Amber works as a Program Advisor at TEFL Heaven. She is an alumni and also gone through the application process and interview to teach English in Thailand. She was accepted onto the program to train on a beautiful paradise island in Koh Samui and taught in Bangkok.
Amber answers emails, deals with question about all the programs that TEFL Heaven have to offer and organises free 30 minute phone consultation to help and guide people on which program best suits them.
What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory is stepping off the plane in Bangkok from flying from the UK and the heat hitting just like I have just opened a hot oven. I never experienced heat like that before. I also remember walking back from the BTS (Bangkok Skytrain System) to my condo and I was wearing shorts and flip flops; all of a sudden, monsoon rain started and there was absolutely nowhere for me to go, as it was raining so much, so I got back home, looked in the mirror and I was a wet mess: hair everywhere, everything was see through and, on top of that, my flip flop broke, so my feet were filthy. I remember laughing to myself and thinking “only in Thailand!!”
I also loved visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia, one of the most stunning wonders of the world that I have ever seen. I also was very fortunate enough to travel and visit Laos and Bali, which was incredible. Bali was beautiful as well; my friend and I just sat on the beach, drinking cocktails all evening whilst watching the beautiful sunset rise over the ocean. I miss travelling so much and I constantly talk about it.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have gotten confident in making international phone calls, as I never had a job before now, where I had to schedule in phone consultations.
I have realized how caught up I get in helping people and answering their questions as I get so excited when I see our candidates send in their application and I love knowing when they have been accepted onto our program. When I first started, figuring out time zones to schedule calls were so confusing for me and it took me ages to figure out the time zones between one country and the UK, which is where we are based, until one of my colleagues, Andy, told me there was a time zone website, which has literally saved me so much time and I now have gained confidence in knowing I have scheduled in the right times to call people from all over the world.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
The best story I have heard is one of our students met their now husband on one of our training programs. I have also heard stories of how some of our alumni have then worked to be one of our TEFL trainers and we have even had some alumni work in our Bangkok office, as well as the UK office, which shows that we are like a family.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would go do our Peru program, as I have always wanted to visit Latin America and see Machu Picchu. The culture and food also sounds amazing as well. Peru is also located in Western South America, bordering Colombia and Ecuador in the north, Brazil and Bolivia in the east, and Chile in the south. Peru is a country bursting with life – quite literally!
Peru also has a vast variety of landscapes; from mountains, to beaches, deserts and rainforests, which I really want to visit. I also really want to walk the Inca trail as well, which is rumored to be the top 3 scenic walks in the world.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
What we offer is a 4 week face-to-face in-country training program, where you and a group of our candidates would all do the TEFL program together. I know some of our competitors offer a TEFL program online in your own in country, whereas we like our candidates to really form a bond together and, after training, if you become close to your course friends, you can opt to live together in the same town/city in country, and our training team in-country will support you in helping with visas, finding accommodation and finding a guaranteed paid teaching job. Furthermore, throughout your process, you will always have someone to email to ask questions or query about any concerns that you may have.
We are here 24/7 to support you through the process and we will not push you in doing something that you do not want to do.
Most of our staff (including myself) have done an in country TEFL program, so we understand what the process is and understand the concerns that you may have, as we have been there!! Lastly, we also offer airport transfers to and from your accommodation and, for our Asia programs, you can stay in a beautiful western style hotel with your course friends.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe that the biggest factor in being a successful company is having great customer service. It is important to read, listen and respond efficiently to all of our students that get in contact with us. It is also key to let them know that we care about their experience and treat every student like a close friend and family.
