TEFL Teacher Profiles - Wexford - Kevin McCauley

Teaching English as a foreign language has taken Kevin McCauley to Taiwan for two years, New Zealand, and now to China for six months.

“I always wanted to experience living in Asia, not just travelling it,” he said.

After taking a TEFL course, as a requirement for teaching in China, Kevin used the internet to find employment and applied for teaching in China, he said.

“Many schools now require a TEFL certification,” he said. “Plus, it gives you confidence and practice with presentations, communication, and more.”

Even with some past experience teaching, Kevin found taking a TEFL course and getting qualified useful when looking for employment abroad and gaining more experience, he said.

“The course offered me new ideas in how to teach, with different approaches to different situations,” Kevin said.

With two brothers who have both taught in Taiwan, Kevin has begun to make his career out of TEFL and plans to use the skills as a means of travelling the world, he said.

“I've learned a lot about different cultures and about myself,” he said. “I'm thinking of Vietnam after China. But for the moment, I'm trying not to think past China.”

For anyone thinking about teaching English abroad, Kevin recommends doing your own research thoroughly, he said.

“Always try to contact someone who has been at the school you are thinking about going to,” he said. “Have an open mind and be patient.”

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© i-to-i, 2009