Jake's Journey: From Royal Engineer to TEFL Teacher

After Jake Canning left the army he went from job to job looking for something that he would really enjoy. Then he took a UK-TEFL course and within a few weeks he found himself living and working in China. We caught up with Jake for a quick Q&A to find out how he is getting on.

1. Jake, tell us a bit about your background. What jobs did you do before you decided to become a TEFL teacher?

Before teaching TEFL I was employed in the British Army as a plant operator maintainer within The Royal Engineers, I was in the Army for 4 years and 10 months. In this time I worked in Belize, Kenya, Canada and Jordan, mainly on construction tasks. I left the Army in October 2012 to pursue a new career within regular life. Between October 2012 and November 2013 I have worked as a Heavy goods driver, worked for a property developer, office fitting company, sales consultant at a gym and a sales consultant at a mobile phone shop. I quickly went from job to job trying to find something that gave me the same happiness that the Army did.

2. What attracted you to TEFL teaching?

I did the TEFL course because you never know what’s around the corner and I wanted some extra qualifications on my CV. If I didn’t like the job I was in I could just take off.

3. How did you fund your training?

The Army funded my training. When you spend a certain amount of time in the Army you are eligible for a resettlement fund.

4. Which course did you do and where?

I did the 3 day course and it was in Manchester

5. How much did you enjoy the course and what was your favourite part?

I really enjoyed the course as I really opened my eyes to new areas of employment and how easy it was to find work. My favourite part about the course was all the people I met. I still keep in touch with my trainer Liz every now and then, to let her know how things are.

6. How did you go about finding your current job?

I found the job on the internet. I applied for 10 in China at about 10pm GMT. I left my phone on loud that night and was woken 5 times at early hours in the morning with responses to set up an interview.

7. How did the recruitment process work and how long did  it take before you started work?

I applied for my job on the 10th November had an interview the next day had another interview the day after that and got offered the job. I then went on to sell my car and flew out to China on the 21st November and started my first day at work on the 26th.

8. Where do you work and who do you teach? Can you describe a typical workday?

I work in Beijing, China. I teach children ranging from 2-12, although the centre I am at I think the oldest child is 9. I work for a company called First Leap. They have centers all over China and they are rapidly expanding, since leaving the Army I feel true happiness in my work. A typical working day consists of me starting work at 3.30pm. I could have between 2-4 classes on a week day. Today for example I have 2 classes, the first one is logical and critical thinking (Maths) then I have Art. If you are planning on coming to China I would advise brushing up on your Maths skills, as some of the kids I teach are as quick as calculators. I will finish work today at 8.30pm. In total I’m physically teaching the students 1 hour 25 minutes in total, the rest of the time I am in the office with the Chinese teachers and 4 other foreign teachers preparing for future lessons. Most of the lessons at First Leap we finish off with a craft of some sort that is relevant to the lesson. Sometimes I find myself smiling to myself, thinking “ I wonder how many jobs in the UK you can get paid to paint a butterfly or make a jellyfish out of paper plates and tissue paper”!

9. How are you settling in and finding life outside of the classroom?

I’m settling really well outside the classroom. I am used to spending months away from home. Some days it’s not easy when you have to get simple things done and nobody speaks English. The best thing about living in China is the different nationalities that you meet and the food. The food is cheap and tastes like something you may find in a top restaurant back home, but the Chinese sell it at a tenth of the price.

10.   What would you say to anybody considering a career in TEFL?

I would say to anyone thinking of taking a career in TEFL is really do your research on the area and company you work for. Although I am in a good company that treat me well I have met a lot of people along my travels that aren’t. You need to look into how much things cost in the area rent, electric, travel etc. Also find out before hand from the company you work for when your first pay day will be as you may need to bring more money with you. I never asked this question so I found out the hard way. All in all if you are considering taking the step you should go for it or it could be something you regret later in life. It is definitely worth having the TEFL certification on your CV as you never know what’s around the corner.

If you have any questions about living or working in Beijing, then you can email Jake on jake-canning@hotmail.co.uk 

Ten reasons to TEFL in 2014

With 2014 now in full swing, people all over the world will be making promises to drink less alcohol, eat less junk food, stop smoking and exercise more. All this is done in the hope of becoming happier, healthier and more productive. But how about committing yourself to something that will be truly life-changing?

