Our June TEFL course just graduated, and before they departed for the last time, we asked them what advice they would give to the next course.
Here’s some of what they said:
- Don’t fill your schedule with other things.
- Socialise. The other people on your course are going through the exact same thing. You can form a team and share the load. You can help each other understand the lessons, share food, go out for meals and drinks and decompress. Make time to study together.
- If you are struggling, ask for help!
- Lean on your classmates. You’re all going through this together, and when you’re stuck on something, two heads are better than one.
- Don’t let anyone tell you Czech people are “cold”. I’ve made some great friends already and I’ve been here for a single month. Sure, the waiters aren’t gonna tell you their life story, but the people in this city are awesome, and you’re going to love this place if you come in with a good attitude.
- Prep like someone else has to take over your lesson, use your classmates ideas, and use the feedback given to you.
- Don’t try to include too many activities in one lesson.
- Try to give instructions as clearly and briefly as possible.
- Do the things your body needs toget through it: eat well, drink water, sleep as much as you can. Try to maintain your routines that help your body feel good.
- Review the presentations, particularly the early ones. There is so much information given at the beginning of the course that is best to be reviewed later when planning a lesson so that it can be incorporated.
- Creating a lesson plan need not happen from scratch. There are books and resources on the internet and, though they may not provide all the answers, they will provide a foundation for the lesson plan to grow from.
- Be open to feedback – You will learn a lot from your trainers and peers. They are incredibly supportive.
- Focus on the students – It’s not about you, it’s about helping them learn.
- Be prepared, but flexible – A good plan is important, but things don’talways go as expected.
In just 4 weeks you can be teaching English abroad.
TEFL Worldwide was awarded as the Top TEFL Certification Course of 2018 and 2019, and the Top Rated TEFL Course in the Czech Republic for 2025!
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