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AlixM09

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My Details

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  • Member since: 12/07/09
  • AlixM09 has written 18 Journal entries.
  • AlixM09 has uploaded 34 photos.
  • AlixM09 has left 18 comments.
  • AlixM09 has 42 friends.

About Me

Hi,
I'm currently living in Bristol, UK, I do an organic gardening round.  I've been here for years and I'm dyin to move and change my career (again). I'd like to get some experience in Europe and then hopefully travel to South America when I'm more confident.  I've never taught before but I have been enjoying the course.

My Friends (42)




CJanin
CJanin

I live in France and am hoping to teach English...

robertclarke
robertclarke

Ni Hao, I am a second year teacher at EF....

pedrodominguez
pedrodominguez

born in mexico, raised in chicago. currently teaching english in...

Donna
Donna

Hello!  I moved to Spain in 2008 and, thanks to my...

robyn007
robyn007
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My recent comments

AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Can somebody please give me a resonable explanation as to...”
about honor (User)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Hi Yeah, I`m sorry for getting you to help me...”
about kallenfranchise (User)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Well, I did get a job before coming, which was...”
about AlixM09 (User)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Hey I´m glad you enjoyed it too! Which venue did...”
about Life in Vaughantown!! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “PS I did know what your real name is but...”
about Rin (User)

