20 Years of Helping People Change Their Lives With TEFL
Celebrating 20 years of Service!!
20 Years of Helping People Change Their Lives Through TEFL & Moving Abroad
Two decades ago, I taught my very first English lesson abroad. I was nervous, underprepared, and not entirely sure what I was getting myself into—but it turned out to be one of the most life-changing moments of my career and my life. Today, 20 years later, I’ve helped countless people take the same leap: leaving home, teaching English abroad, and discovering new opportunities they never imagined possible.
This is the story of what I’ve learned, how TEFL has evolved, and how moving abroad can still be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
Why TEFL Is More Than Just Teaching
When most people think of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), they picture standing in front of a classroom with a whiteboard, helping students learn English grammar and vocabulary. And yes, that’s part of it.
But in my 20 years, I’ve seen TEFL change lives in far deeper ways. Teaching English isn’t just about language; it’s about connection. You build bridges between cultures. You empower students to access better jobs, education, and opportunities. And along the way, you transform your own life: becoming more adaptable, resourceful, and globally minded.
For many of my trainees, TEFL has been the gateway to:
Living in a dream country long-term
Funding a travel lifestyle while working
Building a meaningful career in education or training
Discovering new passions and professional directions
What TEFL Looked Like 20 Years Ago vs. Now
Back in the early 2000s, TEFL was very different. Training options were limited, online teaching didn’t really exist, and most opportunities were in traditional classrooms. I started in brick-and-mortar schools where technology meant an overhead projector and maybe a CD player.
Fast-forward to today, and the landscape has exploded:
Online TEFL courses make certification more accessible.
Teaching online is now a viable full-time career.
Specialized TEFL tracks like Business English, teaching young learners, or exam prep create more opportunities.
Digital nomad visas make it easier to work and live abroad legally.
In short, it’s never been easier, or more flexible, to use TEFL as your ticket to a life abroad.
Lessons From 20 Years in TEFL & Abroad
After two decades in the field, here are some lessons I’ve learned (often the hard way):
Your first class won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Growth comes from doing, not waiting until you’re “ready.”
Adaptability is your greatest skill. Cultures, classrooms, and technology will keep changing. Embrace it.
Teaching is about people, not grammar rules. Students remember how you made them feel, not just what you taught.
Community matters. Surround yourself with other teachers and nomads for support, ideas, and encouragement.
Teaching abroad is a two-way street. You’ll learn as much, if not more, from your students and host culture as they learn from you.
Why Moving Abroad Changes Everything
I’ve watched people go from being stuck in the same job or routine for years to stepping off a plane in a new country with a TEFL certificate and a suitcase. The change is immediate and profound.
Moving abroad forces you to reinvent yourself. You navigate new systems, languages, and cultures. You prove to yourself that you’re capable of much more than you thought. And with the rise of digital tools, you no longer have to choose between stability and adventure—you can have both.
How I Help People Today
Over the years, I’ve gone from teacher to trainer, guiding native English speakers through the process of becoming certified and confident teachers. I created both in-person and online TEFL programs to fit different needs, and I also launched Digital Nomad Collab to support professionals who want to move abroad, work remotely, or transition into teaching English.
Along the way, I’ve developed digital products, planners, and workbooks that help you answer the big questions: Am I ready to move abroad? Which country is right for me? How do I build a realistic plan?
These resources exist because I know how overwhelming this transition can feel, and I don’t want anyone to do it alone.
What the Next 20 Years Could Look Like
TEFL is evolving, and so is the move-abroad lifestyle. With remote work, AI, and new visa pathways, the opportunities for teaching and living abroad are only expanding.
If you’ve ever considered making the leap, there has never been a better time. My role, and my passion, is to give you the roadmap, tools, and support to make it happen.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’ve been dreaming about teaching English abroad or designing your own move-abroad plan, I can help.
Explore my TEFL programs and discover how to get certified and start teaching.
Check out the Digital Nomad & Move Abroad Bundles that are packed with planners, guides, and tools to make your transition smoother.
After 20 years of living, teaching, and coaching abroad, I can tell you this: the hardest step is the first one. But once you take it, your life will never be the same.