前陣子因為朋友的介紹而有了兩個新的工作機會
1. More Good Foundation (http://www.moregoodfoundation.org/) - 翻譯(英翻中)
More Good Foundation (MGF)為非營利組織，宗旨在運用網際網路提供更多讓教會成員分享福音的空間，同時也將信息翻譯成多國語言，使更多人能有機會認識耶穌基督後期聖徒教會。（MGF為教會成員所組成，但並非
教會官方組織）
最近，由於美國總統大選候選人
Mitt Romney的宗教背景引來媒體大量報導，越來越多人對於"Mormon"感到好奇，然而上網搜尋的結果卻找到許多詆毀教會的不實傳言，令許多社會大眾產生誤解，甚至絆倒了部分原本信心堅強的聖徒；而MGF的目標，便是要在網路上增加更多正確的資訊，使更多人能認識"Mormon"的真正本質，學習復興的福音。
在尚未享有完全宗教自由的中國，網路成為傳播福音的最佳管道，許多人也透過網路接觸到教會進而歸信，前往香港受洗。然而有關教會的中文資料目前仍然相當有限，因此亟需中文翻譯及寫作人才的加入。
這對我而言實在是最理想的工作－工時彈性、不限地點（總部在猶他州，但人力遍布全球）、可以增進英文能力（順便維持中文寫作能力...），又可以為神服務，傳播福音，只能說一舉數得！！
2. Global Language Network (http://thegln.org/) - 中文教師
Global Language Network (GLN) 是一個以語言文化交流為宗旨的非營利組織，位於George Washington University校區範圍，也就是我們家附近...GLN提供60多種語言課程，強調低收費、以加強口語溝通能力為主，教師皆為無給薪義工，學生只需繳交手續費和押金（學期末可領回）。他們最近推出Teaching Fellowship計畫，應徵的教師不需要有教學經驗，但必須繳交履歷、線上報名、通過面試、試教示範，並經過他們所提供的教師訓練，以確保教學品質。
上周末我花了好幾個小時填寫他們的線上報名表，打字打到眼睛快脫窗，因為除了填寫基本資料之外，還必須回答整整十二個申論題！！！一頁寫完下一頁還有，寫完再下一頁還有，根本就是在考驗英文作文能力！感覺好像回到大學時代的考試，只不過這次是用英文，而且是為了找工作，所以不能亂掰！！但最痛苦的是大部分的題目都在鬼打牆，感覺他們只是要提供求職者大肆唬爛的機會...履歷表已經夠唬爛了還不夠嗎......
總之，寫到後來真的有種想加上「讓我們反攻大陸，解救水深火熱中的大陸同胞」的感覺。有興趣／耐心的人可以參考最後附上的essays...如果發現只有十一題，那是因為最後一題是「請問您有任何意見要提供給我們嗎」，但我已經沒有任何思考的力氣了...只填了"Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to working with you."，但其實真正想說的是"你們出的題目也太多了吧，請改進！"
我想，他們只是想確定來應徵的人都是真正有精誠所至金石為開的誠意又有鐵杵磨成繡花針的毅力又閒閒沒事做可以多上幾堂課的老師吧...真是用心良苦〜
不過辛苦總是有代價的，過了兩三天後就接到面試通知，要我星期六下午到辦公室去面試。面試時間約25分鐘，最後5分鐘示範教學，應徵者要表現出教師的「活力和熱忱」。
我準備的課程是「喜歡」，好久沒作教具，自以為很有創意...還蠻有成就感。
面試過程感覺還算順利，之後在附近的中國餐廳吃了飯，Fortune Cookie的籤詩內容令人無法理解...是要叫我放棄當老師的念頭，改行當醫生嗎？
總而言之，就且讓我們一起靜待佳音～
[ 特別感謝 ]
最親愛的老公提供專業修改作文/履歷服務、模擬面試練習（史上最可怕的面試官）、忍受我的緊張、神經質（求職症候群）...沒有你的話我應該已經撐不下去緊急送醫了吧。 <3
1. Whatinspired you to apply for the GLN Teaching Fellowship? *
I was very excited when I first learnedabout GLN because I've been looking for opportunities to contribute my languageand teaching skills and to gain more experience in this field. I've always hada passion for teaching and have been an ESL teacher in Taiwan for more than 8years, so I believe that I would be a great fit for this position.
