What is your favorite travel memory?
Although I love the freedom of being a digital nomad, I miss walking into the classroom to be greeted by celebration and cheers from my primary students in Vietnam. One student even wrote my name on the back of his Real Madrid jersey - as if I was a famous athlete - which was incredibly endearing and exemplifies the influence and ESL teachers can have on students.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I've learned to be more open minded, understanding, and empathetic of applicants and people in general. After having done TEFL, I've adopted a mindset that everyone should do the same. However, people come from all walks of life and have their own obstacles, concerns, and apprehensions about leaving home and venturing overseas. Additionally, I've adopted many positive traits from many of the applicants who exhibit a healthy outlook not only on travel but on life in general!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
An applicant who went out to teach in Thailand now dedicates her time towards caring for the stray dogs in her local area. Not only has she immersed herself in the community as an English teacher, but she also gives back to the community through caring for dogs who need treatment, sustenance, and other forms of attention. It's amazing to see how applicants can not only establish a second-home abroad but become active participants and provide for the community!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
Although I am already TEFL certified, becoming certified with TEFL Nomad would have provided me with more perspective and insight into teaching English as a foreign teacher. These course modules would have been more fitting as I was unaware of the extent of not only the language barriers but also how cultural differences affect language acquisition in the ESL classroom.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Many TEFL companies lack expertise and insight from former teachers when it actually comes to TEFL. TEFL Nomad lives up to its motto of "for teachers, by teachers," which helps us understand the questions and obstacles that aspiring ESL teachers face. As a company which is entirely made up of ESL teachers in the team, we can put ourselves in our applicants' shoes.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Personalised support, frequent communication, and transparency. It's important to get to know the person who is providing services for you to assess the values and characteristics of those who you're dealing with. Personalised support in the form of direct communication can provide plenty of assurance and trust between the applicant and the company.