Type of Programme
One-to-One, personalised English tuition living full-board with the tutor's own family and in the tutor's own home, including local visits and excursions, meeting friends, neighbours and professional colleagues etc.
Type of House: Detached House - South Africa
Teaching Qualifications and Experience
I have an MA degree in English, a TEFL certificate (AIS CertTEFL) from New Zealand, and was formerly a certified IELTS Examiner. I have taught English in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. In Japan I worked for Osaka University as a lecturer in the Department of Languages and Cultures. I have also lectured at the University of Canberra in Australia and at The University of Natal (now UKZN) in South Africa. I am a published poet and novelist. Kasia from Honey Street, my first novel was published last year. I currently lecture English Literature in Durban and am also completing a PhD.
Hobbies and Interests
I am a writer and am passionate about photography. I also enjoy playing tennis – there are tennis courts down the road which are free to use (we have plenty of tennis racquets). My wife, Nicky and I both love walking, the sea, travelling, meeting and getting to know new people, and socializing.
Accommodation
The student’s room is light and airy with a sea view. There are two single beds in the room, a small desk with a lamp and a chair, built in cupboards, and a mini-hi-fi. The room does not have an en-suite bathroom. The main bathroom, which the student would use, has a bath and a shower etc.
Excursions and Local Attractions
The area offers beautiful beaches and great weather. Day excursions could include: a picnic at Christmas Bay; a visit to a crocodile farm; visits to Durban: The Golden Mile; Moses Mabida Stadium; Sea World; the Botanical Gardens; Mitchel Park Zoo, The Campbell Collections Museum; KwaMuhle Museum (Apartheid history); The Old Fort (military history museum) (excl. entrance/activity fees for some). A visit to Umhlanga Rocks: beaches; Gateway Theatre of Shopping; Sharks Board. Visits to the Valley of a Thousand Hills for Zulu dancing. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and St Lucia Estuary world heritage site are 2 hours to the north, but would require a special trip. Ballito also offers: zip sliding; helicopter tours; microlight tours; cage shark dives; scuba diving; spearfishing; deep sea fishing; dolphin and whale viewing; boat cruises. There are also golf courses nearby: Durban Country Club (30mins); Zimbali (5mins); Umhlali (5mins). Plus numerous restaurants, shops, and health spas.
