Interview with Mike Thomason
Karima: Would you please introduce yourself?
Mike: My name is John Michael Thomason, but some of you know me by Mike.
Karima: Why did you choose to come to Morocco ?
Mike: I’m somewhat of an adventurer . I believe that
Morocco has everything, such as Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, mountains, desert, rivers, forests, lakes, green hills, and beautiful weather. Travelling to different places and enjoying outdoor activities are some of my passions. I also like the variety of linguistic experiments in Moroccan languages.
Karima: What are the challenges that you faced at the beginning?
Mike: At first I faced challenges with people. I didn't understand Moroccan hospitality. I thought it was weird and uncomfortable that a complete stranger would invite me to his house to lunch because Americans would never do that.
Karima: What are the things you appreciate about Moroccan culture ?
Mike: I appreciate the attitude of the people. Moroccans are very easygoing and relaxed. They are always friendly too, even if they don't mean it. They have kind hearts.
Karima: How much do you like your job as a teacher at the ALC ?
Mike: I love my job. I love helping others and watching them learn. In addition, I’m always learning as a teacher.
Karima: What do you think about Moroccan students ?
Mike: They’re 100% perfect.
Karima: Do you think living in Morocco is a great experience ?
Mike: Absolutely yes.
Karima: What do you want to achieve in the future ?
Mike: I always want to be able to travel and to make those that I care about happy.
Karima: Who influenced you to become a teacher ?
Mike: My mother because she’s an English teacher.
Karima: Would you describe yourself as a “tough” or an “understanding” teacher? Why ?
Mike: I am an understanding teacher, because I used to be just like them .
Karima: What are some of your biggest weaknesses ?
Mike: I can’t say no. I always want to make others happy and sometimes I stretch myself too thin.
Karima: Can you make humor out of a teaching methodology ?
Mike: That’s for sure, especially if I use the communicative approach. All I need to do is use real life scenarios, examples, and experiences from Morocco. That is humor in itself.
Karima: What can you tell the ALC Magazine stars?
Mike: To all my students I wish you the best in life and I hope your dreams will come true. I’ll miss you . Keep your shoes clean.
Mike: My name is John Michael Thomason, but some of you know me by Mike.
Karima: Why did you choose to come to Morocco ?
Mike: I’m somewhat of an adventurer . I believe that
Morocco has everything, such as Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, mountains, desert, rivers, forests, lakes, green hills, and beautiful weather. Travelling to different places and enjoying outdoor activities are some of my passions. I also like the variety of linguistic experiments in Moroccan languages.
Karima: What are the challenges that you faced at the beginning?
Mike: At first I faced challenges with people. I didn't understand Moroccan hospitality. I thought it was weird and uncomfortable that a complete stranger would invite me to his house to lunch because Americans would never do that.
Karima: What are the things you appreciate about Moroccan culture ?
Mike: I appreciate the attitude of the people. Moroccans are very easygoing and relaxed. They are always friendly too, even if they don't mean it. They have kind hearts.
Karima: How much do you like your job as a teacher at the ALC ?
Mike: I love my job. I love helping others and watching them learn. In addition, I’m always learning as a teacher.
Karima: What do you think about Moroccan students ?
Mike: They’re 100% perfect.
Karima: Do you think living in Morocco is a great experience ?
Mike: Absolutely yes.
Karima: What do you want to achieve in the future ?
Mike: I always want to be able to travel and to make those that I care about happy.
Karima: Who influenced you to become a teacher ?
Mike: My mother because she’s an English teacher.
Karima: Would you describe yourself as a “tough” or an “understanding” teacher? Why ?
Mike: I am an understanding teacher, because I used to be just like them .
Karima: What are some of your biggest weaknesses ?
Mike: I can’t say no. I always want to make others happy and sometimes I stretch myself too thin.
Karima: Can you make humor out of a teaching methodology ?
Mike: That’s for sure, especially if I use the communicative approach. All I need to do is use real life scenarios, examples, and experiences from Morocco. That is humor in itself.
Karima: What can you tell the ALC Magazine stars?
Mike: To all my students I wish you the best in life and I hope your dreams will come true. I’ll miss you . Keep your shoes clean.