Is Valentine's Day A Worldwide Holiday

It is a common misconception that teaching English abroad requires a large amount of money up front before you even start earning. While you will need to cover the cost of your TEFL certification and get yourself to the destination you have chosen to work in, you should soon start earning enough to get those outlays back quickly. However, in some destinations the cost of living is so high that it can seem like you are constantly hemorrhaging money. So where can you teach English and live well on just a small budget? Here we look at some of the cheapest destinations for teaching English abroad. Thailand makes an appearance on many lists of the best places to teach English abroad for various reasons and one is its relatively low cost of living. Although the average salary for English...  [Read more]

ITTT offers in-class TEFL certification courses in numerous locations worldwide, and there could be one conveniently located near you. This format is highly sought after, as many participants prefer the interactive, face-to-face instruction provided by experienced teacher trainers over self-paced study. ITTT's in-class TEFL courses have a duration of four weeks, and participants are usually expected to attend from Monday to Friday. Each day encompasses a mix of instructional sessions, with some days also dedicated to practice teaching. Weekends are typically free, allowing participants to explore the local area, engage with classmates, or simply unwind and prepare for the upcoming week of study. The chance to form new connections is a significant advantage of this learning format, as many...  [Read more]

To begin, let's clarify the acronym TEFL: TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a term that encompasses the teaching of English to non-native speakers in various contexts. While technically, TEFL specifically refers to teaching English in non-English-speaking countries, it is widely used to describe English language instruction in most settings. Additionally, TEFL is the designation given to teacher training programs and the resulting certifications that aspiring teachers pursue to meet the qualifications sought by international employers of English language instructors. Although many English teaching positions require a TEFL certificate, some teachers hold a TESOL certificate instead. The great news is that TEFL and TESOL essentially denote the same concept, and...  [Read more]

The British Council estimates there are 1.55 billion English language learners around the world, and at least 10.2 million English teachers. www.theguardian.com/education/2013/nov/07/tefl-for-british-language-learners A fair proportion of these learners will be taught in language schools and through private lessons, including online teaching. There do not appear to be any official figures as to the number of TEFL and TESOL training centers worldwide, but it would be a fair guess to say they number in the thousands. Most countries in the world control education through government regulation and oversight. This is also true of private education provision. This means that each country’s government tends to make the rules and regulations concerning the training standards required of ESL...  [Read more]

After the 90-day Schengen visa-free stay period, you must wait another 90 days outside the Schengen Zone before you can re-enter. Re-entering the Schengen Zone after the 90-day limit entails the following rules: You typically need to stay outside the Schengen Zone for at least 90 days before re-entering to reset the 90-day visa-free limit. Re-entering the Schengen Zone too soon can have consequences, such as: Yes, there are specific requirements and restrictions for re-entering the Schengen Zone after the 90-day limit:  [Read more]

We know it can be difficult to sort through the various TEFL certification options available today, but don’t worry, we're here to explain the various levels of TEFL courses to you. The general characteristics of the framework are frequently tied to a variety of elements, including the total amount of hours spent studying, the certification type, if the program contains a practical component, and the form of study (full-time or part-time). A level 4 TEFL course fulfills the standard of having at least 100 hours of coursework, which is highly sought after by most employers in the EFL field worldwide. A level 4 TEFL qualification is the equivalent of a freshman-level university course. This level is ideal for finding a long-term TEFL job, whether you want to work online or in classrooms...  [Read more]

  All of our online TEFL courses come with the support and guidance of an online tutor. From start to finish you will have access to a professional tutor whose one and only focus is to guide you towards successful completion of your training. Throughout your training the tutor will be available to answer any questions you have and to steer you towards successful completion of your chosen course. To maintain the highest standards for all our trainees we only hire teacher trainers who have extensive experience of life in an international English language classroom. Every one of them has taught English in different environments and has several years of working in foreign countries under their belts. They also possess a range of high-level teaching qualifications. Our tutored courses...  [Read more]

If you are thinking about joining the tens of thousands of people already working as ESL teachers in China, one of the first decisions to make is which location in this vast country would suit you best. Although it is possible to find jobs off the beaten track, the vast majority of positions are located in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. However, as there are more than 150 other cities with a population of over one million people, there are plenty of options for you to consider. With a population of over 20 million, the vast city of Shanghai offers countless opportunities for ESL teachers, particularly in the field of business English. As it has such a large job market and offers very competitive salaries, Shanghai is one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Asia....  [Read more]

As a result of government restrictions and official requirements for visa applications, there are a variety of countries where it is hard for teachers to find a job without having a 4-year university degree on their CV/resume. However, if you are able to be flexible and are willing to look for employment in areas where the demand is high and restrictions are less rigorous, TEFL qualified teachers without a degree can still have several great destinations to choose from. 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 certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Cambodia is...  [Read more]

