CIEE TEFL Alumni Spotlight: Brianna Falcone

Hi! My name is Brianna, I am from Massapequa Park, New York and I studied International Relations at the University of Delaware. I completed my CIEE TEFL certification in 2018 before doing the CIEE Teach in Thailand program. Now I am continuing to use my TEFL certification while doing the CIEE TEFL Job Placement Assistance program in Chile.  

1. What inspired you to get TEFL certified and teach abroad?

I was looking for an adventure and to travel somewhere I may never be able to visit again in the future which led me to get TEFL certified and teach abroad in Thailand.

2. What have you found most fulfilling about teaching English? 

The most fulfilling part about teaching English has been forming relationships with my Thai and Chilean students. Through them I am able to learn more about the local culture and truly feel at home. 

3. What kinds of jobs have you held (or are you considering) after your CIEE program? How do you think your CIEE experience shaped your career?

In between Thailand (2018-2021) and Chile (August 2024-now) I worked as a development and special events coordinator at a nonprofit organization. I think my CIEE experience shaped my career because, as cliche as it sounds, it showed me that anything is possible. While moving across the world can be daunting, there are ways of figuring it out! 

4. What was the biggest challenge you faced as an EFL teacher? How did you overcome that challenge?

Cultural differences in the workplace can be a challenge, especially in Thailand. I did my best to communicate with my peers and supervisors my concerns and to understand their cultural viewpoint.

5. What was the most important thing you learned in your CIEE TEFL course or while you were teaching abroad?

In terms of teaching, the most important thing is that the student is learning! Sometimes teaching a room full of Thai children or one on one with a Chilean adult can be daunting. But as long as the students' English is improving a little bit day by day and they are enjoying the class, you're doing a great job!

6. What advice would you offer to future CIEE TEFL and Teach Abroad participants?

Teach Abroad participants should lean on CIEE for its resources, especially if the program has an orientation! Use that time to meet other participants and learn about the country you'll be living in. If your program doesn't have an orientation, reach out to an alumnus! Moving abroad comes with many questions and there's no better person to answer those questions than someone who's been through it before.

7. What is the top location on your bucket list?

The top location on my bucket list is Fiji because Oceania would be my sixth continent visited!

Thanks Brianna for sharing your experience as a CIEE TEFL student and teacher!

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