Why did you decide to teach abroad with ITTT TEFL?
Gilber: When I first traveled to Australia to study and learn English, I was really fascinated by the great work teachers provided us, students, at the time. Their dedication, enthusiasm and caring captivated me and made me learn in a very pleasant way. At the end of the course, I thanked my teacher for making me speak English and he said to me “This happiness of yours is what makes me keep teaching and helping students everyday!” That was when I realized I wanted to do the same thing, to teach and help others abroad. After some years studying a lot on my own, I read about TEFL courses that could help me grow and become a well-prepared EFL teacher. That was how I met ITTT website with their TEFL courses, read some people’s reviews and decided to take the 120-hour TEFL course with tutor support to make my dream come true.
What made this teaching abroad experience unique and special?
Gilber: I have been teaching English in my native country for some years, but this experience was unique and special because it was my first teaching abroad experience. When you take the ITTT TEFL course, you learn many important things that you should be aware of, especially because of different cultures and the government issues of the country you are going to teach. I confess I got really nervous when I started my classes because I did not want to be misunderstood or cause embarrassments to the students. But everything turned out just fine. I told them I was there to teach and help them learn English, we established a good rapport it could provide us nice moments. Definitely my ITTT TEFL background helped me very much to create this good relationship with the students and to give them proper support.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Gilber: Personally, it has made me become a better person. When the students come to me and ask for my help and, peacefully, I teach what they need and make them understand, my heart is filled with joy because I could help another person overcome something, and that is priceless for me. That is what I have decided to do in my life and I feel delighted to provide this assistance. Professionally, it has given me more experience with teaching abroad. I have learned how to deal with culture contrasts in class and the opportunity to meet other EFL teachers has been incredible. I have had the chance to watch some of their classes which have opened my eyes to different approaches when helping students. I have gained a lot with the other teachers and that helps me become a better EFL teacher.
What is one piece of advice you would offer something considering teaching abroad?
Gilber: My one piece of advice to those considering teaching abroad: make sure it is something you enjoy doing because you will spend a lot of time doing it. Moreover, when you start teaching, do it with passion. Never start a teaching career just because a friend has told or done so. Take it from your heart. When you choose the country where you want to teach, learn as much as you can about it. Knowing about its local facts and history will help you understand the citizens’ behavior and thinking and you can make use of it when you prepare any talking activity. Summarizing, if you love teaching, put passion in it, feel motivated to wake up early in the morning to do it and have faith in it too, your teaching career will grow. Otherwise, you will just find a way to survive in time.