Hi! My name is Megan, and I’m from California. I recently completed the four-week Trinity CertTESOL course with TEFL in Italy in Rome. Before moving here, I worked as a registered nurse in a pulmonary and renal unit. Teaching English was something completely new to me, so I came into the course with plenty to learn!
I had studied abroad in Rome in 2022, and I wanted to come back and experience living here for longer. This time, I wanted to continue studying Italian while also finding a way to work and build a life in the city. Taking a TEFL course felt like a good place to start.
Learning how to teach
Before the course, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Being a native English speaker doesn’t automatically mean you know how to explain the language! Sometimes we were discussing grammar or pronunciation, and I would realize that I had never thought about why we say something a certain way.
The course was intensive. Between lesson planning, assignments, observations, and teaching practice, there was always something to prepare. One of my biggest challenges was figuring out how much to include in a lesson. I wanted to explain everything, but I gradually learned that clear instructions and a few useful examples could be much more effective.
Teaching real students was the most valuable part for me. It gave me the chance to try activities, see how students responded, and make changes for the next lesson. I also learned that a lesson doesn’t have to go exactly as planned for students to get something out of it.
Finding my confidence in the classroom
Although nursing and teaching are very different, I found that some of my skills carried over. Being organized, communicating clearly, and helping people feel comfortable were all things I could bring into the classroom.
I wanted students to feel encouraged and comfortable asking questions. As someone learning Italian myself, I understand how frustrating it can be when you have an idea but can’t find the words to express it.
One lesson that stood out was a speaking lesson where students acted out the preparations for a surprise party. They practiced checking whether everything was ready, giving instructions, and welcoming the birthday guest. Seeing them use the language together was rewarding, especially after all the preparation that went into the lesson.
There were also things I needed to improve. Sometimes my explanations weren’t as clear as I thought they were, or an activity was too easy for the students’ level. Feedback from my tutors helped me recognize those moments and think about what I could do differently. By the end, I felt more confident giving instructions, managing time, and correcting errors without interrupting every conversation.
Building a life in Rome
Alongside the course, I was also adjusting to living in Rome. I live in Trastevere, and being here has given me opportunities to practice Italian and get more familiar with everyday life in the city.
Learning to teach while learning another language has been an interesting combination. It has made me more aware of how much patience and practice language learning takes, and that’s something I want to remember with my own students.
Since completing the course, I’ve accepted a part-time teaching position at a language school in Rome. Having my first opportunity to teach after the course is exciting, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn through experience.
For anyone considering TEFL in Italy, I would say to come prepared to work hard and be open to feedback. There were busy days and moments when I felt unsure of myself, but it was rewarding to look back and see my progress. I started with no formal teaching experience, and I finished with practical classroom experience and the confidence to take my next step.
