MEET THE ITA STAFF

Kim Johnson | Chief Financial Officer

Kim Johnson - ITA Chief Financial Officer

What is your role at International TEFL Academy?

I am the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

What's your story?

Having had a profound desire to see and experience the world from an earlier age, I moved to Dallas, Texas in 1998 from South Korea. I completed an Accounting degree from the University of Texas at Dallas in 4 years, working full time with no summer breaks.

I was fortunate enough to join a global company soon after graduating: had an opportunity to work in 30+ countries and lived in various cities. Held various roles in these countries including auditor, advisor, and head of finance.

Through these experiences, I learned to respect different cultures and develop skills to connect with all levels of individuals. I have a great appreciation for teamwork, continuous improvements, and find great value in embracing each other's strengths and weaknesses.

I enjoy listening to Vivaldi and all topics of Podcasts. I love traveling, in recent years, off-the-beaten-path horse riding trips.

Where are you from and where did you go to college?

I’m from Daegu, Korea. Went to college there where I majored in Tourism in English. Moved to Dallas, Texas in 1998 and went to UT-D.

What was your first travel abroad experience like?

A three-week backpacking graduation trip to Taiwan and Thailand. A few weeks before the trip, I broke my hand during a ski trip that required surgery/cast... long story short, my travel buddy was stuck with all my laundry during our trip...

What countries have you been to?

Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Jordan, UAE, Israel, Turkey, India, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Russia, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Puerto Rico, England, Ireland, Argentina, Bermuda, Panama, Aruba, The Bahamas, Canada, Mauritius, La Reunion.

Where have you lived/taught abroad?

Lived in South Africa and Morocco for 5 years and Paris, Beijing, Toronto, Utrecht, Athens for between 3 to 6 months per city. 

Best travel story?

Coming back from the Copan Ruins in Honduras, we stopped at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle. We ordered 2 veggie burgers, the only choice available. When our meal was served, a baby monkey jumped down from a treetop in an attempt to steal our lunch. The restaurant owner chased after the monkey with a broomstick. As the monkey ran away back to the treetop, he grabbed a kitten from the ground. The monkey was staring down the restaurant owner as if he was trying to negotiate... after back and forth yelling, howling, and stirring broomsticks around, the monkey dropped the kitten and lived happily ever after...

Favorite ethnic food?

I never get tired of eating Thai food.

What excites you about working at ITA?

I have found my dream company at last! I look forward to sharing my experiences, learning from each other, and growing above and beyond collectively.

ITA Chief Financial Officer Kim Johnson
Kim Johnson International TEFL Academy
TEFL Kim Johnson
CFO Kim Johnson International TEFL Academy
Teach English Abroad TEFL Kim Johnson CFO
International TEFL Academy CFO Kim Johnson

Meet The Rest of The ITA Crew

Meet The Team

ITA Team

Meet the ITA staff who has lived, traveled, and/or taught abroad and online extensively. We've been in your shoes so you can do it too.

 

Academics

ITA Professors

All of our Course instructors possess advanced degrees (Masters Degrees, PhD's or the equivalent) and at least 10 years of teaching & training experience. 

 

Admissions

ITA Admissions Advisors

Before enrolling in a course, all students are provided with one-on-one pre-enrollment advice from expert advisors to determine how they can realistically achieve their goals of working as professional English teachers abroad & online.

 

Student Affairs

ITA Student Affairs Advisors

Following enrollment, students receive lifetime job search guidance through the Student Affairs Department to assist them in navigating the international job market, gaining employment, and preparing to travel and live abroad.