What inspired you to travel abroad?
It snowed in Ireland at the beginning of March, so bad that we were snowed in and were off our usual 9-5 jobs. I've always wanted to teach and my boyfriend always wanted to teach ESL. That's how this all began.
Aerial view of Phuket, Thailand
Why did you choose The TEFL Academy?
We did a lot of research and came about the TEFL Academy. My boyfriend gave them a call and their customer service was amazing. That's basically why we chose them. We also liked that they offered a two-day in-classroom practical along with the 168-hour online course.
What was your favorite part about Phnom Penh, Cambodia?
We did our TEFL course online in the comfort of our native country, Ireland. We were both working full-time, saving and studying. Doing a TEFL in a different country wasn't really an option when we began our TEFL journey.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The most extraordinary thing about living abroad is the people you meet. The new countries and cultures you experience. Teaching in Phnom Penh is also so rewarding.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The TEFL Academy staff are always helpful. They offer lots of different support. From support needed through the course itself and then after, supplying you with links to ESL job sites. Offering internships in different countries.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Well, we're still experiencing our time abroad. But I wouldn't change much. We did so much research, a whole year, before coming here. We were definitely prepared. However, maybe we wouldn't have packed as much clothing as we did, because we don't wear half of the stuff we brought.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looks like.
A typical day in our life basically goes like this: wake up at 6am, shower, get dressed. Have coffee. That's a must. Get on our bike, drive to school. We start at 7.30am. My class begins at 8am and go on till 4.20pm. We get a nice two-hour break in the middle of the day, when we go home, eat, and maybe nap, depending on how tired we are. After school, we come home, shower, again, cook dinner and chill.
Part of Phnom Penh as seen from the tallest building in the city
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
We enjoy travelling through Cambodia. We've only been here three months and have seen some really nice places, met some amazing people and have eaten some amazing food. Also being able to watch the UFC on a Sunday morning is a huge bonus. We've also joined a Jiu-Jitsu gym to keep fit.
What type of accommodation do you have? What do you like best about it?
We live in a studio apartment. It's perfect for a couple like us, we don't need much. Our rent includes: free WiFi, security, and water.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Be prepared to make time for it. For the lucky ones who don't have to work and study, they'll have plenty of time to do it. Unlike us, who worked full-time and used our weekend to study and do assignments. We didn't really have that much of a social life during that time. But we always found time to fit some trips away in.
Would you recommend The TEFL Academy to others? Why?
One hundred percent. The TEFL Academy were amazing through the whole process. The course is well laid out and easy to move through. The assignments are daunting, but not as hard as they seem once you get started. Their customer service is amazing.
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures and seeing new places, of course.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Not home yet, and don't really plan on going home for the next two years. So we'll let you know what that happens.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means bringing something to another culture and taking something away with you from it. Teaching nursery in Phnom Penh has been so rewarding for me. The kids bring me so much joy and I've brought them love, taught them manners, and most importantly I've taught them English. That's the most meaningful thing about this journey to me.
