I Taught English A Long Time Ago

If you haven't taught in a while, it's normal to feel a bit rusty, but there are ways to refresh your teaching skills and get back into the groove: Consider taking a refresher course: Many TEFL/TESOL providers offer refresher courses specifically designed for teachers who have been out of the classroom for some time. These courses can help you update your knowledge of teaching methodologies and strategies. Engage in professional development: Attend workshops, webinars, or conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and practices in English language teaching. This can also help you network with other professionals in the field. Volunteer or do some practice teaching: Offer to volunteer at a local school or language center to gain hands-on experience and build your confidence. You...  [Read more]

  When considering Teacher Talk Time, we can perhaps look at the major advantage and disadvantage of the teacher actually talking. The major advantage is that you as the teacher are usually the only real model for the language, the source of correct English. So at some stages, your talking time is very important to the students. So when you?re modeling language, that use of Teacher Talk Time can be very advantageous. There are major disadvantages to overusing Teacher Talk Time, however, and perhaps the major one is that whenever the teacher is talking, the students are listening and if the students are listening, then they themselves cannot be talking. So, Teacher Talk Time reduces the opportunity for Student Talk Time. So, we should try to minimize the use of Teacher Talk Time...  [Read more]

Yes, there is typically a maximum time limit for completing a TEFL course, but it varies depending on the course provider. Here are some common guidelines regarding time limits for TEFL courses: If you don't finish your TEFL course within the time limit, several consequences may occur: Yes, there are options available to extend the time limit for a TEFL course. Some TEFL course providers offer flexible study periods to accommodate learners' different needs and schedules. Here are some common options for extending the time limit for a TEFL course: Yes, you may be able to request an extension on your TEFL course completion deadline, depending on the policies of the institution or provider offering the course. Extensions are typically granted under certain circumstances and usually involve...  [Read more]

Time management is crucial for TEFL teachers to ensure the smooth running of classes, effective lesson planning, and personal well-being. As a TEFL teacher, you juggle various responsibilities such as preparing lesson plans, grading assignments, providing feedback, and engaging with students. Effective time management allows you to allocate sufficient time to each task, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and prevent burnout. By managing your time efficiently, you can maximize productivity, enhance the quality of your teaching, and create a positive learning environment for your students. 1. Prioritize Tasks: Identify urgent and important tasks that require immediate attention. Create a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance. This will help you focus on...  [Read more]

The economy in the United States and around the globe is facing a massive crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak. We are all fearful of our health, our jobs, our families, and our futures. It's scary stuff. We believe that while times are tough and uncertain, those who prepare themselves now will best weather the storm and will be best prepared to hit the ground running once the world returns to some sense of normalcy. Demand for English teachers online remains strong and will continue to remain strong. This is a viable way for you to earn money if the coronavirus and lockdowns continue in the U.S. and Europe. Education is largely recession-proof - schools will continue, and people will invest in their education to improve their job prospects. This is especially true for English...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a fulfilling and viable long-term career option for many individuals. The demand for English language teachers continues to grow globally, providing a wide range of opportunities for those looking to make a career out of teaching English as a foreign language. One of the main benefits of pursuing a long-term career in TEFL is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the world. Teaching English abroad allows you to interact with local communities, learn new languages, and develop cross-cultural communication skills that are highly valued in today's globalized world. Moreover, teaching English abroad can offer a competitive salary and benefits package, especially in countries where there is a high demand for...  [Read more]

Within the world of English language teaching there are many acronyms used to describe what type of teaching is involved in any particular scenario. EFL is one of the more common ones you will come across and it stands for English as a Foreign Language. You will find EFL is most commonly used when describing the teaching or learning of English in a non-English speaking country, such as Spain, Japan, or Mexico. It is very common for either of these acronyms to be used when talking about any situation where a student is learning English, however, there is a technical difference between the two. As previously mentioned, EFL is when the student is learning English in a non-English speaking environment, for example, a Japanese student learning English in Tokyo. In this scenario there is often...  [Read more]

