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Elaine Gratton

HR Coordinator

Elaine Gratton - ESL Teacher in Asia Elaine smiles for the camera

I have always been interested by other cultures and their ways of life. I have learned so much from them and it has made me a better person. I believe that the best way to learn about different nationalities is to talk and be around them. My group of friends is like a mini world, people from all over the world and everyone gets along with everyone. Imagine that!!!!

In 2004, 7 members of my family went to visit my uncle’s family in Vietnam. My interest in Asian culture grew more and more as I visited and met people from this wonderful country. Of course we visited the touristic places but also part of the country that I would not have been able to visit if my uncle was not there. We climbed mountains and relaxed on a beach known only to the locals. A part of me wanted to stay there longer and I even thought of going to work there. Then time went by and I continued my day to day routine and put my project on the side.

Four years later, I got in touch with a friend who has been teaching in Taiwan for a couple of years. I was at a point in my life where I needed a change. I needed to experience something different. He described how great things were in Taiwan and how I would love it there. It took me less than a week to do research and apply to Reach To Teach. Three weeks later, I was on a plane to Taiwan.

My first reaction when I arrived in Taiwan was: did I do the right thing? I knew I always wanted to be a teacher but I would have to go back to school if I wanted to be a teacher in Montreal so this was my way of making sure I would enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I love it, I enjoy it and I’m not sure if I can go back to a 9 to 5 desk job.

Elaine Gratton - ESL Teacher in Taiwan Elaine with her scooter in Taiwan

My biggest passion is basketball. One of the activities I miss the most is getting together with my girls and playing basketball every week. I was also a basketball coach, I miss helping out young players become better at a sport they love. I think what has helped me the most in hard times is the fact that I can still play and help with an organization here in Kaohsiung. Now, it’s not the same as back home but it does the job.

I have learned so much since I have been here. I can’t wait to share all of my experiences, good and bad with my family and friends back home. Certainly the kids I am teaching bring me so much joy and satisfaction, it’s going to be so hard to leave them at the end of this year. They remind me every day that even if we come from two different parts of the world, we are alike in more ways than we realized. One thing I would never have thought possible, I am actually thinking of prolonging my contract and teach for another year. We will see what the future holds.

This is definitely one of the best experiences of my life.

Elaine
Elaine@ReachToTeachRecruiting.com

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