At the time of the celebration of World Teachers’ Day, we have here a Filipino teacher teaching abroad as our special guest. With his courage and kindness, he was able to achieve his dream of broadening horizons and is now a passionate ESL teacher in Mongolia.
- How long have you been teaching abroad?
I have been teaching abroad for almost 2 years. Technically, I have been here for a year and eight months.
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What made you decide to leave the Philippines and seek greener pastures?
It was my desire to explore more about life and challenge myself as to what else I can do besides teaching under the DepED umbrella that made me decide to work abroad. I thought my professional growth would have been limited if I continued in the inner schools of the Bukidnon Division.
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What, for you, should be the prerequisites to travel abroad?
When traveling abroad, I consider that having a brave heart, a strong mind and proficiency in communicating in English are prerequisites for someone aspiring to work abroad. A brave heart would counteract nostalgia; a strong mind will keep you focused on what you do and your duties; and proficiency in English would make you suitable for international employment.
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How did you adapt to the foreign land? Students? Culture? What challenges did you face?
Adjusting to the foreign land, students and culture is a matter of positive attitude and flexibility. We Filipinos are known for being optimistic and polite. So adjustment in both the physical and social environment has not become such a total barrier. However, I faced more challenges in dealing with the language differences. Living in a community that speaks a foreign language to you was difficult, especially since even in English people could not communicate intelligibly.
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Compared to your workload, income, and compliance in the Philippines to what you have in Mongolia, what would you say?
Here in Mongolia, I only teach 21 hours a week with an additional 2 hours as a club moderator. As for income, I only earn a little more than the current rate of Master Teacher 1 (Salary grade 18). And realization-wise, I feel more satisfied here because I was able to maximize my teaching skills in teaching English language compared to my experience back then in the Philippines.
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Was the adjustment difficult? Why do you think that?
For me, the adjustment was not difficult at all, perhaps due to my personality. I am too flexible due to having been well exposed socially even during my student leadership years to working years. Perhaps, it was difficult in the first three (3) weeks due to the language barrier.
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As a foreign teacher, how do you share your own culture with your colleagues and students alike?
I display Filipino values and traits all the time, such as: courtesy, hygiene, inclination to music, the virtue of patience, diligence, punctuality and consideration. I think that in that simple way I was able to share Filipino culture with my colleagues and students as well.
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What would you say to a kababayan Who plans to try their luck teaching abroad?
For all my kababayan who want to work abroad, please think several times before making a decision. Consult your loved ones and consider in hindsight whether it is worth leaving the Philippines or not.
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World Teachers’ Month is September, right? How do you celebrate and with whom?
We also have a worldwide celebration of teachers here similar to what we do in the Philippines, such as having large gatherings and theater performances, parties, and card / gift giving. All teachers in the country carry out varied activities in their respective towns, schools, offices, and the like.
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Farewell shot to all Filipino teachers.
To all Filipino teachers around the world, HAVE A HAPPY, EXPLOSIVE AND MEANINGFUL TEACHER’S DAY! Be proud to be one because our life is our legacy for the next generations. Mabuhay tayong mga guro!
Teacher Alfred B. Caamino, Jr., 32, a licensed teacher for over 11 years. He left his service in the Department of Education with the designation of Teacher Teacher 1 in the Talakag III District, Bukidnon Division in search of further professional growth abroad. He found his luck in Mongolia as an ESL teacher at Darkhan Empathy School (SY 2018-2019) and teaching at Terelj Boarding School (SY 2019-2020) with the same position. In addition, he works part-time as an IELTS trainer at EDX school, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He completed a Bachelor of Primary Education with a concentration in English, cum laude, and a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Educational Administration, with special distinction in research. Due to employment abroad, he ended up earning 12 units toward his Doctor of Philosophy degree with a concentration in Educational Management.