1. Advantages of Teaching English Part-Time or Freelance with a TEFL Certificate 2. Challenges of Teaching English Part-Time or Freelance with a TEFL Certificate 3. How to Find Part-Time or Freelance Teaching Opportunities with a TEFL Certificate Teaching English part-time or freelance with a TEFL certificate can be a rewarding experience for many reasons. Firstly, it offers flexibility in terms of working hours and locations, allowing you to balance other commitments such as studies or another job. Additionally, teaching part-time or freelance can provide a source of additional income without the commitment of a full-time job. This flexibility also allows you to tailor your teaching schedule to suit your lifestyle and personal preferences. Furthermore, teaching English in this capacity...  [Read more]

Yes, it is possible to make a long-term career out of teaching English as a foreign language. Teaching English as a foreign language can indeed provide a fulfilling and sustainable long-term career path. Here are some key points to consider: Prospects for advancement in a long-term career as an English as a foreign language teacher: Advancing in a long-term career as an English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher can lead to various opportunities for professional growth and development. Here are some key prospects for advancement in this field: To establish job stability in a career teaching English as a foreign language, consider the following strategies: Opportunities for professional growth in a long-term career as an English as a foreign language teacher include:  [Read more]

  There is no simple answer to this question as it depends entirely on which type of TEFL course you choose to study. At ITTT we have a range of courses that are designed to suit the various needs of our trainees, each with its own time scale for completion. Please see below for a breakdown of our various course options. Online courses are often the quickest route towards TEFL certification. If you are in a real hurry a course such as our 60-hour introduction to TEFL may be a good choice as you can conceivably complete it in as little as five days. Even those who prefer to study at a slower rate should find they can complete the course within one month. However, it is worth remembering that the majority of employers worldwide insist on job applicants having a TEFL certificate of...  [Read more]

Securing a TEFL teaching job in a desired market can vary in time depending on several factors. Generally, the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It's important to consider aspects such as your qualifications, experience, desired location, and the time of year you are applying. Firstly, having the necessary qualifications is key to securing a TEFL teaching job. Most schools and language institutions require a TEFL certification, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete, depending on the program you choose. Additionally, having a bachelor's degree is often a requirement for teaching English abroad, so if you don't already have one, you may need to factor in the time it takes to complete your degree. Next, your level of experience can also...  [Read more]

This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from trainees before, during and after every TEFL certification course, it is also one of the hardest to answer. There are many factors that influence how long it takes to secure an English language teaching job, but the good news is that the vast majority of our graduates do land a teaching position after successfully completing their course. One of the biggest factors is where you choose to work, as the demand for teachers varies greatly from region to region and country to country. China has such a huge demand that there are often not enough candidates to fill the available positions. This is particularly good news for newly qualified teachers as you will have little trouble securing a job at any time of the year. Other...  [Read more]

Although this is a common question, it is hard to answer as it depends on which course you choose to take. There are a wide variety of TEFL courses available, both online and in-class, and some that are a mixture of the two, and every one has its own average completion time. At ITTT we have developed a range of TEFL course options of varying length, difficulty, and study method to ensure there is something to suit every individual situation. TEFL courses are typically classified by the average number of hours they take to complete and if you look online you will find some courses advertised at around 50 hours or even less. If you have no other commitments and are able to study every day, it would be possible to finish this type of course in less than a week. However, it is worth noting...  [Read more]

Teaching English online full-time can be a rewarding and flexible career choice. One of the main advantages is the ability to work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a stable internet connection. This flexibility allows you to create your own schedule and work around other commitments. Additionally, teaching English online full-time often offers a steady income and the potential to work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, providing a truly enriching experience. To teach English online full-time, you typically need a bachelor's degree in any field, as well as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. Some online teaching platforms may also require previous teaching experience or a...  [Read more]

Teaching English online part-time is a flexible and rewarding way to share your language skills with students from around the world. With the increasing demand for English language learning, there are numerous opportunities available for individuals looking to teach English online on a part-time basis. Whether you are a student, a working professional, or someone looking to supplement their income, teaching English online part-time can be a great option for you. There are several benefits to teaching English online part-time. Firstly, it offers flexibility in terms of schedule, allowing you to choose the hours that work best for you. This flexibility makes it an ideal option for those with other commitments such as full-time work, studies, or family responsibilities. Additionally, teaching...  [Read more]