2. Howdoes this Teaching Fellowship align with your personal and professional goals?What do you expect to gain from serving as a GLN Teaching Fellow? *
I've always been interested in education,especially in language education. However, although I've had a lot of TESLexperience, I haven't had the chance to teach Chinese (even though it was myfavorite subject at school). As a GLN Teaching Fellow, I hope I can gain moretraining and teaching experience in this field and help more others learn aboutChinese language and culture.
3. Why isit important to you to share your language and culture with others? *
My family has been running an ESL schoolsince I was in middle school. Growing up with such background, I've learnedthat language study is indeed one of the most fundamental and applicablesubjects. I know it can change lives because my life has been changed bylearning and knowing English. When people share the same language, the barriermagically collapses. Then when there's more understanding, more friendships arebuilt, and more opportunities are created. I love Chinese language and culture,and I'd like to share with those who are interested in either or both of them.
4. What,in your opinion, is the role of foreign language learning in the 21st century? *
With the rapid development of technologyand transportation, people can travel to almost anywhere and meet people fromall over the world. Language skills have become even greater assets. Therefore,foreign language learning is no doubt substantial. It is definitely the bestkey to expand future opportunities in the global society.
5. What doyou think GLN’s role is in the DC community? Why is GLN important to you andhow would you contribute to our mission? *
Being the center of international politics,the DC community is the best place to gain cross-cultural experiences. GLN is awonderful organization with great value because it brings people together fromdifferent cultures and helps them break down language barrier. Being both anexperienced foreign language teacher and a student, I understand the challengeof learning a new language, and I'd love to use my experiences to help peoplefind joy in learning Chinese language and the culture.
6. What doyou find appealing about GLN’s methodology and learning approach? *
The "communicative approach" - Itotally agree that language learning should start with speaking and listeningsince they are the foundation of communication. It is critical to helpingstudents to build confidence when they try to speak a new language becausethat's how they'll really use the language and enjoy it.
7. Howwould you define leadership? How is leadership relevant in the GLN context? *
Leadership is the ability to inspire, todirect and to guide a group of people. A good leader has a vision and caresabout of people he/she leads. A good leader hears the need of every individualin the group and helps them make the most of their potential. One of the bestways to develop leading skills is to teach, since a good teacher also has to bea great leader who strives to help the students achieve their goals in learningin spite of their different backgrounds. Through the training and teachingexperience with GLN, more people can become not only good teachers, but alsostrong leaders.
8. Whatwas the best language learning experience you've ever had and what made it sospecial? How might that relate to your work with GLN? *
My best language learning experiencehappened two years ago when I was doing a voluntary service in Taiwan for 18months with most the people I worked with being English native speakers. Eventhough I had been studying the language since I was little, it was the firsttime I actually got to “use” the language on a daily basis. As a result, bothmy English communication skills and my confidence improved tremendously, and Ialso grew a deeper understanding of American culture. I learned from theexperience that the best way to really learn a language is to use it as much aspossible with the natives. As a GLN Teaching Fellow, I’ll give my studentspersonal attention and opportunities that I enjoyed to help them learn thelanguage for everyday conversation.
9. What kind of teaching background do you have,if any? *
I have 8+ years of experience teachingforeign language to students at all levels in both classroom and tutoringcontexts. My work has included designing curriculum, administering programs,and teaching. Please see my resume for additional details.
10. Describe the ideal GLN Teaching Fellow in termsof attitude, qualities, etc. How would you compare yourself to this ideal? *
An ideal GLN Teaching Fellow should bemotivated, passionate, proactive, creative and willing to learn and to share.Leadership and communication skills are also crucial. Throughout my teachingcareer, I have demonstrated that I have all these qualities. I believe that Iwould be a great fit for this job because I do have a great deal of teachingand leadership experience. I have a passion for language education and I loveinteracting and learning from with people from different cultures.
11. Imaginemeeting someone on an elevator. You find out they’ve never heard of yourlanguage or culture. What do you share with them about its uniqueness beforeyou get to the 12th floor? *
Chineseculture is an ancient culture with astonishingly rich components which goesback thousands of years. It is one of the most influential cultures in humanhistory. Mandarin Chinese is the mostwidely-spoken language in the world. About one billion people, or one-fifth of the world'spopulation, speak it as their nativelanguage. Learn to speak the language and you will be able to communicate with millions of people around the world.
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