Alexander Ross Whyatt Application to teach English in South Korea

Submitted to ASK Now Inc. for placement

Barry House, Gort Rd, Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland

+353860844473
alexwhyatt@yahoo.co.uk

Objective To teach in South Korea, gain experience and save money to further study education on
my return.
Summary  I have experience teaching in New Delhi, and am familiar with the challenges of living and
working abroad. I know how it feels to be in front of a classroom of non-native speakers of
English, and how to approach this kind of a setting.
 In the summer of 2009, I completed a TEFL course. This gave me experience in the creating
and execution of lesson plans, awareness of issues in classrooms, and practical experience in
teaching.
 I am exceedingly adaptable to new situations and new environments, enjoy challengers and
am excited by the prospect of living and working abroad for a year.

Education Bachelors Degree in Arts 2006

University College Cork, Western Road, Cork.
Joint Honours in Folklore and Philosophy
Gradurated with a second class honours degree
CELT certificate 2009
Clare Language Center, College Road, Ennis, Co. Clare

Career History & Accomplishments

Private tutor for special needs child, Corofin, Co. Clare Sept ’09-
Duties: Present
 Planning and executing activities that will foster his language, social and
artistic development

Substitute Special Needs Assistant, Holy Family National School, Ennis, Co. Nov ’08-
Clare. Sept ‘09
Duties:
 Replacing staff members at short notice.
 Assisting in the classroom behaviourally and intellectually challenged children.
 Supervision of all children at break-times.
 Supervising classes during teacher absence.
 Writing an end-of-day report
 Voluntary Teaching Assistant in Delhi, Suas Educational Development, Stephens June ’08 –
Green, Dublin Oct ‘08
Duties:
 Aiding in the classroom teaching children aged 6- 14 years old.
 Working closely with a team of twelve others
 Carried out research on “Childline”, a Delhi-based NGO helping street
children.

Personal Interests
 I am very active in voluntary organisations in my hometown. I work in as a leader with a
group of 15-18 year olds.
 I am the treasurer for the steering committee for a youth café, an The Hub.
 I am also a member of the executive committee of Cuimhneamh an Chlair, an oral history
and folklore group.
 I have worked with Drama groups in college and afterwards, as directing my own
productions aswell as stage managing others.
Writing Section Please answer the following questions.
1. Please explain why you are the right type of person to teach overseas.
From my time spent working and teaching in New Delhi, I am prepared for the challenges that
would be demanded of me to live and work abroad. I know what I will be facing, and I feel that I
have the experience and knowledge to meet them. I am aware that there will be an element of
culture shock, and it will be at times frustrating, but I am ready for this.
2. Please explain what qualities you think are necessary to be a good teacher.
A good teacher needs to be patient, tolerant, a good listener. They need to genuinely care for their
pupils learning, have a good sense of humour, and to have a very good knowledge of the subject. A
good teacher will also need to be able to plan well, evaluate the effectiveness of a lesson, and adapt
to new and challenging situations.
3. Please describe how you would deal with a workplace dispute with another co-worker or supervisor.
First, I would avoid reacting in anger. I would evaluate the situation, and then discuss the matter
directly with them, without accusing or challenging. I would focus on how to go forward and
resolve the problem. If this was something that persisted, I would suggest that my co-worker and I
approach a senior member of staff, so they might mediate.
4. Please describe some actions you could take if you began feeling homesick or lonely while in Korea.
I hope to be travelling over, and living near to friends, and this is in a large part to combat
homesickness. I tend to make friends very easily, and know I will make be able to make friends with
both Korean and international teachers. I will also bring some games I like to play, photos and items
that remind me of home.
5. Do you have any other plans for your time in Korea? (Further study, hobbies to pursue, places to
visit?)
I would really like to study a martial art like Tae Kwon Do. I would love to see different cities and
villages across the country. I also enjoy hiking, and can’t wait to explore the hills and mountains of
Korea.