About

Hi! I am Emma.

Welcome to my TEFL adventure

Why did I start this website?

I’m here to share my experiences, tips and tricks, and original lesson plans with my fellow ESL Teachers, and anyone else who may be interested in the TEFL world. As an experienced digital marketer and an ever-evolving TEFL teacher, I thought this website was the perfect way to combine these two passions of mine.

Another reason I started this website was because I saw a content gap. Most of the information out there about TEFL and ESL teaching is provided by companies which have a financial interest in attracting more people to choose this career path (such as TEFL teacher trainer academies). My goal is to share the good, the bad, and the ugly of the TEFL world, so that readers have a more holistic understanding before choosing this path. It’s about celebrating the amazing journey that is TEFL, but also acknowledging its shortfalls.

Who am I?

I am originally from Zimbabwe and have also lived in South Africa, Australia, The Netherlands, and Spain (where I began my TEFL adventure). I qualified as a TEFL Teacher through a Trinity College-certified 160-hour course in 2023, and I have been teaching online and offline ever since. I have the privilege of teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds, of all levels and ages. I have taught at both academies and privately. As of this moment, I have taught TEFL courses in Spain, Austria and Germany. My aspiration is to take full advantage of the international nature of the TEFL world and grow that list continuously!

Apart from teaching English and blogging, I am also passionate about reading, creative writing, cooking, travelling, and learning languages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the main reason you started TEFL?

I wanted a job in which I felt my impact more directly and which allowed me to travel more easily.

3. Can you make a lot of money in TEFL?

It depends! Not really in the more popular TEFL markets (such as Spain, France and Italy), but absolutely where the demand is higher (such as the UAE and Japan). It also depends on how many private students you have and which academy you work for. Overall, I wouldn’t advise doing it if money is your main objective.

2. In which countries have you taught?

In person, I have taught in Austria, Germany and Spain (where I am currently based).

4. Can anyone be a TEFL teacher?

Although many teachers may advertise themselves as ‘conversation teachers’, having an official qualification from a certified TEFL provider is advised (for the sake of everyone involved).