This series is all about showcasing the incredible journeys, experiences and cultural exchanges these teachers have had while teaching English as a Foreign Language around the globe.
“TEFL Tales” are more than language teaching stories. They point towards cultural nuances, acceptance of diversity and global citizenship. They present what is happening in the global community in which the teaching of English can be both the tool and the bridge.
South Africa is deeply embedded in the international arena and the experiences of The TEFL Academy graduates abroad, that is, global education practices and cross-cultural exchange, can be adapted and applied locally.
From these inspiring stories, South Africans can see how teaching English abroad can turn out as a “life-changing experience” for both teachers and students.
Key Stories from TEFL Tales
Janekse van der Merwe teaching in China
I am teaching English to Grade 6 and 8 students at Suning Yuying Secondary school. I have about 80 learners in each class, which sounds impossible, but the learners are bright, friendly and dedicated to learning.
They are extremely well-disciplined and can find it quite challenging to hold back their excitement about having a new teacher from a faraway land. At times I have to repeat a question 20 times before they understand, so you will need some patience.
The TEFL course with The TEFL Academy equipped me with physical and mental tools that have enabled me to execute successful, fun lessons. The modules are full of techniques and skills that I have used in every class.
In a few months I was familiar with various levels of students, different methods for discipline and motivation, and a knowledge of the fundamentals of teaching every aspect of English. It also provided plenty of opportunity for critical thinking and analysing of practical examples that boosted my creativity and confidence in the new classroom.
Jean-Marie Robertson teaching in the Eastern Cape
“I started my TEFL course in February 2017 and did my first month-long volunteer teaching post in April 2017. The kids are taught in their own local language at school, so I was faced with tremendous obstacles as far as study and course materials were concerned.
TEFL gave me the confidence to design my own course materials as well as the opportunity to become much more creative in this regard. It made me understand how to plan a lesson and manage a classroom, which was desperately needed and invaluable in this rural setting.
I stayed in comfortable accommodation and had the opportunity to walk freely and meet the people living in this town. I took part in their local traditions and even attended a feast in honour of their ancestors. Might I add that I got quite a few marriage proposals!
Although my intentions with studying with TEFL were not to earn a living with my qualification, it is hugely rewarding for me to be able to make a difference in the lives of a small community’s children.”
Nomhle Sibiya teaching in Vietnam
“Starting fresh in a new country and new culture all by yourself is an experience that you can only understand if you’ve been through it. You learn a lot about yourself, you do a lot of internal growth, you find freedom, you find independence, you learn about people, you learn about life. It’s an absolutely invaluable experience that I would not trade for anything!
Asia is a very beautiful country with a beautiful culture. I loved Thailand so much I went back! I attended two traditional Vietnamese weddings which I found to be so similar to traditional Zulu weddings in South Africa. Being in Asia made me appreciate my own country and its people in a new way.
Working with children is a very rewarding job. As much as in some language centres you do not get to set your own lessons, you still get to personalise them and make them your own.
Building that rapport with your students, getting to know them, seeing them grow as people and making progress in speaking English is gratifying. You get to see the outcome of your efforts first hand.”
For several reasons, South African TEFL teachers are in high demand around the globe; strong educational background, neutral English accent, international experience, cultural diversity as well as adaptability due to their own diverse and often challenging local environments.
Many South Africans are keen to work abroad and this therefore provides a ready pool of candidates who are willing to relocate. This mobility is an advantage to international schools and language institutes seeking teachers who are ready to start quickly and adapt to new cultures.
These factors combine to make South African TEFL teachers some of the most valued and sought-after teachers globally in the education market.
As the demand for certified South African English teachers overseas reaches very high levels, The TEFL Academy rose to be a leader in providing certification and a place where graduates and students can get help at all times. The TEFL Academy continues to offer support and guidance to graduates, even after they complete the course.
They assist graduates in navigating the job market and securing fulfilling roles globally.
Acquiring TEFL certification can place South Africans abroad, travelling, working and earning foreign currency with little tertiary education or work experience.
5 top places for South Africans to teach English abroad – and how much you could earn per month
- United Arab Emirates -R95,640 – R239,100
- Japan -R35,718 – R44,450
- Oman - R31,750 – R65,087
- South Korea - R23,800 – R25,790
- Taiwan - R21,800 – R34,720
However, as South Africa also faces a record-high level of unemployment, the international job market opens access to much larger pools of ready jobs in countries with stable economic status.
"TEFL Tales" is more than just a series; it's a movement that celebrates the power of education and the human spirit to adapt, teach and learn across cultures. We welcome educators, students and culturally curious individuals in South Africa and beyond to explore these stories and be inspired by the global TEFL community,” concluded Rhyan O’Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy.
The TEFL Academy has courses running every month in locations throughout South Africa. The TEFL Academy is South Africa’s leading provider of combined level 5 TEFL courses, regulated by Ofqual (UK government) and internationally recognised.
To learn more about TEFL Academy's programs and the incredible work their graduates are doing around the world, visit their website at www.theteflacademy.com
