Beyond TEFL (our new By Alumni, For Alumni program) hosted it’s first official workshop in early April.
5-Minute University
While we, the TEFL team, are used to seeing our trainees (and now, alumni) in the classroom teaching the English language, we don’t get to see them teaching topics they’re passionate about. Until now!
We created TEFL’s own 5-Minute University, a chance for our Alumni to present topics of their choosing, showing off their passions to our community. We had a variety of topics that were proposed, set up the schedule, and then it was time to open the event to the audience!
The night of the event, our TEFL room was set up with refreshments, and a schedule prepared for those in attendance. From Hiking to Goal Setting, and Everything in Between, we settled in for a night of learning from our Alumni Community. So what did we learn? Read below for some highlights:
Hike Like a Czech – Tasci Gibson
Our Head Trainer set the stage with how to Hike Like a Czech. As an American turned Czech citizen, she is the master of Czech Hiking! We learned a bit about the history of hiking in the Czech Republic, what the trail markers mean, the best trails in and around Prague, and of course the Do’s and Dont’s of Czech Hiking. The biggest Do? Go on a hike with her and Tonda!
Roller Derby – Mara Hines
After learning how to Hike Like a Czech, we rolled into Mara’s 5-Minute Presentation about Roller Derby. We learned first, what IS roller derby, and then we learned the rules and how to play – no, you can’t just punch somebody. Most importantly, we learned the ranking of Mara’s own Team in Prague!
Why We Dislike Animals – Anastasija Fatejova
After we had a jammin’ good time learning about the Hard Breakers of Prague, we moved to a bit of Psychology. Specifically, why we dislike animals. But look at these creatures, how could we dislike them? Let’s just blame it on the Reverse Halo Effect.
India: From Zero to Space (and everything in between) – Dheeraj Thakur
Once we delved into our psyche, it was time to go back to Ground Zero: India. Dheeraj taught us about his home country and it’s contributions to our world, starting with, you guessed it – ZERO! From zero, 1500 years ago, we travelled through the topic of Spices, Yoga, Cinema, and Space (and others 😉).
5. Coco Chanel – Julia Więcko
From the cinemas of India, we turned to the cinema, and more importantly, the Fashion House, of Coco Chanel. It was fascinating to learn about the chaotic life of Coco Chanel, her obsession with No. 5, and where her brand imagery originated from. What an influence Coco Chanel has had, after all, it’s what Marilyn Monroe stated she “wore to bed”.
Setting Goals – Jimmy Gillum
As we learned about the goals that Coco Chanel in her life, it was time to turn inwards to our own goals. Jimmy left us thinking about his most asked pub question: “When people are at your funeral, how will they describe you? And how does that match the goals you have for yourself?”
We already have been asked about our next 5-Minute Univesity, so stayed tuned for more presenations, and more workshops from Beyond TEFL.
You too can be part of Beyond TEFL: but first, you’ll have to join a TEFL course and get certified!
TEFL Worldwide was awarded as the Top TEFL Certification Course of 2018 and 2019, the Best Teach Provider in 2020, a Finalist for Innovation in Alumni Engagement in 2024, and in 2025 – the Top Rated TEFL Course in the Czech Republic!
Courses offered monthly at teflworldwideprague.com
