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I've been programming for years though in quite an informal manner. I sort of fell into it after doing some computer modeling as part of my science degree. I first noticed Koenig through my daily job serve email and the word GOA stood out instantly. I had traveled India extensively during a career break in 2001 and my first port of call (after the infamous Bombay airport) was Palolem beach in southern Goa. A perfect beach and some of the cheapest prices you'll find.
So the idea of getting some formal training and coming back to a country which I had completely fallen in love with seemed too good an opportunity to miss. Why pay over the odds for an IT course in London when you can combine it with a holiday, do it for a fraction of the price and received one on one training, whilst avoiding the miserable British winter and enjoying warm sunshine every day. I did the MCPD but do your research as there are loads of courses on offer.
The course itself was highly professional and intensive. I paid a little extra to get one on one tuition on Fast Track, and so it was just me, my highly competent tutor, 2 laptops and a whiteboard from 9.00 am till 5.00 pm every day. We motored through the curriculum but as it was just me I was able to stop whenever I wanted and digress into areas which were particularly relevant to my interests and current job needs. The quality of the teaching was first rate - the first time in my life I have had solely one on one tuition, and the tutor was more than happy to repeat parts if i didn’t understand or needed more real world examples. He also gave me a load of code examples which have enabled me to convert from VB to C# which increases my potential for future employment. The centre is clean and well run with a good choice of lunches laid on and necessaries such as air conditioning in all areas. Could not really fault the teaching or the centre at all. I even got my fillings replaced after class one day by the local dentist (for about £15!). Just be prepared for an intensive experience. I plan to come back next year and take an extra week or two after to disappear into the subcontinent armed with a laptop and an inspired mind and build the next big website!
I must admit I was skeptical about what I might find when I arrived. India is a pretty chaotic place for a westerner and the first few days can be a real culture shock. However, my trip has been a model of organization and tranquility. I sensibly decided to get a charter flight to Goa from London - this is well worth the extra 20-50 pounds as it is only 8 hours direct and you get picked up at the airport by a representative from the Goa Center. You don’t need to worry about money as you get enough from the representative (Which is sent at the time of arrival in a toolkit) to get you through your first few days, and he drops you at your hotel/apartment about a half hour drive away. I chose to pay a little extra than the basic accommodation and stayed at an excellent hotel called PRAINHA. It has beautiful gardens overlooking a private beach with palm trees and a lovely pool, and there is an outdoor restaurant with great, reasonably priced food. The hotel is clean and well maintained and the staff is friendly and helpful. Having other students there helped to get me into the swing of things. Contrary to expectations (from previous traveling experiences), I have not been sick once.
Koenig really make it easy (almost too easy!) - you are picked up and dropped back at the hotel each day, and I hired a laptop (you will need one for evening exam preparation - don’t be fooled this is an intensive course), but there is just enough time at the end of the day to enjoy an hour of sun and a swim in the pool, which reminds you how glad you are that you are not in London, or wherever in cold and windy European winter.
It does cosset you from the real world a little – I would recommend making the most of your limited time off by exploring the area and plenty of advice is on hand should you wish to do this. I have just completed my last exam and am about to jump into a taxi back down to my beloved Palolem beach, about 2 hours south of here for some well deserved rest and relaxation before flying back to London :( in 4 days time. It's important to point out that India is CHEAP - it may cost a lot to get here but once you arrive most things are converted back to pence rather than pounds. So if you can afford to take time for a holiday too, do it. Remember though that India is a developing country with poverty and other problems. It also has a strong cultural identity which must be respected. I have found the Indian people to be wonderful, honest and helpful. This experience is highly recommended. |
