What inspired you to work for Destination TEFL?
I've been extremely privileged to have travelled to Southeast Asia for work, numerous times while I was still working in South Africa. Every time I left any Southeast Asia country after my visit, it felt like I'd left a piece of me behind. I always knew that somehow, I would be working and living in Asia.
In 2019 my partner and I made the decision to pack up and sell everything back home and set off on an amazing adventure to Cambodia. With my years of experience in the work and travel industry, especially the teach abroad industry, joining the Destination TEFL team was a no-brainer.
Why do you do what you do?
I always knew that somehow I will be in education, however I never knew exactly how I would fit into it. With a passion for skills development and personal growth, assisting individuals to work and travel abroad fit like a glove. I believe every person across the globe should have the opportunity to live and work in a different country.
This does not only give them the opportunity to experience life on the "other side" but also teach valuable life lessons. Teaching English abroad does not only allow the teacher a travel experience, but also helps the host country to improve their language skills.
My mission in Southeast Asia it to improve the level of English teachers, one teacher at a time.
A stop at Angkor Wat during a 35 km cycle trip around Siem Reap with trainees
What is your favorite part of your job?
Once a month, we get to test our teachers' skills by doing teacher pratica with a bunch of awesome Cambodian kids. Since July 2020, I've seen how these young kids grow in confidence as well as the English language ability.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
With over 15 years' experience in the travel and teach abroad industry, I'm able to offer the best guidance and support to all our trainees on our program.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We are currently busy opening an English Language Academy in Siem Reap. Our TEFL training centre is on the same campus, which allows our trainees to experience the school environment firsthand.
What makes Destination TEFL special?
With more than 50 years' combined experience in the TEFL industry between the owners, trainers and franchisees, our team offers the best possible support to all our trainees. Our knowledgeable team will guide any new trainee from the get-go, including visa assistance, as well as our in-house travel consultant to navigate the ever-changing travel restrictions.
Our October 2020 group decided to have a Halloween-themed graduation party
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
You will never be alone! You will become a part of the Destination TEFL community from day one. We care about your well-being and will give you the best possible support to make an absolute success of your new chosen career.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
I would love to see Destination TEFL grow even bigger with more training centres at exciting and exotic destinations across the globe. We will be the leaders in the TEFL market.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Destination TEFL's mission is to offer ESL teacher training done the RIGHT way! Doing your TEFL certification on-site in the destination where you will be teaching will give you an added advantage.
How do you help support participants?
We offer placement assistance to all our trainees who successfully complete their 4-week TEFL training at any of our three destinations. We have an amazing network of international and private schools across Southeast Asia, which makes job placement much easier.
A fun day out on the boat with our October 2020 trainees
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning another language brings increased awareness of other cultures and helps bring people closer together in the globalised world we live in. As children get older and develop their language skills, knowing English will help them to access the internet, where English is the dominant language, and enable them to use technology to search for information and communicate.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Do your research about the destination you would like to travel to and make up your own mind. Speak with people whom have actually been there and done that.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is when travel enriches your life in some way. That could be done by focusing on making your own life better by discovering and learning new things about the world and yourself, as well as making a difference in other people's lives.
