If I Could Teach The World

Some people who go abroad to teach English fall in love with their new life overseas and never return to their home country. The majority, however, will return home at some point, whether after a single year or much longer. It can be a difficult experience for some because you are no longer the person you were when you first left home. Everything, from the everyday language to the time zone, the climate to the cuisine, can feel different. Reverse culture shock can be frightening. For many teachers the obvious next step is to continue working as an English language tutor. If you live in or near a relatively large city you are likely to come across language schools and community colleges that provide English lessons to international students, immigrants, and refugees, among others. With...  [Read more]

Some people who head overseas to teach English grow to love the lifestyle so much that they never return to work in their home country. However, for the majority, the move back home will come at some stage, whether after a single year or much longer. For some it can be a difficult experience as you are no longer the person you were when you first left home. Everything can feel different, from the everyday language to the time zone, from the climate to the cuisine. Reverse culture shock can be genuinely unsettling. One way you can combat this, and continue the international focus of your new found way of life, is to find a job that allows you to use the new skills and knowledge that your time abroad has given you. One obvious step for many teachers is to simply continue working as an...  [Read more]

  Before we go into looking at the actual receptive skills lesson, if we were thinking about what potential problems there could be in these lessons. So, what things could go wrong in a reading lesson? Well, firstly the students when they are reading in a language that is not their native language, they tend to read every word as a separate piece and by reading word to word it?s very difficult to get an overall impression of what that particular text is saying. Secondly, the sentence length in a lot of articles that we will get will be very long and many of our students will not be used to that structure of language. So, here it's important to have a think about the way in which the text has actually been written and will it be fairly easy to read. The final thing is the actual...  [Read more]

  The simple answer is no, you do not need to have any knowledge or experience of languages other than English to take a TEFL course or to become an EFL teacher. The ability to speak other languages is not required as the vast majority of TEFL classrooms around the world rely on the communicative approach to English teaching that specifies that English is the only language used in the classroom. In multilingual classrooms where the students could have a dozen or more different first languages, being able to communicate in one or two of them would obviously be of no particular advantage. In monolingual classrooms you may also find that students are more inclined to revert to their mother tongue during the lesson if they are aware that the teacher can understand what is being said....  [Read more]

If you have decided to pursue a career in teaching English abroad, it is now time to figure out what the requirements are to get you started! While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to teaching abroad, the most commonly required qualifications to become a TEFL teacher are: Although it may seem self-evident, fluency in English is a prerequisite for TEFL instructors. If you don't speak English well, we recommend looking for another job. Non-native English speakers with fluency in the language can find work in many areas, including South and Central America, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. In some regions of the world, though, being a native English speaker is almost a necessity. If English is not your first language, countries like China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are probably no...  [Read more]

It is certainly possible to travel overseas and work as an English language teacher if you have children. However, there are several things to consider before deciding whether it is the right option for you and your family. Wherever you are in the world raising children can be an expensive proposition, so before you head off to teach English abroad you need to be sure that it is financially viable. As pay levels vary greatly from one region to the next, where you plan to teach is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Europe and Latin America are both very popular destinations for ESL teachers, but it is not easy to earn enough to support more than one person in these regions. In contrast, across Asia there are several countries such as China, South Korea, Taiwan...  [Read more]

  ITTT has been at the forefront of TEFL certification for many years and in that time we have graduated tens of thousands of new EFL teachers. Because of our high profile in the TEFL field and the quality of our training courses, employers all over the world are fully aware of our certification. Many of these employers actually look out for our graduates as they are fully aware that they will have completed a meaningful training course that has prepared them for the reality of life in an EFL teaching environment. This recognition is true in all regions of the world and you will find our graduates teaching in almost every country you can think of. In the past it was common for people to head overseas to almost any country and find work as an English teacher without any relevant...  [Read more]

  If you want to find information on all aspects of the TEFL world in one convenient location, head straight over to the ITTT Blog. The blog is home to hundreds of fascinating articles written by a range of TEFL experts and our very own TEFL course graduates. Some of the most popular sections of the blog include tips on visas and work permits, information on salaries and budgets, heaps of great teaching ideas, as well as insight into the different TEFL course options. You will also find many posts related to different teaching destinations around the world that could help you make the right choice of location to suit your preferences. A large number of these articles are written by ITTT course graduates who are now working as EFL teachers in many different settings and locations. It...  [Read more]

Due to government restrictions or work visa requirements, there are several countries where English language teachers without a 4-year university degree might find it difficult to secure employment. However, the good news is there are still plenty of great opportunities for those without a degree if you are flexible and willing to go where the demand for your services is high. To increase your chances of landing a position in the country of your choice, it is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Although China has the largest market for TEFL qualified teachers in the world, the regulations for...  [Read more]

If you're a TEFL teacher who loves ancient history, there are several countries that could be a perfect fit for you. These countries not only offer exciting opportunities to teach English as a foreign language but also boast rich histories that date back centuries. One top destination for TEFL teachers with a passion for ancient history is Egypt. With its iconic pyramids, temples, and hieroglyphics, Egypt offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world's oldest civilizations while teaching English to eager students. The country's rich historical sites provide a fascinating backdrop for your teaching adventures. Another excellent option is Greece, known for its ancient ruins, including the Acropolis in Athens and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Teaching English in...  [Read more]

