What inspired you to work in the field of international education?
Working on the computer
I really loved languages and travelling. It seemed like a really good combination of both.
Why did you choose to work at Oxford TEFL Barcelona?
Oxford TEFL is recognized both by teachers and by students as one of the best language academies in Barcelona. I really loved the open environment and the size of the school. There are lots of resources available to both teachers and students and everyone is very friendly.
What makes Oxford TEFL unique?
What I mentioned above- it’s a bigger school with lots of support (both in terms of resources and from staff). We try to make our school as effective and fun as possible so that everyone gets the most out of it. I think a lot of schools rely too heavily on just bookwork or perhaps more “outdated” methods. We have regular workshops to keep teachers’ ideas fresh and innovative. Our Trinity CertTESOL course is internationally-recognized so our graduates know that wherever they go in the world, they will be able to apply for teaching jobs.
How have your own TEFL experiences helped you in your current role?
I’ve worked at a couple of schools and have had quite a good number of private students. This has really helped me when talking to our current trainees so they know what to expect during interviews, when working in a new school or how to set up private classes.
Speaking with a student
Describe a typical day at work as a visa support officer and careers advisor at Oxford TEFL in Barcelona.
My schedule varies quite a bit because I teach classes but also have to adapt my schedule to meeting with our trainees and interviewing potential new teachers. I generally start off by checking my email (I tend to receive a lot of questions about visas and from graduates and schools alike about job openings), dedicate some time to looking at some CVs from our trainees (to help revise them), a couple of classes at some point and also a few meetings for any questions trainees/graduates have about their CVs, visas or finding work in general.
How does Oxford TEFL help graduates find meaningful TEFL jobs worldwide?
We help graduates get in touch with fellow graduates so that they can share their experiences and talk about which schools might be best for them. I also maintain contacts with different schools and work with our partner schools so that our teachers’ CVs are always being sent out and that they are also aware of any job openings. Our Oxford TEFL Jobs Facebook page is updated daily with new job openings around the world.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Giving an input session
I know from my own experience that the visa process can be a bit confusing and frustrating. It’s really satisfying when I see someone’s face change from stressed and worried too much more relaxed when I tell him or her ‘what’s next?’ in the process. It’s also really great when our graduates get in contact with me to let me know about their current job- they’re always really grateful and this also helps me to give advice to future trainees.
From working and living abroad, what advice can you give to students planning to get their TEFL certification abroad?
If you’re planning to stay in a certain country, be sure to look into the visa requirements beforehand! Know what you’re getting into- every country is a little different. Living abroad is well worth it and there’s always a way to make it work, but do your research beforehand or make sure you have someone who can help you with the process.
What are some of the most commonly asked questions you receive from students?
How soon do graduates get a job afterwards? This depends on how proactive they are about looking for a job, but usually most of our teachers find a job within a few weeks.
Having a mince pie with a trainee
What are my options for visas?
I have to answer this one a bit more case-to-case, but a lot of our students opt for a long-term student visa with us.
I don't have any teaching experience- will I still be able to find work?
Absolutely! You get lots of teaching practice with our course and most TEFL employers understand that we are in an industry with lots of constant movement- it’s expected to sometimes have teachers with little experience. I also help students look at their CVs to see how some of their previous jobs can relate back to TEFL.
What is your most memorable experience abroad and how does it continue to motivate you in your current role?
I started traveling out of the US from age 8, but my most memorable experience had to have been my first time studying abroad at age 18. I was studying in central Spain after having had a really rough past year in my hometown. I remember having a moment of epiphany (so to speak) of realizing how happy I had been since I had started the course. That moment really defined the next few years to come- my decision to permanently move abroad and to live and maintain a happier, healthier more relaxed lifestyle.
