Why did you choose this program?
I had been wandering in this confusing universe of seeking a job for one year before I found out about the TEFL training course. Seeing my mother and my father leaving for school every morning when I was a child, made me believe that is the thing to do when I grow up. The educational environment within my family inspired me almost involuntarily. I could not imagine a different future for me.
So I started to look online because I wasn't happy with my real life opportunities in my country. After a tremendous research, I finally decided to enroll the Tefl Program in Prague. It seemed the perfect choice for my future and the reviews were more than satisfactory. I had no doubt about it after I got in contact with the people from ITTO and The Language House.
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
ITTO (International Teacher Training Organization) assisted me with finding a school matching my requirements. They put me in contact with a school in Prague to start my training in January 2018. I completed my pre-course assignment and then I found out they are no longer organizing the Tefl training. But ITTO was magic and asked me about another school - The Language House in Prague and it was perfect. Thank God that happened because I couldn't be happier or more satisfied with what they do (friendly advice, answers at any hour day and night, housing, airport pick up, orientation, etc).
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Go for it! You will find it very rewarding! Be sure the program provider will assist you with everything. It takes time for things to settle down a bit so think ahead before starting your adventure. You don't want to be stressed out about leaving your country or be a good student/teacher once you get there. Be prepared and be brave! And make sure it's what you really want to do!
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
The program is very busy. The course itself is intensive, but you can do it. I had classes from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm every day and teaching practice from 5.00 pm to 7.00/8.00 pm. I used the free time for lesson planning or studying. We went out for drinks during the weekends. I do remember realizing that I didn't actually know the city I was living in and I blame it on the schedule. But they also teach you how to manage to have a work-life balance, so now it's all a beautiful memory.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was not being a native English speaker. But I found out that "it's a bit of a two-sided coin. On the one hand, some of the best teachers are non-natives. They know the grammar and they have an understanding of the language that is similar to what their students experience as they progress. They also know they have a bit more to prove, so they tend to put a lot more emphasis on good lessons. Be prepared to bring your A-game to your lessons!" After reading this (an e-mail from a former Tefl teacher), the other side of the coin didn't even matter.
One of my teachers also said to me that "The best way to learn a language is to teach it!"
Write and answer your own question.
Finally, I don't have a question, but I do have an answer! Going away from home and starting a career somewhere else is the best way to develop both personally and professionally.
The world is yours! Start with a course, enjoy teaching, find summer camps, travel! Or...Eat! Drink! Love! And be responsible.
