Nicole Vail | Chicago TEFL Course Instructor

• Villanova University - BA in Political Science, Minor in Naval Science

• University of Memphis – Master of Arts in Teaching, Curriculum, and Instruction with Secondary Education focus

• Moscow State University – Study Abroad Program in Russian Language

• University of Memphis – MA in English, Concentration in ESL

• University of West Bohemia (Plzen, Czech Republic) – TEFL Certificate

• I also attended the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, CA, where I received my Russian Linguist certification.

After serving in the US Navy for 8.5 years, I began pursuing my passion for language teaching!  I started my career as an educator teaching Russian language and culture to students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, then moved into teaching ESL to students in middle and high school.  I’ve also taught adult English language learners both in the US and abroad, specifically the Czech Republic and Costa Rica. 

The list is extensive! All of Europe, Czech Republic, Poland, Bosnia, Greece, Dubai, Bahrain, Jordan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, Philippines, Australia, Russia, South Africa, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Caribbean.  I spent two amazing years living in Sasebo, Japan as well!

It’s hard to distill a lifetime of experiences into one favorite, as each has had such a tremendous impact on me.  I will say that my time in Costa Rica, driving through the northern part of the country in the cloud forest was some of the purest joy I have ever experienced.

Teaching English is such a mutually beneficial experience.  Your students will be learning from you – so much more than simply language! – and remember that you will be learning from them just as much!  Allow your experiences to enrich you!