Chalkboard is i-to-i's TEFL community.
It is currently still in testing phase which could mean you find the odd bug!
Q: What is i-to-i Chalkboard? A: It's the online community of TEFL specialists i-to-i.com
Use the tabs below to learn more about our TEFL courses
View AlixM09’s:
About Me
Hi,
I'm now living in Madrid, it's a great city, seriously hot and really fun. I've found a job - there's lots of TEFL work here. I was in Ecuador before so it's like learning Spanish all over again! Still loving the way of life though. I like travelling, photography, cycling and gardening, don't get much chance for the last two though. Be glad to hear from any other teachers here.
My Friends (94)
-
- CJanin
-
I live in France and am hoping to teach English...
-
- pedrodominguez
-
born in mexico, raised in chicago. currently teaching english in...
-
- Donna
-
Hello! I moved to Spain in 2008 and, thanks to my...
SEE ALL
My recent comments
-
-
AlixM09 said:
“couldn't you and/or the students bring things from the kitchen?...”
about Teaching with limited resources and a very tired brain!! (Post)
-
-
AlixM09 said:
“I would imagine that all the important information is contained...”
about Grammar Awareness Help (Post)
-
-
AlixM09 said:
“I follow a few tefl blogs on google reader, a...”
about Essential TEFL Book and other resources (Post)
-
-
AlixM09 said:
“Great post Loren! I know what you mean about teenagers...”
about Where has the time gone? (Post)
-
-
AlixM09 said:
“I have taught English to immigrants in the UK and...”
about My new blog (Post)
Comments on my stuff
-
-
ENRIQUE2012 said:
“Hi Alix, I read your post about the papers in...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
brianbennett said:
“thanks very much for recomending the link it was and...”
about A useful site (Post)
-
-
ashleas20 said:
“wow you write beautifull thank you... so would love to...”
about everything I can remember about Ecuador (Post)
-
-
PabloKay said:
“Sounds as though you are getting homesick...wherever that might be?”
about Incongruity (Post)
-
-
oliver7777 said:
“oh great post...”
about Incongruity (Post)
-
-
AdamWilson said:
“Hi there, i really enjoyed reading your profile and seeing...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
lexi1306 said:
“lets hope the good luck continues!”
about a small hiccup for the new year! (Post)
-
-
ErinLeeds said:
“Oh no it sounds like you've had a few hurdles...”
about a small hiccup for the new year! (Post)
-
-
HappyChipmunk91 said:
“Awesome answer man. Thankyou!”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
HappyChipmunk91 said:
“Hey Alix! Thanks for the information. Ecuador does seem to...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kittyvic said:
“Aha! I thought that's who it was in your profile...”
about Christmas in Madrid (Post)
-
-
kittyvic said:
“Hope you had a merry continental Christmas, Alix! And hope...”
about Christmas in Madrid (Post)
-
-
MariekeE said:
“Once I have some more time on my hands, I...”
about everything I can remember about Ecuador (Post)
-
-
Bazteach said:
“Nice blog. I was in Quito in 2003 for 3...”
about everything I can remember about Ecuador (Post)
-
-
MariekeE said:
“Hi, Just want to add a remark about your visa...”
about everything I can remember about Ecuador (Post)
-
-
ErinLeeds said:
“Oh and I forgot to mention. Have you considered entering...”
about everything I can remember about Ecuador (Post)
-
-
ErinLeeds said:
“Hi Alix, I love your post! A real detailed insight....”
about everything I can remember about Ecuador (Post)
-
-
marc54 said:
“Hey... hows it going. Im about to finish my TEFL...”
about back to Pueblo Inglés (Post)
-
-
i-to-i said:
“I wish! :)”
about summer in the city (Photo)
-
-
i-to-i said:
“Sounds great! Nothing like 4* accommodation to cheer the bluest...”
