Why did you decide to get TEFL Certified with ITTT TEFL in Egypt?
Michelle: I decided on ITTT TEFL in Egypt because at the time it seemed like a smooth entry point into the Arabic speaking world. I had a passion for teaching English and always wanted to learn Arabic. I signed up for the course before the revolution started - at a time when such transformation was simply unimaginable. So I was shocked beyond words when I found myself smack dab in the heart of a revolution. Due to news flowing out of social media, I was prepared to fly into an uncertain Cairo when I left New York, but it was within the duration of the transatlantic flight that the tide began to turn in favor of the protestors. I literally flew into a country as it was coming undone. Even my driver from the airport was shocked. This was new for a whole generation of Egyptians. The Egypt I first set eyes on, the only Egypt I have ever known, is an Egypt in flux, and yes, sometimes in turmoil. Despite this though, and possibly because of it, I find it a wonderful place to visit.
Did you teach abroad? How did this TEFL Course impact your experience?
Michelle: Due to constraints at home I was not able to hone my English teaching skills in Egypt, always having to return home before I really wanted to. But returning to Egypt and teaching English is one of my top priorities. Everything I learned at TEFL I have put into practice in my native country working with immigrants and refugees. I gained from TEFL an important skill set I can take with me anywhere in the world.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering this TEFL Course and teaching abroad?
Michelle: My sole piece of advice would be to go into the experience humbly and with an open heart. Really be open to the culture and enjoy yourself. Try your hardest to learn the language, even a word or two goes a long way. I can say with confidence that you are in solid hands at TEFL, the staff are all amazing. Right now Egypt is facing a shortage of native English speakers, so there are a lot of opportunities there. And because Egyptians are naturally friendly and talkative you will walk away from the experience with a ton of new friends. That makes up for whatever difficulties you might face along the way.
What was the highlight of your experience?
Michelle: The highlight for me was the friendships I forged with Egyptians. I don’t want to generalize or romanticize a whole people - because jerks live everywhere - but there is just something really beyond ordinary about the friendliness of the Egyptian people. In a matter of months they were able to transform me, a chronic recluse, into a bona fide, people-loving extrovert. What I remember most was just hanging out having a good time - such a good time that after three trips I still never made it to the pyramids!
Anything else you would like to share?
Michelle: Despite the political uncertainties, all my trips to Egypt were made post-Mubarak. I keep coming back despite the often sensationalized headlines (when you are there you realize life for the most part goes on like usual for 99.99% of the population), but that’s not to say caution should be thrown to the wind. My best advice is to inform oneself of the situation and to connect with a group when arriving, for support and guidance. Have a goal in mind, like taking the TEFL course, instead of roaming the country aimlessly. Take the right precautions and don’t expect the country to cater to you. Egyptians are struggling themselves so do what you can to be an asset to those around you.
Most importantly, don’t go into it with bravado or quixotic fantasies of being a crisis reporter, or something of that ilk. The revolution isn’t a spectacle. But at the same time, despite the political disorder much of the country is still safe to travel to, still safer than many parts of my home country, the United States. I played it safe and never had any problems. And I was lucky enough to witness some incredible history-in-the-making. I highly, highly recommend attending the TEFL course in Alexandria, Egypt. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