Taking a TEFL course could make this year the most memorable of your life. Here are ten reasons why you should TEFL in 2014:

1. Travel.

Ever heard the expression "'It's a small world"? Well it's just not true. With the arrival of South Sudan in 2011, there are now 196 recognised countries in the world, with a combined population of more than 7 billion. There's nothing small about planet earth, it's absolutely huge. Take some time to see it while you can. 

2. Experience a different way of life.

Getting a TEFL job means settling down in one place, at least for a short while. This means you can see the country through the eyes of a local, not a tourist. So go native and dive in head first by trying everything your new culture has to offer. Be it different food, drink, music, film, fashion, sports...everyday brings a fresh adventure which will broaden your horizons.

3. Make new friends.

Immersing yourself in a new way of life involves making every effort to interact with local people, no matter how big the language barrier. Do this and you could find yourself developing lifelong friendships that transcend cultures and continents. Wherever you end up in the world, you also will be surprised by how many other teachers you find there. Meet like-minded individuals from America, Canada, Australia, South Africa and many more English speaking countries. 

4. Gain confidence.

The idea of moving to a new country, or even standing up in front of a class, might fill you with dread. Once you have done it you will wonder why you spent all that time worrying. Living abroad will make you a more confident and independent person, while teaching will give you transferable skills you can use later in your career.  

5. Learn a new language.
Communicating in another language is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It can be tricky but the chance to practice on genuine native speakers makes your task a lot less difficult. Being able to speak the local lingo will also help you as you go about your day-to-day business. There's only so far that pointing and miming will get you!

6. Enjoy sunnier climes.

It's a special kind of person who likes British weather. It's renowned for being cold, dark, wet and windy and 2014 promises to be no different. Why put yourself through it when you could get a TEFL certificate and be sunning yourself on a boiling-hot beach within a matter of weeks?

7. Get a job!

It's not just the weather that's making people miserable in Britain. An uncertain economy and crowded job market have left many graduates feeling despondent as they fight it out for a limited number of vacancies. There are so many TEFL jobs available, you wouldn't believe it. There are more than 100,000 English teachers in China alone and they are still crying out for more candidates. Demand far outstrips supply as far as TEFL jobs are concerned.

8. Save money.

TEFL positions in some countries can be particularly lucrative. South Korea is a great example of this. A hefty wage packet coupled with the low cost of living mean that you can clear your debts and come back with some to spare!

9. Do something worthwhile.

Your reason for teaching doesn't have to be financially motivated. You can use your TEFL certificate to volunteer in a developing country and make a real difference. Teaching is one of the most rewarding things you can do, and giving up your time for those who need it the most makes it that much more enjoyable.

10. Why not?

Think long and hard about what's holding you back and you will soon find the answer...absolutely nothing. Take a look at our course dates and book yourself on today. All courses are Buy One Get One Half Price if booked before the end of January, so take advantage of this wonderful offer and make 2014 an unforgettable year! The New Year starts here!

The UK-TEFL Christmas Survival Guide

No matter how much you're enjoying your TEFL experience, you would have to be a pretty hardy soul not to get homesick at Christmas.

While your family are all gathered together, eating, drinking and being merry, you can't help but feel isolated as you try your best to feel festive in a country where their idea of celebrating Christmas is radically different from your own.

In Spain for example, most people give presents on Twelfth Night (January 6th) which is when the Three Kings brought the baby Jesus's gifts. Children in Norway get their presents from Julebukk, a gnome that looks like a goat. Meanwhile the Japanese are often seen spending Christmas Day in KFC, a tradition that dates back to the hugely successful 'Kentucky for Christmas' advertising campaign in the 1970s. In many secular countries, including China, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, Christmas is not officially a public holiday and you will be lucky to get the day off work!

Julebukk: Bringing presents to Norwegian children

If this doesn't sound like your idea of fun, then try these top tips to get yourself into the Christmas spirit:

1. Make your family feel guilty about the fact that you are so far away from home and milk it for all it's worth. Ask if they will help ease your emotional distress by posting you lots of Christmas treats. We're thinking along the lines of sweets and chocolates - don't ask anyone to mail you a turkey leg. It won't end well!

