Why did you choose UK-TEFL?

I chose to do a UK-TEFL course to gain the skills and qualifications to teach abroad.

Have you used your UK-TEFL qualification? 

I have used my qualification in India, and I am about to put my skills to the test again in Spain.

What did your placement involve?

In the mornings I taught English to the children at a local state school, and I was also required to assist with a charitable scheme to teach local teachers. In the afternoons I assisted with the children at an orphanage.

Tell us about the placement:

I found the placement quite a challenge at first, but I soon settled into my role and thoroughly enjoyed it. It took a while to adapt to the Indian style of teaching, as the children do not speak aloud in class and spend most of their time copying work down from the board. Initially, they were apprehensive about answering questions in class in case they gave the wrong answer, but they rapidly gained confidence and were soon shouting out!

Interesting Stories:

The icing on the cake was on my final day on the placement, when we took the children on a day trip to a local garden centre. An English tourist walked past, and the children dashed over to shake his hand and chat to him in English. It was really rewarding to hear them using sentences that I had taught them, and to see how much they had progressed which made all my hard work seem really worthwhile!

Where are you off to next?

I have just been offered a place on the 10 week placement in Madrid so I am really looking forward to heading out there in the next few weeks.

What are your future plans?

After my Madrid placement, I hope to find short-term voluntary work in South America, and I am currently researching organisations to get involved with. I hope to continue expanding my skills and gaining additional experience too.

Any tips for new EFL teachers?

Take lots of materials with you, such as games and activities and all your lesson plans to ensure you are fully prepared, but be ready to be flexible as things often don't go to plan and you will need to think on your feet!