It's Getting Easier

Hello, all!

We're five weeks into the new cycle, and I have to say it's gotten a lot easier to get into teaching this cycle than the last cycle. Now I know how classes usually go down, how to use the resources I have, and how to improvise a little bit in the classroom. I'm enjoying teaching more now that I can be more creative in the classroom. I'm still learning and adapting, and have had a few flop moments in teaching advanced grammar, but it's all part of the process. One of the best things about working at CEDEI is that when I'm unsure about something, I have plenty of helpful, friendly teacher peers who are willing to lend a hand or an idea. Even though I work by myself in the classroom, I still feel like I'm part of a team at CEDEI, and I really like that.

My work at Calasanz is about the same. I am still in the FCT and painting workshops, though we are about to switch the volunteer workshop placements again soon. I love the work that I'm doing--the drawing, the painting, the chatting with the students. Every time I arrive in the morning I have a wave of students who come up to me and greet me with a handshake, a cheek kiss, or a hug. Calasanz is such a positive, uplifting environment, and I am continuously grateful for volunteering there. Here's some of the stuff we've been working on in the workshops:

Decorating boxes in FCT

A completed frame from FCT

As we're past the halfway mark with the Puente Cultural grant, I've been thinking about my next steps after. I recently applied for some Master's of Library Science programs. So far I've applied for only online programs, as I'm not sure I'll be ready to return back to the States immediately after finishing the grant. It's kind of hard to think about my future steps when I'm having such a good time here, but I'm trying to keep a variety of options open for now. I still have a lot to experience in the months that I have left,, and I look forward to what's to come, so stay tuned!

Chao chao for now,
Jossel Franco

Happy February, blog readers! Jossel and I have now entered our 7^th month here in Ecuador, and it feels good!

In the past few months, I have enjoyed my schedule change. I have been teaching online with VIP kids for extra savings, teaching 2 classes afterward at CEDEI, and then volunteering in the afternoons Tuesday through Friday. I am very busy, but I am hoping this will be my last cycle with Saturday classes. J With no more Saturday classes, I will finally be able to take weekend trips to Cajas or to the coast and enjoy traveling a bit more. I have felt a bit kept here in Cuenca since teaching Saturday classes. Overall, my classes are all different levels, which is something I requested for this cycle. I would also recommend any other beginner teacher to do the same because I am getting so much experience by teaching different levels. This means that this is only my second cycle teaching and I have already taught 4 different levels; great for the resume and yourself!

I recently booked a trip with my fellow teacher and good friend, Sam to Olón on the coast for Carnaval, which I am told is very fun on the coast! We have the weekend and a few days of the following week off, so it was a no brainer we took a vacation, and the beach sounded like our best bet.

The longer I live in Cuenca, the more I realize how much the city has to offer and how many friends there are to be made. Honestly, most of my friends are gringos, but I don’t mind. I have met so many likeminded, interested, open minded, and friendly people since I have been here, and it has made me a better person. Most of my friends inspire me to do more and be more fearless, and I wouldn’t trade my decision to come down here for the world. It was the best decision I ever made.

Furthermore, as I am nearing towards the end of my time here in Cuenca, I am looking to teach in another country and looking toward my future a bit more. It is not that I wouldn’t want to continue living in Cuenca, it is just that after taking the plunge and moving abroad, I feel as though I want to live and teach everywhere. Therefore, I am looking into teaching in Chile from August until December through their English Opens Doors English program. If I do not get the job there, I think I may stay in Cuenca until December and then look for another job abroad come February of next year! J

Ive also uploaded some cute photos of some students to this blog and some of my favorite recent photos from life… J

Jose y Vilmer doing some puzzles :) I was so amazed by how GREAT the kids were at these puzzles. Little Einsteins. 

Jostin refused to do his homework without wearing my glasses :) 

A new smoothie bowl place by my house! The first one of its kind in Cuenca that i've seen! Its SO GOOD!