Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I love making an impact on people starting their ESL teaching journey. I aim to not only give them a full “tool box” of ideas and activities (along with the theory behind them) but also the confidence to be successful in their next exciting adventure.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have been in ESL teaching and training now for over 20 years on three continents in various roles such as Director of Studies, private language school owner, and Service Development Manager for a large private language school network.
Besides my degree in psychology, I have my CELTYL and DELTA and have attended numerous professional development courses and workshops. A variety of roles in diverse cultures has enabled me to continuously fine-tune our curriculum to ensure it stays up-to-date, challenging, and exciting.
What makes Destination TEFL special?
I believe the passion of our team for what we do makes all the difference. It may sound cliche, but each of us truly cares about giving our trainees the best experience possible, from pre-course, the course itself, and the ongoing support once the teacher has been placed.
I am still in contact with trainees I had on our course eight years ago and love following their success stories. They may not all still be in ESL but I believe each was impacted positively from their experience with us.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
I think the quality and care we give each individual (as reflected in our reviews) makes it easy to market. The best marketing is word of mouth, as it is the most credible.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
One of the most important takeaways from our program is that regardless of the time you plan on teaching, whether it be for a gap year or a career, you can make a huge impact on people's lives.
We all remember teachers who made a huge difference in our lives and it is very rewarding when years later a former trainee reaches out and lets you know how much the course changed their lives.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures makes everyone more empathetic and open-minded, as well as builds confidence. An experience abroad is unforgettable and will definitely shape the person you are.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Go! Get out of your comfort zone. No one regrets going abroad! Also, do your homework before you go which means researching the country and the organization you are planning on committing to. It does not matter if you don't pack your favorite shampoo, but you must pack with an open mind.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means actually experiencing the culture a bit like a local rather than trying to live your “western lifestyle” in a foreign land. It means embracing the unknown, taking risks, meeting challenges, learning from mistakes, and broadening your outlook. If in the meantime, you can also make a positive impact on the local community and have people sad to see you leave, it makes the experience even more meaningful.
