“Becoming a TEFL Teacher: A Journey of Skill Development and Global Exploration”
Introduction: In the intricate tapestry of our professional lives, each job, each skill acquired, is a stepping stone leading us toward a specialization. Becoming a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher is not just a career choice; it’s a transformative journey that opens doors to diverse opportunities and builds a skill set that resonates across various fields. In this blog, we explore the profound reasons behind choosing the path of a TEFL teacher, reflecting on personal experiences and the journey of TEFL Fullcircle over the past decade.
Chapter 1: The Evolution of a Career
1.1 From TEFL to Qualified Teacher: The journey often begins with TEFL, a gateway to international experiences. Starting as a TEFL teacher in 2006, the path evolved to becoming a Qualified Teacher with a PGCE in 2008. This progression marked a pivotal moment, merging the experiences of TEFL with formal education.
1.2 International School Teaching: Teaching at international schools between 2008 and 2014 further enriched the skill set. The exposure to diverse cultures, teaching methods, and student demographics laid the groundwork for the future venture, TEFL Fullcircle.
Chapter 2: The Birth of Enjoy TEFL
2.1 Entrepreneurial Leap: In 2014, the decision to start Enjoy TEFL materialized. The experiences gained from TEFL teaching and international school education were integral in understanding the needs of aspiring TEFL teachers. The journey to entrepreneurship became a natural progression, with the goal of providing comprehensive and accessible TEFL courses.
2.2 Celebrating 10 Years of Enjoy TEFL: As Enjoy TEFL approaches its 10-year milestone, it stands as a testament to the belief that every step taken in the past contributes to the success of the present. The accumulated skills and experiences have shaped a platform dedicated to guiding others on their TEFL journeys.
Chapter 3: TEFL Teaching as a Skill Builder
3.1 People Skills: TEFL teaching is inherently people-centric. Managing diverse classrooms and connecting with students from various backgrounds hones invaluable people skills, fostering empathy and cultural understanding.
3.2 Communication Skills: Effective communication is at the heart of TEFL teaching. The ability to convey complex ideas in a language learners can understand enhances overall communication skills, a transferable asset in any profession.
3.3 Organizational Skills: Balancing lesson plans, grading, and administrative tasks in the dynamic environment of a TEFL classroom nurtures organizational skills. These skills become instrumental, not just in teaching but also in entrepreneurial endeavors.
3.4 Independence and Adaptability Skills: TEFL teachers often find themselves in new and unfamiliar environments. This cultivates a unique set of skills—being comfortable with solitude, adapting to diverse cultures, and thriving in dynamic situations.
Chapter 4: The Global Exploration Aspect
4.1 Discovering Other Countries and Continents: TEFL teaching is a passport to global exploration. Moving to Korea or any other destination introduces you to a world of new experiences, languages, and cultures, broadening your perspective in ways that traditional jobs may not.
4.2 Meeting New People: Interacting with students, fellow teachers, and locals in a foreign country creates a network that spans continents. The friendships formed become a testament to the power of cultural exchange and human connection.
Chapter 5: Encouraging Others to Try TEFL
5.1 A Call to Action: The journey recounted serves as an invitation to others. Why not try a TEFL course and embark on an adventure in a place like Korea? It’s an opportunity to experience a wholly different country while building essential life skills.
Conclusion: Becoming a TEFL teacher is not just about teaching English; it’s a transformative journey that shapes your skill set, introduces you to the world, and opens doors to diverse possibilities. The experiences gained along the way become the foundation for future endeavors, whether in entrepreneurship or specialized education. As TEFL Fullcircle celebrates a decade of impact, the message is clear: try a TEFL course, move to a new country, and let the journey unfold—a journey that could change your life in ways you never imagined.