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What did you think of the programme? I would go back to Moldova right now and redo the entire program if it were possible. It was challenging, flexible and interesting. Teaching English turned out to be a far greater challenge than I had expected. An unfriendly heat wave and the classical shortage of motivation that many students exhibit at the end of the school year also did not help. Nevertheless, I think many of the students really enjoyed and appreciated having me help out in their classes. The time spent with students outside of school was also very productive. They were forced to use all their knowledge of English and it was a fantastic test of their abilities.
Any anecdotes? There certainly were quite a few… Here is a cute one. Just as I had started to become comfortable in Causeni I managed to break our front door. I arrived home from school one day and found my host, Maria, having some trouble opening the front door which leads to the kitchen. I tried my key and forcefully pulled on the door but simply couldn't open it. We gave up and Maria called for some help. A little while later a hefty fellow arrived. He couldn't open the door either. As it was I who over aggressively locked the door earlier that day, I started to get a little nervous. I didn't at all understand what they were talking about, but after a short discussion this fellow went around back and effectively broke into the house. As Maria and I watched from outside, he began to take the lock apart and finally forced open the door. Despite all the trouble I had caused, Maria continued to be a wonderful host. What was the most memorable moment of your trip? During my first week in Causeni I had the honour of celebrating Victory Day with the community. On May 8th school ended earlier than usual and we proceeded to the assembly hall. There, the students exhibited their talents by singing, dancing, and reciting poetry. It was wonderful, and would have been even more so if I had managed to learn Russian before I left. The next day, a public holiday in Moldova, we all met at school. Students arrived with flowers and I was embarrassingly empty-handed. In a few minutes at least a dozen students asked me where my flowers were and insisted that I needed flowers to participate. I didn't know what to do. Well, a few students began donating flowers to me and, before long, I found myself with more flowers than anyone else. The entire school community walked to the World War 2 monument at the centre of town, where a large crown had gathered. After a few speeches, we all proceeded to place our flowers at the base of the monument, in silence. How have you benefited from your experience? I benefited tremendously just from being around so many interesting and lively people. I made quite a few friends and it will be a pleasure to keep in touch with them and see them in the (hopefully) near future.
How have you changed? Others are giving me the impression that my time in Moldova had an impact on the way I think. The teaching experience, as well as working with many very direct people, certainly turned me into a clearer and more confident person. Also, I saw that there is a tremendous gap between what resources are required to be comfortable and what are used in an average western lifestyle. I have already become more economical in my habits. Last, but not least, I went from knowing absolutely nothing about Moldova (only a few months ago) to being completely obsessed with it. What advice could you offer to someone considering this project? Read the information package that you receive from Real Gap. Then, read it again. It is very, very useful. Be open to invitations and other activities, but be firm when some plan doesn't interest you. Aside from that, common sense is more than enough for you to have a wonderful time. I would like to thank Svetlana Coiceva for having conceived the program and for having been such a wonderful guide in Moldova. Also, I would like to thank all the people in Causeni for making my stay in Moldova such a memorable one. Thank You!  Further information on the Teach English Moldova ProjectReturn to Eastern Europe Travel Stories |
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