TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
What is your citizenship?
United States
What city and state are you from?
Aurora, Colorado
How old are you?
23
What is your education level and background?
Bachelor's Degree
Have you traveled abroad in the past?
Taught English abroad previously
If you have traveled abroad in the past, where have you been?
Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, The Marshall Islands
If you have studied abroad in the past, where did you study?
Germany
What sparked your interest in going to teach English abroad?
Being able to experience a new culture as well as having a positive impact on the community.
What were some of your concerns before teaching abroad?
I wasn't sure how you teach someone English who cannot speak any English.
What did your friends and family think about you moving and teaching abroad?
They were very supportive of me.
TEFL CLASS INFORMATION
Why did you decide to get TEFL certified and choose International TEFL Academy?
Being TEFL certified makes it easier in the application process when looking for jobs and International TEFL Academy offered an accessible and well structured online course that I could do while finishing up my undergrad.
Which TEFL certification course did you take?
Online TEFL Class
How did you like the course?
The practicum was helpful because it allowed me to apply what I was learning in the course to a classroom before actually managing a classroom on my own. The instructor provided personal feedback on all the tasks I completed, and gave examples of how they would be used in real life situations.
How has your TEFL training helped you in your current teaching position?
It prepared me to work with diversity in the classroom, from grade level to culture.
Which city and country did you decide to teach English in and why?
Aur,Aur, Marshall Islands. I wanted to be as isolated as possible to be able to connect with the culture and community.
How long have you been in this country and how long do you plan to stay?
I was teaching for one year.
How did you secure your English teaching job?
It was a volunteer based program
What school, company, or program are you working for?
Worldteach.org
How did you get your work visa?
The organization took care of everything for me
Tell us about your English teaching job!
Work hours per week - 50
Pay- Volunteer
Type of school - Elementary school grades K-8
Vacation time - 0
How did you find somewhere to live and what is it like?
I lived with a host family
COUNTRY INFORMATION - FUN!
Please explain the cultural aspects, public transportation, nightlife, social activities, food, expat community, dating scene, travel opportunities, etc...
Cultural Aspects - You will be treated very well which can be overwhelming at times and you don't have very much alone time to yourself.
I lived on an island that was less that 2 square miles big. The Marshallese people are the most generous people you will ever meet and will always look out for you.
Public Transportation - An 8 hour boat ride through the Pacific Ocean to get to Majuro.
Nightlife - Eating raw fish, drinking coffee, and playing the ukulele
Social Activities - many ways to fish, volleyball, basketball, soccer, sitting and talking,
Food - rice, fresh seafood, canned meat
Expat community - There are many on Majuro
Dating scene - n/a
COUNTRY INFORMATION - MONEY
What are your monthly expenses?
I lived on a monthly stipend of $100 but did not need it, so it would just give it to the host family.
How would you describe your standard of living?
Very limited resources. No running water or electricity.
In your opinion, how much does someone need to earn in order to live comfortably?
As much as you need.
ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS
What advice would you give someone planning or considering teaching abroad? Would you recommend teaching in your country?
Be prepared for what you are getting into. Don't just teach abroad because it is "something to do after graduation" or that "it will look good on your resume."
Be prepared to commit yourself 100% and more to the students you are working with. Enjoy every moment that you are spending in that country, try new things, meet new people.
Posted In: Diversity Abroad, Marshall Islands, Aur
Want to Learn More About Teaching English Abroad & Online?
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