Meet Antal a recent graduate of our online TEFL certification program. We caught up with Antal to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to complete the TEFL course online, and what are his plans now as a certified TEFL instructor.
1. What encouraged you to want to complete your TEFL certification?
I studied German and I am a German teacher. Although I am not an ESL teacher from time to time, I have taught English. I realized I love to teach languages and became aware that I want to attend a TEFL course. So, I found Maximo Nivel and my ESL-adventure has begun.
2. How did you decide the online program was the right fit for you?
Back September 2019 I have been employed in a multinational company so even if I really would have loved an onsite TEFL certification was no option for me. Having the option with the online TEFL course that I can determine the pace and the rhythm of the course was the best option for me.
3. Do you plan to teach English abroad?
Yes, of course. Now due to the COVID-19 pandemic finding a job abroad became a bit difficult, but I haven’t given up. Nothing lasts forever and I am sure I will manage to find an ESL job abroad.
4. Did you have any previous training or related experience?
Yes, since I am a trained German teacher, I had methodical and didactical subjects at the university and also, I have worked as a teacher in the past. Last but not least, I am a scout and worked with children and youths.
5. What did you find most challenging about the course, and especially about the online version of the program?
How to motivate myself. After I changed jobs, I needed to attend training in the new company. I needed to get accustomed to the new work. It was quite a hard time and required constant self-motivation. Fortunately, I had the full support of my mentor Karen Wilke – she checked in several times and asked how I’m doing :). One of the “difficulties” was also the difference in time zones – La Antigua and Belgrade there are 8 hours difference. But we managed it – It happened it was late in Belgrade or early in La Antigua when we met via Zoom, but now those are nice memories and I enjoyed those meetings.
6. What do you wish you would’ve known before taking this TEFL course?
Nothing :) I like challenges and new adventures. If I would have known things before, it wouldn’t be that interesting.
7. Were you able to find a job immediately after graduating?
Now I am still under contract in a company here in Belgrade, so I did not really look for an ESL job – but I have serious plans with teaching.
8. Do you think a TEFL certificate should be required to teach English?
Absolutely – appropriate training and knowledge is essential for teaching – particularly for foreign languages. I got excellent training and theoretical basics from Maximo Nivel. Karen valued my ideas and supported me to be creative and innovative respecting the frames and methods of Maximo Nivel. I appreciated it very much.
9. Are you considering teaching English in the long run?
Yes! Since 2016 I have worked in several call centers and I just realized I love teaching and teaching people foreign languages. Through learning a new language, we gain new perspectives, point of view and another mindset. Last but not least teaching and working with people keep us teachers young and fit in mind :)