I have been wanting to do my IDC since 2015. I have been looking around, asking around, talk to lots of instructor friends, msg lots of course directors and contacted lots of dive centre. Finally, this year i have come across the right time, place, style & of course the CD - Mark, for me to do it. I have been looking for something where i don't just learn to be an instructor, but allow me to have work experience as one.
I really like liveaboard, and come across dive-careers partner with Khao Lak Scuba Adventures (KSA), have liveaboard internship right after the course. Most of all, i also want to be taught by an experience course director that don't look at me as a "product"/"number". I want a mentor/friend where someone that still have great passion in diving and can teach/share lots about this industry. And I am so please come across Mark where he is such a chill/easy-going, experienced, friendly, informative, fun and respectful course director in the diving industry.
I m glad to be in a small class (only 3 of us), where we have plenty of time to ask questions and do lots of training. Mark and his assistant /son - Aaron, have been the 'perfect combo'(father & son team) helped me so much in class. ;)
I personally do IDC not just to become an instructor, but is a personal development course that i would like to take, to challenge myself and overcome some fears that i had experienced in life. I definitely achieved that by the end of the course, where it develops my confidence, i able to stand up to teach/ speak in public, i able to share my passions and overcome some past condemnation/negatives that ppl used to title me.
I really like the creative, gentle, independent yet informative approach that Mark used/taught us in the class. He makes it stress-free and we able to learn it in a comfortable plus creative (own way), where helps me to complete my IDC. By the time my IE arrived, i managed to face/do it confidently or easily. Not only that, when i got the chance to teach during my internship on the liveabord, i realise how well i can teach and shared my passion/experience with my students. I really thankful to my course director- Mark, his son/assistant - Aaron, my 2 amazing yet annoying classmates - Jelmer & Kris and some instructors at KSA that have helped me throughout the whole IDC journey.
Thanks for all the support, encouragements, the believe/trust/confidences that i do not have :) and the patience towards me. Really feel the amazing team spirits and how much ppl cares for your success!
This IDC experience definitely have been one of the most remarkable event of my life! I met so many amazing ppl and make great friendship as well.