Approximately 3 year ago, I found myself at that point in my life where people lose hope and give up, the same point which is very close to success but people fail to see that. I was not one of them. I geared up, worked hard and got myself a TEFL certification from Henry Harvin.
I had the most amazing 120 hours of my life. Not only am I now bringing joy to children by teaching them English, but am also travelling to different parts of the world. My salary got a really good boost as I was able to teach full time to ESL students (English as second language) not only on campus but also at their homes as a private tutor. During my journey, from enrolling for a TEFL course till date, there are several TEFL experiences I have gained, 5 of which I will be sharing today.
#1. ESL Students are Tough And Determined
ESL students are those who do not belong to a country that has English as its first language such as China, Spain etc. In my class in Spain, I had several natives as well as some children who had come from different parts of the world as a result of their parents’ transfer. To be perfectly honest, they were all stubborn, tough and most importantly, had thirst to learn more and more. Those were the days that I felt the maximum positivity and energy in the air passing by.
I never had to shout at them or make them listen to me by force. It is because they knew they had to do what they were told to do. During my time in Spain, the attendance never fell below 90%. This indicates that the students were really inclined and determined on learning English. It was at that time that I realized that ESL students deserve much more credit and appreciation.
#2. British English V/S American English
Brought up in the States and then teaching in UK is apples and oranges, completely different. The most notable of all differences is the difference in vocabulary. Whatever things meant in the States do not mean the same when you use them in Britain. If you need French Fries, in the US, you simply just ask for fries but in UK, you would have to ask for “potato chips” to get the same thing.
As you all may have seen in movies, the American speech is a bit informal whereas the English tend to have a formal type of speech. Another difference that you might notice between the two is the use of question tags. Britishers have a habit of using question tags in every other sentence such as “it’s a good day, isn’t it?” or “you’re American, aren’t you?”. Americans do not use these tags quite often. So yes, the struggle is real!
#3. Success and Happiness
I don’t speak for everyone but myself when I say that getting a TEFL certification was my first step to success as well as happiness. When I see small children learning while enjoying, it fills up my heart with happiness. Last year, on my birthday, I got a very big surprise from my children who had decorated the classroom, made me gifts and so much more. They even made a banner for me stating “BEST ENGLISH TEACHER EVER”.
These are the moments that stay in your heart rent free for the rest of your life. Its not the money that encourages me to go to work every day, its moments like these that make me want to go. The love that I get from those kids is immeasurable and priceless. In addition to all the affection, the fact that I get to travel every year or two makes me think I’m successful. This is another way that TEFL certification has helped me have a better life.
#4. Classroom Management
One of the most important things I’ve learnt from my TEFL experience is the answer to the question “How to manage a classroom?” It might come as a surprise to you but the answer to the question is quite simple. Ask yourself “if you were in place of these students, how would you like to learn?” TEFL certification really helped me develop my classroom management skills to a whole new level. This is the reason that the kids consider me “BEST ENGLISH TEACHER EVER”. Now I’m really comfortable with resolving classroom disputes or conflicts. The children like to study with me so much that they even ask me to teach them in their proxy period.
#5. Exploring Different Cultures
When you enroll into a TEFL certification course, you know what you are signing up for. My TEFL experience has helped me discover and explore various different cultures. I have explored the Spanish culture, best known for its Flamenco music, dance, folklore, bull fights and soccer. It fills me with joy when I get opportunities like these.
I feel its this extraordinary artistic heritage that everyone should live up for. Having fun in your life is what matters the most, whatever job you have. During my TEFL experience, I realized that exploring different cultures and roaming around the globe is what I consider the definition of “fun”.
Conclusion
I would like to conclude by saying that TEFL experience is something that I really wanted in my life, even unknowingly. I would sincerely recommend everyone who is interested to at least consider taking up TEFL certification course which will undoubtedly change your life. The struggle is there but that’s only a small price that you will have to pay for the amazing journey ahead. The adventures that you will come across on the way are really worth it!
