All About Tesol

1. Understanding the Significance of TEFL Certification 2. The Importance of TEFL Certification for Language Educators 3. Selecting the Ideal TEFL Certification Course 4. Comparing Online and In-Person TEFL Certification Programs TEFL certification, short for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, equips individuals with the necessary skills to teach English to non-native speakers. This qualification is essential for educators seeking to work in language schools globally, ensuring they possess the expertise to deliver effective English language instruction. TEFL certification plays a critical role in preparing language instructors by offering specialized teaching techniques tailored for teaching English to non-native speakers. Through this training, teachers learn to develop engaging...  [Read more]

Online lessons have become increasingly popular in the field of TEFL/TESOL due to their flexibility and accessibility. Here are some key points to consider regarding online lessons: Yes, online lessons can be effective for learning new skills. Online learning offers several benefits that can enhance the learning experience and lead to successful skill acquisition: Online lessons compared to traditional in-person classes offer several differences and advantages, such as flexibility and accessibility. Online lessons allow students to learn from anywhere with an internet connection, providing opportunities for those who may not have access to traditional education settings. Here are some key points to consider when comparing online lessons to traditional in-person classes:  [Read more]

Level 7 courses in TEFL/TESOL refer to programs that are equivalent to a Master’s degree. Here's what you need to know about Level 7 courses: Level 7 TEFL/TESOL courses are typically designed for more experienced teachers or those looking to further their knowledge and skills in English language teaching. Here are the common requirements for Level 7 courses: Level 7 TEFL/TESOL courses typically take around 6-12 months to complete, depending on the program structure and the individual's pace of study. These courses are designed for more experienced teachers or those looking to advance their careers in English language teaching. Here are some factors that can influence the time it takes to complete a Level 7 course: Level 7 courses are generally considered postgraduate-level qualifications...  [Read more]

Teaching English online has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering flexibility and accessibility to both teachers and students. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to teaching English online: Teaching English online offers a range of benefits for both educators and students. Some advantages include: To teach English online, you typically need the following qualifications:  [Read more]

Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and visuals. ...  [Read more]

Teaching English online can be a rewarding career choice, offering flexibility and the opportunity to reach students from around the world. When it comes to salaries for online English teachers, several factors can influence how much you can earn: To negotiate higher salaries when teaching English online, you can follow these steps: Factors determining salaries for teaching English online: Yes, there can be variations in salaries for teaching English online depending on the platform or company you work for. These differences may stem from various factors, including the business model of the platform, the target market they serve, and the qualifications and experience required from teachers. Here are some key points to consider:  [Read more]

National TEFL recruitment programs are initiatives run by governments or educational authorities to recruit qualified English language teachers for schools or institutions within their country. These programs are often designed to improve the overall quality of English language education and to provide opportunities for foreign teachers to work in a different cultural setting. Here are some key points to consider regarding national TEFL recruitment programs: Yes, participating in national TEFL recruitment programs can offer several benefits: Countries with national TEFL recruitment programs for teachers: To apply for national TEFL recruitment programs in your home country, you typically need to follow these steps:  [Read more]

Higher levels of TEFL refer to advanced teaching qualifications beyond the standard TEFL certification. These higher levels are designed for experienced teachers who wish to deepen their understanding of English language teaching and develop specialized skills. Here are some key points to consider regarding higher levels of TEFL: To advance to higher levels in TEFL, consider the following steps: Higher levels of TEFL certification offer several benefits that can enhance your teaching career and professional development: Higher levels of TEFL courses may have specific requirements that differ from basic TEFL certifications:  [Read more]

To work legally as an English teacher in many countries, you will typically need a work visa. Obtaining a work visa involves a specific process that varies depending on the country you plan to work in. Here are some general steps and considerations related to getting a work visa for teaching English abroad: Research visa requirements: Different countries have different visa requirements for foreign workers. Research the specific requirements for the country you are interested in working in. Secure a job offer: In most cases, you will need a job offer from a school or language center in order to apply for a work visa. Gather necessary documents: This may include a valid passport, proof of employment, a TEFL/TESOL certificate, and any other documents required by the country's immigration...  [Read more]

An in-class TEFL course, also known as an on-site TEFL course, provides a hands-on approach to gaining the skills and knowledge needed to teach English as a foreign language. Here are some key points to consider about an in-class TEFL course: Structured Learning Environment: In-class TEFL courses offer a structured learning environment where you can interact with experienced trainers and fellow trainees, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning experience. Real Classroom Practice: One of the main advantages of an in-class TEFL course is the opportunity to practice teaching in a real classroom setting. This practical experience allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during the course. Immediate Feedback: In-class TEFL courses often include teaching practice sessions...  [Read more]

