I got my TEFL certification through ITA at Extreme Learning Center in Arequipa, Peru. I thought it did a good job of preparing my to teach English, especially considering it was only a month long. Observing classes and teaching actual classes were particularly useful. You do some practice teaching in your own class before you teach an actual English class. Kris, the instructor, was excellent. As a nomad, it’s also helpful that they let me come back to teach English at the school (it’s main function) when I’m in Arequipa.

Teaching in Peru was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Like most decisions, I didn't fully realize this fact until I was already well into my adventure. One thing I did know though, was that no matter what happened it was going to be a good experience and growth opportunity it many areas: personal, career, and social. What I didn't know, was quite what I was getting into and just how great of an adventure it was going to be. Getting my TEFL certification really jump started my involvement in teaching abroad and gave me that little extra incentive (no use wasting a paid certification) and a lot of extra confidence in both my teaching skills and the support that I would have while abroad. The flexible schedule allowed me to be in school and work while getting certified and the emphasis on group learning really hammered home the concepts and helped me to get the most out of my training. Once in Peru, I could rely on my wealth of activities, assignments, readings, etc. that I and my fellow teachers had created while working together on our certification. But what I found most helpful, was the boost in confidence that I could do this, I could teach abroad, and that was the extra step I needed to lead me through an amazing 13 months abroad.