STUDENT INTERVIEW

Lorna Allen

Lorna recently completed her UK-TEFL course in Belfast, and has been lucky enough to secure her dream teaching position in Hong Kong.

Quick Facts:

Location: Antrim

Course Locations: Belfast

Course Date: 2nd July 2011

Trainer: Jenny Watters

Why did you choose to do a UK-TEFL course?

I was thinking of leaving my current position but there are few jobs available in the media in Northern Ireland at the moment so I starting researching opportunities to work abroad. I also wanted a career break and wanted to do something worthwhile which would give me greater career satisfaction.

How did you find the course?

It was intense but very interesting and fun.

Would you recommend the course to others?

Absolutely and I have already recommended it to friends.

What was the best part of the course?

The group teaching exercises were both enjoyable and useful.

Where do you plan to teach English?

I have just found out that I have been fortunate enough to secure a position teaching in Hong Kong, so I am very much looking forward to putting my new TEFL skills to the test.

Why have you chosen this destination and when do you start?

I start in September. I was open to a number of destinations but I have always wanted to visit Hong Kong as I studied Hong Kong cinema for my thesis as part of my Masters Degree.

What is the most interesting/helpful thing you learnt on the course?

To always prepare and have back up activities and exercises just in case they are needed. This is definitely something which will come in handy in my new teaching post.

Are you going to keep in touch with other students and trainer?

I hope so. One of the other students is also going to Hong Kong so we plan to keep in touch and meet up there.

What are your long term goals or ambitions?

I am trying this out with a view to possibly taking a CELTA course and pursuing it as a career if things go well.

Any advice for those thinking about doing a course?

I would highly recommend it! I would also advise people to do their research first to find out what employers in their chosen destination require of their teachers. By doing this you will be able to ensure you gain the correct skills to give yourself the best chance of securing employment.

UK-TEFL wish Lorna lots of luck for her new job in Hong Kong.

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