How did you secure your first TEFL position?

I applied through UK-TEFL for several placements, including the summer schools running across the UK. I was lucky enough to secure a four week position in Malvern teaching Italian students as part of a summer school scheme.

What age of students were you teaching?

The students were all Italian, aged between 14 and 16, and were at Pre-Intermediate A2-B1 level. 

How did you find teaching?

I really enjoyed the challenge of teaching! The summer school took place at a private school in Malvern, and in the first two weeks I taught two 80 minute lessons for a class of 23, plus a 50 minute lesson for a separate class of 25. In the second two weeks,  this was repeated with an increased class size of 25.

Overall, what did you think of the placement?

I thought the placement was a fantastic experience, and one I would be more than happy to repeat next year.

The company running the summer schools was excellent, and there was plenty of support in place for teachers like myself. I really enjoyed working alongside the teaching managers and staff, who were very helpful and there was a really good mix of characters and talents who were a superb team to be a part of.

The students I taught were all loud, gregarious and great fun, as well as a little ‘sleepy’ due to the fact they were up late into the night partying. I think they enjoyed the experience just as much as I did!

What’s next for you?

I applied for several positions at once, and was lucky enough to receive interest from several recruiters. My next teaching position is a one year placement in Spain, and I am looking forward to starting my training in Madrid very shortly. Hopefully I will successfully pass the training, and be able to begin the placement. I have also had interest from a recruiter in China, and I would be interested in teaching there in the future.

UK-TEFL wish you lots of luck for your training in Spain Ann!