• quality of the TEFL course overall 4.8
• course in preparing you to teach 4.8
• the training staff 4.8
• classroom lectures 4.7
• observed teaching practice 4.9
• trainer feedback and evaluation 4.8
• TEFL job support 4.8
• training center building 4.9
• teaching resources 4.9
• accommodation 4.7
• pre-arrival/visa support 4.9
• support with problems post-arrival 4.9
• Thai staff 4.9

The post 2019: Our best TEFL Courses yet appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.

Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, things have changed for the better since the wild days of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. In fact, it was just recently in 2016 when China overhauled their visa requirements to weed out unqualified teachers and expose fraudulent Chinese schools.

So to keep things brief and straightforward for you, teach.fm’s visa specialist has summarized the requirements to teach English in China as a Native English Speaker and Non-Native English Speaker. They are:

Native English Speaker:

• Bachelor’s degree in any field
• Clear Criminal Background Check
• CELTA or a TEFL/TESOL certificate

Non-Native English Speaker:

• Bachelor’s degree from a Native English-Speaking Country
• Clear Criminal Background Check
• TEFL/TESOL or CELTA Certificate
• 2 years of teaching/tutoring or work experience

If you meet these requirements, then you are legally qualified to teach English in China. Congratulations! Expect a handsome salary and benefits package.

You can also obtain a core-subject teaching job in China – for example, you can be a physical education can you really buy ambien online teacher or a German language teacher.

For these positions, you will need:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major matching the type of teaching position
• Clear Criminal Background Check
• 2 years of teaching/tutoring or work experience – in your local country or internationally

Additionally, China provides opportunities for PhD holders. Usually, these positions are provided by universities.

If you don’t meet these requirements and would still like to pursue an English teaching career in China, you can read teach.fm’s posts about teaching English in China without a degree and non-native English speakers teaching in China on Medium.com. In short, you can still find positions but at your own risk.

If you have got any questions, please sign up for 100% free career consultation and receive interview invites within 24 hours.

This article was written by a visa specialist at teach.fm—an online platform that matches teachers with TEFL positions in China. Having taken an Airbnb style approach, they match your profile with the best employers throughout China.

The post What do I need to teach English in China? appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.

For the second year in a row, over 99% of our TEFL course graduates stated that they would recommend TEFL Campus to a friend or family member. As a result, nearly half of our course applications come through a personal recommendation.

As with previous years, most of the TEFL course reviews and comments we received – even the critical ones – were constructive, which is hopefully a reflection of the constructive advice and criticism our trainees received during their teaching practice.

The March course celebrating their new status as certified TEFL teachers.

TEFL course
reviews summary

We gather this information by asking graduates to fill out an anonymous buy klonopin online uk survey at the end of every course. We state to everyone that we won’t open the surveys until the following week, so they have no fear of repercussions if they wish to express dissatisfaction.

If you’d like to read comments from our surveys, you can visit the TEFL course reviews page of our website. Comments start just under the orange line, slightly down the page.

We start off every course with a welcome dinner at a local Thai restaurant.

All of us at TEFL Campus are thankful for the feedback and we’ve already started using it to improve our course for 2019.

If you’re looking to improve your teaching skills, or to simply enter the classroom for the first time as a certified EFL teacher, the best thing you can do for yourself is to take a TEFL certification course.

Contact us now for more information on how we can help you achieve your goals in 2018. Or if you’re ready, you can APPLY NOW.

You can also read TEFL course reviews here:
TEFL Course Review
Go Abroad
Go Overseas

The post Our Best TEFL Course Reviews Yet appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.

Why Learn Thai?

While sightseeing might be a secondary goal, your primary purpose in Thailand is to teach the locals how to speak English. As such, you won’t find much need for the Thai language during lessons, but things change the moment that you leave the classroom. Whether you’re booking a hotel room, hailing a taxi, or buying produce at an open-air market, not knowing Thai will make it harder to get by in your day-to-day life in Thailand.

