International Travel On A Budget

For anyone planning an adventure teaching English overseas, the amount of cash needed to cover the initial start-up costs is an important question to consider. As with any move there are certain expenses that cannot be avoided, although these will vary depending on where you plan to teach. In most cases the basic start-up costs will include: The cost of obtaining TEFL certification can vary considerably depending on the style of course you choose. At ITTT our least expensive online option can be completed for under $200, while an in-class course will typically cost between $1500 and $2000, not including flights, accommodation, meals etc. However, you should not base your choice of course solely on the cost, as there are fundamental differences to consider. Online courses offer an...  [Read more]

Wherever you are teaching in the world, having adequate health insurance is obviously a very important issue. Whether it is provided by the employer or is entirely your own responsibility varies from one situation to the next so it is vital that you confirm health insurance details whenever you are interviewed for a teaching position. The following is a brief overview of health insurance around the ESL teaching world. The Asian continent is home to some of the world's largest and most popular ESL job markets. Health insurance is typically provided for most teachers working in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam. In many cases health cover is provided free of charge, although you may have a small sum deducted from your monthly salary in some...  [Read more]

  Why teach in China? First the Facts: 2014 College Graduates in China: 7.26 million and rising 30,000 organizations or companies offering private English classes in China The market has nearly doubled in size in the last five years and is now worth around $3.1 billion Salary for foreign English language teachers: English teachers in China can expect to make between 6,000 - 16,000 RMB ($942 - $2,500 USD) Those teaching at an international school, however, can make up to 30,000 RMB ($4,700 USD) Depending on the type of educational institution the salary varies enormously Public Schools: 6,000-10,000 RMB Private Language Institute: 6,000 - 16,000 RMB per month Universities: 7,500 - 10,000 RMB per month International Schools: 12,000 - 30,000 RMB per month How much does...  [Read more]

TEFL International’s course in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a fantastic choice for earning your certification to teaching English. Jobs are plentiful in Vietnam, Asia and the rest of the world if you wish to travel beyond local borders after the course. HCMC is the biggest and most vibrant city in Vietnam. Some still refer to it as Saigon but regardless of what it’s called, both the city, and our course will not disappoint you. Take leisurely strolls down neighborhood streets and you’ll find a plethora of tea shops, cafes, markets and canals—not to mention, a bustling population unlike anywhere else in the world. HCMC has a recent and world-famous past so an abundance of attractions await anyone who takes our course. Visit the Historical Museum with artifacts ranging from the Bronze...  [Read more]

Cairo is one of the largest and most culturally diverse cities in Egypt and the Arab world as a whole. It a truly interesting and exciting place to visit and an ideal location to study for a TEFL qualification. Cairo is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Egypt with a long history as the site of this Egypt’s historic capitals. The city is home to a spectacular number of ancient and modern monuments and is a “living museum” where visitors get to experience Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic history through the many relics and monuments found across the city. These fascinating archaeological sites attract visitors from all over the world and Cairo is a first-class tourist destination. Not only is Cairo home to some of the most interesting historical relics in the world,...  [Read more]

Chiang Mai is the capital city of northern Thailand and it was once the center of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. It was founded in the 13th century and is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. The Lanna Kingdom might not exist in the 21st century, but shadows of its rich culture can still be seen today. The outskirts of Chiang Mai are full of small mountains, meandering rivers, gentle waterfalls and countless Buddhist monasteries. If you’re looking for a great experience while conducting your teacher training, Chiang Mai is a great choice for your TEFL International course. Chiang Mai is an essential destination for anyone visiting Thailand. It sits roughly 350 miles northwest of Bangkok and offers countless temples to visit—more than 120 are within city limits. The Old Town is surrounded...  [Read more]

TEFL International's centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina is an unbeatable destination to take the tefl certification course in Latin America. There are lots of job opportunities for TEFL certified native or fluent English speakers, and you can also learn or improve your Spanish. As the capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires has so much to offer visitors that it is difficult to narrow down your itinerary to just a few things to do. Buenos Aires is a thriving multicultural city and the best way to explore its diversity is to get out and about in the various neighborhoods that make up the city. By choosing to study with TEFL International in Buenos Aires, you are signing up for an exciting and rewarding time in Argentina. Known as the "Paris of South America", Buenos Aires is one of the most...  [Read more]

