My entry to the world of teaching English to foreigners was as big a surprise to me as it was to my friends and family. It happened at the most unexpected place and time.

I was on my way to the Internal Revenue office to pay my taxes (I was self-employed at the time) when a huge advertisement posted on the bulletin at the lobby of the building caught my attention. WANTED: TEACHERS to teach English to Korean Nationals. Must be Education graduates. I asked myself, “That’s all?” I have a degree in Education major in Chemistry from one of the most reputable universities in the Philippines – the University of Santo Tomas, but was it enough?  There’s only one way to find out. After my business with the IR, I went back home, which is only a few minutes away, printed a resume and went to the academy located on the 16th floor of the same building.

I was greeted by a nice young lady at the reception and was led in. I was told that I would have to take a qualifying exam and that I will be interviewed soon after. I felt my tummy churned. I learned English first (thanks to my mom who was a teacher too) and then Tagalog (national language of my country) but I only knew the basic rules of grammar. Surprisingly, the test was easy and I was able to finish it in less than the allotted time.  I was asked to wait for the result of the test.  A few minutes later, a middle age lady called my name and led me inside a nice-looking office. She was the principal of the academy, Ms. Cynthia Venezuela. She informed me that I passed the test and that I am qualified to teach. I was relieved. However, I didn’t go out of her office without telling her that I have no experience teaching English and asked if there were seminars or trainings scheduled for new teachers. To my relief, she said there was and that I could attend the next day.  That was the beginning of a long, fruitful, taxing, exciting, disappointing, happy, sad, etc. (not necessarily in that order) career in teaching foreign nationals.

Through the years, I have learned that Koreans are workaholics and they always wanted to get their money’s worth. They complain a lot and are not very trusting. However, once you develop a good relationship with them, they will treasure you for life.

I promise to write more next time.