After completing your two day course in Manchester a few weeks ago, what made you decide to move on to the Advanced Course?

I decided to move onto the Advanced TEFL course after completing the standard course because I wanted to further enhance my skills in order to teach one to one, primary children and business English.  I worked in industry for many years before going back to college then university as a mature student and finally into teaching therefore I already have a plethora of diverse experience and skills on which to build a TEFL career.

What did you think of your Advanced TEFL course? What skills did you gain?

I found the Advanced TEFL course reinforced the learning from the initial TEFL course.  I was also able to put into practice much of what I had learnt. I gained a range of innovative teaching strategies and useful resources from undertaking the Advanced TEFL course.  I believe the most important thing I gained was the knowledge that I could teach in any area of TEFL whether it be children or in business.

Would you recommend the course to others?

I would recommend the Advanced course to others because it enables you to gain more experience of creating lesson plans and putting theory into practice.  Even for those who have never taught before, the support provided through working with an experienced TEFL teacher and other students enables you to build confidence in your own teaching.

What was your favourite aspect of the course?

My favourite aspect of the course has to be meeting such a diverse group of interesting and fun people with such varying aspirations.  I am looking forward to keeping in touch with them and seeing where their travels take them.

Did you find that the advanced course complimented what you had learned in the standard course?

Without a doubt the Advanced course compliments the learning experience of the standard course.  I do feel that whether you are using TEFL to travel or embarking on a career in TEFL, both the Standard and Advanced courses are a must as they widen your potential.  All learning is worthy of the investment, whether you use the skills now or in years to come, and not participating in the course would have been a wasted opportunity.

Did you find your Ultimate TEFL starter pack and Advanced TEFL pack useful?

I believe both the packs I chose to purchase were well worth investing in.  Before the course they are helpful to look through and feed your excitement and enthusiasm and after the course they double as a learning tool and guide.

Now you have completed both the standard and advanced courses, what are your future plans?

I have applied to work in Europe for the summer. When I return later in the year I will then decide where I want to complete my CELTA, either in the UK or abroad. Having taught in England for the last 13 years I am looking forward to pastures new and to seeing where life takes me. 

What was the most helpful thing you learnt on the Advanced course?

I think the most helpful things I learnt on both the courses were the importance of planning well and making learning fun.

What are your long term goals?

My long term goals are to live and work in various countries worldwide.  The world is such a small place nowadays that I would love to have the opportunity to teach in new environments, whilst still being able to easily keep in touch with family and friends back home.

Any advice for anyone thinking of enrolling on a UK-TEFL course?

To anyone thinking about doing a UK-TEFL course the only advice I can give is - what are you waiting for? It’s a life changing opportunity!

Have you done any travelling already?

I have travelled to many countries on holiday and when I was 17 I lived in Reno, Nevada, America for a while. It was awesome and I would relish the chance to live and work abroad again.

Do you plan to stay in touch with either of your trainers, or any of your fellow students?

I intend to keep in touch with both my trainers, who were inspirational, and my fellow students, as you can never have too much support and enough friends that are as eccentric as I am!

My Photograph:

My photograph represents a milestone, as up until April I was terrified of snakes! I overcame my fear whilst on holiday in Spain with family and friends and my daughter thought it was an inspirational photo as anyone can overcome and achieve anything they want to.The snakes represent the beginning of the rest of my life, and if I can overcome such a deep fear the world is my oyster. i thought this was a great way to show everyone that you shouldn't let anything stand in the way of achieving your goals!

UK-TEFL wish Jon lots of luck with the move to Spain and his new EFL c