about back to Pueblo Inglés (Post)
-
-
SCecilia1986 said:
“Hello, THANKS FOR ADDING ME. It's nice to see you...”
about a revolutionary holiday (Post)
-
-
louisehaughey said:
“Im interested in Vaughan and was wondering if you could...”
about first week Vaughan training (Post)
-
-
supernoodles said:
“Wow Alix, I've just looked at Vaughn Systems and it...”
about home and away (Post)
-
-
supernoodles said:
“Hey Alix, I've just seen your video - THANK YOU...”
about home and away (Post)
-
-
supernoodles said:
“Hi Alix, Ive just read one of your other posts...”
about home soon (Post)
-
-
Shannons said:
“Hey Alix...I have been reading all your posts on Ecuador....”
about home soon (Post)
-
-
martyS said:
“HI Alix sorry to hear about your gas nightmare, and...”
about check your gas safety! (Post)
-
-
Nataliaxxx said:
“Hi!I completly new to this website and wonder if anybody...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
luis6079 said:
“Ouch! Be careful! I am an American who has lived...”
about check your gas safety! (Post)
-
-
olivia3188 said:
“Hi Alix, I'm very new to this chalkboard thing,...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Rin said:
“Oh dear.. sorry to hear that Al. :( Hope you...”
about check your gas safety! (Post)
-
-
beeker1972 said:
“Well steve i suppose that would save you having to...”
about new year in Quito (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Forgive me for not replying to you sooner. I have...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
beeker1972 said:
“That top sign takes the biscuit alright,suppose i'll have to...”
about created on: 01/14/11 (Photo)
-
-
dotsandfreckles said:
“Hey - sorry for the late reply, I had a...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
anuxt said:
“What a beauty!!”
about Rolls Royce Phantom 2 (Photo)
-
-
anuxt said:
“Beautiful lillies.”
about created on: 08/20/10 (Photo)
-
-
anuxt said:
“AlixM09, I think you are doing a good job of...”
about money and drugs (Post)
-
-
dotsandfreckles said:
“PS. don't worry, my spelling's horrendous - can't believe I'm...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
dotsandfreckles said:
“Hey, Thanks so much for your mesage, that's all really...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
dotsandfreckles said:
“Hi, I'm just wondering if you'd recommend Ecuador for first-time...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Rin said:
“Haha. Yea, our school will be all closed up after...”
about new year in Quito (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Yea, I meant normal people have a few weeks off!...”
about new year in Quito (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Yea, the official date is Feb 3rd. but most people...”
about new year in Quito (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Happy New Year, Alix!! Maybe the president will be a...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Rin said:
“Hey Al. Great blog. Glad you had a fun time....”
about new year in Quito (Post)
-
-
PDixon said:
“Are your ears better now? Living with another person can...”
about theiving b******s and earrings that make you sick (Post)
-
-
Imogenx said:
“hey there :) i see your from Bristol; me too!...”
about a typical day (Post)
-
-
PDixon said:
“How can you be allergic to earrings - what were...”
about theiving b******s and earrings that make you sick (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Cool idea Alix. Felix Navidad?? Is that Spanish ? All...”
about secret friend (Post)
-
-
Setzpfand21 said:
“Hi Alix, how are you? I'm starting in Cuenca in...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Rin said:
“Hey Al, Yes, we get paid for hols. If the...”
about theiving b******s and earrings that make you sick (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Yea, not sure of the exact dates yet, but it...”
about theiving b******s and earrings that make you sick (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Everything in China entails 'lots of fireworks!' haha. Sorry to...”
about theiving b******s and earrings that make you sick (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Hey Alix!! I don't know actually. I will be more...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Setzpfand21 said:
“Dear Alix, I see that you're teaching in Loja at...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Rin said:
“Yea, 80 is too many. But at the private schools.....”
about advice needed please! (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Hey Al, Well, haha, to be honest some of my...”
about advice needed please! (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Also, I copied loads of crosswords that I found on...”
