I obtained my TEFL certification at Via Lingua in Florence, Italy. It was one of the best things I’ve done for myself in two years. I knew I wanted to teach English, and I chose Via Lingua because it offers the opportunity to practice-teach real Italian students (and because I love Italy).

I was one of three students taking the course, so we got to know each other and the teachers very well. The course itself was challenging, but the teachers were always eager to answer our questions and help us look towards our futures as teachers. Because the three of us students became so close, we often studied together over gelato and always helped each other understand tricky course material. We had fun doing our group projects—some of them barely felt like homework.

Via Lingua provided me with everything I needed to start my career as an English teacher. I believe the quality of the teachers and the institution is among the highest the International TEFL Academy has to offer (not to mention the incredible location—central Florence, just 5 minutes from the Duomo). I would recommend the course to anyone interested in becoming TEFL certified (and in fact, I already have to several friends).

Receiving my TEFL certification has opened many doors for me in the world of teaching as well as becoming an entrepreneur in the expatriate world. My time during the TEFL program was challenging but also very rewarding. It gave me the exact tools needed to feel confident to teach abroad.

After graduating from the TEFL program, I continued to travel for a few months and then one week before my flight home, I canceled my return trip and decided to stay in Germany. I wasn't ready to end this amazing experience. However, after traveling for another four months, I was faced with that very scary question of 'NOW WHAT?'. I was in Germany with no place to live and not one single job lined up. This was when I really sat down and turned my daydream plans into a reality! I started my own language academy for private teaching called Speakeasy Language Academy. We assist and promote teachers to legally and professionally teach privately around the world. A few years later, my partner and I started a second company called Expat Launcher that offers full-service assistance to expats looking to move to Germany. We are truly their one-stop shop for all things abroad. We assist with services like apartment search, registering, health insurance, and visa process just to name a few.

I truly believe that if I didn't take the TEFL program, my life would have still had one amazing year of traveling the world, but I would have gone back to the states and continued in the corporate world. This would be a dream for most, but I wanted something completely different. I have been very fortunate to live, teach and work aboard for the past 4 years. The best part is that we get to help others that want to do the same.

A few things that have impacted my life would be teaching young learners. It is amazing to watch their eyes light up when they understand something you've taught them. It is a very special gift and something that I hold dear to my heart. Also, my travel adventures have made me grow as a person. In the past year alone, I've had the pleasure of 18 trips to 2 different continents, 5 new countries, and roughly over 100 cities, towns and villages that I've thoroughly explored.

Some of my favorite moments since receiving my TEFL would include traveling around Egypt for 5 weeks, scuba diving in the red sea and taking a sailboat along the Nile for 4 days. Another amazing journey was volunteering in South Africa, where I got to hold and bottle feed lion cubs and watch them as they went from drinking milk to eating meat. I walked side-by-side with elephants and lived with wild animals all around us.

My advice to anyone considering taking the TEFL program would be to do it! Opportunities will present themselves throughout your life and yet only a few people jump on them. Don't question yourself and do what makes you happy. You can always go home if teaching abroad isn't for you.

My name is Kelsi Brooks, I am an Atlanta, Georgia native. The Via Lingua Firenze language school is an environment where English teachers can feel supported during their journey. Located in Florence, Italy, I was able to accomplish my goal of professional development and reaching a growing population of students: English Language Learners.

In the heart of Florence, I was free to explore the riches of art history, delight in the sabor of Italian cuisine, and bask in the summer heat with my new colleagues.

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I had a great time in Florence while taking my TEFL course. The teachers were great at teaching and they were helpful with all my questions. The group of students was small enough that we were able to all become friends which really helped make the experience that much better. Florence is a beautiful city and was the best place for taking my TEFL course. Because of the certification that I got I am not able to teach anywhere. I am currently in Thailand teaching at an all girls school. For students trying to decide whether or not to take this course I say do it. It opens the world up to you and because it is good for life you are able to leave and come back to it.

The TEFL course in Sardinia, Italy with International TEFL Academy was by far one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much and it fully prepared me for life as an ESL teacher in many ways. Not only did I learn the basics of teaching English, but I also learned about living abroad, communicating with foriegn students, and how to apply for jobs abroad. The support team in Sardinia was amazing, and I had a great time during the course. Not to mention, Sardinia is absolutely beautiful!

The course was a very unique experience, especially since it is based in Sardinia. Sardinia is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and in my opionion, in the world. During the week we were hard at work, gaining in-person teaching experience and in-class training from qualified teachers. On the weekends, we were surfing, exploring beaches, and hiking to breath-taking castles. If you are even considering getting a TEFL certification, then this program is well worth the cost. It truly is a life-changing experience.