Immersing yourself in a new culture is inherently stressful, but many travelers make culture shock more jarring than it needs to be. It’s easy to isolate yourself as an island within a sea of strange people speaking strange words, but if you learn the local language, any place in the world can start to feel like home. When you learn Thai while you’re teaching in Thailand, you’ll open yourself up to a whole world of opportunities that you would have missed out on otherwise.

For instance, while most of the locals in Thailand’s popular tourist towns will already speak enough English to get by in rudimentary conversation, when you speak in their language, they’ll be much more likely to open up and share their true thoughts. Local residents can be gems of information on nearby sights and cultural destinations, but you can only truly tap into this goldmine if you learn Thai. As you get closer to the people around you while you teach in Thailand, you might even notice other social opportunities appearing; sweet talking is always easier when you shower the object of your affection with praise phrased in their own language, which means that learning Thai might even provide you with the potential for romance.

Free Resources to Learn Thai

Here are some examples of the resources that are available to you if you want to learn Thai while you teach:

Learn Thai with YouTube

Never underestimate the power of YouTube. For every language in the world, there are dozens of YouTubers clamoring to be the ones to teach it to you, and Thai is no exception. There’s no guarantee regarding the quality of these video tutorials, but there’s no harm in trying a few out. Using these YouTube guides can be very similar to learning a language directly from a flesh-and-blood teacher, but you have the added benefit of being buy ambien cr online canada able to stop and restart the lesson with the click of a button.

Start with these channels:

• Learn Thai with ThaiPod101.com
• EKO Languages

Duolingo

This incredible online platform for learning languages has become more and more popular in recent years, mainly because it’s entirely free of charge. Duolingo offers many of the same resources that are provided by expensive paid services, and it features an intuitive user interface that tracks your progress with achievements and rewards. Plus, Duolingo has received lots of critical acclaim for its rigorously science-based approach to learning languages.

Online Services & Tutors

There are plenty of independent services online that can help you learn Thai; with one quick Google search for “learn Thai for free,” you’ll be bombarded with dozens of websites claiming that they’ve got the right stuff to get the job done. Just keep in mind that not all of these services are equal, and some may even try to charge you even though they claim to be free.

Language Exchange

A language exchange 1 on 1 or in a group setting is an easy (and usually free) way to learn Thai. Check out Facebook groups to find both people interested in exchanging lessons and businesses that host regular meetups. If you can find a reliable language partner, you’ll have an easy time learning the basics and getting introduced to local customs & traditions.

How to Learn Thai While You Teach

Balancing a teacher’s schedule with the demands of learning a new language can be hard. However, your best resource is within reach every day when you teach; your students will be happy to help you learn their language in the same way that you’re teaching them yours. Also, it helps to pick a particular time of day to do your language studying; if you’re an early riser, mornings might be a good time, but you may also want to squeeze in a YouTube video or two every day during your lunch break. Keep in mind that as you immerse yourself in the local community, you’ll be provided with plenty of opportunities to flex your Thai skills on a daily basis.

Learning Thai: The Bottom Line

Even though you’re going to Thailand to teach, it would be a shame if you didn’t also learn something while you’re there. If you take the time to learn Thai, you’ll be able to bring something home with you that’s much more valuable than any number of photographs or souvenirs; you’ll have bettered yourself in a fundamental way and added a richness to your travel experience that you’ll never forget.

Quincy Smith is the founder of ESL Authority, a site dedicated to providing up to date and first-hand information for anyone looking to teach abroad. He’s passionate about strong coffee, solo travel, and financial independence.

The post How (and why) to learn Thai as an ESL Teacher in Thailand appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.

Let’s see how Jack feels about the course now that it’s finished and he can relax a bit.

(If you missed Weeks 1, 2 and 3, you can start here.)

You’ve been at your accommodation now for two weeks. Are you still happy with your choice to stay at Sakul House?
I am very glad I chose to stay at Sakul House–the landlord is such a legend. He will help you with anything and is just always happy which I should really try to be. The room is clean, and the beds are so comfortable. The location is perfect with so many restaurants in the area. Also, the other people living in the rooms were very friendly.

Nong does a fantastic job of welcoming trainees to Phuket. Trainees like it so much, many end up staying after the course…like Callum (now teaching in Vietnam) did

What did you get up to last weekend of the TEFL course?
I studied, and binge watched the entire series of ‘Castlevania’ on Netflix.

