Published: Wednesday, 8th September, 2010 5:00pm

Bailieboro girl to teach English in Thailand

Eimear Dolan from Bailieborough.

Bailieborough girl Eimear Dolan is like many people that want to travel the world, but feel going completely independently is a step too far, which is why she is embarking on an English teaching adventure in Thailand. The 25-year-old from the Vale has been studying for eight years, and keen to make a change, decided to go travelling. She is looking forward to seeing a different place and experiencing life there. Eimear intends to do lecturing in the future, so this adventure will stand her in good sted.

But as she was going alone, Eimear felt that additional support would give her peace of mind. That's when she enrolled on a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course through County Waterford based i-to-i.

She not only brought her English teaching skills up-to-date, but also took advantage of the company's TEFL internship, which offers around-the-clock in-country and local support for newly qualified teachers.

Eimear, who leaves in October this year, said: "This gives me the chance to get away and see a different culture. I'm really excited about it. I will be returning for a wedding next May. I will then evaluate the situation and whether I will return to Thailand."

She continued: "The internship means I still have the safety net of an organised job and accommodation, and if anything goes wrong, there is back up there, which makes the experience of travelling alone less scary."

Her life-changing venture lasts for five months where she will teach English to students from Monday to Friday, at a government school. Eimear is really excited about the adventure and travelling at the weekends. The Bailieborough girl has already visited places like Canada, America and Europe.

Eimear has a degree in Sport Science and Health from Dublin City University. She has also just completed studying for a PhD in Applied Exercise Physiology.

Although Eimear has some teaching experience, she is one of thousands of people every year who take a TEFL course through i-to-i, with no teaching time under their belts. And in many cases, just the certificate is needed to open the gateway to a rewarding teaching experience around the world.

"I see it all as a big adventure. It means I gain valuable teaching experience while seeing the world - and the weather is a major draw," said Eimear.

i-to-i is currently recruiting for Thailand internships. Visit www.teflcourses.com or call 058-40050 for details.

Founded in 1994, the company offers online and classroom learning opportunities throughout Ireland, and a free Jobs Abroad Service that can help their recently graduated TEFL teachers find a well paid job in several countries including South Korea, China, Japan and Czech Republic.

As well as winning numerous industry awards, it is an accredited trainer by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC), and gained recognition through FÁS as a registered training authority in Ireland. For more information visit www.teflcourses.com