Comments on my stuff

kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Alix, Some schools have a prejudice of age. The teacher...”
about AlixM09 (User)
honor
honor said: “Hi Alix, Which internship are you looking at? i-to-i's Teach...”
about AlixM09 (User)
MaFew
MaFew said: “Hey there...supposedly TEFL wants you to be my friend because...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “It was great to finally meet you. I apologize that you...”
about AlixM09 (User)
lintse07
lintse07 said: “Hi Alix- Hope everything is going well for you?  Are...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey again My name is Denise. Look up Denise Velati....”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Great photo Alix xxx”
about from my balcony (Photo)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Alix, How you doing? Long time! How is Ecuador?...”
about AlixM09 (User)
lintse07
lintse07 said: “jealous, earthquakes and all!  i will come there and teach...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “You do a good job of tempting me to visit.....lol....”
about created on: 08/18/10 (Photo)
kittyvic
kittyvic said: “Hi Alix, so glad to hear that the earthquake wasn't...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “Being in japan we get earth quakes a lot..but just...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
honor
honor said: “Hey, It's a problem with the way Chalkboard communicates with...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “I decided to live in Guayaquil for a few months...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Correct me if I'm wrong. But are you saying that...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Yea....I felt the earthquake (it lasted no more than 5...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “Hrm.. I'll have to see how that works.  I'm American...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Cheekyface
Cheekyface said: “I love this shot...the colours are spectacular”
about Calle Loudes (Photo)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “Hey Alix! Honor told me to ask you about the...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “Hey!  As for Ukraine.. degrees aren't necessary for visas but...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “This reminds me of the view from the town I...”
about from my balcony (Photo)
HayleyC
HayleyC said: “That is such an awesome picture- looks like a painting!!!...”
about from my balcony (Photo)
lintse07
lintse07 said: “trade that any day for my view of communist block...”
about from my balcony (Photo)
mistymaxey
mistymaxey said: “I'm 20 i'll be 21 by the time I hopefully...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “Nice!!!  What's it like in Ecuador?”
about from my balcony (Photo)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “I can imagine Loja being "the heaven away from home".”
about the whole valley (Photo)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “So beautiful...I have a feeling that I might end up...”
about from my balcony (Photo)
kittyvic
kittyvic said: “Thanks for posting this, Alix! Yeah, I know all about...”
about a typical day (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “That is awesome....I am so happy for you, Alix. With...”
about a typical day (Post)
mistymaxey
mistymaxey said: “Hey I am super interested in coming to Ecuador! I...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kittyvic
kittyvic said: “I'll be in Quito on August 31. The plane arrives...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kittyvic
kittyvic said: “Hi Alix, yeah, CHC doesn't really seem to know what...”
about AlixM09 (User)
lintse07
lintse07 said: “Yeah *tranquilo* is not the operative word in Asia! i...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kittyvic
kittyvic said: “Haha! I will bring you some Tetley!”
about Ecuador (Post)
kittyvic
kittyvic said: “Hi Alix! Thanks for the info! I am having alot...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kittyvic
kittyvic said: “Hi Alix, I saw your post from the Dave's ESL...”
about teachers wanted (Post)
lintse07
lintse07 said: “Thanks for writing about Ecuador!  I'm stuck in Asia for...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “I have been considering it, Alix. However, I don't know if...”
about teachers wanted (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Great shot. Are you just using a phone, or is it a...”
about Calle Loudes (Photo)
Rin
Rin said: “Haha, how quaint! :)”
about Loja (Photo)
Rin
Rin said: “Looks very nice and clean! :)”
about Plaza Simon Bolivar (Photo)
Rin
Rin said: “Great blog Alix. :) Is it unusual for the locals...”
about Ecuador (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Wow! I have some great photos too. Internet here is...”
about Cayambe (Photo)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “The pictures of Loja are beautiful. I am glad that...”
about Ecuador (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Alix, Just a quick note to see how you...”
about AlixM09 (User)
pedrodominguez
pedrodominguez said: “hi, you wrote to me a few months ago, and...”
about AlixM09 (User)
MissBrown
MissBrown said: “Hey Alix! Good to see your post as I am...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Yes...I totally agree with Alix especially if you are not...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Sounds like you had a great time Alix!”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “...Obviously, I didn't mean it was great about the school...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Thats great Alix! :) I'm sure it'll do Kallen the...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
Monique
Monique said: “Wow that's fabulous!  Have a fabulous time!  Good luck and...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Awesome post Alix! :) Sounds like you had a wicked...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
Monique
Monique said: “Thanks for your report.  So glad to hear that you...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Alix :) How I wished I'd pushed myself to...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “How long is your contract for Alix? What I'm actually...”
about new start date (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Alix :) Just a quick hello, haven't heard from...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Whereverimayroam
Whereverimayroam said: “Sounds like good advice Kallen. I'm still unsure about the...”
about money and drugs (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Alix, I have found the WHO to exaggerate and even...”
about money and drugs (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Wow...thats great. When do you start teaching for Canadian House?...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Oooh, noticed your jobs been brought forward! are you all...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “I have been in Ecuador for a little over two...”
about Ecuador Visa (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Hi Alix, In regards to the flooding, La Sierra (the...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Now, the one in Qingdao, the kids are kindergarten age....”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Alix :) Generally i would say we are ready,...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Eviep86
Eviep86 said: “Hey, I hope you dont mind me contacting you someone...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Alix :) How are you doing? I as just...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Hey..first day in Quevedo Ecuador. From Sunday to Thursday, I...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Congratulations on getting the job, Alix! :) Have you signed...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “It is not only Ecuador but if I moved anywhere,...”
about success (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Looks like Swim gave you some good advice. It looks...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Me and the employer worked out everything in regards to...”
about success (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “In regards to your post in my blog you said:...”
about success (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Alix, I'm excited. European (you) revisits her lost home, American...”
about success (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Oh, good for you! :) Yea, its going to be...”
about success (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Alix! I'm so happy for you! you too, Kallen...”
about success (Post)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Hey guys - check out if your contracts will be...”
about success (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Congratulations on your interview. I have just been offered a...”
about success (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Glad it went OK - it does sound very South...”
about success (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “I know!! Its scary how fast things can move when...”
about AlixM09 (User)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Your sister's a wise woman! Our advice would certainly be...”
about AlixM09 (User)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “nice pic!”
about Toledo (Photo)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Hey Alix, I've had so many interview like that -...”
about AlixM09 (User)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Aww I'm sorry I had left work when you sent...”
about AlixM09 (User)
honor
honor said: “Awesome stuff.    You should definitely visit it if you...”
about Rolls Royce Phantom 2 (Photo)
MissBrown
MissBrown said: “Oh I am sure you'll be fine. Keep me posted...”
about AlixM09 (User)
MissBrown
MissBrown said: “Hey, Good luck on the interview - get that job...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Oooh, one hour til your interview? Best of luck to...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “No, I don't have a place there yet. But yea...it...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Congrats and good luck to you with your interview. I...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Alix :) Good luck with the interview! I have...”
about AlixM09 (User)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Haha - know the feeling! In terms of the interview,...”
about AlixM09 (User)
honor
honor said: “That'd be incredible if you could go out and see...”
about Rolls Royce Phantom 2 (Photo)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Hi Alix,   They are indeed the partners we work...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Hmmm....thats weird! Showing them the certificate should have been enough....”
about job application time (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “The farm in Ecuador sounds like a really good choice!...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “We have joined a couple of companies-no money upfront. They...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hiya :) Hmm, i know what you mean about giving...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Alix :) I didn't know you did this! That...”
about My first solo class next week... (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Alix :) Any luck with the job applications? I...”
about AlixM09 (User)
WILGAR
WILGAR said: “Hey yea I do get to give him back but...”
about AlixM09 (User)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Hi,   You're not counted out at all - you...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kenfleck28
kenfleck28 said: “hi Alix, I saw your post about going to Spain....”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey again Alix :) That link you gave me looks...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey again :) Thanks for your reply. Congrats on finishing...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Alix :) I saw that you live in Bristol?...”
about AlixM09 (User)
gazren1
gazren1 said: “alright alix? best of luck with you ecuador placement. i...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Sam-v
Sam-v said: “Hi Alix. So I see you're waiting for a response...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Congratulations on finishing. I am halfway through the course myself....”
about finished! (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Primarily food quality and medicine. I have been doing research...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “I am quite the contrary...lol. I use the internet for...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Yea...you are right. However, I want to prepare myself as...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “I am an internet addict. And I have been told...”
about AlixM09 (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “If you go through I-to-I job placement, a degree is...”
about AlixM09 (User)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “If your considering Indonesia then check out Robert Clarke's Blog....”
about nearly finished (Post)
madlee
madlee said: “Some parts of China are more flexible in terms of degree requirement....”
about nearly finished (Post)
madlee
madlee said: “Well done!”
about nearly finished (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Good Luck with the rest fo your course! Where are...”
about nearly finished (Post)
madlee
madlee said: “I agree with i-to-i here, DON'T PAY ANY UP-FRONT FEES....”
about 1st time and 25 mins late! (Post)
littleja55
littleja55 said: “Hi, About Teacher Mex Connect- I did see their website...”
about AlixM09 (User)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Wow the caribbean does sound amazing... but not sure how...”
about 1st time and 25 mins late! (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Hey,   Glad it went well today (even if you...”
about 1st time and 25 mins late! (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Alix,   Meant to say also - have you thought...”
about volunteering in UK (Post)
Monique
Monique said: “Great idea!  Good Luck for tomorrow.  I also want to...”
about volunteering in UK (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Hey Alix,   This seems like a really great idea...”
about volunteering in UK (Post)
tommo23260
tommo23260 said: “Thanks for the tip Alix, I will give it a...”
about AlixM09 (User)
tommo23260
tommo23260 said: “Hi. At the moment I am still working as a...”
about AlixM09 (User)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Hey Alix, Your pictures are great! Where were they taken?”
about chickens (Photo)
bakern
bakern said: “what a beautiful place”
about chickens (Photo)