There’s no other place quite like New York City and TEFL International in nyc combines the professionalism of our training center with the jaw-dropping excitement of one of the largest metropolitan areas on Earth. The city’s incredible diversity, rich culture and impeccable style will delight even the biggest skeptics. We’re located in the best part of Manhattan; it’s safe, convenient and highly entertaining. Coupled with our staff’s great training, you couldn’t ask for a better place to gain tefl certification. The list of NYC’s highlights is so long that there’s no way you can take advantage of visiting each one while you’re here. Choose from the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, the Brooklyn Bridge,...  [Read more]

Many TEFL qualified teachers head overseas to look for excitement, adventure, new experiences, and to simply get away from the daily grind, but not all are aware of the potential to earn a very good living whilst doing so. In some parts of the world teachers can earn more than enough to live a high quality of life and also afford to put aside a considerable sum each month to pay off student debts or to save for future travel etc. As demand for qualified teachers continues to grow in many areas, so do the potential salaries on offer. When looking for a teaching job, it is always advisable to weigh up the salary on offer in comparison with the local cost of living as this can vary considerably from one country to the next. A monthly salary of $1000 in Bolivia would allow you to live a...  [Read more]

  Why teach in Korea? First the Facts 2/3 of South Koreans aged 25-34 have college degree and take mandatory English classes. Koreans are obsessed with education to enable the best future for their children South Korea provides top salary to their teachers and has the highest average reading literacy of the OECD Salary for foreign English language teachers English teachers in Korea can expect to make between $1,300 and $3,000 per month. Depending on the type of educational institution, the salary varies enormously: Public Schools: 1.5-3 million won, or $1,265 - $2,500 USD, per month. Private Language Institutes: 1.9-2.3 million won, or 1,600 - $1,940 USD, per month. Universities: 2.3 - 3.5 million won, or $1,950 - $2,950 USD, per month. International Schools: 1.8 - 2.8...  [Read more]

For many people, quintessential Greece is what comes to mind when they think of the beautiful island of Santorini, the most southern of the Cyclades islands. The island is actually made up of 5 islands, with Santorini being joined by Thirasia and Aspronisi and the volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. With stunning scenery all around you, Santorini really is an ideal place to take your TEFL course. During the volcanic eruptions of 1866-1870, the area was visited by Jules Verne. He then immortalized Santorini in his books “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” and “The Mysterious Island’. Here captain Nemo and his crew watched the famous eruptions. The Caldera View is one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire world. The Santorini Caldera view includes 85-meter...  [Read more]

Our Taiwan TEFL training course is held in the exciting capital city of Taipei. Home to 2.7 million Taiwanese, Taipei is the political, economic, instructional, and cultural center of Taiwan. It is also one of the major hubs in East Asia, and a great base from which to explore the wider region. In Taipei you'll notice a combination of the old and new where modern buildings exist next to those of the colonial era and old Chinese temples. The most famous landmark in Taipei is the Taipei 101 tower, which was the world's tallest building when it was completed in 2004. The National Palace Museum is where you will want to head if you are interested in Taiwanese culture and history. The museum is home to a large collection of ancient Chinese ceramics, carvings, paintings and calligraphy. ...  [Read more]

Cambodia is one of the most exciting countries in Asia and it is not hard to see why. The country is blessed with rich culture, natural beauty, and ancient structures. One of the most-visited sites in the country is the temple complex of Angkor Wat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, Angkor Wat attracts over 2 million tourists annually. Gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap was always destined for great things. Visitors come here to see the temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in and around the city when you are templed out. Siem Reap has reinvented itself as the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from backpacker party pads to hip hotels, world-class wining, and dining across a range of cuisines, sumptuous spas, great shopping, local tours to suit both...  [Read more]

Phuket is a fantastic tropical paradise. Nestled in the crystal clear, relaxing waters off the south-west coast of Thailand, Phuket (pronounced, “Poo-ket”) has rightfully earned the name, “Pearl of the Andaman Sea”. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and offers a wide variety of things to see and do. The island’s cities are safe and offer modern technology. Its famous nightlife is surrounded by quiet countryside, rolling mountains, lush jungle, historic temples and gentle waterfalls. Even the well-traveled know it’s difficult to find so many offerings on one island. Phuket’s breath-taking beaches also offer similar variety. Famous, Patong Beach bustles with activity year-round, yet the Zen-like beaches of Mai Khao and Layan remain sublimely sparse through high season. Even...  [Read more]

