How did you get into TEFL?

I was actually advising a friend to look into TEFL further as a career choice. I was describing all the benefits to him - the freedom in travelling and working anywhere in the world, the chance to meet people of a complete mix of nationalities, languages and cultures and the variety of working with young children, adults, businesses, university students and so on. My friend asked me why I wasn’t pursuing TEFL myself, and despite my initial lack of confidence, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it could be the route to a very rewarding career.

I loved teaching immediately, and six years on I still do!

Why did you become a TEFL trainer?

Becoming a trainer felt like the next step in my TEFL career. Now I have 6 years’ experience and the DELTA, I feel confident to share this knowledge and experience with others. 

Where have you taught before?

I’ve taught mainly in China, Spain and the UK and each country has been a completely different experience. I’ve enjoyed and learned so much about their cultures through actually living in these places rather than just visiting which has been brilliant.

Have you any interesting stories from your travels?

There are so many stories to tell, but here are the major experiences I have ticked off my list so far:

• I experienced 5500m altitude in Tibet! 
• I stroked a panda!
• I got robbed!..... A few times (but don’t let that put you off)
• I ate crickets, brain and blood cubes!
• I hang-glided over Rio de Janeiro!
• I stayed in a hotel made of salt!
• I walked on the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu and Everest!
• I went on the Manchester wheel (well, I had to add something from the place I returned to!)

How does teaching abroad compare to the UK?

Obviously the mix of nationalities in the UK is a very different working environment to abroad. This keeps it varied for teachers and students.They are sometime more keen to learn and have a higher motivation too, which is great!

Abroad, the students are very welcoming and keen to invite you to experience their local culture more.The amount of invitations I had to grandma’s house in the nearby Chinese village was astounding!

If you could go and work anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I'd go everywhere! TEFL has given me valuable insight to our world, and has tempted me to explore further!

What are your favourite aspects of teaching EFL?

In 3 words: variety, freedom and satisfaction.

Do you have a favourite age group to work with?

Once again it's that variety that keeps me on my toes, so all ages are great.I've enjoyed teaching 3 year olds to 60 year olds and each age group offers something different.

What are you most looking forward to about being a UK-TEFL trainer?

I am looking forward to reliving the fun I had on my first TEFL course.Also, helping trainees realise that they have the ability to stand up in front of people and that teaching isn’t that bad is very rewarding.

What are your future plans?

I’d like to focus on building my career here in Manchester, continuing in EFL management and developing teacher training.

Any websites you can recommend for job hunters?

www.tefl.com