Our mock exams help prepare trainees for success on the real exams.

You took the grammar/phonetics mock exam on Tuesday; how did it go? Did it help prepare you for the real exam?
I ended up with a much better understanding of what to expect in the exam. I also had a better understanding of what my weaknesses were and the best way in which to tackle revision before the big day.

Were you happy with your final teaching practice session?
Yes, there were still a few hiccups but still a massive improvement on my first lesson.

You might need to do a demonstration lesson in order to land a good job. Do you think the course prepared you to successfully deliver a demo lesson?
Definitely, this course has turned me from a person that would struggle to get a single word out in my first lesson, to a confident teacher cracking jokes with the students.

Trainees tend to get stressed out about the final exam. Was it as difficult as you thought it would be?
No, the mock gave me a real idea of how to best prepare for the exam so when I took it; I did fairly well.

Jack’s mock lesson went so well he got a job right after the course. Here he is with some students.

How did you and your fellow trainees celebrate the completion of your course?
We all went home and cried together. No, we did our own thing. Some met with partners that came to visit them, some went and drank themselves stupid. I went home and being the complete loser that I am played Red Dead Redemption 2 on my PS4.

How does it feel to be a newly TESOL certified teacher?
I feel like a new man. Now I can lead an army of students that will do my bidding. No, it honestly feels great. I just have to think about what I will do from now.

Are you happy with your decision to take a TEFL course?
Yes, this was a great decision. The trainers run a fantastic course and prepare you to be the best teacher that you can be. One of the reasons that initially put me off about doing a TEFL course was that my dyslexia would impact my ability to succeed. However, the trainers were very supportive and understanding about the difficulties I have sometimes and helped me in whatever way they could.

Stunning night visa from the top of Rang Hill in Phuket Town.

Now that you’ve been in Phuket Town for a while, how do you rate it as a location in relation to the rest of Phuket?
If I am honest, I didn’t travel around Phuket during my course as I spent a lot of time studying. However, from what I have seen Phuket is a beautiful place with many kind and humble people.

What was the toughest part of adjusting to life in Thailand?
No zebra crossings (crosswalks). When I first came to Phuket it felt as though crossing the road could be what determines whether I live or die.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I would have studied less. I feel that I over studied during the course. The course resource packs if read and memorized set us up for success. 30 minutes to an hour a day reviewing them is more than enough time to prepare you for each day of the course.

Are you looking forward to getting out into the real TEFL world and find a job?
I cannot wait to take the lessons and use them in the real world. Also, I love kids, so I cannot wait to have my own students.

Would you say that TEFL Campus lived up to your expectations—be honest.
It more than lived up to my expectations. I would recommend any of my friends and family to take this course if they were interested in becoming an English teacher.

That wraps up Jack’s TEFL Certificate Course Diary. Thanks for reading.

If you’d like to learn more about our course, be sure to Contact Us page. You can also submit our free, no-obligation application form.

The post TEFL Certification Course Diary: Jack’s last week appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.

(If you missed Weeks 1 and 2, you can start here.)

Don’t talk to me about the purr-fect tense forms. I just can’t study right meow.

What did you get up to over your second weekend on the TEFL course?
I volunteered to look after my friend’s cat while she was in Bangkok. This gave me the chance to review my grammar studies, as well as Netflix and chill.

Sounds like you settled into a routine by now; was the start of Week 3 any easier than the start of Week 2?
I felt far less overwhelmed with things compared to Week 1 and 2. The trick being that all the course resource packs are your best friends. Read them enough and you will know what to expect from lessons and how best to prepare.

Is English grammar starting to make more sense now, or does learning it seem like a hoop you have to jump through?
Yes, English grammar makes a lot more sense now. The weekend I spent going over the differences helped, however the classes where we again went over the tenses that we had previously learned helped to enforce the points.

TEFL certificate course trainees learn about lesson planning and material creation.

You’re meant to have become a bit more independent with lesson planning. Do you feel that is the case?
Yes, the lesson planning sessions in Week 2 prepared me to be able to work more independently. It was difficult coming up with my own ideas for the different stages, but it went much better than my first ever lesson so I was happy.

