Understanding the value of experiential learning and life experiences abroad, the following people offer their support and guidance for EuroTEFL Teacher Training.

Heather Keyes
University of Wisconsin-Madison (BS Kinesiology); University of Natal-Durban, South Africa (BA Public Policy); Charité Medical School-Humboldt and Freie Universität Berlin, Germany (MS International Health)

Based in Prague, CZ, Heather currently works as an IT market research analyst with a focus on policy research and IT investment growth in the government and healthcare sectors.

Heather first became interested in the world beyond Bemidji, Minnesota when her family hosted short-term exchange students and encouraged her to attend high school for a year as an AFS student in New Zealand. Since then she has been a firm believer in the value of living abroad as it helps people to understand different ways of doing things and also to better appreciate ones own country and culture.

After studying HIV policy in South Africa and serving in the Peace Corps in rural Turkmenistan, her intention was to take a 'short break' which included a TEFL course and teaching English in the Czech Republic and Germany. This break extended into four years, during which she was able to support herself as a graduate student by teaching English. Heather walked into a job after completing her studies thanks largely to contacts she had made while teaching English in the automotive, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, and government sectors. “For me, an English teaching certificate was not just a practical way to support myself; it also opened up significant professional opportunities which I never would have imagined before I set out on my adventure abroad.”

Lessa Josselyn
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN (Bachelors in both English and Political Science).
Currently living in Los Angeles, Lessa spent two years in Eastern Europe teaching and working in international marketing. She describes her TEFL experience as such: "Those two years benefited me both personally and professionally. I had an amazing adventure, learning about and living in a new culture, traveling to many countries and I also gained valuable work experience that has helped me back in the States. To me, a year abroad is an important part of any career or education. You are exposed to so many things which influence you both as a person and as a member of an international community."

Sam Clayton
Brigham Young University in Provo, UT (BA Sociology and English).
Sam was raised in the rural Yakima Valley of Washington State and lived in Utah, Atlanta, and Seattle before relocating to Europe in 2003. During his 5 years in Seattle he was a program coordinator for a federally funded non-profit organization which assisted health centers in providing healthcare to uninsured, underserved, and minority populations in the region. In 2003 he completed his TEFL certificate and with the direct intervention from his job guidance coordinator during the course, he has since worked and lived in Bosnia, Kosovo, Poland, and now Germany. In the interim Sam has traveled to over 30 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia including some recent favorites, India, Nepal, and Russia. Sam lives in Berlin, Germany and is employed with Inlingua Sprachshule Berlin. "Living, working, and traveling abroad has taught me more about life, human beings, and the real likenesses and differences between cultures, than anything else I have ever done. I have had an innumerable number of rich experiences in these last years, so many I can honestly hardly believe it. I have the utmost respect for those associated with EuroTEFL training schools. Kevin has aided me time and again in my search for teaching opportunities, not to mention numerous other friends and fellow teachers.”

Carly Blanchard
Monterey Institute of International Studies (MA in TESOL), Certificate in TEFL (August 2003), University of Puget Sound (BA in English)
Carly spent several years traveling throughout Eastern Europe, teaching English in Prague, Czech Republic, and in Tirana, Albania. Now a full-time student at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) in Monterey, CA, she also works at the MIIS Intensive English Program, a small private language school that offers courses in English as a Second Language and in English for Academic and Professional Purposes. She is the Resource Center Coordinator and runs the Conversation Partner Program, Self-Directed Study Program, Tutoring Program, Learning Center and ESL Cafe, and Events and Activities. “I am a proud supporter of EuroTEFL Teacher Training which offers people the expert training, skills, experience, and support they need to begin successful short term or long term adventure in TESOL.”

Brian De Los Santos
University of Texas at Austin (BS Advertising, Bachelor of Fine Arts)
Owner, Creative Kong, Advertising and Marketing, Austin, Texas. Very much into art, and movies, and design I grew up in Texas and after school moved to Chicago. Why I think travel and experiences abroad are valuable: I think a person can not truly be whole until you have seen how other people around the world live. It is the difference between being self-absorbed and self-aware. “I believe the more people we can get out there learning about every part of this world, then the smaller it can become. It is important for people of every culture to work together for the common good of all.”

Alison Hoffmann
University of Texas at Austin (BS Advertising /Marketing).
Alison currently runs her own marketing consulting service, providing advertising and marketing agencies, as well as corporate customers, with marketing services and support. With over 16 years of experience working for advertising agencies and global companies Dell Computer and Synopsys she has worked with co-workers and customers from all around the world, I know the importance of being able to not just work successfully within the global community, but understand the environments and economies that direct it. “EuroTEFL is just one way individuals can begin to experience other cultures and gain insight into how the rest of the world works. I am happy to be involved in this global community, lending guidance and support along the way.”

Alexander Saunders
Carnegie Mellon University (BS in Finance /Marketing)
I have worked in online marketing for almost 5 years now, and am currently a Project Manager/Consultant for Deloitte in Sydney, Australia. “I completed a TEFL course in Barcelona during the Summer of 2001 and it has easily been one of the most memorable and beneficial experiences in my lifetime, something that not only broadened my people skills and networking abilities but also made me more comfortable with a variety of situations outside of the norm.”

Julie Farnie
University of Texas at Austin (BS Advertising)
Owner, Creative Kong, Advertising and Marketing, Austin, Texas. Very much Type A, I like things organized and in order. Born in Germany, then moved to England, Colorado, Florida, then Texas then worked in San Francisco then moved back to Texas. “I think it is important to be exposed to other ways of living and thinking. We are often raised with the belief that there is only one way that can be the right way. Every culture should be respected, and we should be aware and appreciate each other's differences.”

Jack Forrest
LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, about to begin his residency in emergency medicine. Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge (BS in Biology). During college Jack was very active in the community, especially in after-school reading programs for children reading below their grade level. He has traveled extensively in Europe and was fortunate enough to meet a group of TEFL teachers when he was in Prague participating in a surgery exchange program during 2004. “I hold similar views regarding the importance of international travel, education, cultural experiences, and interacting with people from different countries. I am honored to offer my support as your experience with EuroTEFL will no doubt benefit each of you in so many ways.”

Lynn van der Hoven
University of Cape Town (Bachelors in Social Science /Economics)
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Lynn has worked in consumer goods marketing with multinationals for 10 years, before switching over to health & beauty retail in 1997, where she has held various senior management marketing and merchandise positions. Currently she is the Head of New Product Development, where she drives private label and general innovation across all categories. Living at the southern tip of Africa, Lynn realized quite early in life that traveling is key to self-development. Starting with a Contiki trip in Europe in 1980, she has been traveling as much as possible. “The biggest adventure and learning has been the meeting of different people and discovering new places and cultures. I am now lucky enough to have a network of friends and business connections extending around the world. I am thrilled to be a part of EuroTEFL Teacher Training as I know how this can benefit those from all backgrounds.”