Stellenbosch University Language Centre

Tag: English as a second language

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?

  1. There is no feeling more liberating than deciding for something more or different when that is what you truly desire.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Enquiries? Click on the button on the right![/us_cta]
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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.”

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Reading for all levels of English with Carmen 2

You’ve been transported to Carmen’s book corner!

Hi there, bookworms! I am back with another instalment of my ESL book recommendations. The summer holidays are coming up and this time around, I am giving you some book ideas that are perfect for the beach. It is easy to fall into the holiday trap and forget all things English as you rest after the long year we have had and prepare for the year ahead. That is why it is so important to read some English during the holidays to keep your English muscles fit.

Below are three book recommendations for beginners, intermediate students, and more advanced learners. This list will have something for every type of reader and student.

Happy holidays and happy reading!

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton (Elementary – Pre-Intermediate 

This is a great book for learners who – like me – love Christmas. The story is exciting, and the writing is whimsical but easy to follow. This book will help students to get in a festive mood and learners of all ages will enjoy this lovely book.

Synopsis

Meet Jack Skellington. He’s in charge of making Halloweenland the coolest creepy place around. But when Jack suddenly grows bored with tricks and treats, he goes searching for new ways to celebrate … and he finds them in Christmas Town!

Christmas, Jack decides, is just what Halloweenland – and the world – needs! He sets out to take over the role of Santa. But can anything good come of a tall and lanky skeleton dressed up as everyone’s favourite jolly old elf? You will have to read and fine out …

2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Upper Elementary to Intermediate) 

The Little Prince is an English classic (even though it was originally written in French) and it has been a cult favourite for years. Filled with beautiful writing and gorgeous illustrations too, this book is perfect to pack for holiday.

This beloved, world-famous allegorical classic about a young prince on a quest for knowledge is an essential read for every home library.

This amazing little book will capture the hearts of readers of all ages. Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince.

Synopsis

When a pilot crashes in the Sahara Desert, he meets a little boy who asks him to draw a sheep. Gradually the Little Prince reveals more about himself: He comes from a small asteroid, where he lived alone until a rose grew there.

But the rose grew demanding, and he was confused by his feelings for her. The story unfolds further from one planet to the next in a beautiful adventure of love.

3. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (Intermediate-Advanced)

This is a beautiful story with simple writing that will engage and challenge students who have some experience in English. The story is filled with unforgettable characters, a thrilling adventure and some valuable life lessons.

Synopsis

Come along, Toto, she said. We will go to the Emerald City and ask the Great Oz how to get back to Kansas again.

Swept away from her home in Kansas by a tornado, Dorothy and her dog Toto find themselves stranded in the fantastical Land of Oz. As instructed by the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins, Dorothy sets off on the yellow brick road to try and find her way to the Emerald City and the Wizard of Oz, who can help her get home.

With her companions the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy experiences an adventure full of friendship, magic and danger. A much-loved children’s classic, The Wizard of Oz continues to delight readers young and old with its enchanting tale of witches, flying monkeys and silver shoes.

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About Carmen

I am an English and linguistics teacher. I live in Stellenbosch with my cat and too many books!

When I grew up, my family and I were very fortunate because we had a lot of books in our home. My brothers and I would often visit the local library in the small town we grew up in and get lost in the wonderful world of books. My love of books grew as I did, and today books are a big part of my life.

I like to read books from all types of genres, but my favourites include mystery novels, historical fiction stories as well as non-fiction like biographies.

My all-time favourite quote is from the author Dr Seuss:

 

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Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

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I am currently doing my master’s degree in Linguistics at the University of Stellenbosch. Reading has always been a big part of my life and it is now part of my job; I am a book reviewer for a South African newspaper called The South African.

I first started reviewing books on my book Instagram (@carmens_book_nook) in 2020. In this same year I began writing articles for The South African. Since then, I have written for various other publications. My work has been featured in the local student newspaper Die Matie, and I have also reviewed a book for SARIE magazine.

 

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Reading for all levels of English with Carmen 1

You’ve been transported to Carmen’s book corner!

Here you will find some great book recommendations for learners of all levels of English. I’m Carmen, and in my first blog post I talk about three books that I think everyone should read in their lifetime. You are sure to find a book suited to your level of English, from Elementary to Advanced.

Welcome and enjoy!

1. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss (Elementary to Pre-Intermediate)

This is a great book for learners who are just starting out with English. The writing is simple and easy to follow. The story is also wildly funny and can be enjoyed by young and old.

In Green Eggs and Ham, we meet Sam-I-Am who is on a mission to get his friend to eat ham and green eggs (yuck!). Sam-I-Am tries everything, but does he succeed? Well, you will have to read the book and find out.

2. Matilda by Roald Dahl (Upper Elementary to Intermediate)

This is a beautiful story with simple writing that will engage and challenge students who have some experience in English.

In this story, we meet Matilda, a sweet young girl who is very smart. She loves school, and she especially loves maths and reading. But poor Matilda has the worst family you could imagine! They are lazy and don’t like Matilda’s smart ideas. At school, even though she has a nice teacher, the principal is a scary woman who is out to get Matilda and tries to make her life awful! Matilda has a plan though …

3. The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé (Intermediate to Advanced)

These exciting comics are for more advanced students but can be enjoyed by everyone. Not only are the mysteries great, but the pictures alongside the words can also help students follow the story. If you love comic books or mysteries, you should step into the wonderful world of Tintin.

He is a fearless reporter who travels all over the world solving many mysteries. His three companions on these adventures are his dog Snowy, the weird and funny Captain Haddock, and the very smart Professor Calculus. Together they tackle some major mysteries all over the world.

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About Carmen

I am an English and linguistics teacher. I live in Stellenbosch with my cat and too many books!

When I grew up, my family and I were very fortunate because we had a lot of books in our home. My brothers and I would often visit the local library in the small town we grew up in and get lost in the wonderful world of books. My love of books grew as I did, and today books are a big part of my life.

I like to read books from all types of genres, but my favourites include mystery novels, historical fiction stories as well as non-fiction like biographies.

My all-time favourite quote is from the author Dr Seuss:

 

[us_hwrapper]

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

[/us_hwrapper]

I am currently doing my master’s degree in Linguistics at the University of Stellenbosch. Reading has always been a big part of my life and it is now part of my job; I am a book reviewer for a South African newspaper called The South African.

I first started reviewing books on my book Instagram (@carmens_book_nook) in 2020. In this same year I began writing articles for The South African. Since then, I have written for various other publications. My work has been featured in the local student newspaper Die Matie, and I have also reviewed a book for SARIE magazine.

 

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