María Ignacia Culell

Teach Enrich Empower

My Transformation From Tourist to Teacher

My name is María. I'm from Argentina and I'm 26 years old. I currently live and work in China and I want to share how I went from a simple tourist to a successful English teacher.

I have studied English all my life and after 6 intense years studying at university, I got my Bachelor’s degree in Law.

After finishing college, I decided to make a big change. My boyfriend was living and working in Zhuhai, China so I decided to leave my things, friends and family in Argentina and be a tourist for a few months in Asia.

When I arrived, this world was so different from everything I had known it caught me by surprise. I discovered little by little amazing cities, places and people. Those people I found here were the ones who recommended that I apply to teach English in training centers and schools. They noticed my English skills, my knowledge and the sweet relationship I have with kids.

I had an interview in a kindergarten in which they decided that I was a good candidate for the position but that I needed more experience. When they told me that, I felt sad but inside me I had a lot more desire to improve and gain the necessary skills to teach. That afternoon, the headteacher sent me a message recommending I start a TEFL course.

I went back home to research the available courses and after reading a lot and searching, I chose The TEFL Academy Online Level 5 TEFL Course without a doubt. The offer of courses is varied and this certificate is the most serious and recognized worldwide. Also, I liked the idea of doing a Level 5 course that was going to be more interesting and challenging for me. Of course, I also took into account that this would help a lot to improve my skills and my CV at the same time.

I started the course with a lot of dedication and spent hours analyzing the material. Everything was very useful. I was able to use it and understand it completely. The assignments were challenging and I had to be creative and learn to plan entertaining lessons.

“The important thing is attitude!”

When I was finishing the course, another English center I called before contacted me to go and show them a demo class with 10-year-old kids. I was nervous, but the TEFL course had already given me the necessary knowledge to be able to do it with confidence. I used the models and information of the course to prepare for my demo class. The lesson was very active, entertaining and with many activities. The kids were very enthusiastic and participated in every task. The day after, the director called me to say that they wanted me to start working with them. I WAS IN!

Two weeks later I finished the TEFL course and the center gave me a salary increase.

Kids in China are educated and active. They always want to learn and have activities that encourage them to do more and more. The lesson must be motivating and material can be included according to their activities and culture. I am still learning every day and although it is sometimes difficult to adapt to a different society so far from home, I am very happy with the decision of having stayed teaching English and transmitting knowledge and love to these kids.

The important thing is attitude!

Be courageous to undertake new challenges because with self-confidence, dedication and study, everything can be achieved.

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