From Seville to Malaga: Daniel’s Story
Daniel is living in Spain – TEFL has given me the ability to do something completely different; practice a new language, travel around
4.6 out of 5 based on 9,674 reviews
Why I chose TEFL
The story began when my girlfriend read an email in her work regarding an opportunity to do the same job she was doing in Glasgow, but in her company's offices in Spain. As a linguist, she was keen to look into the possibility of improving her Spanish. The only problem was that we were unsure what I would do in terms of work if we decided to move. That is where The TEFL Org came in.
How I became a TEFL teacher
I had always had an interest in languages, and could already speak enough Spanish to get by, so it occurred to me to look into what I would require to teach English in Spain. After doing some research and speaking to a few people who had done a TEFL course, my mind was made up.
I can honestly say it is one of the best things I have done. My girlfriend applied for and secured the post in Seville, so the race was on for me to get organised and ready myself for a big change of direction! With only a month to act, I had to look into the course options and figure out how I was going to approach things.
It quickly became clear that choosing The TEFL Org was going to be a great experience. Having looked at the course structure, I realised that the only thing I had to be in Scotland for was the practical weekend course. My idea was to complete the weekend course, and do the other three parts of my course (50 hour, 30 hour grammar and language awareness and 20 hour video course) in Spain, as they are all completed online.
The weekend course was great fun. In the two days I spent in Edinburgh, we covered a mountain of topics, but it didn't seem like that. The activities were engaging and really gave me a feel for what being a TEFL teacher would be like. There were loads of great teaching tips and activities that left me feeling that I could really teach, something I had previously thought about but always found a little scary. After finishing the weekend course, I was Seville bound, and that's where the fun began!
Where I went and what I did
I arrived in April of 2012, and I was blown away by the city. I had travelled around Spain many times, but I had never been to Seville, and to be honest I didn't know much about it. The city centre is among the most beautiful I've seen; the stunning cathedral, the charming narrow streets of the old town, the traditional flamenco bars and literally hundreds of tapas bars serving some of the best food in Spain (alongside San Sebastian maybe)!
I got to know some local English teachers and through them I picked up a bit of private tuition work during my first summer there, which was handy as at one point in the blistering heat of August it seemed like September would never come!
In September, I got myself in gear with job applications and I got an interview for a language school right across from my flat. Then, a week later, I got some more work in an academy only five minutes away on Tuesdays and Thursdays! It had all come together! On Mondays and Wednesdays I teach ten to twelve year old children, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays I teach adult beginners and adult pre-intermediates.
Reflection and future plans
As I make my way home for Christmas on the train from Seville to Malaga, I finally have time to reflect on the last eight months. At the beginning of 2012, I was working as an assistant manager in a bar/restaurant in Glasgow. Unbeknown to me at that time I would soon be living in Spain working a third of the weekly hours I was used to…and in the sun!TEFL has given me the ability to do something completely different; practice a new language, travel around Andalucia and meet many new friends. Opportunities to travel are endless, and the chance to study the construction of your own language is surprisingly rewarding.
In terms of the administration/feedback/advice/service, The TEFL Org is excellent. As for advice, I would say the most important thing is to get to know as many people as you can who teach in the city you are in. Send loads of emails and go into academies in person when possible.
Being a TEFL qualified native speaker is much sought after and the jobs are out there!
¡Adiós y Buena Suerte!
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4.6 out of 5 based on 9,674 reviews
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