Feedback from our current virtual course trainees

As part of their journal project, our trainees have provided us with feedback on how they are finding the course. Here are some of their replies after experiencing two weeks of virtual training.

“First of all I just want to thank all of you for your patience, with all of us and being so welcoming to everyone.

I feel so much more confident and so excited about my journey ahead . I can't believe there's just one week left you all have really made this lockdown a lot shorter.

I've also met a lot of great people I can definitely say (Destination TEFL) is the best way to go. All of you have a way of making us feel like family."

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“Yes, indeed we are done with week two. As I’m sitting here, writing my Journal, hundreds of images plays over and over again in my head.

Lectures, pacemakers, questions been asked and answers been given. At first it felt strange and but then again strangely safe. I’ve learned a lot. Met people from all walks of life. A challenge set and accepted. Never did I ever imagine that I would do this and also enjoy it.

Willie, Tina and Kathryn you teach us not only what we need to become teachers, but also take our minds off of what it is that is pushing us down. Your dedication to pull us through is so obvious and I appreciate you for that.

Looking at the other students, I can’t help but think of the day we all will meet in Cambodia. It will be so amazing.”

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“Wow, has it been two weeks already!?

That has just flown by, I thought isolation life was meant to make time slower... Nope, time flies when you’re having fun! And I’m not being sarcastic, I am truly enjoying myself. More so than I thought I would. I am getting over the week one jitters and beginning to understand the zoom platform and its intricacies. Normally I am not such a tech savvy person, and my online presence has never been one of my defining qualities. However, I did say I wanted to push boundaries, so I think I’m giving it a red hot go in that regard.

I feel I am learning at a steady pace, as the days go by the lessons are becoming more challenging. I am grasping some content quickly, but other content takes a while to register. I like the fact that our grammar class was presented on a Friday so we had the weekend for it to sink in, I’m not sure if this was a strategic move or coincidence but I feel it worked in my favour. It seems like all the things I had once learnt in school, that I had unconsciously buried deep within my hippocampus are starting to appear, akin to an archaeologist brushing the dirt off the remains of an ancient artefact.

I am feeling warmed by the encouragement provided by my teachers which keeps the flame burning, and although I have not met them in person, a sense of connection with my peers is developing. I often daydream about what it could have been like sitting in a classroom far from home had the unforeseen events not taken place.”

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“It’s safe to say that after week two I am feeling content, with myself and with the course. I’m at peace with what I have learned so far. The ways and techniques that are used to train us, are unlike what I’ve experienced during my school years. The information given to us is stuck in my head, and has given me the mindfulness that I will be able to be a great teacher to my students. I will not fall into the tracks of my old high school teachers who didn’t have the passion to do what they were doing.

I am eager and enthusiastic for the last week that lies ahead. Although it will be sad when it is over, I know I will be as ready as I’ll ever be to start my teaching career. I’m feeling deeply appreciative of the kindness and energy that is poured onto us as students. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us, for the last week.”

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“When I think back to the day before I started this course, all sorts of emotions flooded

through me. I was scared and not sure what to expect, but now standing here at the end

of week 2 I have different emotions.

With our wonderful trainers you always have to be ready for anything. There is no time

for you to wonder what is next. To be put on the spot was never a strong suit, but that is

slowly but surely changing. You are always thinking ahead.

Being scared quickly changed to “I got your back”. I do not have to be afraid of making

mistakes or not knowing the answers. We all learn through each other’s mistakes and no

one is judging you.

Who would have thought that through laughter and jokes you can learn. I am definitely

not scared anymore and I am ready for what lies ahead in week 3.”

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Don’t waste lockdown time. Use the time to up-skill and prepare yourself to either teach online, or to come over to Cambodia at a later date for module 2 of training – on site teacher practicums at NGOs in Siem Reap, after which you will receive an additional certificate and assistance with job placement.

Read more about our virtual course options here

Watch a video of our virtual course in action here

Find out more about the differences between an online course and a virtual course here

Read our blog on being a digital nomad or remote worker here

Email admissions@destinationtefl.com to find out more or to set up an obligation-free chat via WhatsApp or Skype.