Staff Interview with Kate

What inspired you to join the Premier TEFL team?

First, I must say my sister, Kate Popova.

Also, after living abroad for so long and meeting people while I was traveling that were struggling to travel themselves made me appreciate the flexibility and huge opportunity there is in the world of TEFL.

Describe a typical day at work for you.

One word - chatting! I’m a chatter so this suits me down to the ground. I love chatting with prospective teachers about their stories and what led them to us.

I also am in contact with other companies around the world to see if we can work together to get people abroad. This is really fun because I get to talk to like minded people who love to facilitate travel and new experiences!

What about your job do you find rewarding?

Making someone's dreams come true, cringe-y I know. But when I get an email or call to saying they are getting on great or would like to go somewhere else, it’s really rewarding!

Also, the office is full of laughter which makes the days fly (not always a good thing!).

How do you use your own experiences traveling in the UK and Greece and also living in Toronto, Canada in your position as a TEFL & Travel Specialist?

I do try to use my travel experience to help interns prepare mentally for the trip. Organization is key, so I go step-by-step through what they have to do. I’ve done it so I can relate to how they’re feeling! Moving abroad can be stressful, but worries about something as little as, say, travel insurance can be solved so easily by just having a chat!

What are the biggest challenges you face in your position and how do you overcome them?

There’s definitely not enough time in the day! Trust me when I say it’s hard to leave the office in the evenings! I try to manage my time as best as I can to make as many calls as possible in the day. I like to dedicate an hour a day as ‘catch up’ time, where I can organize myself and do what I can to set myself daily and weekly targets.

What is your best travel advice?

Be spontaneous when traveling! You’ll regret it later in life if you never did that bungee jump or hopped over to a neighboring island for a day trip. In my own experience, all I ever wanted to do was to go to New York to see Lion King on Broadway. I never got around to it and really regret it now! Saying that, I am planning on a trip to the West End show!

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things! Try the frog legs and escargot in France (I’ve tried them both and loved it!). Go to a sports game that is not popular in your country (I got really into baseball in Toronto - go Blue Jays!).

What makes TEFL a good tool for meaningful travel experiences?

This line of work really allows you to experience local culture and to integrate into the local world, rather than getting a flyby travel experience where you just get to see but not truly experience.

Another bonus is that it’s just so easy to travel with! TEFL teachers are needed globally, so the world is literally your oyster!

Why is it important for individuals to be certified when teaching abroad?

Firstly, the content and learning in it is for the teacher! Certificate or not, it’s nice to be informed when standing in front of a classroom.

There are not many schools out there that would accepted a teacher without the certificate, and in some cases, you’ll need it for the visa.

What makes you a travel specialist and why is it important for individuals to travel?

That’s a tough one. I think we are all travel specialists, I just happen to do it for a living. You can read and read all about your dream destination, even look at videos and photos, but until you go there, you have no idea what it’s really like! Travel is best for education, and to learn about different cultures. Until you see the size of Niagara Falls, or see the Icelandic geysers, pictures don’t compare.

Do you have any advice for hopeful TEFL teachers?

Be confident and go with the flow! Once you settle, you’ll look back and laugh - trust me I did.

What changes or developments do you hope to see in the future for Premier TEFL?

I know we will have a lot more placements in many countries. That will be fun! I hope we can get some TEFL teachers to more European countries. That would be cool.