Why do you do what you do?
I love helping with people’s journeys, especially in such an educational field. There's something very lovely about knowing that your job helps people experience the world in a new way and opens new doors for adventure and learning!
My Favourite Kind of View
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love chatting with our students, past, present, and potential! Hearing their stories and backgrounds, and what has inspired them to pursue TEFL has been incredibly inspiring and given me my own push to want to pursue teaching abroad.
Amsterdam Canals
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I'm very lucky to have several friends who have gone abroad like myself and through them have gathered a wealth of information on teaching in a variety of countries. Because of this, I'm able to provide students with a lot of first-hand experience from myself and other friends who have gone abroad. A lot of us in the office have travelled and taught abroad, and we try to provide as much of this information and experience to the students and graduates interested in going abroad.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Relax and go with it! If there is one thing I've learned from travelling, it's that there's no point in worrying about potential outcomes. It's a lot more fun to just enjoy what you’re experiencing and dealing with problems as they happen rather than worrying about what might go wrong!
If I Could Live in the Woods, I Would
What makes your The TEFL Academy special?
I believe how much everyone on our team cares about our students! Everyone is always so willing to go the extra step, whether it’s doing extra research to provide a graduate with extra information on a particular country, or reading through contracts to make sure that everything is above board when they get hired.
Why should someone choose The TEFL Academy over competitors?
I think we are a great choice over some competitors due to how much we care about our students, and the high quality level of the course we provide. Our entire team is dedicated to making sure all of our students are getting a quality course, and will receive quality care.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I think there's something very special in expanding your perspective on your world and societal norms, and one of the easiest and most fulfilling ways to do that is through travel. Going and spending time in another culture, experiencing different practices and beliefs can be eye opening in your own world, and highlight the diversity and nuance in your own culture and new ones.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a language is such an incredible way of learning about someone and their culture. To be able to communicate with someone in their language is a very special thing, and learning a language expands your horizons in so many ways.
Lazing in Powerscourt Gardens
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Just go for it. No matter if you end up loving or hating your experience, you will learn so much about yourself through the experience. If all else, your experience may show you what you love about home, or you may find a new home in another place around the world!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is travel where you are willing to engage and learn during that travel. It is immersing yourself in an experience without judging the culture, and making an active effort to learn the history of the culture and traditions of a place both before and during your travel.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial and educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
I feel that one aspect of international education I don't agree with would be the priority being placed on the value of educational performance, rather than engaged learning from students because they want to learn. When learning is about the joy of knowledge and understanding, and not how great a grade a student gets, students learn what interests them and become much more enthusiastic and engaged learners, which I feel the world needs more of.
