3 weeks into TEFL

We are now 3 weeks into the TEFL program. It feels like I have been here a lifetime but also no time at all. The first day and week were super overwhelming, but after that I started really enjoying the learning process. I have always been someone who is highly motivated by two things: lifelong learning and finding a way to make a difference in the world. This program is amazing in so many ways because it fits that criteria and it opens the world up to me. I have enjoyed so much getting to find ways to teach people of all levels. It reminds me of my job as a School Psychologist in some ways because it involves differentiation, reading the room, and adjusting as needed. It also involves planning, organizing, and making things fun for the students. The other cool thing about the program is we get to practice teaching both in person and online.

Besides working our butts off all week, we have found time to have fun. We have done karaoke together, gone out to eat together, and last weekend, some of us went on a dolphin sighting boat trip.

We got to spend time on the water, saw dolphins and sea turtles, and spent some time just lounging in the water.

I really feel like this whole thing is an incredible bonding experience. We all are motivated by similar goals and we all are working our butts off to accomplish this goal and open more doors for our future. I am spending this last week creating two more lessons, both on the same topic, just for two different levels. I also will be studying for the final exam, which is on Friday.

Some of us also had a great time last weekend participating in an unofficial art workshop run by Sonia, one of the other amazing TEFL students. We spent Sunday afternoon working to create a small art sketchbook that captured the feel of Samara. Sonia showed us a variety of techniques that we got to try, and we finished the evening having drinks and dinner together at Las Olas on the beach.

I am so glad I took this leap and took on this new challenge. It has been really difficult, but it has pushed me in the best way. I can't wait to see what comes next. Stay tuned!