What have you found to be the most interesting part of lesson design?
I found the different stages of the lessons very interesting. The most interesting part that each stage should have a different effect on the student. I worked as a gym instructor and it reminded me of the different stages of a workout. In my opinion the engage stage is much like a warm up, with the study stage being the workout and the activate being the warm down.

Are there any teaching skills you’ve found to be more how to order ambien from canada challenging than others? If so, which skills?
I really struggled with time management. Being a slow writer, it would take ages for me to draft my board work. To deal with this I tried to draft as much of my board work as possible that wouldn’t give away my teaching points.

You had a lecture on TEFL jobs and job search strategies in Week 3. Do you feel more confident about your job prospects now?
This was very useful. I came to Phuket worrying that I may end up waiting for months for a job offer to come to me. However, I learned that there is a big market for teachers here and this really helped to put me at ease.

UPDATE: We helped Jack find a great job teaching English at Phuket’s prestigious Satree Phuket School.

Where are you hoping to get a TEFL job after the course?
I received a job offer to teach English in Japan next year so that is one of my plans. However, this job will not start until April, which means for the meantime I will try and a TEFL job in Phuket for the next six months.

Did you find speaking with experienced teachers gave you insight into what it’ll be like to teach in a Thai classroom?
Yes, it gave me an understanding of the best ways to teach English to Thai students. My way of dealing with things may be very different with how a Thai teacher does, but I have to remember that my ways are not necessarily correct.

You’ve got your final teaching practice coming up for Monday of Week 4 and the final exam later next week. Any nerves with respect to finishing the course out?
Certainly. Even as I write this, I am nervously looking at different bottles of alcohol that would be a suitable bribe for the trainers…jokes aside, I am pretty nervous.

Any plans for your last weekend of the course?
Study, study, study and maybe study.

Read about how Jack did on his exams, how he did in his demo lesson, and if he was happy taking the course in TEFL Certification Course Diary: Week 4.

For more information on our TEFL Certification Course, be sure to contact us and we’ll get back to you within 12 hours.

The post TEFL Certification Course Diary: Jack’s third week appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.

Did Jack rise to the challenge? He most certainly did…

(If you missed it, be sure you’ve read over his diary for Week 1.

The new Central Florista had just opened in Phuket Town a month before Jack’s course started

What did you do over the first weekend of the TEFL course?

I checked out the new mall called Central Florista Phuket. Although I left London to enjoy a new culture, I found myself missing the simple pleasures of home and gorged on KFC and Dairy Queen.

Are you settling into the TEFL course routine?

Yeah, it was difficult at first, but I gradually found myself feeling less overwhelmed. I initially felt that I was suffering with information overload but soon realised that we go over many of the same things more than once to ensure that we take everything in.

You received information and resources on how to find good TEFL jobs in Thailand.
Have you been able to take advantage of any of that yet?

This service was very useful. Eric offered information not only on teaching English in Thailand but also about teaching English in Asia, as well as other regions.

Your first experience teaching in front of a class isn’t as nerve wracking as you might think.

How did you feel before your 2nd observed teaching practice session?

The was much better than the previous observed teaching practice, which went terribly. I had a much better understanding of what to expect. As such, I felt much more confident.

Has guided lesson planning gotten any easier?

Yes, again as I knew what to expect, it went much better. I managed to complete my entire how to buy klonopin online lesson planning with 30 minutes to spare.

You received some tips on EFL classroom management.
Have you been able to use them in the classroom yet?

Yeah, the students are very friendly but sometimes they can get distracted. In this case, the student was using their phone and using what Eric taught me, I was able to handle the situation in a way which was considerate of both the student with the phone and the entire class.

After six hours of lecture on English grammar, does it seem more or less daunting? More or less interesting?

Grammar was very interesting. I found myself making natural links between both English and Japanese with regards to the functional differences. However, my grammar knowledge certainly does need additional work. But as we are given handouts which explain the ins and outs of it all, I am sure I will be fine.

