December 2009 ESL Newsletter

Greetings ESL Teachers!

This month in Asia we would like to share with you a teacher profile from Christelle Ribbens, ideas for the upcoming Chinese New Year and information about joining a local soccer club. Enjoy!

The Reach To Teach Team

ESL Teacher Profile - Christelle Ribbens

ESL Teacher Christelle Profile Picture

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

This tremendous quote of Mark Twain has always been one of the motto's of my life. I believe that one should rather accept new challenges with open arms, than to reject them due to the overwhelming fear of personal disappointment and failure.

This is the very reason why I decided to once again endeavor on another journey into the unknown, as I believe that such experiences bring forth enduring personal growth. I have been privileged to have worked, studied and traveled in various foreign territories. I am always very grateful for such experiences outside of one's familiar setting, since one grows exponentially if one is outside the safety of one's own comfort zone. In such experiences one truly gets to know one's own strengths, weaknesses and what makes one tick.

I think as this stage, you my dear reader might be thinking: "So, why did you decide to teach English in Asia and particularly in Taiwan for that matter." Kindly allow me to explain my personal reasons for this decision to you. Firstly, I decided to teach in English in Taiwan, as this is a lucrative endeavor that allows me to save money for personal long-term financial goals. Secondly, I decided that this experience will enable me to gain valuable professional experience in a culturally rich environment. Thirdly, I decided that this experience will bring forth exponential personal growth,as I have already stated above.

Well, I think that you my dear reader might think that all of these reasons sounds very nice on paper. However, has my time in Taiwan so far met all of my personal goals? I am very glad to inform you that my time so far in Taiwan has been far beyond anything that I could ever have imagined or planned. It has truly been a rewarding experience. I can see that I am well on my way to fulfill my personal goals.

The Taiwanese people are very friendly and they receive foreigners with kind hospitality. The food is great, delicious and cheap. Even more enjoyable than the food is the fact that is it always fun to work with the kids. It is very rewarding to see how the develop and grow in their language ability, as well as in their personal character development!

In a foreign country each day is a new experience with new challenges and joys just beckoning around the corner. From a hilarious and confusing shopping experience to hearing the sweet voice of one of your student's saying, "Hello Miss Christelle! I like you!"

Thank you for listening to a small part of my own personal experiences in Taiwan. I truly hope that it will help you to make the decision that will change your life forever! All of the best!

- Christelle Ribbens

Chinese New Year Holiday

Chinese New Year Newsletter

Chinese New Year seems like a while off yet but most people will be planning their Chinese New Year holiday! The 2010 CNY holiday will be in February - so ask your school for the exact dates.

Here are a few thoughts if you are undecided on the best thing to do.

One. Traveling the country!
If you haven't yet managed to explore then CNY is the perfect time to go traveling. It's a great time to travel because the tourist spots and areas of natural beauty and much less crowded and getting around is really easy. Any decent guide book will direct you towards the best places to visit and how to get there. The various public transport systems run over CNY but you might find there is limited service on a few of the days . Accommodation can always be found to suit your budget.

Two. Going abroad.
With so many great destinations just a short flight away many teachers go abroad. Book as soon as possible if you want preferred dates at good prices. Booking in late November and beyond can get very pricey as the airlines get very busy.

Three. Staying around with no plans.
For some this is just the ticket. However, here's a quick word of advice. It's quite possible to spend more money keeping yourself occupied (bars, clubs, movies, restaurants, shopping, etc) than if you had simply gone somewhere like Thailand or the Philippines. This is a regret for many a teacher!

Whatever you end up doing make sure you plan ahead and make the most of your well earned holiday. Enjoy!

TasteSports in Taiwan - Play Soccer with the Celts!!

CELTS Football in Taipei

The CELTS are looking for new football (soccer) players to join our team in the CPL Taipei League. League games take place most Sundays in Taipei. We also participate in the quarterly tournaments (Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Taipei) which are excellent fun and a fantastic way to see the island. The CELTS is a mix of Irish, American, British and Canadian players who all enjoy playing football at varying skill levels. We also have a huge social life and are one of the 'best loved teams in Taiwan'!

If you're interested in playing, keeping fit and meeting lots of great people ~ we'd love to hear from you. email info@celtsfc.com or check out our website at www.celtsfc.com.

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