I decided to do my TEFL when I was stuck in a dead end job with zero ambition. I looked at various way of traveling the world while earning some money and came across TEFL, and decided that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I love children and that is a main reason why I decided to do the TEFL.
Alumni Spotlight: Pelham Gabriel Myburgh
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Pelham is a accountant by hard with a great love for most types of sport.
He is scared of change and thus likes to challenge himself, to see what the outcome can be.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
I sent an email asking about the course and what it would entail. The institution (Vantage TEFL) I worked with had fast responses and answers to all my questions. They made it very easy to understand the requirements with constant feedback. I never had any doubt that I could do this through the confidence they gave me. A truly professional approach and I really enjoyed the journey of doing my TEFL.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I moved to Thailand without doing any research about my surroundings and the cultural differences were the most challenging when I moved here, but people are so polite and friendly (it is contagious) that you adapt easily. I wish I knew about this earlier, as I would have loved to do this earlier in my life. Last piece of advice is to not underestimate the course as it was intense but enjoyable, and I truly believe, after this course I can teach English as a second language to anyone willing to learn.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
My course was a 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays for a month long. It is long days and sometimes you had to get the the facility at 07:00 to do practice teaching. On an average day, you are guided through the English language and it is not to teach you English it is to help you to teach English. You also get exposed to practice teaching, which really helps you gain confidence as an English teacher and removes all doubt you would have (I also had a lot of doubt and anxiety, but the practice teachings ensured that I gained confidence and became comfortable in teaching).
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
Biggest fear I had was that I never left my hometown for more than 6 weeks before. I always thought how would I adapt to a place I do not know and people that I do not understand? To answer that question, the answer lies within yourself. You need to decide that you want to do this. Once you open yourself up to the idea, it is strange how things just fall into place through meeting amazing people and experiencing unique cultures.
I have no doubt this is one of the biggest changes I made in my life and I have no regrets that I did it. Sometimes fear dictates our decision making, but just think of all the amazing experiences you will have and be able to share with your friends and family when they come visit.
What do I think prospective travelers would like to know?
My answer will be based on Thailand, as this is where I am currently.
Firstly, food is absolutely amazing. I have gained so much weight just by indulging in Thai cuisine.
Secondly, make sure that, if you want to work here, that your employer can speak English where both parties understand to avoid unnecessary confusion.
What would I change or do differently?
I have not been here to long and I would say there is currently nothing I would change, as the experience has been challenging and breathtaking at the same time.
Last thing that I would say: do not run from you fears. Embrace them and just do it; you will not regret it.