2. Count yourself lucky. The wonders of modern technology mean that you can now Skype your loved ones back home and you will feel as if you are right there with them. Teaching English as a foreign language twenty or thirty years ago was a different kettle of fish, with expensive long distance phone calls, often made from a phone box, or letters, that took weeks upon weeks to be delivered, the only lines of communication.

3. Find some other Westerners in your area. The expat community in your town, city or village might be organising a Christmas dinner of some description. Everyone is in the same boat in that they just want to experience something that feels familiar. If there's nothing going on then take the initiative and invite everyone round to your flat. Look around the shops and see if you can find any decorations to brighten the place up a bit.

4. Download some Christmas movies. Elf, Home Alone, It's A Wonderful Life...the list of Christmas classics is endless. Watching your favourite festive film is sure to get you feeling warm and fuzzy.

5. Share Christmas with your students. TEFL isn't just about learning a language, it's also a cultural exchange. By living in a new country you get to learn all about their way of life. Equally, you should take the opportunity to teach them a bit about your own. You can even do a lesson on Christmas. There are plenty of lesson plans freely available on the internet if you're stuck for ideas.

Teaching your Children about Christmas is a great idea for a lesson

Whatever you end up doing, and wherever you are in the world, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Like us on Facebook for your chance to win a TEFL course!

UK-TEFL are offering one lucky Facebook fan the chance to win up to £250 worth of TEFL training.

In order to be in with a chance of winning, simply like us on Facebook and then enter your email address in the box provided.

The winning entrant, who will be drawn at random on December 19th, will be able to choose from ONE of our four great training courses, subject to availability.

Standard Course (2 or 3 days)
Advanced course
120-hour Online TEFL Course
Online Grammar Course

Enter now for your chance to win!

The World's Weirdest Foods

A big part of living and working abroad is broadening your horizons and trying new things. What you may not know is that the most popular destinations for UK-TEFL graduates are also home to some of the world's weirdest dishes. Here we take a look at six strange foods you might want to try on your travels...if you've got the stomach for them!


1. Huitlacoche

Known in English simply as corn smut, this fungus causes huge blackened growths to appear on the plant's surface. Mexicans consider it something of a delicacy and use it to to add a mushroomy flavour to quesadillas, tamales and soups. It is believed to get its name from the old Nahuatl language and roughly translates as 'sleeping excrement'.


2. Snake Wine

According to traditional Chinese medicine, snake wine has great medicinal properties and can be used to treat poor vision, hair loss and  increase sexual performance. It is made by infusing whole snakes in rice wine or grain alcohol. Snake wine is also popular in Vietnam and other South East Asian countries.


3. Sannakji

This is not a dish for the faint hearted. Sannakji is basically chopped baby octopus, seasoned with sesame oil. That might not sound too bad until you realise they are still moving! Sannakji is served as soon as it has been sliced, so your food will continue to wriggle around on the plate for a good ten minutes. There have been cases of people choking to death on Sannakji, as the tentacles can stick to the back of your throat on the way down. If you're going to try this one then make sure you chew before you swallow!


4. Fugu

Fugu is another food reserved for the more adventurous among you. A Japanese dish made from puffer fish, it can be lethally poisonous, meaning its toxic parts must be carefully removed before consumption. The intestines, ovaries and liver of the fish contain a poison called tetrodotoxin, which is 1,200 times deadlier than cyanide. The preparation of Fugu is strictly controlled by Japanese law and only those who have undergone rigorous training are licensed to make it. With prices starting at around £150, you could be forgiven for giving this one a miss.


5. Casu Marzu

Casu Marzu, which means 'rotten cheese', is native to the Italian island of Sardinia. It is made with sheep milk and contains live maggots which are introduced to advance the fermentation process. The result is that the texture of the cheese becomes very soft and has a strong taste of ammonia, which stays on your tongue for hours. Because of European Union food hygiene regulations, Casu Marzu is currently outlawed although lovers of the cheese are desperately trying to overturn the decision. When in Rome...


6. Black Ivory Coffee

Last but not least we have Black Ivory Coffee, which is one of the world's most expensive drinks, coming in at around £35 a cup. It has lacks the bitterness of normal coffee thanks to its special method of production. Black Ivory is made from beans which have been eaten by Thai Elephants and then plucked from their dung a day later. The animal's stomach acid is said to break down the protein resulting in an 'earthy' and 'fruity' flavoured coffee.

