CIEE TEFL Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Sotelo Perez

Hiya! My name is Jennifer and I'm from San Diego, CA! I am a student at the University of California, Santa Cruz. While teaching in Spain through the CIEE's Teach In Spain Volunteer Program, I was still taking university courses to obtain my BA in economics and minor in politics. Over the summer, I began my CIEE TEFL's 150-Hour Certificate course and concluded it in October. Though concluded in October, I received my CIEE TEFL certification in mid-November. Due to a small window between finishing the course and leaving for Spain for the Fall 2024 term, CIEE TEFL and the local government allowed me to complete the practicum, which is the final step to becoming certified. On December 20th, I completed my time teaching in Spain and headed back to the United States.

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

What inspired me to teach abroad was due to my stepmother. Her family members had taught English in another European country and loved it so much that they stayed for many years after. She felt that I could benefit so much and possibly replicate a similar experience. I enrolled in the program because I took her recommendation and I knew that teaching may be a pathway I could go down but I wasn't sure I would thrive in the profession. I enjoy teaching and helping others and so overall, this was a good opportunity to get my feet wet before diving in. 

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

The most fulfilling part about teaching English was the children. Although they weren't perfect angels, they all were very sweet and often needed a little kindness or benefit of the doubt. They truly made my day and were like my best buddies. I also enjoyed sharing my culture and the places I lived in. The shock in their eyes was truly unbeatable and it reminded me of my younger self. Here were these kids that were experiencing a fraction of the life that I lived, and it was so exciting for them. I hoped it would inspire them to travel, open their minds, and meet people from all around the world.

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?

I've held internships and retail jobs in the past and I'm considering research jobs after my time in Spain. A while ago, I went through a rough patch where I didn't know what my future would look like. After having this opportunity and the chance to continue my studies, I want to pursue economics and politics head-on. This CIEE experience will shape my career for the positive because I will be learning and studying for a long time. The material I learned with CIEE TEFL will help me to understand my learning style and how different teaching styles will affect my receptiveness.

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

The biggest challenge I had to face as an EFL teacher was coming up with interesting learning topics for all students and getting them to speak in English. I worked with children from 6-12 and each of them was at a different level, but I could only use one subject for all of them. Some students weren't as interested, and so I had to ask students what kinds of things they would like to learn about. When I found a good topic and it got them excited, they spoke English to me but reverted to Spanish because they had a limited vocabulary. Between each other, the students only spoke Spanish, and so I tried to set conditions that during my time with them, they must speak English. This proved to be difficult because you would have to supervise all of them individually. 

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

The most important thing I learned through the CIEE TEFL course and while teaching abroad was to understand culture through an open mind. Spain as a whole had a completely different culture from the US and it was a little similar to Mexico (I am Mexican-American). Then among Spain, cultures and languages differed from Barcelona to Sevilla. A question I received that confused me was, “What Spanish do you speak?”. I responded with, “Mexican Spanish?” They were confused and so was I, but I later learned that there are many languages other than traditional Spanish. It was a surprising shock because I had never known this information.

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

To future CIEE TEFL/Teach Abroad participants, make sure to keep an open mind. Keep in contact with other participants from your program; they’ll become some of the best people you’ll know. Travel, travel, travel! This program is a perfect opportunity to see Europe and learn about history and cultures. Give children a lot of grace and a little love may honestly help them for the better. Students genuinely want to know who you are so feel free to do a Q&A. It’ll be fun for you and them. Get to know the other teachers! Most will be very giving and want you to experience what it means to live in Spain.

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

My top locations on my bucket list are Edinburgh, Scotland and Munich, Germany. I studied abroad in Edinburgh, and so the city holds my best friends as well as a unique Christmas experience. It’s a magical city overall and I am very happy to have gone during my teaching abroad. Because I’ve been to Munich, I know what lies in the city and the opportunities for travel as well. From Munich you can experience butcher shops all around and get a whiff of that yummy scent. You can also visit castles if you just acquaint yourself with travel blogs and transit.

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

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