Get TEFL Certified and Teach English in Nicaragua

Once I misunderstood the time of an important meeting to coach one of our students. Instead of just letting me miss the meeting, Jon walked to my residence and made sure I was able to get to the meeting. This was a real life-saver. I should have known the time of the meeting (everyone else did), and without Jon's support I would have missed this important session. This is just an example of the continuous support provided by Jon and Heather during the TEFL course in Nicaragua. Whether it was an assignment, gaining perspective on an important subject, or overcoming challenges which arose during the course, Jon and Heather were always there to support me throughout the course. Their knowledge, helpfulness and coaching was extremely helpful to my classmates and me.

Loved the program. Loved the community. Loved the students. Loved the energy, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

I learned SO much about the values of teaching, and leading a student-centered classroom. When I learned the behind the scenes of lesson planning, it became a fun and addicting challenge.

After my program I went to teach in Africa, but felt the pull to return to Leon and visit the area and people once again. It just feels like home.

I didn't know that I wanted to be a teacher until I began my first practicum in Leon, with local intermediate English students. It was a surreal experience, leading a classroom of highly eager and intelligent students in their pursuit of mastering a second language. Although my joy in teaching that class may have stemmed from a personal passion, I am completely confident that without the thorough training and guidance of the ITAN staff, I never would have realized just how much teaching means to me.
Carmen, Heather, and Jon run an incredible school in a beautiful location. These are people that care for and support you in a way that makes even a very challenging class (note: this is a very challenging class) manageable. From their understanding of the coursework to their overall empathy for growing teachers, they will do all that is possible to help you become an excellent educator.

TEFL Academy Nicaragua is no walk in the park, but the school will provide you with the tools you need to be a successful teacher. After reading a few reviews, I thought the coursework was an exaggeration.....let me tell you..its not. The school is a lot of work, but it is meaningful work. Each assignment is designed to make you a better teacher and provide you with the skills to be successful.

Both teachers, Carmen and Heather are extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to what they do. My school advisor, Jon, was also really helpful throughout the whole process.

I am so glad I chose TEFL Academy and I look forward to using my TEFL certificate in the future. I am glad I chose Leon and I wouldn't have it any other way.

It's true what they say-you will used to the heat.

My only suggestion would be to avoid Host Family Maria. It's not much a of host family experience and there are too many rules.

As a veteran teacher with a university background in Secondary English Education and 6 years experience, I must say that this program is absolutely worthwhile. Not only is Leon (the host city) a beautiful and excellently placed tourist gem, but the classes are designed to give you the skills you need to find a job and excel in your profession.

The classes run Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm, with two hours of teaching practicum in the evenings each week. The homework can be rather demanding, but if you're able to manage your time well, you will be able to fit beach excursions and volcano boarding into your weekend schedule.

The directors of the school are two of the most dedicated and passionate people I've ever met. From an administrative standpoint, the directors went far above the standard of assistance. They made themselves available during class hours, every afternoon, and every weekend so that we could ask questions about the course load, finding work in Nicaragua/Central America, and logistics for adapting and living in a new country. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and their knowledge about the teaching profession was reassuring.

The main instructor for the course was probably the best teacher trainer I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I'm grateful that I had an educational background beforehand, but it was not necessary to doing well in the course. Between the course book given and the instructor's knowledge and experience, even students who were completely new to education and teaching were able to keep up with the material. As someone with lots of experience, I found the course empowering and invigorating- every day we learned and discussed new methodologies and practices for advancing our students' language abilities. Aside from the certification I received, I am so grateful I took the course because I learned a lot and re-ignited my passion for teaching.

I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone interested in teaching abroad. The course content is absolutely meaningful and applicable to real teaching situations. The instructors and mentors are knowledgeable in their field and passionate about sharing that knowledge with new teachers. The administration's sole interest is giving practical advice to newly arrived students and hopeful future educators. If you're looking to teach abroad, this is the way to go.

I completed the TEFL course at the International TEFL Academy in Nicaragua in October 2014. It was definitely one of the most challenging things I have done in my life thus far. If it wasn't for the kindness and support I received from the staff there, the experience wouldn't of been as enjoyable as it was. Heather Smith was one of the best teachers I have ever had, she helped me every step of the way until I was confident in what I was producing. Her husband Jon Smith does a wonderful job of working behind the scenes to ensure that everybody and everything is where it should be. The guest speakers we had the pleasure of meeting and the activities the team implemented were very beneficial to my experience. The staff and the program exceeded my expectations on a daily basis and still continue to do. I would recommend taking the TEFL certification course at the ITA in Nicaragua to anyone who is looking to learn, travel and maybe even discover things about yourself that you might not know.

I completed the TEFL course in September 2014 and it was one of the best things I've done. I learnt so much from the teachers and made good friends with everyone there. The support was and still is great and although it was challenging at times, I managed to push through and complete the course.

The school has an amazing environment which really makes you feel comfortable and at home, the students were always willing to assist me with any troubles and everyone was supportive of one another when it got too much for them.

Overall I thought the course was great and I recommend anyone who is thinking of taking this course to do it in Leon, Nicaragua as they will only benefit from it.

My experience taking the 4-week TEFL course in Leon, Nicaragua was incredible. It was a life changing trip in which I was constantly challenged. With that said, the motivation and inspiration I felt throughout the course made it possible to overcome all obstacles. Furthermore, the benefit of having two brilliant teachers who gave limitless support was beyond belief. Taking this course has opened up a world of opportunities. Although I could travel to any end of the globe with my certification, I have decided to stay in Leon. Nicaragua has stolen my heart. The only danger in coming to Leon; never leaving :)