Why English Teaching is the Perfect TY Activity

Transition Year (TY) offers students in Ireland a unique chance to step outside the traditional classroom and explore new interests and career possibilities. One exciting, accessible, and rewarding TY activity is an Introduction to English Teaching. This is an engaging activity for TY students to develop practical life skills while discovering the world of education.

You don’t have to be a future teacher to benefit from this activity. With the right support, learning the basics of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) can boost students’ communication skills, confidence, and global awareness—all while having fun and earning a certificate.

What Is an Introduction to English Teaching?

This activity for TY students gives students a beginner-level insight into what it’s like to teach English to non-native speakers. Often delivered as a short online TEFL taster course or interactive workshop, the programme covers:

Simple teaching techniques

Basic grammar awareness

History of the English Language

Planning fun, student-centred lessons

Tips for communicating clearly

Understanding different learning styles and cultures

It’s designed to be interactive, inspiring, and achievable—perfect for students who want to try something new without pressure.

Key Benefits for TY Students

Unlike typical TY placements or short-term projects, this activity has long-term value. Here’s what makes it stand out:

– Confidence Through Teaching

Standing up to explain a topic or lead an activity helps students overcome nerves and build self-confidence—a key skill for presentations, interviews, and group work.

– Communication Skills That Stick

By practising how to teach, students learn to speak clearly, listen actively, and connect with others—essential life and workplace skills.

– A Taste of Teaching and Leadership

Many TY students consider education as a career path. This activity offers a safe, low-pressure way to try teaching and discover if it’s something they’d like to pursue further.

– Global Thinking Starts Here

English teaching is a global job, and students explore how people learn in different cultures. This widens their perspective and encourages curiosity about international travel and working abroad.

– Recognised Certification

Many introductory TEFL courses for TY students include a certificate of completion—great for CVs, personal statements, and future applications.

Perfect for Schools, Teachers, and TY Coordinators

If you’re a TY coordinator looking for meaningful, skill-building activities, an Introduction to English Teaching is easy to implement. Most courses are available online and can be completed independently or in small groups. It’s flexible, affordable, and designed specifically for teenage learners.

Some schools integrate the course into their work experience weeks or use it as a project-based learning activity to encourage reflection, planning, and goal setting.

Real Student Impact

TY students who have taken part in TEFL-style introduction courses often report feeling more confident and curious about the world. Many go on to complete a full TEFL certification later on, or use what they’ve learned to tutor, volunteer, or prepare for future travel opportunities.

One past TY student shared:

“While taking this course I learned many skills, including management and grammatical skills. I learned a lot about classroom management and how to engage my class with certain methods… I truly hope I will get the opportunity to teach children and adults English in the near future using my TEFL qualification.”

Start Your TEFL Journey in TY

A short introduction to English teaching is more than just a TY activity—it’s a springboard for personal growth and global curiosity. Whether students want to explore education, boost their CV, or just try something new, this inspiring experience opens doors.

Browse our TEFL for Schools page and see how you can introduce your students to teaching, travel, and lifelong learning.

Request a call back with a member of our team to discuss our TEFL for Schools programme.