about advice needed please! (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Hey Al, My kids are middle school. So like popular...”
about advice needed please! (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Are you going to apply for the commerical visa (6 months)...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Hey...Alix...sorry to hear about your colleagues "snitching" on you. I...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“I am glad that you are ok. In Guayaquil, things...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“I am glad that you are ok. In Guayaquil, things...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Congrats on your new apartment, Alix!! I think things will...”
about a hectic week (Post)
-
-
charlene_a_mitchell said:
“Hey Alix, I'm thinking of doing a TEFL course and...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Alix, Some schools have a prejudice of age. The teacher...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“It was great to finally meet you. I apologize that you...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Rin said:
“Great photo Alix xxx”
about from my balcony (Photo)
-
-
lintse07 said:
“jealous, earthquakes and all! i will come there and teach...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“You do a good job of tempting me to visit.....lol....”
about created on: 08/18/10 (Photo)
-
-
kittyvic said:
“Hi Alix, so glad to hear that the earthquake wasn't...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
-
-
PDixon said:
“Being in japan we get earth quakes a lot..but just...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“I decided to live in Guayaquil for a few months...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Correct me if I'm wrong. But are you saying that...”
about end of term and the ground moved! (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Yea....I felt the earthquake (it lasted no more than 5...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Cheekyface said:
“I love this shot...the colours are spectacular”
about Calle Loudes (Photo)
-
-
Spiwak432 said:
“Hey! As for Ukraine.. degrees aren't necessary for visas but...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Spiwak432 said:
“This reminds me of the view from the town I...”
about from my balcony (Photo)
-
-
HayleyC said:
“That is such an awesome picture- looks like a painting!!!...”
about from my balcony (Photo)
-
-
lintse07 said:
“trade that any day for my view of communist block...”
about from my balcony (Photo)
-
-
mistymaxey said:
“I'm 20 i'll be 21 by the time I hopefully...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
Spiwak432 said:
“Nice!!! What's it like in Ecuador?”
about from my balcony (Photo)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“I can imagine Loja being "the heaven away from home".”
about the whole valley (Photo)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“So beautiful...I have a feeling that I might end up...”
about from my balcony (Photo)
-
-
kittyvic said:
“Thanks for posting this, Alix! Yeah, I know all about...”
about a typical day (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“That is awesome....I am so happy for you, Alix. With...”
about a typical day (Post)
-
-
mistymaxey said:
“Hey I am super interested in coming to Ecuador! I...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kittyvic said:
“Hi Alix, I saw your post from the Dave's ESL...”
about teachers wanted (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“I have been considering it, Alix. However, I don't know if...”
about teachers wanted (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Great shot. Are you just using a phone, or is it a...”
about Calle Loudes (Photo)
-
-
Rin said:
“Looks very nice and clean! :)”
about Plaza Simon Bolivar (Photo)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“The pictures of Loja are beautiful. I am glad that...”
about Ecuador (Post)
-
-
pedrodominguez said:
“hi, you wrote to me a few months ago, and...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
MissBrown said:
“Hey Alix! Good to see your post as I am...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Yes...I totally agree with Alix especially if you are not...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
-
-
SamLennie said:
“Sounds like you had a great time Alix!”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“...Obviously, I didn't mean it was great about the school...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Thats great Alix! :) I'm sure it'll do Kallen the...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
-
-
Monique said:
“Wow that's fabulous! Have a fabulous time! Good luck and...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Awesome post Alix! :) Sounds like you had a wicked...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
-
-
Monique said:
“Thanks for your report. So glad to hear that you...”
about Pueblo Ingles (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“How long is your contract for Alix? What I'm actually...”
about new start date (Post)
-
-
Whereverimayroam said:
“Sounds like good advice Kallen. I'm still unsure about the...”
about money and drugs (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Alix, I have found the WHO to exaggerate and even...”
