Hello, my name is Juliana. I was born and raised in Brazil, and I hold a Portuguese passport, which makes it simpler for me to move around different countries in Europe. My passion for languages began in my teenage years, and I always dreamed of traveling to see what life was like in other places. Teaching English became a way to connect my love of culture and communication. It felt exciting to imagine a future where I could share knowledge in a classroom one day and explore a new city the next.
This story covers the path I took: studying at a TEFL course in Barcelona, then working in Croatia for six months, and finally moving to a small city in Italy where I now have a full-time teaching position. I want to share every step, from the fun I had during the course to the lessons I’ve learned in the classroom.
Why I Chose TEFL
I first became interested in teaching English because I saw how important it was for people trying to get better jobs or travel abroad. In Brazil, many students want extra English lessons, yet qualified teachers can be hard to find. I thought about teaching at home, but at the same time, I also wished to see the world. That’s when I realized a TEFL certification would open doors and help me achieve both goals.
I started researching TEFL programs and discovered a course in Barcelona that had great reviews, hands-on practice, and supportive staff. I liked the idea of studying in a city with so much history, culture, and warm weather. I also read about other graduates who had found jobs worldwide after completing their training. That was enough for me: I applied, got accepted by Erwin, and prepared for a new chapter in Spain.
Arriving in Barcelona
My first days in Barcelona felt like stepping into another universe. I had been to large cities before, but Barcelona had a special atmosphere. The buildings showed off amazing architecture, the streets buzzed with life, and the beach was close by. I remember being fascinated by the mix of modern shops and historic landmarks as I walked around. Even grocery shopping was an adventure because I had to learn Spanish names for different foods.
Soon after I settled in, I met my course mates during an orientation session. We were from all over the world – some were from the United States, others from Europe, and a few, like me, had come from South America. We bonded quickly, partly because we were facing the same challenges: living in a new city, learning new teaching methods, and adjusting to life in another language. It was great to be among people with similar goals.
TEFL Course Highlights
The course itself was a blend of theory and practice. We started with lessons on teaching techniques, and classroom management. I realized just how complex the English language can be. Even though I had spoken English for years, seeing it broken down in sessions was a whole new experience. Still, it made me appreciate what learners go through when they face tricky rules and exceptions.
One of the most valuable parts of the program was the observation lessons. We watched experienced teachers lead actual classes, which taught us how to handle real-life situations. We saw how to encourage shy students, give clear instructions, and keep a lesson moving at a comfortable pace. I took lots of notes and found it especially helpful to see how each teacher handled unexpected moments, like a student asking a tricky question or a sudden technical issue with the projector.
My favorite part of the course was collaborating on lesson plans with my classmates. We would sit in small groups, brainstorm topics, and figure out fun ways to make students talk. For instance, we designed role-plays where students pretended to shop at a market or plan a small party. We’d share feedback and pick up tips from each other. Seeing our ideas come to life in practice teaching sessions was both nerve-wracking and exciting.
Barcelona Adventures and Friendships
Outside of class, Barcelona was the perfect place for adventure. My classmates and I explored famous sites like Park Güell and the Sagrada Família on weekends. Some nights, we joined local language exchange events, where we practiced Spanish with locals and then switched to English to help them learn. It was a fun way to make friends beyond our course group.
Food was another highlight. We tried tapas bars, drank fresh fruit juices at the markets, and occasionally cooked together. My favorite spot was a small café near our school where the owner always greeted us. Over time, our group turned into something like a family. We supported each other in lesson planning and shared notes on living in the city. By the end of the course, saying goodbye felt bittersweet. We promised to stay in touch and hoped to visit each other someday in our future teaching destinations.
Teaching in Croatia
Soon after graduation, I landed a six-month position in Croatia. I moved to a coastal town known for its lovely scenery and relaxed way of life. At first, I worried about how the students would respond to a Brazilian teacher, but they welcomed me with open arms. The small language school where I worked had classes of different levels, from beginners to advanced. I especially enjoyed the advanced groups because we could have long conversations about travel, music, and world news.
On weekends, I visited nearby islands or strolled along the waterfront. The pace of life was calmer than in Barcelona, but I liked the change. It allowed me to focus on my lessons and get comfortable in the classroom. My students often asked questions about Brazil, and they were surprised to hear about my experiences in Spain too. That made me realize that teachers learn from students just as much as students learn from teachers.
Settling in Italy
When my contract ended in Croatia, I got a full-time offer at a small city in Italy called Lucca. I jumped at the chance because I’d always heard wonderful things about Italy – its beauty, traditions, and of course, the food. Living in this city felt like stepping back in time. There were cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and friendly neighbors who chatted while walking to the market. The local people were warm and curious about my story, asking why a Brazilian with a Portuguese passport would choose their city to teach English.
My new job was at a local language center. The staff was small, but we supported each other. I had classes of teenagers preparing for university and adults wanting to travel abroad. Creating lessons for such different groups kept me on my toes, but it was very rewarding. I especially loved seeing students grow in confidence. They would start off timid and end up comfortably talking about their favorite hobbies or life goals.
Challenges and Rewards in the Classroom
Teaching in Italy introduced unique classroom moments. Many students had studied English in school but didn’t get much practice speaking. I used role-plays and conversation circles to help break the ice. We also read short news articles together, then shared opinions. It was a great way to show that English is a tool for real communication, not just a subject in a book.
Some days were tough. There were times when students felt discouraged by mistakes. Other days, it was my own energy levels that felt low. But every time I saw a student’s face light up after finally understanding a tricky phrase, I remembered why I chose this path. The best part was watching them apply their skills in real life – perhaps at a local café with English-speaking tourists or during a family vacation abroad. Those moments made every challenge worth it.
Looking Back on Barcelona
Even though I left Barcelona some time ago, I often reflect on how much that course shaped my journey. The observation lessons gave me clear examples of how to build rapport with a class. The lesson-planning sessions taught me how to be creative. And the city itself encouraged me to stay open to new cultures. I still keep in contact with a few friends from that time. We send messages about our teaching victories and laugh about funny classroom incidents.
I think living in Barcelona prepared me for the freedom and uncertainty that come with teaching overseas. I discovered that being flexible is key, and that it’s okay to feel a little lost at first. Each new country has a different rhythm. Adapting to local customs and lifestyles is part of the adventure. Barcelona was my stepping stone, and I’m forever grateful for everything I experienced there.
Future Hopes and Final Thoughts
Now, I’m settled into my Italian life, enjoying my job, and making plans for what comes next. I want to keep teaching, explore more of Europe, and maybe pick up another language. Sometimes I think about returning to Brazil to teach English at an international school or even open a language center of my own. There are many paths, and the best part is knowing I can choose any of them.
If you’re reading this and considering a TEFL course, I hope my story encourages you. The road isn’t always easy, but it’s full of growth and surprise. You’ll meet people from around the world, learn new teaching tricks, and find out more about yourself than you ever expected. My journey took me from Brazil to Barcelona, Croatia, and Italy, and it’s still going strong. I can’t wait to see where teaching English will lead me next.
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