Taking a TEFL course online is a convenient and flexible way to obtain a teaching certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Here are some key points to consider when taking a TEFL course online: Online TEFL courses offer the same quality of training as in-person courses, covering essential topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and language teaching methodologies. Most online TEFL courses are self-paced, allowing you to study at your own convenience and complete the course within a timeframe that suits your schedule. Online TEFL courses often include multimedia elements, such as videos, interactive quizzes, and online forums, to enhance your learning experience. Many online TEFL courses provide opportunities for practical teaching experience through virtual...  [Read more]

Specialized and advanced TEFL courses provide in-depth training for specific teaching contexts or areas of expertise within the field of English language teaching. These courses go beyond the foundational TEFL certification and cater to teachers who want to deepen their knowledge and skills in particular areas. Here are some key points to consider regarding specialized and advanced TEFL courses: Yes, there are TEFL courses that focus on specific age groups or teaching settings to help teachers develop specialized skills. These courses cater to the diverse needs of English language learners and provide targeted training for teachers working in different contexts. Here are some common types of TEFL courses that focus on specific age groups or teaching settings: Specialized TEFL courses can...  [Read more]

Medical insurance and access to healthcare are important considerations for TEFL/TESOL teachers working abroad. Here is some information on this topic: Medical Insurance: Medical insurance plays a crucial role in determining an individual's access to healthcare services. Here is how medical insurance impacts access to healthcare: Having medical insurance provides several benefits for accessing healthcare: Yes, the lack of medical insurance can significantly impact an individual's ability to receive healthcare services.  [Read more]

Hiring seasons in the field of English language teaching, particularly for TEFL/TESOL certified teachers, can vary depending on the location and type of institution. Here is some more detailed information on hiring seasons and getting a job in advance: Hiring seasons can vary depending on the industry, but there are some general trends to be aware of: You should start looking for a job in English teaching positions about 2-3 months before you need to start working. This timeframe allows for the application process, interviews, and potential visa arrangements. Additional details: Yes, it is common for employers to hire for positions well in advance of the start date. Employers in the field of English language teaching, especially in international contexts, often recruit teachers months...  [Read more]

TEFL courses are designed to give you all the skills and knowledge you need to start a new career teaching English as a foreign language. Once you have completed a TEFL course and received your TEFL certificate you will be able to apply for a wide range of jobs in countries across the world. Before you choose a TEFL course you should be fully aware of all the course options available to ensure you make the right choice to suit your future plans. Deciding which TEFL course suits your individual learning style, your current situation and your future plans can be difficult as there is no standard length of training or a fixed syllabus that providers have to adhere to. The best advice we can give is don?t simply choose the cheapest or the first option you come across as it may not be...  [Read more]

Previous graduates of TEFL courses in Thailand often provide positive feedback about their experiences. Here are some common themes and comments that graduates typically mention:  [Read more]

If you want to meet the criteria laid out for most online or overseas TEFL jobs, then you will need to complete a standard 120-hour TEFL certification course as a minimum. Anyone who dreams of earning a higher salary or applying for management level positions will typically need an advanced qualification such as diploma. However, teachers who want to get to the very top of the EFL tree will probably need to think about completing a Bachelor's Degree in TESOL. ITTT does not operate its own degree course, but we are able to recommend a good option. The Bachelor of Education in TESOL (B.Ed TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education offers a very convenient and affordable way to gain a high-end, internationally recognized teaching qualification. This is a 120-credit degree...  [Read more]

If you have any concerns about your ability to complete the course, or if you are unsure if you should travel around the world to study for your certificate, listen to these graduates who give their honest opinions on these concerns and much more.  [Read more]

Do you want to find out what the best places for teaching English abroad are? Take a look at our resourceful infographics and find the regions with the best salaries, benefits packages and cultural etiquette to fit your needs.  [Read more]

ESL teachers need to be familiar with all of the terminology that goes with the job. Take a look at the video summaries below that cover some of the most important ESL terms and acronyms.  [Read more]

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Yes, not only is it safe for women to teach English abroad, it is also extremely popular. Every year there are somewhere in the region of 150,000 women working as ESL teachers in countries all over the world. Of these, the majority will find themselves living in modern, thriving cities across Europe, Asia and Latin America that have a similar level of infrastructure and amenities to what they are used to back home. Whether in Rome, Beijing, or Santiago, new teachers will almost certainly find there is an expat community of English speakers who are more than happy to provide local knowledge and information to help them settle into their new life overseas. Unfortunately, nowhere is 100% safe all of the time, but with a few simple precautions single women can head off to teach English...  [Read more]

