TEFL Teacher Profiles - Andrew Wallace

After studying and recently completing his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Andrew searched for TEFL on the internet and came across i-to-i in the top results, he said.

Although Andrew already had six months of teaching experience in South Africa prior to his course, having the TEFL qualification was more benefitual for his applications abroad, he said.

“It gives the employer the confidence that I am the right person and me the confidence to be able to do something new and feel prepared,” Andrew said.

While Andrew said he never really pictured himself teaching abroad, TEFL came at the right time as he was unable to find a job, he said.

“I wanted something to give me structure to this year before doing a masters or starting work,” Andrew said.

By going through a family friend, Andrew was able to find a contact for an employer and potential job at a language school in Chile, he said.

“I prefer living in a culture to ‘travelling’ and so teaching English seemed like a good option,” he said. “A TEFL course opens doors to potential employers and would give me confidence when teaching.”

While trying to figure out the best options for him, Andrew worked closely with the Irish based i-to-i TEFL provider to get the best options, he said.

“I found the staff to be very willing to answer questions and having been in many of the countries could offer insight and their personal judgments on what would suit me best,” he said.

While planning on completing a Masters in African Studies, Andrew wanted to get a job that involved travelling or living overseas prior to his studies, he said.

Even with his past experience abroad, Andrew is looking forward to living abroad and meeting new people, he said.

“I love the balance that working in a country brings to spending time overseas,” he said.

© i-to-i, 2009