By Jessica Vazquez

Clare Sweeney, a spirited traveler from Manchester, UK, always dreamed of exploring the world beyond her hometown. Her journey, which began with a simple desire to see Asia, ultimately led her to a fulfilling career teaching English in South Korea. This transformation was made possible through her pursuit of a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) diploma from the TEFL Institute in London and her participation in a Premier TEFL internship. Clare’s story is a testament to the power of education, adaptability, and the courage to embrace new cultures.

Early Life in Manchester

Growing up in Manchester, Clare was surrounded by a vibrant mix of cultures and languages. This environment sparked her curiosity about the world and a fascination with language learning. After completing her studies, Clare worked in various roles but always felt a pull toward international experiences and meaningful work.

The Decision to Travel Asia

Clare’s wanderlust led her to plan an extended trip across Asia. She was drawn to the region’s rich history, diverse cultures, and the promise of adventure. Her itinerary included stops in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Japan. Each country offered unique experiences, from bustling city markets to tranquil temples and breathtaking landscapes.

During her travels, Clare met fellow backpackers who shared stories of teaching English abroad. These encounters planted the seed for a new direction in her journey. She realized that teaching English could offer not only a way to fund her travels but also a chance to make a positive impact on local communities.

Investing in a TEFL Diploma

Determined to pursue this path, Clare returned to the UK and enrolled in a TEFL diploma course at the TEFL Institute in London. The institute is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, which covers essential teaching methodologies, classroom management, and practical lesson planning. The course also provided Clare with insights into the cultural nuances of teaching English to non-native speakers.

The TEFL diploma, typically requiring at least 120 hours of study, is a globally recognized qualification. It opened doors for Clare to teach in a variety of settings, from private language schools to public institutions. The training equipped her with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a classroom environment, even in unfamiliar cultural contexts.

Discovering Premier TEFL Internships

With her TEFL diploma in hand, Clare began researching opportunities to teach abroad. She soon discovered Premier TEFL, an organization specializing in international teaching internships. Premier TEFL offers structured programs that place teachers in schools across Asia, Europe, and beyond, providing support with job placement, accommodation, and cultural orientation.

The South Korea internship particularly caught Clare’s attention. South Korea is known for its high demand for English teachers, competitive salaries, and vibrant expat community. The program promised a 12-month paid teaching placement, pre-departure training, and ongoing support—a perfect fit for someone embarking on their first teaching role abroad.

Preparing for the Move

The application process for the Premier TEFL internship was thorough. Clare submitted her TEFL certification, completed interviews, and gathered the necessary documents for a Korean work visa. Premier TEFL’s team guided her through each step, offering advice on everything from lesson planning to navigating Korean customs.

Before departure, Clare participated in online orientation sessions covering Korean history, language basics, and classroom management techniques. These sessions helped her feel prepared and excited for the adventure ahead.

Arrival in South Korea

Landing in Seoul, Clare was immediately struck by the city’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. Towering skyscrapers stood alongside ancient palaces, and the streets buzzed with energy. Premier TEFL arranged for her to be met at the airport and provided accommodation in a comfortable apartment near her assigned school.

The first week was a whirlwind of orientation activities, including cultural excursions, language lessons, and opportunities to meet fellow teachers. Clare quickly formed friendships with other interns from around the world, creating a supportive network that would prove invaluable throughout her stay.

Life as an English Teacher

Clare’s teaching placement was at a public elementary school in a suburb of Seoul. Her responsibilities included:

• Conducting English conversation classes for students and teachers

• Assisting Korean teachers with joint lessons and extracurricular activities

• Preparing teaching materials and supporting English-related programs

A typical day began at 8:30 am and ended at 4:30 pm, with 22 classes per week. Class sizes ranged from 10 to 40 students, depending on the school’s location. Clare worked closely with a Korean co-teacher, who helped her navigate the curriculum and provided guidance on classroom management.

The students were enthusiastic and eager to learn, and Clare found immense satisfaction in watching their language skills improve. She incorporated games, music, and cultural exchanges into her lessons, making learning both fun and effective.

Embracing Korean Culture

Outside the classroom, Clare immersed herself in Korean culture. She explored local markets, sampled traditional dishes like kimchi and bibimbap, and visited historic sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace. Weekends were spent hiking in the mountains, attending K-pop concerts, and traveling to nearby cities like Busan and Incheon.

Clare also took advantage of the generous vacation time and public holidays to travel further afield, visiting Jeju Island and even returning to other parts of Asia during school breaks.

Challenges and Growth

Teaching in a foreign country was not without its challenges. Clare faced language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the occasional bout of homesickness. However, the support from Premier TEFL, her school, and fellow teachers helped her overcome these obstacles.

The experience taught Clare resilience, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills. She learned to appreciate different perspectives and developed a deep respect for her students and colleagues.

Impact and Reflections

By the end of her internship, Clare had not only gained valuable teaching experience but also forged lasting friendships and a profound connection to South Korea. She had saved money, traveled extensively, and grown both personally and professionally.

Clare’s journey from Manchester to Seoul is a powerful example of how a TEFL qualification can open doors to global opportunities. Her story inspires others to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new cultures, and make a difference through education.

Conclusion

Clare Sweeney’s adventure began with a simple desire to travel and evolved into a life-changing experience teaching English in South Korea. Through her TEFL diploma from the TEFL Institute in London and the support of Premier TEFL internships, she discovered a passion for teaching and a love for Korean culture. Clare’s story is a reminder that with the right qualifications and a spirit of adventure, the world truly is within reach. (NG-FA)