In the run up to your departure overseas to teach English there will inevitably be plenty of things to organise. You will probably have one or two leaving parties to attend and you might have to clear out your old apartment and office space. Even if you only have to pack a bag in preparation for your trip, you will still need to consider exactly what you will and won’t need to take with you. Although mobile phones now have improved cameras built in, taking a separate, high-quality camera is certainly recommended. Mobile phones are only as good as the battery that runs them and these can be short lived when using the camera extensively. Bear in mind that many of the places you might visit could be lacking in charging points and you do not want your phone to die on you while you visit the...  [Read more]

Yes, not only is it safe for women to teach English abroad, it is also extremely popular. Every year there are somewhere in the region of 150,000 women working as ESL teachers in countries all over the world. Of these, the majority will find themselves living in modern, thriving cities across Europe, Asia and Latin America that have a similar level of infrastructure and amenities to what they are used to back home. Whether in Rome, Beijing, or Santiago, new teachers will almost certainly find there is an expat community of English speakers who are more than happy to provide local knowledge and information to help them settle into their new life overseas. Unfortunately, nowhere is 100% safe all of the time, but with a few simple precautions single women can head off to teach English...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad has become a popular and lucrative job for many English speakers around the world in recent years. This is mainly due to the increase in demand for the English language in many countries, which has resulted in increasing competition for teaching salaries. When looking for a teaching job abroad it is always a good idea to compare the salary on offer with the local cost of living, which can vary greatly from one country to the next. A monthly salary of US $1,000 would allow you to live a very comfortable lifestyle in Costa Rica, whereas the same salary in a city like Paris would most likely not be enough to provide all of the comforts you desire. Other contract benefits such as free housing, health insurance, paid vacations, and airfare reimbursement can all add up to...  [Read more]

When researching TEFL courses you will probably come across courses at various different levels, ranging from level 1 to level 8. These levels can cover everything from a 10-hour introductory course, right through to a master’s degree in TEFL. However, as this course framework covers such a wide range of qualifications it is important to have a broad understanding of the levels to ensure you take the right courses to suit your personal situation. Take a look at our course levels page for more details. At ITTT we have developed our own course level framework to ensure it is easy for everyone to compare all our different courses options. Our framework is based on the same criteria as most other recognized systems and it runs from level 3 to level 7. The basic criteria used to build our...  [Read more]

When picking a destination for teaching English in 2022/23 you will have plenty of options to choose from. Some people will choose a location that offers the highest salaries, while others will make their decision based on cultural reasons or even where you can find the best social life. And of course, in the current climate teaching English online is more popular than ever as you do not even need to leave home. Every option has its pluses and minuses, so take a look at this brief rundown on all the most popular choices. Asia is without doubt the top region for teaching English abroad in terms of job numbers. The continent is absolutely huge and home to a wide diversity of great teaching locations. You will find many exciting cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Bangkok,...  [Read more]

There is no simple answer to this question because there are so many different TEFL providers offering a wide range of different TEFL courses. However, at ITTT, we are happy to state upfront what is and isn't included in our TEFL course prices. Essentially, the course price you see advertised on our website covers everything you need to complete your training and receive your TEFL certificate. Unlike many other TEFL course providers, we will never ask for additional payments to cover additional things such as study resources, exam fees, or certificate fees. Our online TEFL certificate courses include high-quality course materials that you can download and print out for you to keep. Even though we do provide you with a recommended reading list during your TEFL course, you do not have to...  [Read more]

Online TEFL courses come in a variety of formats and their popularity grows year after year. One of the most appealing aspects of this type of study is the ability to study on your own time from wherever you are in the world, as is the relatively low cost. However, before making a final decision on which type of course is best for you, make sure you know all the options out there. Our 120-hour online TEFL course and our in-person TEFL courses cover nearly identical topics. The one area where the two versions differ is observed teaching practice (OTP). Our in-person courses include extensive time in a real classroom where you can hone your teaching skills under the supervision of experienced trainers. As a result, in-person courses are generally valued more highly by employers. While we...  [Read more]

Although it is natural to be a little apprehensive before taking a TEFL/TESOL course, there is no need to get overly anxious or concerned. As long as you are enthusiastic, prepared to put in the hours and are open to new ideas, you should have no problem successfully completing the training. However, there are a few things you can do in the run up to your training course to ensure that it is a smooth process that ends with that all important certificate in your hand. If you take an online course, you will be able to set your own amount of study hours and choose when you do them. In this case, it is important to plan a study schedule and keep to it if you want to complete the course in the time frame you need. Write up a calendar with weekly goals that you can realistically stick to....  [Read more]