Diana Purse - TEFL Traveller

What is the biggest lesson you learned from your teaching English experience?
I'd say the biggest lesson is learning how to deal with cultural differences, which can be extremely frustrating and confusing. Learning how to work with them instead of trying to change them is an important skill. Another big lesson learned is that there's a fine line between being the students' friend and being a good teacher that everyone likes. I think that part of a true teachers job is to motivate, trying to do this while dishing out disciplin can be a hard balance to master. Even just knowing whether you\'re doing a good job can be hard for it can be difficult to know who, if anyone, is at fault if one or more students are not doing well. Being a good teacher means getting a good balance between taking charge of the classroom while still being fair. It is also very important to plan your lessons properly if you are going to teach effectively.

What is the most common misconception about teaching English?
That it's easy and that you'll pretty much be playing games the whole time just getting the studens to talk. Students in Asia (or at least China) are often not very disciplined in class and can be hard to control. Also, it can be extremely difficult to get them to practice their oral english as they are often very reluctant to speak in front of the class.

Did you get certified?: yes
Why or why not?
I thought it would be a good idea to get some experience first and at least a basic idea of teaching methodologies.

If you were certified, what was your certification and how did you acquire it? Also, did your certification help you when trying to find a job? How?
I did a six week intensive/full time TESOL (IV) course at an internationally well known english academy. It definately helped me get a job since i don't have a degree.

When looking for a certification program, what are the things to look for?
Make sure the course is well known with a good reputation. Also, find out if the certificate you end up with is internationally recognised, such as the Cambridge certificate. I would also steer clear of any 'over the internet' or shorter courses unless its absolutely necessary. Its better to get some practical experience, even just a few hours can make a huge difference to your confidence when standing in front of a classroom. Mainly, don't just focus on getting the piece of paper, the knowledge you can aquire from a good course can be invaluable.

What are some common 'traps' that teachers fall into while teaching English abroad?
The first thing is to make sure that your contract is honoured and that you are not taken advantage of. It is also important to remember that you can't change culture. There are alot of things about other cultures that seem either immoral or illogical and it can be frustrating for teachers to deal with. It's important to recognise that often, that's just how it is and you must learn to work with it.

What do you wish you would have done differently?
When i teach again i am going to make sure that i am more organised with my lessons, that is the biggest thing for me. I also think that with experience comes more confidence which allows you to control the classroom with greater ease.

What are the best things about teaching English abroad?
There are so many wonderful things about this experience: The people you meet, experiencing another culture and the fact that you get to travel extensively. I've made some awsome life long friends amongst the ex-pats, it's so important to have people around you can relate to for support. Also, getting to know the students and their personalities and how funny and smart they can be is extremely rewarding, you learn just as much from them as they do from you. Just knowing that you've had a positive influence on their lives and have shown them a bit more of the world, even if it is vicariously, is very rewarding. However, i would say one of the best things about it is overcoming some of the difficulties of being in a foreign culture, in particular the language barrier. When you can finally order food on your own or catch a cab by yourself it's an amazing feeling.

Did you travel before or after your program? If so, where?
I did not travel before and i am currently still in China but i will be going to Europe when i leave here.

What would be your advice to people thinking about teaching English abroad?
Be prepared to feel lonely, isolated and frustrated at times but just know that it's all part of culture shock and the rewards are definately worth it.

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