Esme Fegan is the Centre Manager and Sales and Marketing director in our partner school in sunny Malaga where we provide the Trinity CertTESOL course. She has have over seven years experience in ELT and Business English as well as vast experience in marketing of accredited TEFL certifications. In this interview, she shares her pathway into this role and what her typical day is like living and working in Malaga.
What inspired you to work for Oxford TEFL?
After completing my accredited Trinity CertTESOL course in 2011 in Spain, I delved into the world of TEFL! After a wonderful career in teaching young learners, adults, Business English and Cambridge Exam classes in Málaga, I realised this this was what I wanted to do for along time. The opportunities to teach English were endless and I wanted to be apart of the industry that had given me the career I loved.
What attracted you to the TEFL industry?
At the time I was living in Wales and was working as a Corgi Registered Gas Engineer. I had come to realise that fitting boilers and central heating systems did not fill me with inspiration anymore. The draw to Spain was always there (and started at a young age) as I spent many a weekend watching programmes like ´A Place in the Sun´. I was drawn the the warm climate, culture and generally relaxed and friendly nature of the Spanish people. I wanted to experience Spain for myself. I had always had an interest in training and passing on knowledge so teaching seemed to be the perfect career change. I also felt it would offer me the work-life balance that I was looking for.
What makes your TEFL course unique compared to other TEFL courses?
In Málaga we offer flexible course options to suit each and every ones needs from part-time and full-time courses of 4, 5, 6 and 8-weeks. The course provides you with the skills and knowledge to start a successful careers as an English teacher. You will have the opportunity to teach live students and gain vital classroom experience followed by structured feedback sessions from our highly qualified Course Tutors. We also provide a free in-depth careers service to help you find your first teaching position in Spain or worldwide.
Why take the course in Málaga as opposed to another location?
The training centre is located in a typically Spanish neighbourhood offering a relaxed and friendly environment. We are just a few minutes walk from the beautiful historic centre, Málaga port and Malaguetta beach. Málaga is a lively, cosmopolitan city bustling with museums, restaurants and bars. This means that you can soak up the Spanish atmosphere and enjoy everything that the city has to offer while taking your TEFL course.
What does a typical day look like for you?
As Centre Manager in Malaga – no two days are ever the same! My day usually starts by chatting to the trainees before their live teaching practice on the Trinity CertTESOL course to see how they are feeling. I then answer email inquiries from prospective applicants who are interested in the Trinity CertTESOL course and who may have queries about what to expect on the course. During the afternoon I usually have Skype interviews with applicants from all over the world and some one-to-one Careers Development meetings with our qualified teachers (to plan their new life as an English teacher). I then focus on the marketing by updating our Facebook page, Instagram account and website information so that people get a sneak preview into what to expect at the training centre in Málaga.
What are some of the best ways future trainees can prepare themselves for the course?
We provide a full pre-course training pack to all of our applicants (of about 20 hours study). This will really help you brush up on your language awareness and grammar skills and prepare you for either the full or part-time course. We advise all applicants to purchase just 1 book once accepted after their Skype interview: Trinity CertTESOL Companion: A guide for English language teachers (by Jason Anderson). This book will become your go to guide and follows all of the input sessions that you will receive on the course.
How do you help support participants in finding a job after certification is complete?
We offer a full Careers Service in Málaga. This service includes a 2-hour workshop for CV writing and interview preparation. We also offer an optional one-to-one Careers Development meeting where we discuss your personal teaching preferences (online, private tuition, Business English or academy work) and develop a personal plan on how to find the right work. We also give you access to our private TEFL jobs Facebook group where we post exclusive, worldwide English teaching positions daily.
What is one thing you would like participants to take away from being TEFL certified?
We want all of our trainees to feel confident in the classroom and have a clear idea of what the teaching opportunities are on completion. The beauty of the Trinity CertTESOL qualification is the flexibility it offers you. It opens so many doors or opportunity and allows you to travel the world and teach!
What do you love most about your job?
The people I meet from all over the world who make the brave and exciting decision to start a completely new career which will enable them to also travel the world and earn. I am also fascinated about peoples stories and reasons for taking the course because many are looking for a complete careers change – as I once was!
What is your favourite TEFL memory/experience?
My favourite memory of all time was graduation day. I felt I had been given a new chance in life to start a completely new and exciting career. Gaining the accredited certification made me feel so free. I felt free to travel the world and explore different cultures. The world was my oyster!
What does 2019 look like for you?
2019 is a busy year for us because we have many new courses planned. We now offer not only the 4-week full-time Trinity CertTESOL course but also a 5, 6 and 8-week part-time course option. I am always excited to meet the new trainees and get to know them during the course. For me the most important aspect of my job is helping you find work once qualified. There is no better feeling than knowing you have helped someone on their way in a new career path.
If you would like to take an accredited TEFL certification in the south of Spain, you could consider the Trinity CertTESOL course in Málaga. Get in touch or apply today to start your adventure!
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