What is your citizenship? I am an American Citizen.
What city and state are you from? Raised in the south, I am from Atlanta, Georgia.
How old are you? I am currently 50 years old.
What is your education level and background? I have a BA in Business Administration minor in Finance.
Have you traveled abroad in the past? Yes, and I love experiencing new cultures and foods.
If you have traveled abroad in the past, where have you been? I have been to Europe, Ukraine, Central and South America.
What sparked your interest in going to teach English abroad? Experience new cultures, see, live and try new adventures abroad.
What were some of your concerns before teaching abroad? Visa issues and living accommodations.
What did your friends and family think about you moving and teaching abroad? At first, very hesitant, but they realized it is a once in a lifetime experience.
TEFL CLASS INFORMATION
Which TEFL certification course did you take? May 2014 in Barva-Heredia, Costa Rica
TEACHING ABROAD
After taking the course in Costa Rica, you chose to teach elsewhere. Which city and country did you decide to teach English in and why? I chose to teach in Colombia, SA. I was born here in Bogota Colombia, and so I have family here. With that said, I realized that if I chose to come live and teach in Colombia, it would be because I have a small support group here. Also, I pursued and received my Colombian citizenship and thus I do not have any visa issues here.
How long have you been in this country and how long do you plan to stay?
Tell us about your English teaching job. I came here on October 24, 2014 and I want to stay for one more year and teach. I work for Heart for Change. This group works in contract with the Ministry of Education of Colombia. We teach side by side with Colombian Teachers to enhance and improve the quality of teaching here in Colombia to public High Schools. IT IS A CO-TEACH program.
ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE TRAINEES COMING TO COSTA RICA
What advice would you give someone considering teaching abroad? It’s a blast. Have your support group back at home be encouraging. Try to resolve most of your issues back home before leaving. Don’t bring your troubles with you.
Would you recommend taking the course in Costa Rica before teaching elsewhere? Yes, I would. The staff was very straight up, up front with you, and they were helpful. They challenged you to achieve your best.
What are the benefits? Have a continued support group. They continue to help me with issues or with grammar questions or activities, as well as with recruitment notices. They have been a good group since day one.