You’ve also sat through two sessions phonology lessons.
What do you think of the Int’l Phonetic Alphabet?
Are you more aware of how we make sounds within a language?

Literally felt like learning a new language all over again. It is very interesting, but I will really need to have a good read of my phonetic resource pack.

Training includes observation of experienced teachers.

Class lets out on Friday at 12.00 every week.
Is this enough time to relax over the weekend and have some time to explore Phuket?

I take the Thai language lessons, so I do not finish at 12. However, the classes end at 3pm, leaving more than enough time to enjoy the rest of day. The course allows so much flexibility to enjoy your week. You do not need to be studying all weekend to understand what is being taught.

For more information on our TEFL course packages be sure to contact us and we’ll reply as soon as possible.

The post Jack’s TEFL Certification Course Diary: Week 2 appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.

Sure, you can drop US$100 or less on an online TEFL course found on Groupon. But guess what? Almost any employer who’s willing to hire someone on the back of online study alone would have hired a teacher without a TEFL certificate all together.

TEFL courses are like anything else: you get what you pay for.

While you don’t legally need a TEFL certificate to teach in most countries, the benefits of real TEFL certification quickly become obvious to the vast majority of those who complete our course here at TEFL Campus in Phuket, Thailand.

This is certainly true for Jack, who took our TEFL training course in October 2018 after having completed his bachelor’s degree in Japanese studies. An affable traveler with a passion for teaching, Jack was a natural fit for the course. But he was also concerned about his learning difficulties until we spoke to him over a Skype chat to assess his chances for success. We committed to providing him with additional support and he committed to taking our course soon after.

The following is Jack’s TEFL Certification Course Diary for the first week of training. It’s the first installment of four diaries he wrote for us. His answers are honest, and we hope that they provide first-hand insight into what it’s like to get your TEFL certificate and eventually find a great TEFL job overseas.

Jack, can you summarize your first week in three words?

Challenging, interesting and rewarding.

What were your first impressions of Phuket when you finally arrived?

The first thing I noticed was how incredibly kind people in Phuket are. I was visibly tried and stressed upon arrival (jet lag drives me insane), and within moments I had several older women asking me if I was okay or If I needed any help.

Was getting from the airport to your accommodation difficult?

Not in the slightest. Everything was prearranged because I chose the Premium Package and if the unthinkable were to happen and you couldn’t get picked up, there are several taxi companies posted around the airport.

Were you happy with your accommodation at Sakul House?

Our Premium Package includes accommodation at Sakul House

The accommodation is very close to the school. As well, staff are very friendly and helpful.

Were you greeted by TEFL Campus staff once you got to Phuket Town?

Yes, I was greeted by a trainer named Simon. He was kind and did everything to answer any questions that I had about the course and Phuket in general.

What did you see and do before the course started?

I went to a number of Thai restaurants. My personal favorite was Yellow Door.  I also went to Naka market to take advantage of the cheap electronics.

How did the first day go?

The first day was very challenging. There was a great deal of terminology to get to grips with. This dispelled any belief that I had that teaching English was just a matter of being a native and reading off a script.

What do you think of your classmates?

My classmates are fantastic. We are all our own support network and when any of us are feeling challenged or are struggling, we help each other.

What did you learn from watching experienced teachers in the classroom?

I learned about the effectiveness of the ESA method. This system doesn’t only focus on teaching English; it also aims to get the best out of the learner and guides the teacher towards creating an effective teaching plan.

Training includes observation of experienced teachers.

How did your first observed teaching practice go?

In three words: a train wreck. It didn’t go well, but I believe this is normal for anyone teaching a class for the first time. My advice is do not be harsh on yourself and consider how you can improve in your next lesson.

What are your impressions of the lectures so far?

The lectures were tough but very rewarding. I struggled at first because I was being so harsh on myself, but as the days went by I found myself better understanding the concepts we were being taught.

What surprised you most during the first week?

The lack of zebra crossings (crosswalks) in Phuket. I felt as though every time I frantically ran across the road, Death was sharpening his scythe.

What’s your best advice for those preparing to come to Phuket for the course?

Do not study TEFL methodology or grammar. Spend the additional time you have researching Phuket and Thai culture in general.

