Hero photograph
 

HALC Tutor Feature: Robynne Cusdin

Joanna Fox —

I’m Christchurch born and bred, an independent only child. I have been an English language teacher for over 20 years since finishing my BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Linguistics and English Literature, plus a Post Graduate Diploma in Adult Learning and Teaching (ESOL).

I taught in private English language schools at first, teaching people of all ages and from many different countries, from Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Then I lived just north of Brisbane for 2 years, before teaching English in Japan, where I lived in Sasebo and then Nagasaki for 6 years. People I met and taught there became good friends. They gave me birthday parties, invited me into their homes, bought me lunches and dinners, took me to interesting places around Kyushu, gave me tickets to concerts and to the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival and introduced me to Japanese culture and food. I keep in touch with some of them after being home in New Zealand for the last 8 years.

As an English language teacher here and in Japan I have enjoyed working with other teachers from different countries and I have really enjoyed teaching people of many different cultures. I have learnt so many interesting things from my learners while teaching them. I find it all worthwhile when learners tell me that something I have taught has helped them in their daily life or when I can be on hand to help them. I get a huge sense of satisfaction when I helped 3 learners to vote for the first time in the recent general election. In the strange year we have had in 2020, that stood out for me as an achievement.