This week I caught up with Daniel to have a quick chat about life here in Byron.

How long have you been teaching at GV Byron Bay and what did you do before you worked here?

I started working here just under three months ago teaching the Cambridge Advanced English Exam preparation course. Previously to this I was in Taiwan teaching EAP and IELTS preparation courses.

Do you speak another language and what was your biggest challenge when learning it?

Yes, I speak Chinese (Mandarin).

The biggest challenge I have with learning Chinese now that I’m at an Upper Intermediate level is finding time to be consistent in my approach to learning the language.  Normal life seems to take over at points and I sometimes I find that this affects my study patterns!

Which class are you teaching at the moment?

I’m teaching the Cambridge Advanced English exam preparation course.

Please tell us about a student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress…

This is really hard to say. I have an immense amount of respect for all of my students. They have obviously worked extremely hard to reach the level that they are at now and they have all put in a lot of effort during what is an intensive course. I have been particularly impressed with Urs, especially in regard to his writing. He obviously spends a lot of time thinking about his errors, and trying to correct them, which is the best thing a student can do. But honestly, every single member in the class deserves credit for working so hard and diligently. They’ve been a wonderful bunch and I know that we will all keep in touch.

What do you most enjoy about teaching at GV Byron Bay?

Most…?! Well… The atmosphere here is brilliant. It’s a really friendly personalized school, everyone knows each other well and it’s very caring. I also like the set up of the day, with classes in the morning and then the hour after lunch of taught class with G.I.L. for the final hour.  I like the idea that the students have an hour a day where they can come and ask language issues about the problems that they are having. I think that this is a really helpful and constructive process.

The whole school is really well-organized as well, and there is  great support from the whole team.. so hard to say which one I enjoy the most!!

If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you would be doing now?

I guess I’d be a writer or an academic, or alternatively I like the idea of working outdoors.

What do you like most about living in Byron Bay?

Everything in Byron is within easy access, and of course, like everyone, I love the natural environment.

What is your favourite café, restaurant, shop or place in Byron Bay?

(Laughing…) Well, as I guess some of you know.. The Rails!