Opportunities for long-term TEFL career growth include: A long-term TEFL career can positively impact job stability in several ways:  [Read more]

Becoming a certified TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) educator can vary in terms of time depending on the program you choose. Generally, most TEFL certification courses require a commitment of around 120 hours of study. This can be completed full-time in as little as four weeks or part-time over a few months. Some intensive programs offer accelerated options that can be completed in as little as two weeks, but these require a significant time commitment each day. On the other hand, part-time courses may take longer to finish depending on how many hours per week you dedicate to your studies. Additionally, some programs may have specific requirements or prerequisites that could impact the time it takes to become certified. For example, if you need to complete observed teaching...  [Read more]

--- Time management is crucial for TEFL teachers to ensure productive lessons, effective planning, and a healthy work-life balance. As a TEFL teacher, you have to juggle various responsibilities such as lesson planning, teaching classes, grading assignments, providing feedback, and professional development. Effective time management allows you to allocate the right amount of time to each task, prioritize essential activities, and avoid burnout. By managing your time effectively, you can enhance the quality of your teaching, engage students more efficiently, and maintain your well-being in a demanding profession. To manage your time effectively as a TEFL teacher, consider implementing the following strategies: 2. Create a daily or weekly schedule to allocate time for lesson planning,...  [Read more]

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. With a fascinating history, Mediterranean climate and an easy going lifestyle, it is no surprise that it is the number one choice for a large number of prospective teachers from all over the world. To help you plan ahead and to ensure you have the best possible chance of landing your dream job, we have put together the following guide to finding a job teaching English in Italy. The most important thing to know about teaching English in Italy is that you will need to be TEFL certified. Employers across the country almost always insist on their teachers having completed a reputable TEFL certification course prior to applying for a teaching position. Although it is sometimes possible to secure a...  [Read more]

Teaching English in any environment offers a wide variety of benefits that will enhance your future career, whatever path you choose to follow. If your English teaching experience also included an extended period living and working outside of your home country, then this will certainly look very appealing on your resume when applying for other jobs further down the line. In the modern age where every job seems to have a huge number of applicants and everyone seems to have a degree or other high-end qualifications, being able to add an overseas teaching adventure to your application could well be the difference between securing an interview and being put at the bottom of the pile. So what are the major benefits that teaching English abroad adds to your CV/resume? This is the most obvious...  [Read more]

The popularity of China as a destination for English language teachers has steadily increased in recent years, and it is now right at the top of the list with an estimated 100,000 foreign teachers working in the country each year. As a result of an extraordinary economic boom, Chinese parents are more willing than ever to spend thousands of dollars on their children's English education to give them the best chance of success in the future. With over 300 million people learning English across the country, China's insatiable demand for English language teachers looks set to continue. As there are often more job opportunities than there are teachers to fill them, schools are willing to offer very good salaries and other benefits to attract teachers. Salaries vary depending on the type of...  [Read more]

There are many reasons why people take a gap year and there is no particular best time to do it. You might have just finished high school or university and are unsure what you want to do next. You might already be in work, but are bored of the daily routine and looking for a break. Whatever your reason for taking a few months, a year, or even longer away from your existing life, it could be the best decision you ever made. After being away for a while you should find you have time to reflect on the past, enjoy your present, and most importantly, make well thought out plans for your future. Initially many people assume that teaching English during a gap year is simply a good way to earn some cash while traveling from place to place. However, there are many reasons why teaching abroad is a...  [Read more]

France is the most popular tourist destination in the world by visitor numbers, and it is equally popular with those looking to teach English abroad. With so much to offer, from history and culture to fashion and cuisine, France is the dream destination for thousands of ESL teachers every year. If you want to join this number, take a look at the following guide to teaching English in France. As with most countries in Western Europe, employers in France expect their prospective employees to possess a TEFL certificate. If you arrive without one, you are likely to have a tough time in the job market as most of your competitors will be TEFL certified. If you apply for a position offered by the government-run teaching assistant recruitment program, it is possible to make all the necessary...  [Read more]