about money and drugs (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Wow...thats great. When do you start teaching for Canadian House?...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“I have been in Ecuador for a little over two...”
about Ecuador Visa (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Hi Alix, In regards to the flooding, La Sierra (the...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Hey..first day in Quevedo Ecuador. From Sunday to Thursday, I...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“It is not only Ecuador but if I moved anywhere,...”
about success (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Looks like Swim gave you some good advice. It looks...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Me and the employer worked out everything in regards to...”
about success (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“In regards to your post in my blog you said:...”
about success (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Alix, I'm excited. European (you) revisits her lost home, American...”
about success (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Congratulations on your interview. I have just been offered a...”
about success (Post)
-
-
honor said:
“Awesome stuff. You should definitely visit it if you...”
about Rolls Royce Phantom 2 (Photo)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“No, I don't have a place there yet. But yea...it...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Congrats and good luck to you with your interview. I...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
honor said:
“That'd be incredible if you could go out and see...”
about Rolls Royce Phantom 2 (Photo)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Hmmm....thats weird! Showing them the certificate should have been enough....”
about job application time (Post)
-
-
Rin said:
“Hey Alix :) I didn't know you did this! That...”
about My first solo class next week... (Post)
-
-
kenfleck28 said:
“hi Alix, I saw your post about going to Spain....”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Congratulations on finishing. I am halfway through the course myself....”
about finished! (Post)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Primarily food quality and medicine. I have been doing research...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“I am quite the contrary...lol. I use the internet for...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“Yea...you are right. However, I want to prepare myself as...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“I am an internet addict. And I have been told...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
kallenfranchise said:
“If you go through I-to-I job placement, a degree is...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
SamLennie said:
“If your considering Indonesia then check out Robert Clarke's Blog....”
about nearly finished (Post)
-
-
madlee said:
“Some parts of China are more flexible in terms of degree requirement....”
about nearly finished (Post)
-
-
madlee said:
“Well done!”
about nearly finished (Post)
-
-
SamLennie said:
“Good Luck with the rest fo your course! Where are...”
about nearly finished (Post)
-
-
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 said:
“Hi, About Teacher Mex Connect- I did see their website...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
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 said:
“Hey, Glad it went well today (even if you...”
about 1st time and 25 mins late! (Post)
-
-
i-to-i said:
“Alix, Meant to say also - have you thought...”
about volunteering in UK (Post)
-
-
Monique said:
“Great idea! Good Luck for tomorrow. I also want to...”
about volunteering in UK (Post)
-
-
i-to-i said:
“Hey Alix, This seems like a really great idea...”
about volunteering in UK (Post)
-
-
tommo23260 said:
“Thanks for the tip Alix, I will give it a...”
about AlixM09 (User)
-
-
tommo23260 said:
“Hi. At the moment I am still working as a...”
about AlixM09 (User)
Recent Blog Posts
useful jobsite for work in Spain
- AlixM09
- May 16, 2012
- Views (20)
- Comments (0)
Hi, just wanted to share a site I've just found for jobs in Spain - it's got very comprehensive school profiles and lots of detail: http://spainwise.net/ check it out!
Pain and language
- AlixM09
- Apr 24, 2012
- Views (28)
- Comments (0)
This week has been, for me, an abject lesson in the stupidity of being slow about learning Spanish. There are excuses, of course!! 1. It's a bit tricky taking in a new language when you have to learn your own all over again in detail you never imagined: "if the relative pronoun refers to the object of the defining relative clause, it can be omitted", "we use the third conditional for hypothetical situations...
read more
View my blog
Recent Discussion in AlixM09’s Groups
| Group | Topic | Activity | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Help! I’m Stuck on my TEFL Course! | Checkpoint Five clarification | 8:37AM | 1 |
| Help! I’m Stuck on my TEFL Course! | Help please!!! | 5:15AM | 2 |
| Help! I’m Stuck on my TEFL Course! | Grammar assessment | Yesterday | 5 |
| Help! I’m Stuck on my TEFL Course! | Teaching w/ Limited Resources lesson plan help | May 15 | 2 |
| Help! I’m Stuck on my TEFL Course! | Checkpoint 3 Question 11 | May 14 | 2 |
View my Groups
Loading recent content...
