After my first teaching post in Hanoi, Vietnam with a secondary school called Binh Minh School (Sunrise School) in 2007, I traveled for a while and I returned to Hanoi to work full-time at a language center in the center of the city. I was swamped with offers from other schools too as English classes are growing in popularity in Vietnam and much of Southeast Asia. One thing I noticed is that many employers were thankful I had teaching qualifications, which were of course thanks to my i-to-i training. This greatly impressed the employers and put me in a good position to negotiate the terms and gave me great confidence in answering their questions about the methodology of teaching a foreign language (which they will ask you to test your teaching abilities).
I have grown professionally in that since that first teaching post in 2007; I have gone on to teach all levels of the English Language from beginner levels to advanced levels, taught business English for many high-profile companies, and trained students for the TOEIC (Test of English in Communication). From there, I have taught IELTS (International English Language Testing System) given to students around the world who need to apply for university placements in English speaking countries.
Happiness? Well I love it out here in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a great job that I love everyday, a good life and most importantly, the first person I ever met in Hanoi became my soul mate! We dated for three years before getting married in 2011. We are happily married and enjoy every second together. I thank i-to-I, as they gave me a foot in the door to true happiness.
Life has its up’s and down’s; if you feel lost or scared (like I was) to take a leap into unknown worlds, then at least have a back-up to help you along the way. Mine was the i-to-i TEFL course, which helped greatly in giving me the confidence to stand in front of a class full of students and deliver quality English lessons. Teachers around you will really appreciate your skills and effort. Employers will recognize your knowledge and skill on the subject. As always, one thing will always lead to another and many great things may happen, new people will be met and you will feel like the world is your oyster. Don’t worry about the “if’s and but’s” -- they are what make the journey and experience that much better. You never know where it all may lead.
Response from i-to-i TEFL
We're very sorry that you took the course under the impression that the 420-hr course was a Foundation Degree. Our description specifies that this is a Foundation Degree-level qualification, as both our 420-hr TEFL course and a Foundation Degree are classified as Level 5 on Ofqual's Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
This will not affect your ability to get TEFL roles, if this was your aim in completing the course, as the 420hr Advanced Diploma is in high demand with TEFL employers.