Mature TESOL English Teachers
TESOL English Teachers | Teach English Abroad | TEFL International
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TEFL International Welcomes Mature Students
It’s a common misconception that most people who take TESOL courses and teach overseas are all in the "younger set". Recent college grads out to spend a year or two overseas to see the world.   And while a lot of 20-somethings do participate, many people are surprised by the diversity of our classes at TEFL International. Many TESOL groups are a wonderful mix of recent graduates, career changers in their 30's and 40's and retirees in their 50's and 60's.
  Mature teachers are the backbone of many English language schools across the world. This is especially true in Asia, where Confucianism demands respect and dignity for those who have seen more days pass than they will see coming.
Occasionally we hear about mature people who want to take our class but think they are too old, too set in their ways, and will not be able to adapt to learning new theories and practices. We’ve invited two of our “mature” TEFL International graduates to give you their stories. We think you’ll like them.
 “I am Professor Gary A. Hogle, a graduate of the class of 1999 with a TESOL Certificate. I took the TEFL/TESOL course in Thailand, because I had visited Thailand several times in the 90's, and I saw the advert on the website: Dave'seslcafe. In 1998 I took a CELTA course in Prague C.R. under some "Yankee hating" directors I called "Mutt and Jeff."
At that time I did not know the format of CELTA was that out of every class of 12, two MUST fail. I had been teaching in an inter-city (ghetto) high school in Ft.Lauderdale, Florida, USA. When I was asked what was my best day of teaching, I answered, "everyday." How is that possible Mutt asked. "Not being shot, shot at, or hit by a rock is a good day." "You are mocking me he" yelled.
 The Australian woman next to me said, "you're dead meat!" So I failed the course because I used green chalk during a practicum. I found the TEFL/TESOL course in Ban Phe a practical course in creativity and empathy, under the Direction of both Bruce Veldhuisen and Dave Hopkins. It was a great location with living quarters included, with the class room just down the stairs.
Upon my certification I returned to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and taught foreign students in an exclusive private school, and evening courses at Nova S.E. University to adults.
I am presently a Visiting Professor at Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok, and teaching night courses in Vientiane, Laos, to Auditors of the Department of Finance, for ACL/Microtec private school. My TESOL/TEFL Certificate gave me a higher quality status for teaching English as a second language that polished off my abilities with a Phd. “
 We next hear from Faye Girsh. She appears to be the match for any Oriental Pasha!
“I loved taking my TEFL Certificate course in Alexandria! I got to Egypt a couple of weeks before school started so I could explore Cairo and see the obligatory tombs and pyramids. I found actually living in Alexandria for a month more fun than the ancient stuff. Even though it's a poor city and people work long hours they are friendly and curious. Things are inexpensive, including the delicious food.
They gave us an apartment; I was 75 at the time (2007) and my two roomies were in their 20's -- as were most of the other 15 or so students. Sometimes that presented a problem but, for the most part, we had a lot of fun. In the evenings we often went to a cafe down the street to pass the sheesha pipe. Many of us still correspond.  I found the marvelous Library at Alexandria and frequently went to their free events in the evenings, including an Oliver Stone film series and wonderful lectures on American history by the Egyptian director of this amazing landmark.
I had taught English in China and in Japan but didn't know what I was doing. The techniques and instruction offered at the school are excellent. We had a variety of teachers, including some covered women and some totally uncovered in tight sweaters. All helpful and interesting. Although the practice teaching with the young kids was hard, I loved teaching the adults, especially the young women who seem so hungry for conversation and eager to speak English. I am a psychologist and found I could use some group therapy techniques to encourage conversation. We had excellent supervision for our practice teaching.  I did leave after a month to explore eight other middle eastern countries but would like to have stayed to learn Arabic at the school and do some additional practice teaching. The experience was a high point in my long life of travel and adventure.”
 There you have it. Two fun-loving, inquisitive, older people who decided to kick over the traces and find out what the rest of the world is like. If you are young in heart, this is the kind of educational experience you should not deny yourself! Our course centers are always located near transportation hubs and quality hospitals.
 So what’s it gonna be, Grandpa – sitting in your rocker on the front porch whittling napkin rings . . . or teaching a group of Sherpa high in the Himalayas their ABC’s? How about you, Grandma – satisfied to bake cookies for the grandkids on weekends or do you yearn to let the juice of a fresh mango dribble down your chin on some tropical beach?
 More and more retirees are settling in countries like Thailand, where the cost of living is incredibly low and their savings will last three times as long as at home. If you’re thinking of doing that, you should also think about taking a TEFL International course to certify yourself for something useful and interesting.
 You don’t have to teach full-time; many schools are looking for just part-time English teachers and would happy to have your experience and wisdom. Here at TEFL International we say that an old dog can learn new tricks! And learn them better than many a young dog . . .
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