What’s your best advice for the first week of the course?

Do not be harsh on yourself. I was my own worst critic and that only made me suffer more. Accept that you are not going to be perfect and consider any mistakes you make as points that you can correct in your next lesson.

To continue reading Jack’s TEFL Certification Course Diary, click here: Week 2.

For more information on our TEFL Certification Course, be sure to contact us and we’ll get back to you within 12 hours.

TEFL Campus is validated by Fairmont State University.

The post TEFL Certification Course Diary: Jack’s first week appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.

Kathy’s classmate relaxes while doing some yoga looking over Phang Nga Bay.

Kathy has just finished Week Three of her TEFL course in Phuket.

In addition to attending lectures, she delivered two more lessons to real students, looked at different aspects of classroom management and learned about Thai culture from a retired Thai teacher who shared valuable lessons on how to make a smooth transition into her first TEFL job in Thailand. She also met with our panel of experienced teachers and learned
first-hand tips on how to get a great TEFL job.

Kathy’s 3rd installment of her TEFL course diary (be sure to read her diary for the 1st and 2nd week) indicate that the initial nervousness that naturally comes with EFL teaching has subsided, while her confidence and teaching skills are on the rise. She’s more settled going into her last week but she’s also anxious about getting a job after the course.

What did you get up to over your second weekend on the TEFL course?
The second weekend I checked out the beautiful island of Koh Yao Yai with some of the other trainees. We got great little bungalows on the beach and spent the weekend relaxing in the sun.

Sakul House owner (Nong) preps Kathy and Arlene for their first motorbike ride in the rain.

You’ve been at your accommodation now for two weeks. Are you still happy with your choice to stay at Sakul House?
Absolutely. I have already asked to stay another month. The environment is so welcoming and friendly that I’m just not ready to move out.

Was the start of Week Three any easier than the start of Week Two?
Week three was when it all got crazy! Projects, studying, teaching, so much to do, but budget your time and you’ll be alright.

Is English grammar starting to make more sense now, or does learning it seem like a hoop you have to jump through to pass the TEFL course?
It definitely makes more sense now. At the beginning of the course we did an overview of grammar which made it seem more overwhelming. Now we are diving deep into it, which makes it easier to understand. Also teaching a lesson on a specific grammar point makes you really understand it.

You might be a fluent speaker but can you identify an auxiliary verb, a gerund or the present perfect tense? You’ll need to be able to do this and much more before you enter the TEFL profession.

You’re meant to have become a bit more independent with lesson planning. Do you feel that is the case?
Definitely. I’ve started to get my own routine down of how I like to plan out the lessons. You also get faster at planning which can be a good or bad thing.

What have you found to be the most interesting part of lesson design?
I really love the board work. I don’t know why; it’s the most boring part. But I really like designing it to be the exact way I want it up on the board. If I have a successful demonstration of my last big activity in class,
then I love it as well. If not, the students turn into
the proverbial deer in headlights.

Are there any teaching skills you’ve found to be more challenging than others? If so, which skills?
Sometimes I take the lesson planning too seriously and my lessons are well designed and effective but they could be way more fun.

Sept ’15 TEFL Campus graduate (Zach) made a smooth transition from TEFL training to EFL teaching.

You had a lecture on TEFL jobs and job search strategies in Week Three. Do you feel more confident about your job prospects now?
Yes, we were given a lot of advice on places to apply and where not to apply. Good working conditions and not so good, as well as advice on the interview process.

Where are you hoping to get a job after the course?
Phuket Town, or Chiang Mai.

Did you find speaking with experienced TEFL teachers gave you insight into what it’ll be like to teach in a Thai classroom?
I feel the only way to prepare for the classroom is to be in it. But it was helpful to hear what the experienced teachers had to say, especially about class sizes, that’s what I think my biggest hurdle will be.

You’ve got an assignment coming up for Monday of Week Four and the final exam later next week. Any nerves with respect to finishing the course out?
Prioritizing my time, getting everything done, and making sure I’m prepared for the exam is definitely making me nervous, but I know I’m so close to the finish line!

