I want to share my experience with the 120-hour TESOL/TEFL course that I completed in 2023 through an online modality. It was a truly transformative journey that I believe every aspiring English teacher should consider. The course was exceptionally detailed, providing a comprehensive understanding of the English language—its structure, components, and the intricate way it works. I learned not only the technical aspects of the language but also the most effective strategies for teaching it to a diverse range of learners. It covered everything I needed to know to become a skilled and confident English teacher, from lesson planning and classroom management to fostering language acquisition in students.
Taking this course was not just an academic endeavor but also a deeply enriching personal experience. It gave me the tools and confidence to touch lives through education—not just the lives of my Filipino students but also those of foreign students if I pursue my plan to teach abroad. This course expanded my horizons, enhanced my teaching skills, and broadened my perspective on the global impact of language education.
It is with great pride and gratitude that I reflect on this milestone in my professional development. I am genuinely thankful for the privilege of taking this course, as it has prepared me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, wherever they may be. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the rewarding field of English teaching and to make a lasting impact through education.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
One of the most nerve-cracking moments I encountered during my journey with the 120-hour TESOL/TEFL course was when I realized I was racing against time to complete it within my timeline. Balancing this rigorous course with my daily responsibilities was a challenge I hadn’t fully anticipated. The pressure to meet deadlines, absorb the material, and maintain my usual work and family obligations pushed me to my limits.
There were days when I felt overwhelmed, questioning whether I could juggle everything. The course required intense focus and dedication—each module was detailed and packed with critical information about grammar, teaching strategies, and methodologies. I knew that if I didn’t pace myself well, I risked falling behind and compromising my dream of finishing on time.
What made this moment even more intense was my self-imposed commitment to do my best. I wasn’t just aiming to pass the course—I wanted to truly understand the material and gain the skills that would make me an effective teacher. This internal drive turned into an almost addictive need to study. I found myself waking up earlier than usual and staying up late into the night, pouring over lessons and practice exercises.
Despite the pressure, there was also an exhilarating sense of purpose. The closer I got to the finish line, the more determined I became. I realized that this intense period of hard work was not just about earning a certificate—it was about equipping myself for a future where I could inspire and teach students, whether in the Philippines or abroad.
In the end, that nerve-cracking moment taught me the power of perseverance and time management. It was a test of my commitment to my goals, and looking back, I am incredibly proud of how I pushed through. The sense of accomplishment when I finally completed the course was indescribable, and it reaffirmed my belief that challenges, no matter how daunting, are stepping stones to growth.
Pros
- Professional growth and development
- Knowledgeable teaching foreign students
- Broaden ideas and perspectives in English Language