Gap year in Bocas del Toro
Living, teaching and volunteering in Bocas del Toro, Panama has changed my perspective on life and I owe it all to the Give and Surf staff for making it happen. Getting certified to teach english as a foreign language through their Bocas TEFL program is an experience I will always cherish. The course was fast-paced and the material came together quickly. I received hands on experience working with a variety of classroom settings, education levels, and students of all ages, preschool to adult. My TEFL teacher, Jenn Jackson, was patient and willing to work through any challenges I faced. Prior to and upon completion of the course, I was given resume and job guidance. I plan to use my certification to teach online, though I feel confident I could continue teaching in a classroom setting or in a private lessons. Our classes were held only a short walk from the beach and from Bocas town. I loved being able to plan my lessons on the water at a local restaurant, or at Habla Ya on days when I needed to focus more. Being able to combine my TEFL Certification with Give and Surf’s volunteer program is what made this opportunity truly unique. Each day was filled with coconuts, machetes, boat rides, crystal blue waters and new experiences that forced me out of my comfort zone and normal routine. Our free time was spent having family dinners, playing poker, free diving in the Caribbean, exploring in the jungle, and beach-hopping through Bocas del Toro. Whether taking a gap year or just traveling through Panama, I highly recommend getting involved with the team at Give and Surf.