Any plans for your last weekend of the course?
Two words: study and sleep.

Be sure to read Kathy’s diary entry for the last week of her course. For more information on taking a TEFL course in Thailand, please contact TEFL Campus Phuket. 

The post TEFL Course Diary: Kathy’s 3rd week in Phuket appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.

Kathy poses for her official TEFL course photo.

Kathy has finally finished her TEFL training course in Phuket. She passed her exams, finished all of her assignments and completed her observed teaching practice. Although she’s too modest to say it, she excelled in almost every area of the course and we’re sad to see her go.

Was her TEFL training a success? Will she get a TEFL job in Thailand? Is Kathy happy TEFL Campus Phuket’s onsite training course? By the sounds of it, it seems everything worked out better than expected.

(Be sure to read Kathy’s diaries for Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3 before reading on.) 

You said you’d be sleeping and studying over the weekend leading up to Week 4; is that what you ended up doing?
I studied a bit but I also all meet up friends and explored Phuket. I also got my first case of food poisoning, but it was pretty mild.

Everyone took the grammar/phonetics mock exam on Monday; how did it go? Did it help prepare you for the real TEFL course exam?
I felt much more confident after the mock exam because it let me know exactly what I needed to work on and what I had already mastered.

Were you happy with your final teaching practice session?
It wasn’t my strongest lesson because I was pretty nervous and excited to be done with the course, and to find out what I had gotten on my exam. I was a bit distracted to say the least.

Teachers often need to conduct a demonstration lesson in order to land a good job. Do you think the course prepared you to successfully deliver a demo lesson?
It definitely gave me the framework to create a successful lesson. I will have to adapt it to young learners but with my experience working with children that shouldn’t be hard.

Trainees tend to get stressed out about the final exam. Was it as difficult as you thought it would be?
There were parts of it that seemed quite difficult at the time, but they were also the parts that I did the best on for some reason.

Kathy and her cohorts celebrate passing the exams.

How did you and your fellow trainees celebrate the completion of your course?
We all went to dinner then came back and had beers at our Sakul House accommodation. It wasn’t the wildest celebration but everyone was in a great mood.

How does it feel to be a newly TESOL certified teacher?
It feels great and  I’m so happy to be done…now to find a job (she did, see update below).

Are you happy with your decision to take a TEFL course?
Yes, and I know it actually prepared me to teach English in Thailand. It was also filled with great people and we genuinely had a good time in class every day.

Now that you’ve been in Phuket Town for a while, how do you rate it as a location in relation to the rest of Phuket?
I do really like it but I wish I was closer to the beach.

Emily, Arlene and Kathy taking in a sunset over Patong Beach.

What was the toughest part of adjusting to life in Thailand?
I am constantly getting lost on my motorbike because I can’t use my phone for GPS while I’m on my scooter. But that is just me and my bad navigation skills, not really with Thailand.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Maybe I should have put a little more effort into one of the big class projects. I just wanted to get it out of the way so I could study for the exam, but I could have done a better job on it.

Are you looking forward to getting out into the real TEFL world and find a job?
Definitely, and I’m really hoping for a kindergarten teaching position either here or in Chiang Mai. The job hunt will start this Monday.

Would you say that TEFL Campus lived up to your expectations—be honest.
It really did. The TEFL course was difficult but I knew it would be going into it. It was fun, and I made lots of friends through it. Which was exactly what I wanted.

UPDATE:
We’re happy to announce that Kathy was offered a job up in Chiang Mai and in Phuket. She decided to work for  the highest-paying entry-level school on Phuket. She’s earning more than 40,000 baht per month and that’s not too shabby for just coming off our TEFL course.

We’re very happy to hear our TEFL course exceeded Kathy’s expectations and that we were able to help her find a job.

We hope Kathy’s TEFL course diary helped illustrate just how easy is it so achieve your goals of teaching English abroad. Kathy’s story is similar to that of hundreds of trainees we’ve helped over the years.

To find out more about how we can help you achieve you reach your goal of teaching English abroad, be sure to contact us.

The post TEFL Course Diary: Kathy’s last week in Phuket appeared first on Teaching English in Thailand.