What inspired you to work for TEFL Connect?
TEFL Connect has amazing connections worldwide, but always keeps students at the heart of what we do. It's a fantastic company and I'm proud to work here.
Why do you do what you do?
To see people achieve their dreams! To work abroad really opens your eyes to different cultures, ways of life, you meet incredible people and learn so much along the way. To see people apply for a program, then a few months later be updated on social media with incredible pictures and stories, it really makes me feel fulfilled!
Describe a typical day at work.
Each day I begin by catching up in the team email box, getting back to such a variety of
enquiries and people! There are some just starting out on their TEFL journey, others who are
established teachers abroad, and all that’s in between!
After the emails are replied to, that's generally when call times begin. I’ll chat to people from all over the world during my afternoons, and I love it! That’s what makes my job so interesting. Some days I can speak with 5 different people from 5 different countries. It’s fascinating to hear about people’s cultures and backgrounds.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Speaking to people from all over the world! It's so interesting to meet new people (albeit via video call) and find out more about their lives and cultures.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Be confident, plan as much as you can - don't always leave things to chance! Ask as many questions as you can so you're fully prepared. Relax and enjoy the ride! You may face some challenges, but with the right mindset and support, you can overcome anything.
What makes TEFL Connect special?
We care. As cheesy as that may sound, we really do! TEFL trainees/teachers are our main focus and concern, and making sure they're in the right location to teach, are fully prepared and will begin working quickly, that's our goal. We treat everyone as individuals and will always go the extra mile to take care of people.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
As we continue to provide outstanding TEFL training, I hope we see hundreds more incredible TEFL teachers living and working abroad, and my Instagram feed is always full of happy, smiling teachers!
If you could participate on one of TEFL Connect’s programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Madrid, first choice, Vietnam second, Mexico third. It's too hard to choose! I'm a sucker for hot weather (I live in the UK and it's always sooo cold!). I love Spanish language and culture, but Vietnam has always intrigued me. I'd love to visit the markets and temples, not to mention islands and beaches! All 3 are packed with history, food, and so much to see and do.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Travel really opens your eyes and soul to the huge world we live in. It's very easy to stay in your comfort zone, but the minute you challenge yourself and travel, you'll find it incredibly hard to stay home! There are so many languages to learn, different music, food, art, history. To experience it yourself is life changing. Everyone should travel!!
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Make a to-do list to prepare for your program, you'll thank yourself later! Being organised will take out so many last minute stresses for you. And remember! Where you're going will have clothing stores, WiFi, chargers, toothbrushes etc. So it's not the end of the world if you forget anything.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me, is travelling for purpose. Whether that be a cultural enrichment for yourself, to develop as a person and learn more about yourself, or to give back to other communities. Through teaching, charity projects, volunteering and so on. Making a difference in the world both to yourself and others.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
Slowly, we are seeing travel plans being rearranged and people’s global experiences underway. COVID-19 has caused a lot of disruption and has forced many students to postpone their international studies. A lot of learning has also moved to online platforms in the interim.
My hope is that things will change again for the better, and people can travel freely but most importantly, safely, in the not too distant future. Taking an educational program abroad not only enhances your education, it also enriches your understanding of the world around you.
You’ll learn so much about yourself and perhaps it’ll inspire you to figure out your life plans moving forward. I have spoken to so many people over the years, and learning about their semester abroad, University or College in another country, or teaching abroad, and they have nothing but positive experiences and tales to tell.