TEFL Course Testimonials
Please read the testimonials from our former students. You may also contact them via email for further information on their experiences with Costa Rica TEFL:
“I enjoyed the activities we did in class – we learned how to bring everything into our very own classrooms. I learned how to be a good English teacher and I feel like I have a lot more self-confidence. I know I’m going to do a great job on my own.”
~ Robert Palmer (USA)
“I love the relationships that I’ve built with my classmates and my teachers – even on the difficult days – they really pushed me through. Throughout the course I grew as a teacher. My passion for being in the classroom, which I thought was all but lost, has been reignited! I don’t know if I can put into words what this experience has meant to me. Thank you for reminding me why I became a teacher in the first place!”
-Kelly Lopez (USA)
“I really enjoyed how comfortable the teachers made me feel, so much positive feedback; it was really helpful in the midst of my nervousness with teaching for the first time. I feel that my confidence (as a person and a teacher) has increased immensely. It has been nothing but a positive and significant experience, and everyone at Costa Rica TEFL made it that way. Thank you for the hand-holding and the pushing-off-the-cliff at the same time. It worked beautifully for me. I love all of you, for real!!”
~ Katie Smith (USA)
“I loved all the interactive games/activities made the subject matter interesting and enjoyable. I enjoyed learning from Barbara and Julia you guys are awesome teachers, very talented. I learned a ton. I have definitely become a better teacher. I am more organized; I have lots of activities to use and a wider knowledge on learning as a whole. I feel ready and prepared to be an EFL teacher. The course exceeded my expectations; it was intensive but I learned so much and feel like a much stronger teacher. The material was very interesting and the classroom resources were great. I feel like I can use these skills for many different jobs and social situations. Thanks for all your hard work!’
~Michele Rod (USA): cshelleey@aol.com
‘I enjoyed the teaching styles and attitudes of the instructors. Everything was always very enthusiastic as well as very, very interactive. For students, things were kept interesting and dynamic each day. I have benefitted quite a bit as far as teaching and teaching styles. A part from that, I have become more comfortable and confident throughout the course as far as my teaching goes. I had a great time with the course and learned a great deal more than I expected. I definitely couldn’t have been in a better location for this training!’
~Braedon Cindric (USA): brae_cindric8@yahoo.com
“All of the creative activities were fun and useful so we can use them in our classrooms too. I have built the confidence necessary to teach English on my own!”
~Gregory Friday (USA): gregoryfriday@hotmail.com
‘I have gained a huge amount of confidence in my teaching ability and the structure (steps to mastery) has really been a benefit in giving me a solid structure which I know will enable me to perform alone. I’ve also benefitted in ways I didn’t expect, Eg. living with other students. I enjoyed the entire course!’
~Joe Rebbeck (England): joerebbeck@hotmail.com
‘Everything was so clear and well planned that I’m sure I didn’t just memorize but instead learned things I will never forget. I enjoyed the feedback, the attitudes, the smiles and I seriously enjoyed every minute of the entire program. Keep doing what you guys are doing, you rock!’
~Adriana Ching Gonzalez (Costa Rica): adriching@hotmail.com
* full scholarship winner 2009
‘I love how you taught us everything through activities and games; it really sticks in your head and it’s very effective way to teach. I am so proud of myself; my self-confidence is super high. I am ready to teach and make a difference. You ladies gave us an amazing experience. You were there for us educationally and personally. Every day was fun and I never dreaded coming to class. I think your teaching techniques are highly effective and where I learned everything from’.
~Roxanne Ashbee (Canada): roxy_silver24@yahoo.ca
‘I enjoyed all the teachers and their attitudes were excellent. I learned all the necessary components for teaching. I have grown as a person and I am excited to get a teaching position. Well planned out course, nothing else to say.’
~Alex Brant (USA): branta14@gmail.com
‘I was forced to learn how to be a more creative thinking teacher by developing themes and activities. I really liked being in Samara. The school is in a super location. The teacher trainers were positive and gave great feedback. Barbara gave me super individual support lining up interviews, making contacts and preparing me for the job prospects and future!’
~Kevin Balfour (USA): Balfour_Kevin@gmail.com
‘Learning didn’t really feel like learning at all. The teachers made it fun and enjoyable. Switching groups was also good because it helped us get to know the other students.’
~Aryan Jabbari (USA): JabbariA86@yahoo.com
‘I enjoyed the learning process. I feel confident and prepared as a language teacher. I feel so excited to go out there and teach.’
~Yelena Galperina (USA): yelena.galperina@gmail.com
‘It is a very in-depth and challenging course and I believe that it has prepared me to be a great teacher. The teachers are excellent, inspiring and knowledgeable, along with a dynamic course structure, I feel it’s a 100% success for me.’
~Sarah Galli (UK): sarahgalli10@gmail.com
‘I enjoyed all of the interactive games and activities. It made it easy to get to know each other and the teacher trainers were always involved and approachable. I have benefited so much from this course. I came in with no idea how to teach English and I am leaving with a solid base of tools and ideas to bring to the classroom’
~Andrea Wigozki (USA): andrea.wigozki@gmail.com
‘I really enjoyed the overall energy (mentality) teacher attitude during the course. I felt super supported, very encouraged, and absolutely 100% comfortable in this learning environment. I have my Masters, went back to school for my teaching degree, and did my undergrad and this by far has been my favorite learning experience. I learned MANY valuable things throughout this course.’
~Sarah Saunders (USA): sarah.saunders@ct.gov
‘I enjoyed the interactive style of classes because they both offered and elicitied new ideas. I enjoyed the practice with local residents because of the experience that was gained. I enjoyed observation and being observed because it allowed me to fine-tune my teaching.’
~Kevin Lydon (USA): klydon03@aol.com