"We learned a lot from each other."

Leslie Smith | Canada

Having never taught English before, I was a little nervous about my ability to assist a student in improving their English capabilities. I was unsure if the TEFL course I had taken would adequately prepare me for the task at hand. However, when I met my student, Vân, we had an immediate connection and I was confident all would go well. Vân had never spoken English to a foreigner before and was also nervous. However, within minutes we were chatting like old friends. It was obvious that Vân's organized, scientific thought process was a good contrast to my more "artistic" style and I believe we learned a lot from each other. I could not have asked for a more perfect student. Vân was always on time, never missed a lesson and was well prepared with files of photos, vocabulary and responses to the standard themed questions for each discussion. Things really got animated when we role played, and we had a lot of fun discussing how we would go together to play ping pong at the local community centre and what our winning strategy would be against the retirees (who apparently have a very good team). I am still in contact with my student occasionally just to say "hello." Viet-Skype is a great program and I encourage anyone who is thinking of teaching English, or who simply would like to have interesting conversations, to get involved with the program. The program is well run and advice is always immediately available from the program coordinators.