Premier TEFL

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.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I have a lot but one that stands out is a trip to Zakynthos, Greece. I went with one other friend and stayed in a hotel where we were the only Irish people! We spent a lot of time exploring the area and learning so much about Greece and its history. One notable experience was when we on a boat trip and spotted the endangered loggerhead sea turtle.

I loved trying local Greek cuisine and partaking in Greek culture. There was also an Indian restaurant near our hotel with the best chicken korma I have ever eaten!

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

I learn something new every day. I know that's an overused phrase, but it's true. What's really great is that I found parts of Marketing that I really enjoy, that I didn't even know existed in the first place.

From when I started to where I am now, I see a lot of change in how I communicate with partners and affiliates. I'm a lot more confident and knowledgeable and I look forward to speaking with people about how we can help each other grow!

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

One of my favorites definitely has to be of a Welsh native who, fresh out of university, decided a TEFL internship in Vietnam was the next best thing for him. He studied 'English Language and Literature' and wanted a change from his local scenery. He was so nervous but he wanted something completely different, and that's exactly what he got.

He shared how amazing the culture was, his students that even gave him gifts, and the friends he made. He is even planning on teaching in South Korea next with the friends he made in Vietnam.

He combines his love for TEFL and writing by sharing his thoughts on our blog too, helping other TEFL teachers on their journey.

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

I would choose the program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mexico is pretty high on my list too so while I'm over on that side of the world I would squeeze in a trip to Mexico, along with Brazil and Chile! The food, the music, the culture, it would be amazing!

I'm learning Spanish too so it would give me the motivation to continue learning.

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

I absolutely love that everyone is willing to help everybody. There are days that are busier than others, but each person always has the time to help someone if they're stuck on something, offering a cuppa and a listening ear.

I'm especially proud of our willingness to try new things, even if it's making ourselves look silly for a social media video!

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

I think always being curious, asking questions, and being open to trying new things whether it's how something works, why it works that way, or even exploring new places on our days off. All that feeds into the great energy that Premier TEFL embodies.

At Premier TEFL we're all of those, and anybody who has had a call with us knows we love to talk and hear all the stories from our teachers!