United States
US
Sandra Dawn Biddulph
Teach Enrich Empower
TEFL and TORTILLA
Bored, disillusioned and distraught by the UK Government's decision to raise my pension age to 66 and with the prospect of continuing in my dead-end job, I decided, with my husband’s support, to change our lives with the help of TEFL.
I chose The TEFL Academy because of its user-friendly website, its supportive role and value for money. I completed my very enjoyable weekend course. I then began the online course which was difficult for me as I had not studied for years but my husband and friends were happy to assist. I passed with 77.5% despite a bout of ill health. The receiving of my certificate in September 2014 was a very proud moment. But would this be a life changing moment?
In the first week of October, I had a Skype interview for an assistant teacher (ayudante) position in a junior school in Cantabria. The unbelievable happened! I was offered the job. In less than a week, I was in Santander and after completing two days necessary paperwork, I took the bus to San Vicente and thought I had arrived in heaven!
A castle and a very large church both imposing from the top of respective hills, beaches with the sunlight dancing and sparkling on the water contrasting with brilliant white snow-capped mountain peaks in the near distance met my eyes. Add to this scene lovely blue skies, a few wispy white clouds, a main palm tree-lined avenue and numerous cafés, bars and shops. The brightly coloured fishing boats in the small harbour dominated the sea. Historically the town was and is an active fishing port.
“I chose The TEFL Academy for its user-friendly website and great support.”
My mentor, Bea, had met me and showed me some of the sites en route to the school where I was welcomed with amazing warmth and friendliness by La Directora and all the staff and children alike. Bea and I became good friends. My work was varied, starting the day with morning assembly in English, working with 3, 4 and 5-year olds, supervising gym classes, initiating projects, teaching some of the teachers English and playground monitoring. Also, I went on school trips, gave a PowerPoint presentation to the older pupils on the UK and immersed myself completely in the school and community and religious fiestas.
After completing two very happy years in Cantabria, I moved down to the Valencia region to experience life and work in another part of Spain. I now live in a beautiful town called Xative (pronounced ‘chatiba’) and work as an English teacher in a private language school. I have also taken on some private pupils.
Spain is an amazing and varied country with great warmth and friendliness from the residents who enjoy life and deal with any problems in a pragmatic way. It is alive with colour, music, dance and many fiestas.
None of this would have been possible without The TEFL Academy giving me the tools and the support to embark on this new life.
Thank you.
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