Are you considering teaching English abroad? A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) diploma could be the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. In today's globalized world, the demand for English language teachers is higher than ever, making a TEFL diploma a valuable asset for anyone looking to embark on a teaching career overseas. 1. Why a TEFL Diploma is Essential for Teaching English Abroad 2. Benefits of Obtaining a TEFL Diploma 3. How a TEFL Diploma Can Enhance Your Teaching Career 4. Choosing the Right TEFL Course for You A TEFL diploma is essential for teaching English abroad as it equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. Many countries require English teachers to have a TEFL qualification, and having a...  [Read more]

The first major factor that has an impact on how long it will take to get TEFL certified is which type of course you choose to take. There are three main TEFL course types to be aware of: The most common form of in-person TEFL course is the four-week, 120-hour TEFL certificate. Trainees on this course usually travel from their home country to one of many locations around the world to take the course. Courses should involve a theory component, covering language awareness and teaching skills, and a practical teaching component where trainees teach classes of real English language learners and receive feedback. These courses usually take four weeks to complete and therefore some form of accommodation is required for the duration of the course. This and the travel aspect, make this form of...  [Read more]

When we look back on our own learning experiences, most of us will have strong memories of certain teachers, and in some cases this can be for all the wrong reasons. Some teachers might be remembered for being harsh disciplinarians, having a boring monotone delivery, failing to listen to the class, or any number of other negative traits. Thankfully, many of us will also have memories of the teachers who had a positive impact on our education, and this could be for a variety of reasons. If you are planning to teach English online or in a traditional classroom, there are several qualities that we think combine to make a great teacher. If you can develop your teaching strategy to include all these traits you are sure to be remembered by many of your students as a great EFL teacher. Although...  [Read more]

Whether you are just looking to earn some extra cash during a gap-year or are planning a more serious move into the world of education, teaching English as a foreign language has many benefits. The demand for TEFL qualified teachers is continually growing in many parts of the world and opportunities for making teaching a career are abundant. Also, if you decide that it is time to head back home, there are many directions in which your overseas teaching experience can take you. Although for many TEFL course graduates the aim is to head overseas to experience living and working in a foreign culture, it is not the only option. Plenty of people use their teaching qualification within their home country as increasing levels of immigration have led to a rapid increase in demand for ESL...  [Read more]

Teaching English without a degree is, fortunately, possible. Regardless of your educational history, there are plenty of language schools that will be happy to employ you. True, having a degree opens up more doors and opportunities, but if you don't have one, there is no reason to let that stop you from pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad. The question of whether you need a degree to find a teaching position is arbitrary, as it is with many other occupations. There is no reason why an English teacher with a university degree would be more effective than one without. Certain traits (passion, commitment, and the ability to create rapport with your students, for example) are more important than a college diploma in this career, as they are in many others. It is important to note,...  [Read more]

TEFL certification can definitely help you secure a job in the travel industry, especially if the position involves teaching English as a foreign language. Many countries require English teachers to have a TEFL certificate as it demonstrates that you have received proper training in teaching English to non-native speakers. Employers in the travel industry often prefer candidates with TEFL certification because it shows that you are knowledgeable about language teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques. Having a TEFL certification can also give you a competitive edge over other candidates who do not have the certification. It showcases your commitment to professional development and your willingness to invest time and effort into becoming a...  [Read more]

If you're looking to expand your horizons and embark on an exciting journey in the field of English language teaching, then obtaining an ESL certification in Paris could be the perfect starting point for you. With the increasing demand for English language teachers worldwide, having a recognized certification can open up a world of opportunities for you to teach and travel around the globe. At ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), we offer comprehensive ESL certification programs in Paris that are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the classroom. Whether you're a seasoned educator looking to enhance your teaching abilities or a newcomer to the world of English language teaching, our courses cater to individuals at all levels of experience. Our...  [Read more]

--- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) courses are designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English to non-native speakers. These courses cover a wide range of topics including lesson planning, classroom management, language skills, and cultural awareness. TEFL courses can be taken online or in-person, with each option offering unique advantages and disadvantages. Online TEFL courses have become increasingly popular due to their flexibility and convenience. One of the main advantages of online courses is that they can be completed from anywhere in the world, allowing individuals to study at their own pace and schedule. Online courses also tend to be more affordable than in-person courses, making them a cost-effective option for many...  [Read more]

EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language and is to almost all purposes the same as ESL, English as a Second Language. These two are also equivalent to ESOL which means, English to Speakers of Other Languages. For each of these terms, when we talk about the teaching of them, we add a ‘T’ to the front of each acronym and hence we arrive at the terms TEFL, TESL and TESOL. As they are basically the same we will refer to just one from here on, TEFL for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language and EFL for English as a Foreign Language. Almost all TEFL teaching positions require a minimum qualification of a 100 to 120-hour TEFL certification. Courses provided to cover this certification are usually delivered by one of three methods, namely, onsite courses, online courses and combined...  [Read more]

