New Opportunities

While I didn't do this course with my eye on travelling and teaching, it'll definitely help you if that's your goal.

Given the economic state of things in South Africa, and as a self-employed and married man (with family), I needed to create further opportunities for my family. Family and friends had suggested a TEFL course from time to time, partly because I had taught in the classroom (including English, many years previously), and partly because I've been in the training and teaching game for years. Working as a motorcycle riding instructor, I've had the opportunities to train riders not only in S.A. but in several other countries in Africa. Ironically, it meant that teaching people who don't have English as a first language was not unfamiliar to me. A natural fit, so to speak.

I took the plunge and signed up for the Level 3 course in April, and I'm glad I did for a load of reasons. The course material was well-presented and followed logically. You'll definitely need and want to do further self-study into aspects such as grammar to up your game for your teaching career (if you can't explain it to a 9 year old, you don't understand it yourself), but that's part of your professional development. Where I hit a minor speed bump was in the assignments. Teaching - both the systems and technology available - has moved a long way from what I was familiar with, so I had a steep initial learning curve to climb. This probably won't be the case for you if you're a recent graduate. Where the TEFL Academy shone was in their support & tutor services. Queries were always answered patiently and quickly. Once I delved into the online resources available, it made all the difference. The end result? I've passed and have my certificate.

While I won't be going travelling and teaching (hey, married with a family remember and an existing company, remember?) the course will definitely get you going in the right direction if that's your path. For me, I'm now looking for suitable online teaching opportunities to enable me to work from home, dovetailing with my training. As a bonus, I've learned a slew of new methods and tech that will make what I already do more efficient, plus take it online.

Bravo, TEFL Academy.