What inspired you to go abroad?
I love the mixed and different cultures of the world. I love seeing how others learn compared to the schooling I received in the States.
Why did you choose i-to-i TEFL?
The reviews from i-to-i TEFL were all promising, the price was affordable, and the assistance offered after graduation looked promising.
Enoshima Beach
What was your favorite part about Japan?
The food! Everyone gets super excited about the food and love to talk about their favorite treats, snacks, and meals. Food is an element that breaks the language barrier.
What made your experience abroad unique?
When you make your way into a new culture, things can be confusing and troublesome. Yet, there is a great learning experience in hand. As an instructor, I learned how to adapt to new environments and struggles. There were so many factors I learned, from bowing requirements to silent rules that keep the peace in any and all areas.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Since I was freelance, I had to learn and look to other online teachers for advice on problematic situations.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Every morning after breakfast and a morning run, I would either log online for special tutoring or start a class in a controlled environment. Classes would involve a lot of laughter and learning. Students would comment after each class how much they liked something and what they disliked. Once I got back home, I would send the parents of each student a summary of the lesson. After which I would spend an hour planning out the next set of lessons. After 4 p.m. I would have the rest of the day to explore the city or town around.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Going to dining spaces with friends or just taking long strolls. On rainy days I would head to the park to play with other locals or sit at home and entertain myself with a book or cooking with friends.
Ondo River walk
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I was hosted by a local, which left me living in a shared house with other teachers from other countries teaching different languages. It was great to see cultural differences and learn about others.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Have an open mind and learn to adapt to the new culture and rules around you. This will help keep the peace.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I still have a thirst to go back and teach abroad, and am planning for the next year to prepare for another trip. For now I will continue to tutor online.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Most definitely! This course was great, as well as the many others I have taken from the same company. They really do prepare you for the experience of a lifetime.
