Sara:  Thomas your English is so good. How did you learn it?
Thomas:  Well, in my country everyone has to take English starting in the first grade. I've been taking English courses for 12 years now.
Sara:  Wow, that's interesting. I remember when we took that trip last year and visited your family. It seemed like there weren't many people that could speak with me in English.
Thomas:  Oh, that's because they don't speak English that much.
Sara:  But they speak it in school, right? Maybe they just didn't like me so they didn't want to talk to me.
Thomas:  No, actually they liked you a lot. They told me they thought you were very nice. They are just shy. They're not use to talking with foreigners. I remember when I first came to the U.S. I was really nervous about speaking with people.
Sara:  I see. I thought there were lots of Americans teaching English in your country.
Thomas:  Yes, that's true. There are probably twice as many now as there were five years ago, but they are mostly in the cities. My family lives in the country.
Sara:  I wonder why. Personally I prefer the country to the city. It's so quiet and peaceful. If I were to teach, I would want to teach in the country.
Thomas:  Do you think you would want to teach someday? I know the schools around my town are looking for teachers, so if you want I can call them and get more information.
Sara:  No, I don't think so. I would need to stay there for a year, and I don't think I can take that much time off work.
Thomas:  Well, if you change your mind, let me know. I think you would be a really great teacher.