One Year in Penang

Another year abroad done. It’s been a really good one. I first heard about working for British Council when I was finishing up my CELTA in 2012 and it instantly became my dream company to work for. This past year — my first year with them — has met all expectations.

It feels like every teaching job that I’ve taken on post-CELTA has been an upgrade from the last. I went from teaching in a university in Kuala Lumpur with the most basic classroom — nothing but a whiteboard and a CD player — to using interactive whiteboards in Hanoi with a computer in every classroom and an amazing teachers’ room stocked with stationery and good people. BC Penang is easily the best so far in terms of resources and facilities. The support I’ve received since I arrived has been nothing short of amazing. I also have my own desk and computer. It’s messy, but it’s mine.

I’m staying in Penang in a little bit longer and I’m optimistic about what the future has in store. In terms of pursuing DELTA, it feels like the desire has died down a little. I still want to do it because I would still like to become a teacher trainer some day as I don’t think I’ll want to keep teaching in the classroom forever, but it’s currently not a priority. I think my creative pursuits have sidetracked me from that, but I have to say that being creative brings me a happiness that keeps me sane.

Looking forward to what’s ahead, as always. 🙂