Via Lingua Florence

I took this course after years of teaching. It had always been a desire, but I kept putting off taking the necessary steps towards it. I thank Via Lingua for having made my desire come true. I especially thank Tom Shandorf, Managing Director at Via Lingua International, who patiently persuaded me to challenge myself The course has been stimulating and has allowed me to implement and refurbish my skills with relevant material. It has also invited me, after many years, to step back and analyze the way I teach today and to think of ways to keep it fresh. Not last, I has allowed me to think grand and imagine a future teaching abroad I couldn't have asked for a better experience to cherish !

Despite the coronavirus pandemic falling slap-bang in the middle of the four week course taking place in the heart of Florence, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Via Lingua. The classes were fun, filled with all the information and advice I could ask for and the days went by really quickly. I got on really will with all the instructors, and really enjoyed all the teaching practice I was able to absorb in my time at the school. My fellow trainees were diverse in age and background, from Australia to Canada, and the first-day induction had us well integrated and chatting away by lunch-time. The school adapted really well to the coronavirus pandemic and was still able to provide us with all the support and lessons required to complete the program and receive our certificates. The work is plentiful but engaging, and we still had the chance to explore some of the city in our down time. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to add a useful qualification to their resume, which if put to use can definitely allow you travel further for longer - all whilst immersing yourself one of the most architecturally and historically significant cities in Europe.

I already live abroad, in Florence Italy. However my time spent during the TEFL course gave me the opportunity to enjoy my adoptive city, encounter students from all over the world and learn new teaching methods. The staff and teachers are excellent - professional yet very kind and approachable.

The intensive course at ViaLingua Florence was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve had. Not only did I acquire new skills in teaching, communication and human relations, I also regained confidence in my own self and upon completing the course my self-belief was at an all time high. The staff were very encouraging while keeping you on track with the curriculum. All with the background of the Duomo from the classroom, classmates that became friends for life, and beautiful Florence at your feet, I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn something new, academically and personally.

What can I say? Taking this course changed my life. It really does clear your mind when you are uncertain about becoming a teacher or not.. at least it did to me! It was very well organized and the teachers were very friendly and well prepared!- At the beginning I was worried and all living with another person and beginning this course.. but my fears went away right after my very first day! I felt welcomed and my roomie was very nice too, in fact we worked together most of the time! :) The class was fun and intense but it was broken down in projects which were good brakes to take, after learning and studying all day! Thanks to these projects, everyone got to see a different part of Florence which was very nice because then we created a power Point and shared our experiences in front of the class, so it kind of felt like we were there too! I got to see Fiesole, an old Etruscan town with an amphitheater which they still use today for concerts! At last the Teaching Part! Scary at first, but rewarding at the end! You really get the experience of teaching in front of Italian students from all different levels! I loved it very much and I am very thankful and absolutely recommend taking the course especially in Florence!