TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
What is your citizenship?
U.S.A
What city and state are you from?
Miami, Florida
How old are you?
28 years old
What is your education level and background?
Bachelors in Retail Merchandising
Have you traveled abroad in the past?
Yes
If you have traveled abroad in the past, where have you been?
Nicaragua and a 2 week tour around Europe.
What sparked your interest in going to teach English abroad?
I had read an article about teaching abroad and starting researching the idea. After spending weeks researching, I decided to take the plunge and sign up for a course.
What were some of your concerns before teaching abroad?
I was concerned I was going to be really out of my comfort zone. Not knowing the language was a major concern because how was I was going to communicate. Google translator will be your best friend.
What did your friends and family think about you moving and teaching abroad?
When I told my family they were supported. But once it became real I was leaving they seemed hesitant but now they are at ease that I’m settled in and everything is going well.
TEFL CLASS INFORMATION
Why did you decide to get TEFL certified and choose International TEFL Academy in Costa Rica?
I chose the Costa Rica course because I thought it would be an opportunity to live in another country before embarking on a year long journey elsewhere.
Which TEFL certification course did you take?
TEFL/TESOL in-class Costa Rica, February 2016
How did you like the course?
I really enjoyed the course. It was great to be around others who were doing the same as you. Taking a leap of faith and doing something different.
How has your TEFL training helped you in your current teaching position?
I am a first time teacher so I felt the practicum we were required to do in class definitely helped.
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 South Korea because of the benefits. I liked the idea of having a job before moving to a new country and that I didn't have to figure out where to live because the school provides you housing.
How long have you been in this country and how long do you plan to stay?
I have been here for 3 months and plan to stay for 1 year.
Tell us about your English teaching job.
I work a total of 40 hours - 22 teaching hours and the rest of time I use for lesson planning. I teach 5th and 6th grades in elementary school and 7th and 8th grade in middle school. I also have 1 afterschool class with 3rd graders.
ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE TRAINEES COMING TO COSTA RICA
What advice would you give someone considering teaching abroad?
If is something that has cross your mind even once, just do it. When it first crossed my mind, I told myself that that's not me - I could never move to a foreign country not knowing a single soul but yet here I am.
Would you recommend taking the course in Costa Rica before teaching elsewhere? What are the benefits?
Yes! I know if I took an online course I personally wasn't going to be motivated. I knew in class was the better option for me. Plus you get to explore a new country while getting your TEFL certificate.
