My name’s Jake, I’m from Michigan, a small town just outside of Grand Rapids. A couple of years ago, I packed my bags and flew to Spain to get my TEFL certification with TEFL Barcelona. I didn’t know anyone there, and honestly, I had no clue what to expect. But it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The course was super hands-on, which I loved. We weren’t just stuck in a classroom learning theory, we were actually teaching. I got loads of practice and real feedback, which gave me the confidence to stand in front of a class for real. I remember my first teaching practice, I was sweating buckets, my voice cracked, and I probably said “okay” about 200 times. But I survived it, and every class after that felt easier.
After I finished the course, I got my first teaching job in a little town called Mataró, about 30 minutes from Barcelona. It was quiet, right by the beach, and perfect for getting used to the teaching world. I spent six months there teaching kids and adults, eating way too much tortilla, and learning Spanish the hard way, by trying to order coffee and accidentally asking for a shoe.
Back in the U.S. – A New Chapter in Florida
Now I’m back in the U.S., teaching in a small city near Miami called Hialeah. It’s got a big mix of people and cultures, and I work at a language school where students from all over the world come to learn English. Most of them are from Latin America, places like Colombia, Mexico and Brazil, but we also have students from Italy, France, Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia. It makes every class different and fun.
Morning Routine
So, what does a typical day look like for me?
I usually wake up around 8:00. I live close to the school, like a 10-minute walk, so I don’t need to rush in the mornings. I’ve got most of my lessons planned the day before, which helps a lot. I’ll have a quick breakfast (usually coffee and toast or fruit), check emails, and go over the plan for the day. If I need to print or photocopy anything at the school, I try to go early, the line there can be insane, haha.
Monday mornings are especially busy because we get new students every week. That means placement tests, a quick orientation, and a lot of nervous smiles. Some students have never been to the U.S. before and are totally overwhelmed. Others are confident and ready to go.
I try to make everyone feel at home. We do icebreakers, talk about hobbies, and I always ask, “What’s your favorite food from your country?” That usually gets people talking. One guy from Argentina once brought in homemade alfajores for the whole class. Instant legend.
Teaching in Action
Classes usually have a maximum of 12 students, which is a great size, enough people for group work, but small enough that no one gets left behind. The school offers different types of courses. Some students take four-hour classes daily, some are in shorter programs, and others go for intensive courses that run morning and afternoon. I usually teach group lessons in the mornings, then switch to private lessons after lunch.
Mornings are usually more structured. I try to keep things active, a mix of grammar, vocabulary games, conversation, and listening. Most students want to improve their speaking, so I give them as many chances to talk as possible. We might do role-plays, debates, or activities where they have to work together to solve a problem. I once did a lesson where students had to plan a dream vacation with a fake budget, we ended up with a group trying to get to Japan on $200. The arguments over hotels and ramen were hilarious.
Lunch Break and Midday Vibes
Around 1:00, we have a lunch break. Sometimes I bring food from home, but honestly, most days I grab something from the bakery down the street, they have these amazing empanadas. There’s a small park nearby too, so if the weather’s nice (which in Florida, it usually is), I’ll sit outside and get some fresh air.
Sometimes, students will invite me to lunch. It’s a great way to connect and practice real conversation. We’ve had some deep chats over arepas and iced coffee, everything from politics to heartbreak to “why does English have so many silent letters?”
Private Lessons in the Afternoon
In the afternoons, I usually do private lessons. These are more relaxed and more focused. One student might be preparing for a visa interview, another might be working on business English, and someone else might just want to improve their pronunciation. I like this part of the day because I get to really tailor the lessons to each student.
Sometimes we do lessons in cafes or walk-and-talks around the neighborhood. It’s not always about textbooks. Real-world English is the goal, and if we can do that over iced tea, even better.
After-Class Activities and Mini Adventures
A couple times a week, I also join the school’s social activities. We often do walking tours around the city or short trips to nearby places like Fort Lauderdale, Key Biscayne, or even the Everglades. One time we got caught in a rainstorm during a boat tour, and half the students were trying to explain “thunderstorm” while screaming and laughing. It was chaotic but unforgettable.
These outings help the students use English in real situations and also help them bond with each other. Plus, it’s fun for me. I love seeing their eyes light up when they experience something new, whether it’s a Cuban sandwich or a jazz night at a local bar.
Wrapping Up the Day
By around 5 or 6 PM, I’m usually wrapping up. Sometimes I have a late private lesson, but most days I’m done by early evening. After work, I like to go for a run or meet up with friends. There’s a big Latin American community here, so there’s always good food and music somewhere.
I also take time to check in on my former students, some still write to me on Instagram or email. I even had one who invited me to her wedding in Brazil (I couldn’t go, but it was super touching).
Love my TEFL life
Teaching English definitely has its ups and downs. Some days are easy, others are tough, like when students are tired, or you’re running on little sleep. But overall, I feel lucky. I get to meet people from around the world, help them reach their goals, and use what I learned in Barcelona every single day.
If you’re thinking of doing a TEFL course and teaching abroad, I say go for it. TEFL Barcelona gave me the training I needed, and more importantly, it gave me the confidence to take the first step. And that one step led to a whole new life I never expected, one full of stories, people, and moments I’ll never forget.
And who knows, maybe one day, you’ll be writing your own “day in the life” story too.
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