On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Chris Ascroft.
We chatted on the first series of the podcast, last summer, during the main wave of the coronavirus pandemic, linking up from Liverpool and Montreal to discuss travel, traveller hostel culture and teaching English abroad. At that time Chris was preparing to begin a new adventure in a new country, teaching more than just English as a second language but teaching all kinds of subjects in English to grade 3 kids, and over 40 of them in his class too. Woah!
In conversation, we get straight into the Covid updates out there in (5:10) Taiwan. Basically, Taiwan is Covid-free as Chris tells. They are even conducting "Panmdemic Tours" to cater to domestic tourists as no international tourists are coming in right now (8:40).
Chris reflects on summer last year when he packed up life again in Canada (9:40) and moved back to Asia. He was excited to come to Taiwan to live and work (17:00) and has discovered many interesting things about the place and some things many people don't know. There's so much good, local food there, (28:30) especially in Chris's favourite night markets.
Chris explains what exactly his role as a homeroom teacher involves (33:40). And how this role has been different (37:10) from his previous teaching jobs. He shares what it has been like in his first 6 months teaching in Taiwan in the midst of a global corona crisis (38:15).
Apart from working, there is a lot that Taiwan has to offer for leisure time, away from the classroom. Chris explains how much of the island is accessible by high-speed train (42:00) and the richness and diversity of places to visit, things to see and do. Beautiful beaches. Hilly hikes. Historical towns. Different cultural places. And incredible food. Everywhere!
We conclude the chat on what Chris thinks will happen with Covid and teaching (49:30) for now and the future. Chris has tips for anyone considering English teaching abroad (53:10) as well.
One thing's for certain, (59:40) Chris is fond of Taiwan...
Enjoy.
If you want to get in touch with Chris and ask him any questions regarding teaching abroad, he's been kind enough to provide you with this address:-
A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.
And, any comments or feedback feel free to email