This depends on which course you choose and also on your personal learning style. For example, you have up to 6 months to complete a 120-hour online course but many students complete the course in just a few weeks. You can then begin looking for teaching jobs immediately after your course ends. Your lifetime job search guidance begins the day you enroll in your TEFL/TESOL course, so you can get the conversation started with your ITTT advisor whenever you’re ready. The lifetime job support also includes help with your resume and cover letter. At the moment, recruiting and hiring for in-person teaching jobs is still slow, although schools in some countries are beginning to ramp up hiring as they reopen. Travel restrictions are still a major obstacle for many, especially for Americans...  [Read more]

No, TEFL certificates do not expire, they are valid for life. Once you have completed your course, either online or by attending a training center, you will be able to start work straight away or set off on your travels and use it later when your funds starts to get low. A TEFL certificate really is a great qualification to have in your backpack or briefcase as you can use it to earn a good income at any time, in any part of the world. Although your certification will never expire, we do recommend that you continue to develop your skills and knowledge as you progress in your teaching career. Additional courses such as an advanced TEFL Diploma or a specialized certificate in teaching business English or teaching young learners will build on your existing skills, allowing you to deliver...  [Read more]

Asia is the hottest destination for teaching English abroad right now and Taiwan is one of the most popular locations in the region. The government of Taiwan recently announced an ambitious plan to make the country bilingual Chinese – English by 2030, something that offers a big increase in opportunities for English language teachers in the coming years. Along with the buoyant job market, other great attractions for teachers are the high salaries and extra benefits, a low cost of living, the warm and tropical climate, and a well earned reputation as one of the friendliest nations in the world. You have to be over 20 years old and be a native English speaker with a passport from the USA, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia. A university degree in any subject...  [Read more]

Once you have made the decision that teaching English abroad is the right path for you to take, the next step is to complete a TEFL certification course that will give you the qualification and knowledge you need to find a good job and be confident and successful in the classroom. However, when it comes to choosing a TEFL course there are many different options available and each has a different time frame from sign-up to completion. No matter where you choose to take your in-class TEFL certification course you will need to commit to four weeks of full time intensive training. This type of course provides a perfect start to your teaching career as long as you have sufficient funds and are able to fit around the fixed schedule. Although it is possible to sign-up for an in-class course a...  [Read more]

A student failing an ITTT TEFL certification course is extremely rare, as we have a 90% pass rate across our range of courses (one of the highest passing rates of any TEFL school worldwide). Our mission is to train the greatest English teachers possible and to provide the best pre and post-course counseling to ensure that our students succeed in finding exciting and fulfilling opportunities to teach English abroad. A high-level TEFL course is equivalent to a university course, so you should plan to devote the time necessary to finish your coursework. You are unlikely to fail your TEFL course if you review all the course content and meet class deadlines. Depending on the TEFL course you take, you have between 6 months and 1 year to complete your course. If you are not sure if online...  [Read more]

If you are looking for a destination to teach English abroad that is slightly off the beaten track, but still offers endless opportunity for culture and travel, then Russia could be a great choice. With a population close to 150 million and an increasing focus on cross border business, Russia has a very strong demand for English language teachers, particularly in cities such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg. As demand for teachers is so high in some parts of the country language schools tend to hire year-round, unlike many other countries across Europe that often have set hiring seasons. Russia also differs from most other destinations in Europe as schools routinely hire teachers in advance from within their home countries. This means the application process and interviews are conducted...  [Read more]

Vacation time for TEFL/TESOL teachers can vary depending on the type of teaching position and the country in which they are teaching. Here are some general differences in vacation time: Vacation policies can vary significantly between companies based on multiple factors. Here are some key points to consider: Employers typically offer teachers a standard amount of vacation time, which varies depending on the school, country, and type of employment contract. In general, the following guidelines are common in the TEFL/TESOL industry: Yes, employees can negotiate their vacation time with their employers to some extent. Collective bargaining agreements, company policies, and individual employment contracts often outline the process for negotiating vacation time. Here are some key points to...  [Read more]