International TEFL Academy

Why did you choose this program?

The program was online, which worked well with my schedule. Moreover, I was able to talk through all my questions, thoughts, and concerns with my Admissions Advisor. She was absolutely wonderful and gave me knowledge and resources even before I enrolled. I felt very supported before I even started the program.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Honestly, even though it was all virtual, I never felt alone. If I ever needed anything, someone friendly and helpful (my admissions advisor, teacher, or student affairs advisor) would guide me along the way. You're encouraged to find your own practicum hours, but ITA has an extensive resource/partner list you can use to find an organization to work with. It was actually hard to choose, lots of interesting opportunities to choose from. I found an organization to get my practicum hours within 3 days.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Be ready to learn and be ready to work! The program really makes sure you're prepared. It's very comprehensive. They dig deep into what and how to teach, but also into cultural sensitivity and culture shock and/or homesickness. I took more time than 10 hours per week (the estimated time for the 11-week course), but I feel it was completely worth it. I left the program feeling really confident and inspired. Oh, and take notes!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I set aside a couple of hours each weekday to dedicate to my online course. Since it's virtual, you can set up whatever schedule works for you. Grab a cup of coffee, log in, and read, take notes, or attend a virtual seminar (some live and some pre-recorded). There are also some peer-to-peer prompts that create great conversations between you and your classmates if you choose to do that.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Navigating a new country can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know the language. I found that most people are genuinely kind and helpful. I also found that what we think we know about a country and what it's really like are very different, often it's better than what we could've hoped for or expected.

What is the one thing you would tell someone that is thinking about traveling (or doing anything in life) but is scared to do it?

Trust yourself. If you thought of it, you're called to do it. No one ever regrets taking that trip (or that leap in life), they only regret NOT doing it. You just have to get out there and see for yourself!

What is your favorite travel memory?

Having grown up overseas in Cairo, Egypt there are too many to count - from camping & fishing on desert islands in the Red Sea to exploring ancient monasteries in the Sinai and visiting the Berlin Wall at the end of the Cold War in 1989. Our high school in Cairo even had our high school graduation at the Great Pyramids of Giza.

But really the most rewarding moments of travel are the small ones you experience when immersing yourself in a foreign culture: strolling through a market in Saigon, riding a train through the countryside in India, interacting with the locals at a coffee shop in Cairo or a pub in Liverpool. These are my favorite travel moments.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

One of the great aspects of working at International TEFL Academy is that we are constantly encouraged to learn as individuals, as team members, and as international travel experts.

We are constantly receiving new training and updates on all aspects of teaching English abroad.

From work visas in Poland to hiring requirements in South Korea, we are constantly getting updated on job markets and TEFL course options to provide the best information to our students & graduates.

Personally, I have also been able to learn a ton to enhance my skills in areas like writing, blogging, personal communications, and social media.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

There are too many to count, but certainly the most rewarding aspect of working at International TEFL Academy is seeing the people you work with realize their dreams of living, traveling, and teaching English abroad.

I love following my students' blogs, photos, articles and videos after they've gone overseas to teach English, especially for those for whom teaching English abroad is their first international travel experience.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would take my TEFL class online or in Chicago and then teach English somewhere in East Asia like Japan, South Korea or Vietnam, though it would be hard to pass up an opportunity to live and work in a tropical country like Nicaragua, or even a class European country like Italy.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The passion of our team for helping others realize their dreams of teaching English & traveling abroad. International experience is the number one requirement to work at ITA so each member of our team understands personally the challenges and rewards of living and working overseas.

We also do our best to provide the most comprehensive and realistic information possible about teaching English abroad - this is why have more than 600 blog articles, FAQs, alumni interviews & videos on our website.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Passion for what we do and providing the best possible experience to our students so that they can realize their dreams of living, traveling and teaching English around the globe.