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Staff Interview with Simon O’Toole

Get to know The TEFL Academy's staff!

Simon O’Toole

Simon O’Toole

Interviewed in 2019

Simon O’Toole is a member of the marketing team at The TEFL Academy. Part of his job is to spread the good word of TEFL far and wide.

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What inspired you to work for The TEFL Academy?

The world of TEFL is always something that has interested me. I really believe in the power of teaching English in the general sense as well as the benefits that TEFL teachers can gain personally, economically, and professionally. The chance, therefore, to work for a company that provides people with the opportunity to experience this wonderful world of TEFL was something that I grasped with both hands.

Three young men hiking in Spain

Hiking in Spain

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favourite part of my job is knowing that I am working for a company that provides people with an excellent qualification that they can go on to put to great use and have some life-changing experiences. This is a very important motivating factor for me!

How do you use your education and international background in your current role?

My educational background in International Business Studies is definitely beneficial to my current role as The TEFL Academy operates across many different countries. Being conscious of different market and cultural factors across different locations is vital to how we position and deliver our course in the best possible way. I absolutely loved the time I spend working and living abroad and I feel I definitely draw on these experiences to motivate myself to do a good job every day.

What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?

The advice I would give myself would be to go for it! The experiences and memories you will create through your travels will be some of the best days of your life. Getting out of your comfort zone is a really healthy thing that will help you grow and become a more rounded individual!

Man riding a bicycle on a street

On my bike

Why should someone choose The TEFL Academy over competitors?

The TEFL Academy offers the world's most accessible and affordable level 5 TEFL course (168hrs), regulated by the UK and US government! This is the same level as CELTA/Trinity CertTESOL. These factors really create the perfect combination for someone becoming a TEFL teacher to be able to travel anywhere, safe in the knowledge that their qualification will be recognised in their country of travel.

What makes The TEFL Academy easy to market to potential participants?

I believe that how employable our students become after completing the course is the easy part of marketing our services to potential participants. Our flexibility in terms of course structure, ie. online courses or blended learning, is also perfect for people that might be currently working or studying other degrees or programmes. The accessibility of price is great too!

How do you help support participants?

On our Combined Level 5 TEFL Course, which consists of a 168-Hour Online Level 5 TEFL and Grammar Course, and 148-Hour Online TEFL and Grammar Course and 20-Hour Weekend Classroom component, participants receive tutor support from EFL professionals, six-month access to online campus, free 30-Hour Top-Up Course in Teaching Young Learners, Teaching Business as well as help with finding TEFL jobs abroad.

Three young men by the seaside

By the sea side

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

We learn so much from one another and we learn even more from people, cultures, and places that are new to us. I think it is vital to travel and experience these things to broaden your horizons and to engage with people from different backgrounds.

Why do you think learning a new language is important?

Learning a second (or third, fourth or fifth!) is always extremely beneficial because it opens doors in every conceivable way. If I was to give someone advice I would say to go for it! You will not regret it.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel for me in very simple terms is engaging with the culture, customs, and people of where you are. Treating people with respect as you go and enjoying yourself!

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