I chose the International TEFL Academy because they had an online program that suited my schedule. I worked full time while completing the course. I spent an average of 10-12 hours weekly on reading and completing tasks. My classmates were top notch and always left personal touches to feedback which was inspiration to continue pushing myself. My professor provided on-topic discussions and live classes.
Alumni Spotlight: Kristina Bianco
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Kristina was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and never went abroad till I was 19 years old to Antigua in the Caribbean. She is a your above average traveling go getter. She desires to inspire, transform and inform all minds of the beauty of language and culture.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
ITA provided me right away with an Advisor who called me and spent 2hrs on the phone answering all my questions (even the silly ones) and about her experience abroad teaching. Amanda was able to make me instantly feel comfortable and 2 weeks later I began the program. They provided an online version of the book and you could purchase the paper back edition.
To add onto the 10 week course was a complimentary/ optional 2 week specialized addition. Which I immediately started following the main course. But boy was the dessert portion worth it! JOB GUIDANCE is real! I thought "ohh ya they'll send you some links..."NO they literally dive into your resume/CV and review potential positions that fit you.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Invest in yourself: I honestly was so well informed from the beginning by my advisor that I think you would be well prepared when starting as well. I would say that spending a minimum of 10 hours per week is necessary in order to fully understand the material and properly invest in yourself. I think that going overseas is the easiest way to do this. Investing in yourself is something that comes at no expense (well not technically but you know what I mean) and the connections you create are lifelong.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Like above a minimum of 10 hours is necessary. I though it is online I can complete the work faster than that but honestly it is no joke. The time flew by though, before I knew it I would have been working for over 4 hours and not realize it. There were routine due dates and discussion post that created the cohesion of the class atmosphere.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
Moving away from home is always scary but worrying you won't met anyone who can speak English is another. Once I moved abroad I realized it was all a lie that I made up in my head. I met loads of people, found local language groups, and loved my home atmosphere. Everyone is so willing to help and be supportive that before you know it your home is organized and you already have plans for the next 2 weeks.