Recent Blog Posts

end of term and the ground moved!

After a huge workload it's finally end of term and and holidays for 3 weeks. Except for my one remaining private student that is!  Still I could do with the money.  My other private, the one I found hopeless for weeks, has suddenly become a top student, got about 90% in his tests and is ready to sit his final next week.  Unfortunately, after that he has to return to the extremely small town of...
read more

a typical day

Things have really picked up for me work wise now.  At first I didn't have many hours as two of the teachers I came to replace didn't leave for a bit.  I didn't actually pay any rent for 4 weeks but it was ok because the school rents the apartment for us and I just owed the money to them.  It's only $65 a month anyway as it's a shared flat, 5 bedrooms, not much...
read more
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Alix,


Some schools have a prejudice of age. The teacher (being seen as the mentor)....they feel that the younger the teacher, the better the relationship with the students. Some schools may also think that having more young people as teachers will make the school look more attractive. There are some truths to those statements. However, I agree with you. Age should not be used to determine one's teaching ability. There is plenty of opportunity out there. I am quite sure that you will find something. I thought you were going to Spain next??

Hi Alix,


Which internship are you looking at? i-to-i's Teach in China internship has a max age of 45, but will consider applicants who are older than that. Our only other internship is the Teach in Thailand internship, for which the max age is 40. However, I don't think you're eligible for that as I remember you don't have a degree?


I do not doubt that you work hard for your students and age limits are not an aspersion on your performance as a teacher. Often it is simply a case that schools can only obtain working visas for people below a certain age.


Hope that clears things up, but if there's anything else I can help with get in touch.

Hey there...supposedly TEFL wants you to be my friend because I'm interested in teaching in South America.  I can book a flight for 100 bucks (aunt is flight attendant), how important is it to have the TEFL certificate?  I know a little spanish, and am a fresh young buck (23) right out of college.  What would you do? 


PS im desperate for friends on this thing...maybe I should put a picture up...