Before we look at this question closely, we should first make an important distinction. The number of hours you teach in the classroom (often called contact hours) are not the same as the number of hours you will be expected to be in school, often confusingly called contract hours. Next, it is important to appreciate that different teaching jobs have different typical hours. There are basically three types of jobs available. Most schools abroad work normal office hours so you will probably need to be in school, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. (in many Asian countries) until 4:00 p.m. This equates to around 40 hours per week. You will not have to teach for all of those hours but a typical teaching load would be around 20-25 hours per week. When you are not teaching you will be expected to...  [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]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]

When selecting a TEFL course that aligns with your academic background, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice. Your academic background can play a crucial role in determining which course will best suit your needs and help you succeed in teaching English as a foreign language. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Firstly, assess your current level of education and any relevant qualifications you may already have. If you have a degree in English language or education, you may be able to opt for a more advanced TEFL course that offers specialized training or focuses on specific areas of teaching. On the other hand, if your academic background is in a different field, you may want to consider a foundational TEFL course that covers the basics of...  [Read more]

  Our next methodology is called the silent way and it's accredited to Caleb Gattegno and was developed in or around the 1970s. This particular methodology moved on from the behaviorist stimulus response to what's called a theory of constructivism and this constructivist approach was very very different, very radical to anything that had been tried before. The background to this particular methodology was that there was a French mathematics teacher who found that his students were finding it very difficult to understand particular concepts. What he realized was that what they needed was a more visual representation of the information. So he came up with a series of colored rods to help with those concepts in mathematics. He gave his name to those rods and they're called Cuisenaire...  [Read more]

China is without doubt the largest market for English language teaching in the world. With a population in the region of 1.4 billion people spread across a vast area, there are a huge range of opportunities to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer big city life, the peace of rural living, tropical or seasonal climates, China has it all. However, one big question is often asked by teachers who want to live and work in the country: Until quite recently the answer would have been yes, as schools in China generally don’t care whether their teachers have a degree or not, and this still hasn’t changed. What has changed is the government has tightened the rules on who is eligible for a Z (work) visa which is what every teacher needs to work legally in the country. The simple truth is that you...  [Read more]

Before we answer this question we will first look at the three most common routes towards TEFL qualifications. A TEFL qualification is usually a prerequisite when looking for TEFL employment of any kind. These are: 1) Online courses: a 120-hour TEFL certificate course is the entry level qualification for most jobs. This type of course is conducted 100% online. 2) In-class courses: this type of course is conducted 100% in-class at a location somewhere in the world. Typically these courses also involve teaching practice. 3) Combined courses: this type of course is conducted by a combination of online study followed by a short in-class attendance to complete teaching practice. Once you have completed your chosen TEFL certification course, there are three common working options for TEFL...  [Read more]

Are you passionate about teaching and looking to embark on a rewarding career in education? Completing a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course could be the key to unlocking a world of exciting job opportunities in the field of English language teaching. This internationally recognized qualification is offered by ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) and is highly regarded by employers worldwide. A CELTA certification is highly respected in the field of English language teaching and is a requirement for many reputable language schools and institutions. The rigorous training and assessment process ensures that CELTA graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the classroom. Whether you are a seasoned educator...  [Read more]

While teaching English abroad you are unlikely to face any type of discrimination from fellow teachers as most are like-minded people who are easy-going and accepting of the world in all its diversity. However, it can be a different story when it comes to employers. In some parts of the world, including some of the most popular teaching destinations, traditional, conservative views and opinions are still commonplace and this can lead to some uncomfortable situations. Many people still have the mistaken belief that all you need to teach English is to be a native English speaker and those that aren’t will never be as good at it. However, this view on teaching couldn’t be more wrong. To be an effective TEFL teacher you need to have a solid understanding of the workings of the language...  [Read more]

If you are thinking about teaching English in the short term, during a gap year break or just for a brief change of scenery, then a single 120-hour TEFL certification course will probably be enough to get you where you want to be. However, if your teaching plans are more long term or you simply want the best possible start to life in an EFL classroom, then you might want to consider taking advantage of a TEFL course bundle. At ITTT we offer a range of course packages that provide a thorough and in-depth introduction to the English language teaching world, as well as providing the very best value for money currently available on the market. This two course package is a great choice if you are particularly interested in teaching English in a virtual classroom. You start your training with...  [Read more]

Unlock Your Potential with an ESL Certification Online Enhance Your Teaching Career with ITTT ITTT: Your Gateway to Global Teaching Opportunities Advantages of Getting Your ESL Certification Online with ITTT 1. Unlock Your Potential with an ESL Certification Online 2. Enhance Your Teaching Career with ITTT 3. ITTT: Your Gateway to Global Teaching Opportunities 4. Advantages of Getting Your ESL Certification Online with ITTT Are you looking to take the next step in your teaching career? Do you want to expand your horizons and explore new opportunities in the field of education? If so, getting an ESL certification online could be the key to unlocking your full potential. With the increasing demand for English language teachers worldwide, having the right qualifications has never been more...  [Read more]