TEFL Volga Iowa

This course has really opened my eyes to the realities of tefl. Teaching overseas has been an idea I have had for years that I thought sounded like a fun adventure. Taking this course has brought the lofty daydream down to earth and made me realize how serious and challenging taking on the job will be. Studying grammar again has made me aware of how difficult it must be for students to learn english as a second language. I speak and understand english and even I was confused about all the rules (that don't always apply) and inconsistencies! It makes me have sympathy for the students. This course has got me thinking about all the aspects of teaching and now I am able to imagine it, as I picture actually carrying out lessons plans and managing a classroom. It is good to be thinking about the realities of the job beforehand. I know that taking this course by no means fully prepares me to teach, and I will learn the most through experience, but I am very glad to have an overview of tefl which has me thinking as a teacher now, and already thinking about potential students. Now I am at least familiar with what tefl entails, and things that are typical or common. I must have learned grammar in elementary school but if I learned all that was covered in this course I forgot most of it! I learned so much about grammar which is important if I will be teaching it! Even though I speak and write english every day, I felt like I was learning new rules which was interesting. I plan to put into action what I have learned by obtaining a teaching job soon. I have been spending the past few months researching and comparing different countries, lifestyles, salaries, cost of living, types of schools, job outlook, typical schedules, requirements, benefits, etc., trying to learn as much as possible about tefl and where I want to go. I have read as many forums and blogs and websites as I could find to learn about other teachers' experiences and get a realistic perspective. I have applied for many jobs and have had some interviews already. I am working with a recruiter but am also doing a lot of job searching myself so between the two of us, I am hoping I will get a job and be leaving the country any day now. I plan to refer to the lessons from this course as needed to refresh my memory and to help me with teaching, problems I encounter, and ideas. The lessons will be invaluable to me to use as a resource.