Why did you choose this program?
I chose to complete my TEFL certificate with Premier Tefl because I knew it was the first thing I needed to start teaching English online. I wanted to choose a company that had courseware that would actually prep me for my new career, which is what I got with this company. Not only that, Premier Tefl provides so much support and guidance to their students. I received a stellar course and wonderful support from the team that made the transition into online teaching so much easier than I expected.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Premier Tefl was an incredible company to complete my 120hr TEFL certificate through. Correspondance with their team was always easy and they provided so much support throughout the course. The course itself was great! I actually felt like I was learning the necessary tools to become an ESL teacher. The software was easy to navigate and the course was engaging from start to finish. I completed my certificate feeling as though I was really ready to start teaching ESL students.
The only thing you have to organise on your own is actually completing the course!
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
If you're thinking about getting your TEFL certificate and completing a Premier Tefl course, I would highly recommend getting yourself a small notebook to write down what you're learning. The courseware is very informative and educational. The new knowledge that I obtained, I was able to retain and use in real-life ESL teaching because I wrote things down as I was studying them.
I would also recommend seeking the help of the staff for any query you may have whether that's in relation to the course itself or the opportunities that having a TEFL certificate can provide you with. The whole team is really supportive and helpful!
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
You can complete your TEFL certificate at your own pace with Premier TEFL. If you want to study the course quickly, it is possible to do so! I wanted to complete the course quickly so that I could start my new career as an online ESL teacher as soon as possible. I studied for at least a few hours every day until I completed it. However, you have that flexibility, so it really depends on your individual situation. I would recommend putting some time into it every day so that the knowledge you're learning remains fresh in your mind and you can start your career as an ESL teacher sooner.
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 think my biggest fear starting my career as an ESL teacher was whether I could retain students and make a lasting career out of having my TEFL. I realised pretty quickly that I had a passion for teaching English as a foreign language and I was equipped with the knowledge to do so thanks to Premier TEFL. Honestly, I am so glad I got my TEFL and made the change in my career, I now have a ton of amazing students who I get to teach daily, I really didn't need to have that fear.
What advice would you give to future TEFL teachers?
Just do it! As cliche as that may sound, having a TEFL certificate has opened up so many doors for me. I can now fulfill my passion for travel, while at the same time working a job that I am very passionate about. It is so rewarding to see my students improve their skills in every class and to make strong connections with them and their families.