Well, I've now been in Vietnam for a little over a week, I've already had a few adventures and am loving every minute of it.  If there's anyone who wants to read about it, I have a blogsite - feel free to take a look!   http://amaranth-lloyd.blogspot.com      

read more

I woke early this morning and had this in my head so I thought I'd write it down and share it with you all. Apologies to the person who wrote "T'was the night before Christmas" for stealing his rhythm and probably butchering it!  * * * * * * *     T'was the night before take-off and all round the house was a bustling and scurrying like a hyperactive mouse.   The wardrobe was...

read more

In 4 days time - Thurs 15 July - I board the plane to Hanoi.  Right now I'm alternating between being so excited I can't sit still or having a little cry cos I'm scared and don't want to go!!  So having bummed out of the China Internship, what am I going to do?  Basically a bit of volunteer work with i-to-i and then set off on my own around South East Asia.  The outline plan is...

read more

That's it, I'm really going abroad now . . . I've started having the required jabs and boy do my arms ache today.  Yesterday I had Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever.   What remains on the list of vaccinations 'to be considered' are - Hepatitis B, Rabies, Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis.  And once that's done, there's Malaria to consider.  I don't like putting stuff like this into my body but then again...

read more

I'm writing a newsletter for work and, as I'm about to embark on a volunteering project with i-to-i, I thought I could write an article on the benefits of volunteering abroad. As I'm still in the 'about to do it' phase, I know what I think the benefits are but I'm not sure if my ideas are realistic. So, if there's anyone out there who has completed a volunteer project abroad, please share your experiences...

read more

Hmm, I've decided that I don't have nearly enough experience with Children, especially as I've specified 6-12 year old's as my first choice age group for teaching in China.  Now I know we won't necessarily get our first choice but its worth being prepared for all eventualities and I'm reasonably confident when it comes to teaching older learners (aged 16+ anyway).   So call me bonkers, but I've decided to make the most of my...

read more

Yes I know there's still another 5 and a bit months to go before I jet off to China, but I'm one of life's planners and I'm already thinking about what to take.  Lots of people have told me that I can buy clothes out there, so I should just take enough stuff for a week and buy the rest when I get there?  But my concern is that I often can't find clothes to...

read more

Whilst I'm waiting to hear whether I've been fully accepted onto the China Internship for August, I'm thinking positive and planning ahead anyway!   Here in the UK, I'm a self employed Management Trainer - celebrating my 10th year in business before I wind up the company to go follow my dream!  My last paid day's work looks set to be 13th July (although, I'd take work up to end July if it was offered!)...

read more

So today I downloaded a language app onto my iPhone . . . accelerated learning for Chinese. Five minutes in and my brain is oozing out of my ears. Gawd this language defies description! Even the Pinyin English doesn't help to get the pronunciation right. A few years ago, I managed to pick up Italian OK, even though somehow I learned to speak it with a German Accent. But this is really something else ....

read more

So, today I phoned and booked my place on the China Internship for August 2010 . . . I've done it, I've taken that first step.  How do I feel - sick mostly!!  And excited, and scared and thrilled and curious and nervous and . . .  well at least 50 other emotions at the same time.  But the underlying feeling is - that I've made exactly the right decision for me.   Its been...

read more