In my last post, I talked about how I was finally taking the first step to becoming TEFL certified with the University of Toronto’s TEFL online 120 hour course.

I enrolled, was preparing myself to start in the month of June, and was excited to start my very first lesson.

Well, it’s now been over three months since I started, and I’m happily on my way to finishing the course.

Studying on the Road

Studying in a hammock in the Florida Keys

Studying while travelling proved to be entirely possible, even with my busy schedule. I’ve completed lessons while in Florida, Japan, and British Columbia. There were lessons taken on picnic tables and hammocks on the beach, on lakeside balconies, and even in the centre of a typhoon.

The locations and scenery may have changed, but I was able to pull up the course no matter where I was.

Additionally, after visiting Japan for my first time, it has moved to the top of my list of locations to teach once I am certified. I’m now considering South Korea and Japan for my first year abroad, and the Middle East after that.

Goal: November 12

In my first post, I mentioned that I was setting a goal to complete my course by the end of the summer, but would be making room to work on it into the Fall. Fall is now here, so I am re-setting my goal to finish the course by my birthday, on November 12th.

I will be staying off the road in October, giving myself plenty of time to buckle down and finish up. Then, I will take my final tests while relaxing in Colombia in the beginning of November.

Keeping notes in Summerland, BC

Taking the Course

The course itself has been really manageable, and never too hard. I expect lessons to start getting more and more intense as I move on, but I have been getting scores of 100% on nearly every test so far.

It’s great to get back in the habit of taking notes and studying, and dedicating an hour each morning to completing lessons.

I have also enjoyed the rest of the UofT TEFL community getting involved. I have received emails, Facebook messages and comments on my last post from other students currently (or previously) enrolled in the course. It has been great getting some feedback and tips on how to handle everything.

Seaside studies are the best kind of studies

I still plan to blog about each step of the way, so be sure to come back for my next update on completing the course and discussing what will come next.

I’m Finally Getting TEFL Certified: Part 1
Getting TEFL Certified Part 2: Taking the Course

Are you TEFL certified? Do you have any tips
on completing the online course?

Interested in becoming TEFL certified
and have any questions for me?