There are many different reasons why people choose to teach English abroad and the chance to earn good money is certainly one of them. How much you can realistically expect to earn is largely dependent on where in the world you choose to teach. The highest salaries are generally found in the Middle East and East Asia regions where teachers can typically live well and still save a considerable sum each month. In Europe and Latin America it is harder to save money, but you should still earn enough to live comfortably. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in the region. Teachers without experience can expect to earn around $1,000 per month, which...  [Read more]

Many TEFL qualified teachers head to Latin America as it is a region that promises endless opportunities for adventure. Teaching jobs are abundant in many areas and there are rarely any restrictions on who is eligible to apply. Whether you are a native English speaker or not, and whether you hold a degree are often irrelevant in many countries. Several countries also have clear structures in place for obtaining an official work permit, while salaries are typically high enough to afford a comfortable lifestyle. Unlike some other popular regions for foreign teachers, there is generally no requirement for teachers in Latin America to possess a college degree or to have extensive experience in the classroom. However, most employers will expect their teachers to have completed a reputable...  [Read more]

Across Europe there are several countries that attract a large number of EFL teachers every year. Some make it hard for foreign teachers to work legally, while others are much more open. By doing a bit of simple research you should be able to find the countries that offer the best prospects for your personal circumstances. Spain has long been one of the top destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. Thousands of teachers from all over the world head to Spain every year, drawn by the promise of a relaxed lifestyle, a beautiful coastline dotted with sandy beaches, and the opportunity to learn Spanish while living in a modern, international city such as Madrid or Barcelona. If you are serious about living and working as an ESL teacher in Spain, the first thing you will need to do...  [Read more]

Due to a rapid increase in job numbers and fewer restrictions on who can legally work as a teacher, the Eastern European region is now beginning to catch Western Europe in terms of popularity. Typically, the balance between income and cost of living means that many teachers find they are better off financially in a country such as the Czech Republic than they are working in a traditional teaching hotspot such as Italy. The monthly income of foreign teachers in Russia varies hugely depending on many different factors such as location, qualifications, experience, and number of contracted hours. Private language schools generally pay an hourly rate which averages around $650 per month for a first-time teacher. This figure can rise substantially with relevant experience. Many positions...  [Read more]

Due to a strong demand in many countries, TEFL qualified teachers should have plenty of great options to choose from. Across Asia, Europe and Latin America there are countless opportunities available depending on your own personal preferences. Whether your main goal is to make as much money as possible, to experience living in a different culture, or to get right off of the beaten path, there is the ideal destination waiting for you. If you are looking for the widest choice of English language teaching jobs, look no further than Asia. Across the continent you will find countless opportunities in a wide range of fascinating countries, although the requirements do vary from one to the next. Some countries are only open to native English speakers and others will require a university...  [Read more]

Every year tens of thousands of people from all backgrounds leave behind their existing life and head overseas in search of fun, travel and adventure. They are able to do this by completing a TEFL certification course that gives them all the qualifications they need to apply for English language teaching jobs in countries all over the world. If you want to join this ever growing number of TEFL qualified teachers, there should be very little that can get in your way. Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin...  [Read more]

As there is a strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers in many countries worldwide, most course graduates should have little trouble finding a suitable position. However, to maximise your chances of securing the best jobs there are a few things you should be aware of. Where you should look for work, how to apply for jobs, and how to prepare for that all important interview are all covered below. Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin America. However, before you book your plane tickets you need to be aware...  [Read more]

Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin America. However, before you book your plane tickets you need to be aware that the requirements for foreign teachers vary greatly from one country to the next and these may limit your options. You should do plenty of research on whether any of the following issues apply to your chosen destination. In some cases, language schools are restricted to only hiring teachers who hold citizenship of a native English speaking country. These are generally considered to be the USA,...  [Read more]

Here at ITTT, we will do all we can to ensure your entire TEFL training experience is as straightforward and rewarding as possible. If you have any questions regarding our courses, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below. Our FAQ section should clear up most of your queries but if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by submitting them via the form provided at the bottom of this page. What does TEFL mean?    The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is commonly used to refer to training courses that almost anyone can take to learn the skills and knowledge required to teach English to non-native speakers in countries all over the world. What is the difference between TESOL and...  [Read more]