Why did you choose UK-TEFL?

I looked at several options when deciding which training provider to opt for. I was mainly looking for interaction with a teacher in a classroom setting and a location near enough to Wakefield to get to by train.  I chose a course over one intensive weekend to avoid the cost of a hotel, and I was particularly drawn to the fact that the course would result in a qualification accredited by a nationally recognised awarding body (NCFE), which would be recognised in other countries, and would form a good foundation on which to build.

Have you used your UK-TEFL qualification?

Soon after I passed my course in October 2011, I began searching for placements to gain experience. I applied through UK-TEFL for a voluntary placement in Madrid, which I am due to start in a few weeks time. The placement includes accommodation and meals for the full six days, plus transfers and medical insurance so all I needed to pay for was flights and accommodation before the placement starts. I see these small costs as an investment though, as I hope that by immersing myself in the environment of assisting native Spanish speakers with their English, it will lead in the future to other teaching opportunities.

How did you secure your placement?

I completed an application through UK-TEFL, and included my reference letter from my trainer. I was then contacted by the recruiter to provide them with further details before being offered a place!

What are you  most looking forward to on your placement?

I am especially looking forward to meeting lots of different people including both English volunteers like myself, and Spanish business professionals. I think the tapas evening on the first night will be a great way to help everyone relax and get to know each other, and from the feedback I have read from previous volunteers, I am expecting to thoroughly enjoy myself!

What will your volunteering role involve?

I am heading to Spain as a volunteer, to take part in a scheme to help Spanish professionals improve their conversational English. The week is comprised of games, activities and conversation in an informal setting, and we get the chance to meet lots of different people!  Although I won’t be directly teaching as such, just being immersed in the environment of helping others improve their English should prove a valuable insight into how non-native speakers acquire English, and will undoubtedly be beneficial for my future TEFL career.

Have you got any previous teaching experience?

I am a complete beginner, so I do not have existing teaching experience but I feel the UK-TEFL course has given me a solid grounding and plenty of confidence to be able to teach.  I am currently also waiting to hear from a local college about a placement with them to gain some real practice of teaching.

Where do you hope to teach next?

It is my intention to get a short contract in a summer school either here or in Spain or Italy to further build on my TEFL experience. I would relish a new challenge too!

What are your long-term goals?

In the future, my ideal plan would be to spend my summers teaching in the UK through hopefully securing contracts, and then spend winters in Spain teaching on short-term contracts.