By Thomas Peyer - Switzerland

The TESOL [tess-ol] Program here at Archer College is a lot of fun. Just in case you didn't already know TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, so it's a program for teachers.

I arrived at Archer College in February and I didn't have a clue about teaching. I used to work in a bank in Switzerland for almost 6 years. I was in the IT Department, so I was more around computers than people. For the first few years it was OK, but in the last 12 months (or so) I felt really bored. Every morning I would get up and say to myself 'Oh sh**, I have to go to work again!'. So I decided to quit my job by the end of 2005 and look for something completely different. That’s how I ended up here in Vancouver. I have been in TESOL for 3 months now, and I've enjoyed it very much. The program is very interesting and a good overall experience. On Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays we're studying here at Archer different teaching techniques and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays we're teaching foreign students at the Hispanic Community Center. Actually the practicum teaching is one of my favorite parts.

One of the main reasons I like the course is our terrific teacher Winnie. Over the years (yes, I'm that old!) I've had many many teachers, and I can honestly say that she is one of the best. Always very nice, full of energy, helpful, encouraging and most of all really enjoying doing her job!

Having a great teacher makes every course much more enjoyable, even though sometimes you don't like the subject (e.g. Teaching Drama!).

After all the whole stay in Vancouver has been a great experience for me, I'm not missing my old life in Switzerland at all. I've met many new friends here and I already have a new job. After leaving Canada by the end of May, I'm off to Thailand to be a teacher there!


And what's going to happen after that only god knows... (haha!)

Archer College is the place to be during a world event! The World Cup starts on June 9th with Germany vs. Costa Rica and staff and students will be organizing outings to the some local pubs. Join in; meet new friends and cheer for you favourite team. With more than 12 nationalities represented at each location, the games are sure to bring out some friendly competition. Archer is where the world gathers!