TEFL Role Play

Studying to teach English as a foreign language in Thailand, I didn't expect that part of the course would require me to perform a role play speaking Thai!  But that's exactly one of the tasks we were set.  

I've worked on my own as well as with a partner to research some Thai phrases we could use at the Pharmacy, as well as the possible responses we might receive. Next, we had to actually visit a pharmacy and try out our language skills.  Finally, we perfected our script and performed a role play in front of our colleagues AND some native Thai speakers.  The latter were asked questions about what we had said in order to ascertain whether our speech was recognisable (apparently not all previous students have managed this task successfully).

Happily, all of us passed the exercise with flying colours, with scenarios including: the market, the laundry and a restaurant.  It was a great way to put us in the shoes of our students as we struggled with pronunciation and unfamiliar words.

Lots of travellers decide to fund their travel by taking a TEFL course so that they can teach abroad, save money and then wander different parts of the globe. Although such qualifications are often offered in your home country, it is a great idea to take a course in the country where you'd like to teach. The benefits are that the course providers know the education system there and, through their contacts and advice, can help you towards a job.