In today’s blog, we would like to share the profiles of one of our teacher at our Gold Coast school, Megan, and our Gold Coast Assistant Director of Studies Rebecca!
Megan Hashimoto
Hobbies: Reading novels, photography, binge watching TV series
Position at Langports: Teacher
How long have you been working at Langports? 10 years with 4 years off for maternity leave (2 beautiful babies). I have taught General English, EAP, FCE Closed, FCE Flexi, CAE Flexi…most courses over the years.
What do you like the most about working at Langports? The team on the Gold Coast is like family and the love and support we have for each other is amazing. I have made lifelong friends. The students and atmosphere is awesome.
How long have you been working in the Education Industry and what do you like the most about working with international students? I started in education in 2001 over in Japan teaching English to adults and children, so more than 15 years. I love the conversation, the stories, and knowing the backgrounds of those you meet….I’ve meet some pretty incredible people over the years.
What have students taught you? Students have taught me compassion, understanding of other cultures, how diverse and similar the world is and to enjoy life.
Do you have a remarkable experience that you would like to share with us? Many students I taught in EAP/IELTS over the years (7+ years ago) have remained in contact with me and have worked incredibly hard to obtain citizenship and career pathways in Australia. It’s pretty remarkable to watch their journey over the years and to know that you were there at the beginning, supporting, encouraging and motivating them. It shows what hard work, dedication and determination can get you.
What is the best advice/tip you can give students about learning another language? Never give up, make mistakes and be brave. Realize that native speakers are never perfect and that as ESL learners they are often more knowledgeable than native users of the English language.
What would you say to students who are thinking about coming to study English at Langports? Langports has a very adaptable way of learning which caters to every individual’s skill levels. It allows the school community to become more whole and students to work on both their strengths and weaknesses at different levels. The teachers are passionate about teaching and also continually educating themselves.
Rebecca Franco
Hobbies: Singing, Reading
Position at Langports: Assistant Director of Studies
How long have you been working at Langports? Since 2009. Started as a teacher and have taught all levels of UFO, Cambridge, EAP, IELTS, & TOEIC. Have been on maternity leave twice over my time at Langports.
What do you like the most about working at Langports? It is a pleasure to come to work. The atmosphere amongst the staff in the staffroom is so lively and friendly. We are like a big family.
How long have you been working in the Education Industry and what do you like the most about working with international students? I got my first ESL position in 1999, so almost 19 years of ESL connections. I enjoy the cultural mix and particularly seeing low-level learners improve greatly over time.
What have students taught you? The importance of friendships when living far away from your loved ones.
Do you have a remarkable experience that you would like to share with us? The community and fun that happens around the Langports games is awesome. I joined the touch rugby when we first had a big combined event. The game was meant to be ‘touch’ but I remember one of our female players being bowled over by a member of the opposition and her just springing up again without any problems. I also remember our team winning by a great majority. It was a lot of fun joining together as a college to compete in those games as it is every 6 months.
What is the best advice/tip you can give students about learning another language? Learn to think in English. We are constantly thinking so it is good to train your thoughts towards thinking in the language you are learning to double your learning.
What would you say to students who are thinking about coming to study English at Langports? The teaching staff and student services staff at Langports really care about you and your progress. We want you to have a good time but also improve so come and check it out!
THANK YOU! 🙂
Related blogs:
Meet The Langports Team! Barry and Jake: http://www.langports.com/meet-the-langports-team-barry-and-jake/
Meet The Langports Team! Nicole and John: http://www.langports.com/meet-the-langports-team-nicole-john/
At Langports, we love making a difference! http://www.langports.com/at-langports-we-love-making-a-difference/
How Australia made me a stronger person! http://www.langports.com/how-australia-made-me-a-stronger-person/
Why not study English with these amazing teachers at Langports Sydney? http://www.langports.com/why-not-study-english-with-these-amazing-teachers-at-langports-sydney/
My lovely homeland – Iran http://www.langports.com/lovely-homeland-iran/