I chose the 120-hour TEFL Certification Program to have more and better opportunities career-wise. Everyone has dreams and I'm no exception. I want to reach my dreams, achieve my goals. That's why I chose this program: because I know that, by doing so, not only will I have lifetime opportunities, but also lifelong lessons I can share with everyone.
Alumni Spotlight: Danielle Kaye Flores
Online ESL Teacher since 2012.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
They guided me when I had questions and doubts. They gave me their full support all throughout this journey - before I enrolled, while doing the program, even after I have received my TEFL Certificate. They weren't rude and were very helpful (even offering assistance when I'm not asking). They gave me additional notes and links to fully comprehend the lessons.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
You can never be too prepared or ready for something even if you think you've prepared yourself or even if you prepared long enough. I like to surprise myself. It's a lot more exciting to not fully know what's going to happen and learn it then and there, but that doesn't mean I didn't prepare beforehand. I'm also prepared, but I learned that you're only going to be skeptical about something if you expect too much or prepared yourself for something you were hoping for. So, expect the unexpected and just go with the flow.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
I did everything at my own pace and time, so I didn't really encounter that much of a problem. I studied three lessons 4 - 6 hours a day. After those three lessons, I would go back to see how much I've understood then I would answer the quizzes and homework. After I've finished all the lessons and took the final exam, I focused on finishing my final requirements and after I've done that and received my results, all my efforts and hard work paid off. It was all worth it!
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle change or meet new friends and not be able to fully enjoy. Of course, those were just fears that one can get over, which I did. Change is hard but inevitable. It was hard coping up at first, but eventually, as I accept change, it became easier. New faces suddenly became new friends and I certainly enjoyed every second of the experience. Just trust on your instinct, pray for guidance and assurance.
If you could do everything all over again, would you change anything?
If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't change anything. I'd do it over and over again. It's a learning experience filled with lessons and blessings. I just hope it'll help more and more people in the future. Besides, who says "no" to opportunities knocking? Certainly not the dream makers nor the dream catchers.