The Road to Beijing

Robert Warman took a UK-TEFL course in March 2011 and now works as Recruitment Manager at an English school in Beijing. He is the first of our guest bloggers who will tell you all about their experiences of living and working overseas. Here Robert discusses how gaining a UK-TEFL certificate has helped change his life...

 

Robert with his students

My name’s Robert Warman and I live and work in Beijing, China. I have been here for a little over two years. I work for an English school called “Aihua English” and have worked here since I arrived.

Before I came to China, I was unsure of how to even begin the process of finding a teaching job abroad. I learned that I would need a TEFL certificate, so I searched the web for local TEFL courses. Many offered online options where you could learn and be tested at home. I wasn’t too keen on this as I wanted to learn real hands-on skills that would prepare me and help me to do the best possible job. 

I came across UK-TEFL and found their website informative and helpful. I learned that they had courses all over the UK so I signed up to the nearest one to me at the time, Kingston. The course was over the weekend and was full of fantastic activities which kept us out of our seats and learning at a fast yet manageable pace. I made a lot of friends many of whom I still stay in touch with today. We were all awarded our certificates and went our separate ways around the world!

 

The job search was challenging and stressful because of all of the horror stories on the forums around the internet. It was hard to know who to trust and every company promised me different things. During my weekend training with UK-TEFL, I was shown useful tips on how to find a job abroad including the pitfalls and things to watch for. They included useful websites which had the best jobs. This really helped me to get started and soon enough, I had an interview with Aihua English in Beijing.

I decided to go with this school because they offered a competitive wage and were very honest and clear to speak with. I was interviewed by the owner, who is an Irishman. He opened the school around 10 years ago and had built it up from a small school with several classes, to a busy, thriving school with several centres around the city.

 

The bright lights of Beijing

Despite the reassuring staff and good information that the Aihua team gave me, I was still insanely nervous about getting on the plane and landing in China. To my relief, upon arrival in Beijing, I was met by the Foreign Affairs Officer and the driver who helped me with my bags and took me to a hotel.

I remember waking up the next day to loud bagging outside the window! I peered out of the window suspiciously and wondered what the hell the racket was. I was still unsure of my surroundings and was scared a war had started! I called the girl who had collected me from the airport to ask. I said: "Do you hear the loud banging outside? It sounds like people are being shot!" She laughed and replied: “They are just fireworks!”

Yes, it turns out that Chinese people like to shoot fireworks into the sky no matter what time of the day! I felt silly for my wild paranoia but my mind was soon put to rest when I met my co-workers and boss later that day.

The surprises never stopped coming for the following 2 years I would work for Aihua and live in the fascinating, historical city of Beijing. In these 2 years, I have had fun teaching some amazing children English. I have managed to learn to speak Chinese to an intermediate level (most of the time), and have enjoyed everything the city has to offer.

I continue to work for Aihua as a Recruitment /HR manager. I enjoy it because I get to interview and advise applicants just like I was advised before I came to China. I really enjoy watching new teachers arrive and have their first experiences of China while learning to be great teachers and excel at their jobs. I think I was lucky to find this school as others are not so fortunate. If you are thinking of getting into ESL teaching, I would recommend UK-TEFL as a good choice to get your certificate and your first introduction to an exciting future. 

There are currently vacancies available at Aihua English School, so book a course and you could be eligible for a position. For more information contact Rob here or here or visit the academy's Facebook Page.

It's only words...

 

This video is a great example of how modern technology can help liven up your lessons.

WORDS, by Radiolab and NPR, is available free on YouTube. So provided you have internet access, and a projector or interactive white board, you will be able to use it in your classes. It is not suitable for beginners, or very young learners, but will work a treat on intermediate and advanced students.

The aim of the video is to demonstrate just how ambiguous the English language can be. Using it is simple. Just show it to your students, a few times if needs be, and ask them if they can note down the nine 'themes'.

After they have done this, write down the themes on the board, play the video back and explain each one in turn. This is a fun exercise which makes light of something that might otherwise frustrate your students - the fact that English words can have so many meanings. But before you can do this you will have to guess the themes yourself!

Here's a hint, number one is 'play'...