EC Boston’s TEFL training course is great for anyone interested in teaching English as a Foreign Language in the US or abroad. Trainees join the course for a variety of reasons; some want to see the world, some want to get experience to kick off a teaching career, and some just love languages and want to bring that passion to the classroom. I talked to two current trainees about their motivation for taking the course, and their plans for the future.
Valeria Tellez
Q: What country are you from originally, Valeria?
A: I was born in Italy but I consider myself Colombian.
Q: What languages do you speak?
A: I’m fluent in English and Spanish, and I have a working knowledge of French and Portuguese.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I like to dance, travel, go to the theater and cinema, and I’m interested in photography.
Q: What kind of work experience have you had?
A: I worked in advertising for about five years but taught Spanish while I was in college for about 2-3 years.
Q: What made you decide to take a TEFL course?
A: I want to have more teaching experience before doing a Master’s in Education. I also want to travel and learn a new language. I’m hoping to work with children but mainly I just want to travel and get experience.
Q: What has been particularly useful to you in the course so far?
A: For me, it’s really been helpful to learn about all the teaching approaches and methods. . . it’s definitely interesting to be able to apply those approaches when you’re working on your lesson plan.
Ally Carlow
Q: What country are you from originally, Ally?
A: The USA!
Q: What languages do you speak?
A: English, and some Spanish.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I like to spend time with family and friends.
Q: What kind of work experience have you had?
A: I’ve facilitated professional educational programs and acted as a teacher’s aide for an adult Level 1 ESOL class at the Cambridge Community Learning Center.
Q: What made you decide to take a TEFL course?
A: I wanted to prepare myself to teach English either here or abroad. After finishing the course I’m planning to work in Boston, and then make plans to teach abroad after that. I’d love to go to a Spanish-speaking country, but I’m open to anywhere.
Q: What has been particularly useful to you in the course so far?
A: I like the teaching practice we get. . . I’m definitely someone that needs to learn something and then do it. I also liked learning to creatively very my lesson plans to address the needs of learners with different personalities and learning styles.
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EC Boston offers both full-time and part-time options for the TEFL course. The course includes instruction from experienced teachers, guided observation of classes, and practice teaching monitored by the instructors. We invite prospective trainees to contact our office to arrange a meeting or open house!