CIEE TEFL Alumni Spotlight: Erin Backhaus

My name is Erin Backhaus, and I am originally from Omaha, Nebraska. I spent my childhood and adolescence in the Midwest and attended college at Rockhurst University in Kansas City where I earned my degree in English, Secondary Education, and Spanish. I spent a year postgrad serving in the Dominican Republic where I fell in love with the people, the culture, and music, and the magic of the island. The Dominican Republic and the wonderful people that I met will always have a special place in my heart. I did return to the United States for a brief stint but quickly realized that my heart longed for more adventures. I wanted to see more of the world, grow in my Spanish speaking skills, and continue to grow as an educator. I applied to teach abroad in Spain and completed my CIEE TEFL's 150-Hour Certificate course while I waited for my move. The course was so helpful in preparing me to teach English and there are still so may tips and tricks that I use to this day. Luckily my adventures abroad continue as I currently hold a position teaching in the Dominican Republic at a nonprofit.

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

I had several friends in college who chose to teach or study abroad and they loved their experience. One of my friends recommended CIEE to me and I could not be more grateful. CIEE really helped to make the process smooth and easy and provided so much help with visas and other documentation. I was inspired to teach abroad because I love working in education and exploring different places and cultures, so it felt like the perfect fit. 

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

For me, learning a second language opened up so many doors. I was able to converse with locals, make new friends, and travel to the far corners of the globe with ease because I knew the language. I wanted to do the same thing for other people. I wanted to be the person that opened that door up for them to connect with other people and cultures.

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?

After the CIEE program I took a teaching job at a nonprofit in the Dominican Republic. I am currently the instructor for aquatics and English. CIEE definitely shaped my career by giving me the tools to be the best English teacher possible and by inspiring me to chase careers abroad.

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

One of the biggest challenges I faced as an EFL teacher was cultural differences. Schools in Spain work so differently than schools in America, and it took some time getting used to that. I learned to be flexible and leave my expectations at the door. I was a guest in someone else's country and classroom and therefore I found it more appropriate to adjust myself to their way of life. In this way, I found a deep appreciation for Spanish culture and customs and learned to look at things from a different perspective.   

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

While teaching and living abroad, there will be so many challenges and failures and very difficult life events. While it is scary, I learned that it's important to face these things head on. It is only by doing hard things that we are able to recognize our own capacities. 

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

I would advise participants to take risks and don't be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. Yes, teaching abroad can be very difficult and scary, but it is only in doing hard things that we can recognize our capability. 

7. What was the highlight of the past month for you personally or professionally?

The highlight of the past month was a solo trip to Guatemala. While on winter break from my Dominican nonprofit, I traveled to a new beautiful country on my bucket list. I explored the cobblestoned streets of Antigua, climbed Mount Acatenango to watch an active volcano erupt, and jumped off of cliffs at Lake Atitlán. It was an incredible trip, and I would love to explore more of Guatemala and Central America in the future.

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

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