Entry #8 : Overall reflection

My internship is coming to its end. It makes me a little sad because I really enjoyed myself at GEOS. Lately, I've been thinking about what my internship brought me so far. I realized that not all the goals I wished to achieve did so. For example, my first goal, which was to improve my English, wasn't a big success. It was already pretty easy for me to speak in English before my internship so, of course, I didn't expect to learn a lot about this language. However, I thought I'd probably learn about new structure or vocabulary, but it wasn't the case. I learned some words, but not much. I think the problem was that the internship was maybe too short, or that I didn't go frequently enough. My second goal was to develop effective learning strategies. In my opinion, this one was a success. I've been analyzing my environment, the conversations and the people around me a lot. My internship teached me how to use this kind of a strategies way better than in class since I've been able to use it in real life. My third goal was to live a new experience that would help me in the future and that's exactly how I would qualified it. I have no doubt that it will be really helpful in the future. I've been able to see what the real job of a teacher is and it gave me even more motivation. Finally, my last goal was to develop my teaching skills. I'm not sure I can say that I've really improved my teaching skills, but at least I had the chance to experience a different kind of school and different kinds of classes.

        I've also been concerned about the strategies I've used. Some one them were really useful, and some ... not that much! To constantly search for meanings and to analyse speeches were really effective. I've used those strategies a lot and they allowed me to see the English language from a whole new point of view. However, even if I've been trying to lower my inhibition, it hasn't been a real success. It's something that can't be changed so easily. I also wanted to try labeling the things around me, but since I was in a public place it wasn't possible ... Or it would have been weird, wouldn't it ?

        Still, even though I haven't learned a lot about vocabulary and syntax, I have to admit I do see a difference between my speeches before and after my internship. This is difference is mainly in the way I speak with the people in English. I'm a little more formal than I used to be. Also, there's a difference in my motivation. I'm now completely sure I want to be a teacher in the future. The teachers I've been working with at GEOS really inspired me. I realized I really like the anglophone culture and I want to be able to share with others by becoming an English teacher.

        I still haven't wrote my ''thank you'' note to my host, but I will do it for sure. My host have been such a great help to me. She worked hard to make me comfortable in the school and she was really attentive. It's all thanks to her if my internship went so well.

         Finally, I would definitely recommend this internship to every student who is interest to teaching. GEOS has a really pleasant atmosphere and the staff is really welcoming. If I ever have the chance to teach at such a nice place, I will not hesitate even a second !