Cape Town’s Kirsten Colquhoun shares how 20 years of teaching English abroad enriched her life and career, offering invaluable lessons and global experiences. This is how becoming a TEFL teacher changed her life!
Western Cape, South Africa (10 January 2024) – In a remarkable journey that spans two decades, Cape Town teacher Kirsten Colquhoun has not only travelled to 27 countries but has also gained invaluable skills and experiences, all thanks to her decision to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) abroad.
With a degree in English and Psychology from the prestigious University of Cape Town, Kirsten embarked on a life-changing adventure that has shaped her both personally and professionally.
Setting foot in Thailand after completing her studies, Kirsten quickly realised that teaching was more than just a job—it was a calling.
“I knew as soon as I started teaching that I wasn’t going to stop, so I just didn’t go back home,” she reflects.
Since then, her teaching journey has taken her to six countries, including China, Spain, and England. Currently, Kirsten is contributing to South Africa’s educational landscape by developing curriculum resources and offering teacher training at The TEFL Academy, a leading institution in the country.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Kirsten’s journey is the freedom it has granted her. By teaching English abroad, she managed to save and explore various parts of the world during school holidays. For aspiring educators or those considering a gap year in 2024, Kirsten offers a blueprint.
“Qualified teachers can expect to earn between R190 and R560 per hour, along with invaluable work experience,” she notes.
Beyond the financial and travel perks, Kirsten emphasises the invaluable skills she acquired through her experiences.
“Living and teaching in a foreign country enhances your independence, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities,” she observes.
Such qualities not only enrich your personal life but also significantly bolster your professional credentials.
“It shows that you’re a go-getter,” Kirsten adds, highlighting the added advantage of potentially learning a new language along the way.
While Kirsten’s journey has been transformative, it has not been devoid of challenges. From navigating rural areas where English proficiency was scarce to overcoming her inherent shyness, each obstacle presented an opportunity for growth.
“To be successful in teaching and building a life overseas, I had to discover a side of myself that could handle anything,” she shares.
Now settled in Constantia, Cape Town, with her husband and two children, Kirsten’s teaching experiences continue to shape her life. She aspires to instil in her children a love for travel and an appreciation for diverse cultures.
“Teaching abroad fundamentally changed me, and I want my children to experience that from a much younger age,” she says.
For those contemplating a TEFL course, Kirsten’s advice is simple yet profound.
“Just go for it. Be open-minded and flexible. Focus less on potential challenges and more on the life-changing experiences that await you.”
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