We met with Jacqueline for a brief chat to talk about her experience as a qualified Cambridge Certificate of English Teaching to Adults (CELTA) and how she finds Sudan.
Jacqueline graduated from Exeter University with a degree in English Literature, then worked in marketing for a few years and realised she didn’t like office work/ policies and bureaucracy. The shift in her career happened when her job was made redundant. Thinking about travel and something more long term, CELTA came in mind. ‘I found by accident that I love to teach, being in the classroom is where I thrive and be myself’ she says.
She taught and trained in Turkey, Spain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Macau, Peru, Brazil, Russia and Greece. Besides CELTA she is also a Delta (advanced certificate) holder and tutor. Jacqueline has delivered courses on expert teaching, CLIL and training of trainers.
She says: ‘before training CELTA I didn’t do what I loved, my current career doesn’t feel like a job, I do what I enjoy, it can sometimes be challenging but not too often stressful. It allowed me to meet so many amazing people. CELTA is a passport, it opened up my life to travel and a wonderful opportunity to explore the world, it’s like a working holiday! I currently have a good variety in my life by having a permanent contract which offers job security and being a freelancer which means I can be hired by anyone’.
We asked Jacqueline what is the most interesting thing she found in Sudanese learners?
Jacqueline: Their smiles. It makes me feel so good! They make me want to take them home. Working on a CELTA in Sudan is a humbling experience.