Krishna Murillo started her career as an early childhood educator in Mexico. She worked her way up to a program coordinator and then to the director of an English language school. Over the years, Murillo was inspired to become a better English teacher to provide her students with the best education possible. She began researching teaching English as a second language courses in the US and Canada.   

After extensive research, Murillo came across Humber's Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) graduate certificate program.   

"The education I received from the TESL program was exactly what my career needed," said Murillo. "While I had experience with children, I needed to understand how to create lesson plans for adults and gain better tools for teaching English. The TESL program was great and taught me everything I was hoping to learn."   

As a wife, mother and dedicated educator, the one-year graduate certificate program offered Murillo an extensive and innovative curriculum based on the latest English as a second language (ESL) teaching approaches, methods and assessment systems.   

With a bachelor's degree, post-graduate certificate and master's degree already under her belt, Murillo appreciated the hands-on experiences she received while studying at Humber.  

"From day one, I was learning from experienced ESL teachers and later applying the skills I acquired in a real virtual classroom," said Murillo.   

TESL students complete a 50-hour observation and teaching practicum, which is fully arranged and supervised over two semesters. This work-integrated learning experience allows students to apply concepts, knowledge and practical skills from the classroom to the workplace.   

Students can fulfill their practicum in various settings, including international institutions partnered with Humber.   

"During my studies, I received an email about an opportunity to complete my professional practicum teaching English to students in Japan," said Murillo. "In 2019, I took my three boys to Tokyo, Japan, for a vacation, and we loved it there! I couldn't pass up the chance to reconnect with a culture I admired."   

In her second semester, Murillo began teaching English online to students at Kansai Gaidai University (KGU) in Japan, with guidance from her Mentor Teacher, who was also a professor at KGU.  

"My Mentor Teacher was there every step of the way," said Murillo. "He showed me how to navigate teaching English to Japanese students. Also, he would always review my lesson plans and offer his expertise – he really helped me be the best I could be."   

After graduating in 2020, Murillo received an email from Humber with a job opportunity to teach English at KU.   

"I was worried that I wouldn't be qualified. Even though I learned so much in the TESL program, English is not my first language," said Murillo. "I thought if I were to teach in Japan permanently, I would need to be a native English speaker."   

Despite her doubts, Murillo applied anyway, and after a rigorous interview, she received a job offer.   

"KGU and Humber have an amazing partnership, and KGU knows the quality of teachers that graduate from the TESL program – I think this is one of the main reasons I was hired for this position," said Murillo.   

Today, Murillo is settled into her new teaching position in Japan and says the experience has been challenging but ultimately rewarding for her entire family.   

"We were all excited to move from Mexico to Japan," said Murillo. "There have been many challenges, mainly due to language barriers since English is not as widespread in Japan as elsewhere, but the people are so respectful and nice – it's a beautiful place to live and work."   

Murillo is eager to continue travelling the world and teaching English in many different places.   

"Becoming an ESL teacher allows you to explore the world more than other types of jobs," said Murillo. "Studying at Humber was one of my best decisions because it allowed me to travel and experience different cultures, which is something I always wanted to do."