Have you wondered how teaching English abroad will affect your life and your career? Our grad Johanna took our 4-week, onsite TEFL course in May 2016 and is now studying and working in New Zealand after living and teaching in Costa Rica. See how the course and her time abroad has changed her life!
Where are you living and working (studying) now? Wellington NZ, teaching still and also studying Spanish and linguistics.
When did you take your TEFL course in Costa Rica? May 2016 - just over two years ago!
What is your favorite memory of your time in Costa Rica? Probably my first few weeks teaching - realising I'd found something that I not only enjoyed but was reasonably good at too! Or possibly coming back to teaching after summer break and for the first time ever I was actually excited to return to work!
When and where did you teach abroad? Heredia, Costa Rica, May 2016-May 2017
What is your favorite memory of teaching abroad? My low-level students bringing me cake and singing "Happy Birthday" in English to me.
What did you learn during your time abroad? A lot about myself and who I am/who I want to be. My friends commented, when I returned, that I seemed a lot happier and surer of myself (as well as a little more mature) than I had been before I left. I also learnt about the "ticos" and their beautiful culture, and it made me aware of some of the differences between my country and theirs, especially things I used to take for granted. I also learnt a lot of patience while I was there - "tico time" is real!
How have your TEFL course and your time teaching abroad affected your current job, life, etc.? They've greatly increased my potential ability to travel and work, I've learnt a lot about relating to other people, having patience with them and myself and understanding other cultures. I've become a lot more hire-able here too! It's given me fantastic opportunities to work as a teacher while studying, meet some incredible people and make a difference in peoples lives. The Spanish I practised while living overseas has greatly helped me to find opportunities here also, studying and working - I interpreted a wedding last week!
What would you recommend for others considering taking the TEFL course and teaching ESL abroad? Stop thinking about it and just do it! You will not be any worse off for doing it, you'll only be better. It's definitely one of the best decisions I ever made, can't recommend it enough.
Now is the time for you to join our alumni family by taking one of our 4-week, onsite TEFL courses in Costa Rica? Contact us today!
Where Are They Now? - Chrystal
Where Are They Now? Part 1 - Maggie
Where Are They Now? Part 2 - Mike
Where Are They Now? - Jayme
Where Are They Now? - Catherine
