What inspired you to work for The TEFL Academy?
I love to travel and learn new things! I also love to help people further themselves in whatever way possible! Teaching is also something I really enjoy and hope to do in the future. Joining an organisation with a core value to helping others through teaching across the world was a no brainer!
Krka National Park in Croatia
Describe a typical day at work.
Our days at work are actually really good fun! We all work in a shared office and get to bounce off each other, while working really hard, of course! We work through emails, on the phone and also over live chat. We help students with any queries they may have regarding their course or enrolling. We also always have music on, so it's a really chill, hard working and fun environment to be in.
Why do you do what you do?
I have always loved working with people, so working within a shared office while helping to provide education to many is very satisfying. I feel very lucky to have a job that I really enjoy!
What is your favorite part of your job?
Getting to talk to people from all over the world! We get calls from people and students from all walks of life looking to further, not only themselves, but others which is really inspiring.
Brooklyn Bridge, NYC
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
During my time in education, I was a part of the Students' Union, so I got to learn a lot about different backgrounds and different nationalities. I believe this helps me to perform in my role more efficiently and conscientiously. I also understand the background to education which helps me understand the nitty gritty parts of my role.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
We don't face a lot of challenges, but if I ever do, I rely on my colleagues. We're always here to help each other if needed, whether it's to do with work or outside work, we are a close knit team! We often look for guidance from each other as we all see things differently and can offer different perspectives.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am currently working with my team on a new course that will be offered for students! It's very fun to see things before they go live, we test them out and see where we might tweak it to make it more user friendly!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Don't stress, just enjoy. Travelling goes by so quickly that you often forget to just enjoy it in the moment. Everything always works out, maybe not the way you expect it, but you have to allow for the flow of life so that the best can come to you!
Budapest
What makes The TEFL Academy special?
Our organisation is special because we really do believe in the power of education. We all, in some way or another, have travelled to many different places across the world, and the majority of us have taught also. This gives us a real insight into the actual world of TEFL and the teachers.
What hopes do you have for the future for The TEFL Academy?
My hope for our organisation is that it grows and expands to cover all across the world! Providing a course that helps individuals to further themselves but also to educate others is something that is very special.
How do you help support participants?
We support our students in many different ways. Whether it's helping them to enrol, to even helping them convert their files, we are always there to ensure our students can study and complete their course with ease and support.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
We often get asked where is best to teach - but that question can be difficult to answer! It's all subjective and dependent on the person, but we would always say don't limit yourself! There are so many diverse and amazing places to travel to and teach in, so we recommend really opening your scope and see what the entire world has to offer.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I feel that it is important for people to travel and experience new cultures so that you can expose yourself to parts of the world and people who you can learn from. There is so much out there to see and be a part of which I think is very special. Not only can you learn from others, but they can learn from you.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is such a cool thing to take on! It really broadens your horizons and connections with others also. Learn from as young an age as possible!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel for me means to immerse myself in the culture I am experiencing. I don't believe in going to a diverse area and eating what I eat at home or doing what I do at home. To really enjoy and get the most out of travelling, you need to take in all the aspects and experiences from the cultures you are in!
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
With growing technology, I think we can already see how international education is exploding. My hope is that education will become a right for all in every single country in the world. Education, unfortunately, can still be reserved for the wealthy but I hope that one day, no matter where you come from or how much money you have, you can get an education.