It was great to finally meet you. I apologize that you were not able to enjoy Guayaquil. If I had the weekend free, I could have shown you all of the cool places here. At first, when I came here, I did not like it either because the person that was showing me the city didn't seemed to know much about it (he was from Quevedo). However, after making some friends and hanging out with them, I started to like and appreciate the city more. I hope you can visit again in the future and give Guayaquil a second chance.


We will see each other again.... I'm quite sure about that. After all, I want to see Loja. Maybe I will come to see you in October or December for a few days. Who knows...it may be even sooner than that.  

Well, I did get a job before coming, which was good, but if you could possibly just get here you might find somrthing better paid.  Kallen would know more about that, he camr, got a bad job, got a work visa and then got a better job, so ask him about finding work, I dont think it was hard for him.  He teaches people from the coca cola company in Guyaquil.  Right now I´m in Guyaquil, saw Kallen for a short time last night but I dont like this town much so I`m off back to Loja soon. 


Quito is really cool but quite expensive.  Cuenca is great, fairly big city, night life, historic centre, etc. Loja is a small city/town, could get bored there but am appreciating it now I´ve been to Guayaquil! At least you can get a beer and good food just about whenever you like. There is plenty of work here, its just not really an internet orintated place, although there are cabinas on every corner.


What can I say6, you might just ahve to try and see, but do talk to Kallen, I think he can give better advice about job searching here then I can and he seems to know lots of people.

Hi Alix-


Hope everything is going well for you?  Are you on holiday for a little while ? I'm driving myself nuts over here in South Korea cruising the job boards as I think about what to do next.  Ecuador is so much more my style.  If I read right, you secured a job before heading there?  It's so overwhelming to try and figure out the right way to go about it.  I've heard that sometimes it's better to just show up? But then there's chosing the right place, etc.  The logistics of wandering Ecuador by bus, while I figure that out?  I sort of learned a little about what can happen when you get on the wrong chicken bus when I was in Guatemala, a couple of times I felt like I wandered onto a horror movie set.  Still have until the end of March 2011 to figure it out.  What cities might you recommend via personal experience or word of mouth? 

Hey again


My name is Denise. Look up Denise Velati. I'm the only one!


Ecuador sounds awesome!! Can't wait to see it some day!!


We have been in a few cities here and the floods have just missed us each time. Luckily. Encircled the city but missed it completely, you know?


Yea, gutted about my camera. Most of all gutted I couldn't take photos of that wicked skyline in Hong Kong!!!


School term started last Monday. I have 16 classes of 40 minutes each. Most are good kids. Some classes are great and I'm glad I'm a teacher, others go bad and I don't want to be here, haha.


Yea, don't like the apartment in the school. Will definitely put down that as a no-no for my next contract!! The flat itself is nice enough, just too many rules and regulations really!!


Hope the travelling is going well and you are seeing lots of Ecuador!!


 

Hey Alix,


How you doing? Long time!


How is Ecuador? Are you liking teaching? How is your apartment?


China is cool. Just started at the middle school this week!! Taught for a bit at a training centre when I first got here, but still wasn't really prepared!!


The kids are great though... some of them. Had two lessons today and had a great time, but the lessons yesterday were kinda average. Guess you gotta take the good with the bad eh?


Totally skint as we came early, didn't get as much money as we thought from work.. stuff like that you know? The trip to HK to do the visas cost a fortune but was worth it!!!


Will get paid at the begining of September.. but only will have worked a week... so not too much. By start of October should be okay! :)


Apartment is okay... but in the school... needed a good clean too!!


My camera broke soon after getting to china, so not many pics and none of HK!! I'm gutted!! do you have Facebook? I have some on there.


Take care xx

Hey,


It's a problem with the way Chalkboard communicates with our servers - it's a bit of an ongoing mystery which is getting looked into (slowly), but I haven't been given a time as to when it'll be resolved yet - in the meantime I can only apologise for any inconvenience caused by Chalkboard's slowness - just keep hitting refresh!


Honor

Yea....I felt the earthquake (it lasted no more than 5 minutes). Just a little rumbling. But you know how Ecuadorians are. They always exaggerate and worry "to the extreme".


Sorry...I didn't get a chance to call you this week...I've have been so busy with moving to Guayaquil and working at this new job. I have almost no money left for this month. So, it would have to be another time.


I really want to see you. Especially now that I know you will only be here for a year (I want to go to Spain too....I want EU nationality...lol). As far as Loja, maybe I will come to see you in late october or early november.

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