Profile Comments
Add Your Comment!
Log in to leave a comment or Create an accountHi Alix, I read your post about the papers in Spain, the NIE and the social security .. and I'm almost done with my course, I want to teach in Spain so I was wondering if I should start doing those things now or should I wait untill I actually get a job over there...
Thank you for your time! =D
Saludos desde México
Hi Alix, I hope you are well and thank you for accepting my friend request. I have travelled to Madrid in the past and find it to be a fine city. I am looking at Madrid as a potential CELTA course destination. Can I ask if you know anything of good or bad of the following schools
The British Language Centre, (Plaza Castilas)
Chester School of English
Hyland Language Centre
International House
The internet is awash with so many schools, and a heads up would be helpful. Of course you may be able to recommend an alternative. Secondly, from your perspective how are things in respect of employment in Spain? The European situation is not great and Spain seems to be suffering greater than most, namely with the higher unemployment figures. One of your posts suggests plenty of work in Madrid. Of course if others should read this, input is greatly appreciated!
I hope I am not asking to much of you and I thank you in advance.
Kindest regards
Mark
Hi, I just spent a couple of days in Madrid before and after going to La Alberca with Pueblo Ingles and thought it was an amazing place. Apart from Vaughan and Pueblo Ingles are there any other good language schools/websites you may be able to recommend for finding work in Madrid. Im hoping to finish my TEFL soon (waiting for the results of checkpoint 4) and them I'm ready to go. I speak Spanish and already have my NIE and a social security number.
Kind Regards
Nikki
Hi. Do you need a degree to even consider working somewhere like Madrid? Sounds awesome & the hotter the better too!
Thank you! It's a lovely picture!
Hope you are well (-:
Take care,
Hannah
Hi to anyone looking at my profile for information on Ecuador!
I'm usually happy to talk about Ecuador, but please just ask your questions here on my profile, instead of sending me private messages. Then other people can read the answers.... as it is I just keep answering the same questions constantly! Some of them are questions that are difficult to answer - maybe soon I'll write one last post FAQs!
As it is I've written lots of posts about it already - see my blog....
Basically, the best advice I can give is - suck it and see! In Brit English that means try it for yourself - just because I like strawberry flavour that doesn't mean you will too! I can tell you all the things I love about Ecuador and then other people will tell you exactly why they hate it.
You will get a job if you try. You will either get a visa or manage without one. There is no reason not to go unless you want a life of stable security - you will not get that, not compared to Europe or America anyway.
Hi Alix!
Thanks so much for sending those pictures in. They're amazing! I've added them to the article. You can take a look here:
http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/erinleeds/posts/8341-incredible-views-out-of-airplane-windows
Thanks again!
Erin
Hi there, i really enjoyed reading your profile and seeing that you enjoy teaching in Madrid! My friend and I have finished a 120 'TEFL England' course and are now looking to teach English in Spain. I see that you have mentioned that finding a job in Spain teaching English shouldn't be too difficult. I was wondering if you had any recommendations for us? At the moment jobs on tefl.com seem few and far between.
Any help would be EXTREMELY appreciated!
Adam
Awesome answer man. Thankyou!
Hey Alix! Thanks for the information. Ecuador does seem to be very popular for TEFLers without a degree, so I'll get looking into it. Haha I guess I am still kinda young, but time seems to be moving by very quickly, a lot quicker than it used to anyway.
I've just had a look through your profile, and it really does seem like you're living the life! I must say that I am slightly envious :).. how long were you in Ecuador for? Do you have any travel tips for that part of the world?
» Comments RSS