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Turning Aspirations Into Achievements
My journey into teaching English as a foreign language began in South Africa, where I, Brendan, first decided to pursue a TEFL certification. Coming from a country rich in diversity and culture, I have always been fascinated by the idea of connecting with people from different backgrounds. Teaching seemed like the perfect way to achieve this, and The TEFL Academy provided me with
the tools to turn that dream into reality.
While still working in South Africa, I enrolled in the TEFL Academy’s Level 5 course. One of the major advantages of this program was its flexibility. Being entirely online, it allowed me to learn at my own pace, which was crucial given my work commitments. The course was user-friendly and well-structured, covering essential teaching methodologies, lesson planning, and classroom management. The interactive modules and practical exercises helped me build a solid foundation in teaching English as a foreign language.
I quickly found myself eager to apply these skills in a real-world context.
After completing my TEFL certification, I set my sights on Thailand, a country known for its vibrant culture, friendly people, and high demand for English teachers. Moving to a new country was both exciting and daunting, but I was determined to embrace the adventure. Once I arrived, I decided to further enhance my skills by enrolling in a TESOL program at a local university. This additional qualification not only deepened my understanding of language acquisition but also provided valuable insights into Thai culture and educational practices.
An opportunity to work at a language school in Bangkok soon came my way. I began teaching English at Buildabrain English School, focusing on Phonics and Conversational English. Teaching at Buildabrain has been incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to put my training into practice. Conducting lessons with young students has been a wonderful experience—it is heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
The techniques and strategies I learned from The TEFL Academy proved invaluable. The positive feedback from both students and supervisors has boosted my confidence as a teacher.
Adapting to a new culture and teaching environment came with its challenges, but it also brought immense personal growth. Living in Thailand has taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of building strong relationships with my students. Each lesson has become an opportunity not only to teach English but also to learn from my students—their traditions, perspectives, and unique ways of seeing the world.
Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the path that led me here. Starting with The TEFL Academy in South Africa and progressing to teaching in Thailand has been transformative. It serves as a reminder that with determination and the right resources, it is possible to turn aspirations into achievements.
Teaching abroad has not only allowed me to make a meaningful impact on my students’ lives but has also enriched my own in ways I never imagined. I am excited to see where this journey will take me next, as I continue to grow both personally and professionally in this incredible field.
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Our combined TEFL course will give you the qualification you need to become a confident teacher abroad, wherever you decide to study. Select from the search options below to find the right course location for you.
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The TEFL Academy was the world’s first TEFL course provider to receive official recognition from government regulated awarding bodies in both the USA and UK. This means when you graduate you’ll hold a globally recognised Level 3 (120hr) Certificate or Level 5 (168hr) Diploma, meaning you can find work anywhere and apply for jobs immediately.
