TEFL Traveller - Dara Maguire

While taking a break from nursing school in Dundalk, Dara decided to jump into the world of TEFL and spend a few weeks working at a summer camp in the UK through i-to-i.

“Before I left I was quite nervous but also excited as it was something I have never done before,” Dara said.

After looking on the internet and i-to-i Web site, Dara read about the UK summer camp opportunity as it was something that fit her schedule availability at the time, she said.

“I really enjoyed the experience of being a TEFL teacher and also meeting other teachers who had done so much with their TEFL,” Dara said.

Her classes started at 8.30 am and would finish at 12.45 pm, which was when Dara would prepare lessons for the following class day, from the help of her TEFL course she had previously taken, she said.

“Being organized for class was very important to me, as I felt then the students could enjoy their classes and get the most out of it,” she said.

The experience at the summer camp allowed Dara to become more confident planning lessons, teaching and she developed a good relationship with the students, she said.

“I think it’s a great idea to get your first experience teaching,” she said. “You meet other teachers who are teaching for their first time also.”

Although Dara’s main goal at the moment is nursing school, the TEFL experience has opened her eyes to new possibilities.

“From my experience I really would like to travel and work teaching!” Dara said.

To connect with other Irish travellers and see where TEFL can take you, visit i-to-i Ireland’s Facebook group.

© i-to-i, 2009