Tag: English

Meryl’s TEFL adventure

Meryl Davidson completed her TEFL course with the English portfolio at the SU Language Centre and then went on to teach English in South Korea for two years. Meryl’s TEFL qualification allows her to teach English as a foreign language locally and abroad. We asked Meryl a few questions about this enriching experience of travelling and working overseas.

What made you decide to do TEFL?
I decided to do TEFL when I was at a place in my life where I wasn’t finding permanent work in South Africa, I was getting older and needed to sustain myself. I also had a very deep desire to travel, so I thought this was the perfect option for me.

Which doors did your TEFL qualification open for you?
I spent two years teaching English in South Korea. I also travelled the whole Southeast Asia in those two years – something not many people get to say.

I came to see the world from a whole new perspective and it was indeed a life-changing experience. I would not have been able to do this without my TEFL qualification.”

I’m incredibly passionate about travel and surrounding myself with different cultures and traditions. I built lasting friendships and bonds, and I am still in contact with most of the people I met during my time abroad. I also thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in Asian culture and doing things the way they do. For example, when I came back to South Africa, it was very hard for me NOT to remove my shoes before entering my or anyone else’s home!

In what ways did your TEFL course prepare you for your job?
The TEFL course I did with the SU Language Centre was an incredibly intensive programme that stretched over four weeks. In those four weeks we were prepared for any and every possible classroom scenario that may occur in an English foreign language classroom. Nothing can truly prepare you for life abroad until you experience it for yourself, however, the TEFL course certainly prepared me for what to expect in the classroom in many ways.

Could you share three reasons why you think doing the TEFL course and working abroad is something that one should consider?

There is no feeling more liberating than deciding for something more or different when that is what you truly desire.
It changes you in a way that you cannot begin to imagine. Your thinking, your perspective and your worldview changes. Everything you think you know, disappears.
Your independence is your greatest asset. There is no better way to become independent than by entering the unknown by yourself. Stop letting the world out there be one you only hear of. Go see it for yourself!

Would you like to do a TEFL course?

[us_cta title=”” btn_label=”Read more and apply here” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Flanguagecentre.sun.ac.za%2Fproduct%2Fteaching-english-as-a-foreign-language-tefl%2F|target:_blank” btn_style=”2″]You’re in luck: our next full-time course starts on 20 November and our next part-time TEFL course starts on 22 January next year, and we still have a place for you. But you’ll have to apply by 10 November for the full-time course, and 20 December for the part-time course. We also have more offerings next year.
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2 June 2023Tags: English, English as a second language, ESL, Teaching abroad, Teaching English as a foreign language, TEFL

Meet our English teachers!

Meet our English portfolio! Our teachers are all experts in teaching English as a second language and thrive in seeing their students reach new limits. The English portfolio aims to create a fun and engaging environment as students go on their English language learning journey.

Do you recognise one of your teachers? Tell us what you loved about them!

The SU Language Centre’s English portfolio offers certified courses for local and international students, including Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), the Intensive English Programme (IEP) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Learn more here.

Fatima Halday

“My job as a coordinator is to critically plan, synchronise and execute tasks with fluidity, and to build and cultivate partnerships with key stakeholders. As a team leader I create an environment of openness and transparency overcoming complexity by communicating thoughtfully and clearly. I encourage my team to embody a spirit of adaptability. As a lecturer, I aim to create a culture of dialogic and transformative learning in the classroom promoting critical and creative thinking.”

Ammie Henson

“I am an English Second Language (ESL) teacher for the English Portfolio at the SU Language Centre, and the assistant coordinator of the Intensive English Programme (IEP). My job is to make second language acquisition an engaging and meaningful process for my students in a safe and inclusive learning environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. Through the implementation and use of differentiated instruction, authentic materials and interactive activities, my mission is to empower my students to express themselves confidently and accurately in English, while also appreciating and understanding different cultures and perspectives. My ultimate goal is to create lifelong learners and effective global communicators who can navigate diverse contexts with cultural sensitivity and linguistic proficiency.”

Eppie Mcfarlane

“My job is to teach English to students in the English portfolio. I train students who sign up for the SU TEFL courses to become TEFL-trained teachers. I also teach English for Academic Purposes and other courses in the portfolio, wherever I am needed, online or in person. I derive great satisfaction from seeing how new teachers or foreign students develop throughout the courses.”

Tammy Kilroe-Palmer

“My job as an English language teacher is to help my students develop their language skills through an intensive and immersive learning experience. I facilitate the learning process by providing clear instructions, modelling proper language use and creating a stimulating and supportive learning environment for my students.”

Sabrina Thompson

“My job is to assist second-language students to develop their English language skills in a fun, accessible and entertaining way. The most enjoyable part of being a teacher is enabling students to explore their own limits and being a guide to help them along the journey.”

Cynthia Slattery

“My job is to assist students to enjoy speaking English in public, with confidence and conviction. I do this by creating stimulating learning opportunities that allow students to practise their skills.”

Jacques Cilliers

“I am an English teacher working with students from all over the world, from Elementary to Advanced. My job involves being a resource to others and building bonds with my students.”

Jesse Beukes

“I am an intern in the English portfolio. In order to help the portfolio and its members with their numerous tasks and initiatives, one of the main responsibilities of my job is to maintain clear communication networks. Through several opportunities for hands-on learning, personalised guidance and discovering the various resources SU has to offer, I am learning how to function as a part of the Language Centre’s well-oiled machine.”

26 May 2023Tags: English, English as a second language, English courses, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English portfolio, English teacher, Intensive English Programme (IEP), Learning English, life is language, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) full-time

Do you want to teach English overseas or while travelling? Or maybe you would like to revamp your teaching style or earn an income from the comfort of your own home. Why not enrol for a TEFL course?

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14 November 2022Tags: English, English as a foreign language (TEFL)

Intensive English Programme (IEP)

If you want to improve your English at a leading university, and at the same time explore beautiful Cape Town and Stellenbosch, this is a great option for you! Join a community of international students from all over the world.