Testimonials

I saw many TEFL advertisements while reading the newspapers over weekends. I always wondered what the acronym stood for, until on closer inspection, found out that one could do a course in teaching English to foreigners. I was captivated by the very thought of it, and I was itching to do some further studies. I didn't do anything about it for a number of months until the day I felt that I was in a rut in my job and there and then decided that I needed a complete change. I took the plunge...

I was one of a group of six women. We got on very well together. The course was for two weeks, very intense, and Marian made us work hard, stick to schedules in a no-nonsense manner, and gave us homework everyday. We didn't dare come back with homework not done! She was an excellent facilitator taking us through the process, explaining and citing examples so that we understood the concepts and principles of EFL teaching. We did group work practicing the communicative and participative processes. Marian would sometimes take the part of student while we did our practice teaching. This she did with gusto and she would laugh heartily when one of us said something funny. Well, I can tell you that I never worked so hard in my life as in those two weeks. But it was worth all the time and effort. I enjoyed the course thoroughly and it taught me about aspects of teaching that I never heard of or practiced before. We all received our certificates after doing our presentations one Saturday morning. Everyone made a concerted effort to give of their best in those presentations. We were all proud of our achievements.

The TEFL industry is a dynamic industry. I loved the experience, meeting people, networking, having the opportunity to teach in a completely different style to which I was accustomed. I loved teaching the different nationalities and forming friendships that I otherwise would never have had the opportunity of doing in another setting.

Marian, it was designed that I walk into your TEFL classroom! Thank you for everything, and your friendship. Viva TEFL, viva!

Maddy Harsant, TEFL Graduate (2005)

In 2004 I embarked on a new direction from that of a Waldorf teacher, namely teaching English as a foreign language. Waldorf education had given me a wealth of teaching experience, but I wanted to try and apply it to something new, and especially, to my itchy feet. So I enrolled on a TEFL course under the direction of Marian James.

What I found was truly exhilarating. I found myself able to put my love of English to a new creative purpose, namely to teach English to second/foreign language learners, and especially, the potential to be able to enthuse these learners. A course containing all the elements of humour, wit, creativity and serious study, it covered a wide range of related topics. The theory was comprehensive and presented in great detail. The practical side of the training was, however, the part that enthused me most and added zest to my desire to widen my horizons. Covering each learning level, from beginner to advanced, the course put us students through our creative paces. There was scope for own style and initiative, we could literally spread our wings and fly. Having this confidence allowed me to "go all the way" with my particular talent, my love of food and cooking, and I found myself, for my final practical presentation, regaling my eager and hungry class with an English lesson theme focused on exotic foods, menus and gastronomic exploration. My props were the genuine thing, olives, pasta, pesto, sushi, Thai delights and great wine to accompany the tasting.

The greatest thing about the course is that I entered it having absolutely no idea, and little confidence, that I could, or even wanted to, branch out in this direction. However, to my amazement, as each day unfolded, Marian's own unique brand of enthusiasm combined with professionalism and a thorough knowledge of all aspects of English tuition, literally wiped away my fears and allowed my creativity to come to the fore.

It has equipped me to explore teaching English in South Korea, and I have since, successfully completed a one-year contract at an elementary school near the capital, Seoul. As I moved into this new and somewhat awesome field, and overcame the rather startling culture shock that awaited me, I was able to draw on the vast amount of material that the TEFL course provided me, and slowly find my feet. A year into this new field, and I am ready to take up the challenge of a second. I would recommend TEFL to anyone who possesses a love of English and of teaching, and who wants to explore opportunities abroad.

Laurine le Roux, TEFL Graduate (2004)