Jacelyn Carter graduated in December 2024 with a major in international affairs and ventured over 7,000 miles from Georgia to work in Japan. The recipient of a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, she studied language and culture at Korea University in 2023. Carter shares how the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program at Berry prepared her.
I’m working as an assistant language teacher at a junior high school in Japan through the JET Program. My main roles involve supporting the lead English teachers in class, planning engaging activities and lessons, and preparing class materials. I also act as a native English-speaking presence for my first, second and third-year students, so I am constantly using my TEFL training.
Having the TEFL minor as a backbone for my first teaching job has done wonders for building my confidence and flexibility in teaching. A TEFL minor equips you with practical skills to teach English to learners of varying proficiency levels and backgrounds. You start by learning how language works, the various ways people learn and how to adapt your lessons and teaching strategies for diverse learners. Then you move on to hands-on opportunities where you apply what you learn in real teaching settings.
Whether this is done through studying abroad, interning or some other opportunity, the TEFL minor acts as an excellent foundation for those interested in teaching English and opens doors for international opportunities and teaching abroad.
I am definitely out here living my dream. I love that I’m always learning something new!
I owe a debt of gratitude to the TEFL faculty at Berry — specifically Professor of Teacher Education Eliana Hirano and Professor of Teacher Education Chang Pu — for being some of my biggest supporters during my Berry Journey. Their support has followed me beyond the “Berry Bubble,” and I am grateful for the encouragement and mentorship I received because it not only gave me confidence in my TEFL skills but also to take the leap and teach abroad.
Find out how TEFL certification gives teachers a competitive advantage whether teaching at home or overseas.