It is possible and even routine for TEFL course graduates to start a new career teaching English online without any previous classroom experience. Due to a huge demand for online English language teachers that is set to grow year-on-year, it is perfectly normal to set foot into a virtual classroom as a teacher despite having never worked in any kind of teaching role before. As an online English teacher, students from all over the world will want to connect with you and knowing their native language is in no way necessary. As with most English language classrooms, online teachers teach their students using a method known as total immersion. This teaching methodology simply implies that no other language other than English is used between the teacher and the student for the duration of...  [Read more]

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 teaching role before. Wherever you find yourself living and working as an English language teacher, you will most likely teach your students using a method known as total immersion, whereby no other language is used in the classroom besides English. As most learners are not in a position to move to an English speaking country in order to be surrounded by the language, it is the teacher's job to bring this immersion to the student...  [Read more]

It is very common for teachers working overseas to send money back home for a variety of different reasons, such as student loan repayments, to pay a mortgage on a property, or simply to help out family members. Unfortunately, it is not always a straightforward process as there are several factors to consider, including transfer fees, exchange rates, and the actual time each method takes to complete. Below we take a look at some of the most common options. Banks can offer a reliable option for transferring your money, although this largely depends on where you are in the world. If you are teaching English in a popular location such as Japan or South Korea, banks are often a good choice as they generally only charge a small fee and transactions typically clear within one or two days....  [Read more]

One of the best ways to celebrate cultural diversity in the TEFL classroom is by incorporating cultural activities and holidays from around the world. This can include celebrating traditional festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, or Thanksgiving, through activities like crafts, cooking traditional dishes, or learning about the history and significance of the holiday. By exposing students to different cultural practices and traditions, you can help them develop a greater appreciation for diversity and broaden their worldview. Another effective way to celebrate cultural diversity in the TEFL classroom is by using literature and media from different cultures. Introducing students to literature, films, music, and art from various countries can help them gain insights into different...  [Read more]

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is a government backed scheme that has been operating for over 30 years. Every year around 5,000 foreign nationals are placed into schools right across Japan with the intention of raising the language skills of young people. Unlike many similar programs in other countries, the JET Program also has a strong focus on cultural exchange between participants and the local population. Competition for places on the program is generally very tough as successful applicants receive a competitive salary and a range of extra benefits. The program is open to college graduates up to the age of 40, although its status as primarily a youth culture exchange means that recent graduates have a greater chance of success. The main criteria required is a minimum...  [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]

Most of Europe has a very strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers and there is usually a big queue of people hoping to take advantage of every vacant position. People from all parts of the world dream of living and working in the UK and many see teaching English as a way to achieve that dream. However, non-UK citizens need to consider a few things before booking a flight to London. There is plenty of demand for English language instruction across the UK as the country has relatively high levels of immigration and a significant refugee population. Government, private, and charity run organizations operate in many areas where they help newcomers and their families to improve their English skills so they can get by on a day to day basis. However, most of these positions will go to local...  [Read more]

  In order to provide as much flexibility as possible, trainees taking our online TEFL courses can access our online training platform using any device they prefer. As long as you have an internet connection, you can work on the course using a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, from any location worldwide. With this degree of flexibility you will be able to make use of any spare time you have, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also download the study materials to your device so they are available even without the internet. If you prefer to study with physical materials, another option is to print them out. With many of our courses we also include a range of videos that add further insight into the topics covered by the standard written materials. For your convenience, you...  [Read more]

The worldwide job market for native-English speakers with a TEFL certification is simply huge. Whether you head to Europe, Asia, Latin America or even Africa, you will have plenty of countries to choose from. However, if you dream of living and working in an English-speaking country, you might find it a little more difficult. While English language instruction is generally in high demand in English-speaking countries, the necessary teachers can normally be found within the country's own population, leaving little need to hire teachers from abroad. Another stumbling block is that work permits and visas can be particularly difficult to secure, especially for American citizens. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule so it is still possible to fulfill your dream. There are many...  [Read more]

If you plan on teaching English in Europe you might have come across something known as the Schengen Area. This area is currently comprised of 26 countries with a combined population of over 400 million people. The area was set up in 1985 with the intention of removing border controls to make moving between countries hassle free. The Schengen Area should not be confused with the European Union which is a separate institution. Before its creation you would have to show your passport at every border to receive an entry stamp, while now anyone including TEFL teachers can move freely from one country to another without any restrictions. Essentially, by entering a country that is a member of the Schengen Area you are entering the area as a whole. Regardless of which country you enter first, the...  [Read more]

The vast majority of teachers who work in South Korea are employed by either a government run public school or a private language school known as a hagwon. Both types of employer offer good salaries and other benefits but there are a few differences that might sway your decision either way. Most public and private school positions are filled in advance, meaning you will apply and interview for the job before you leave your home country. The hiring process for public schools generally follows a set timetable that includes two regular start dates. Online applications begin in April for start dates in August/September, and in October for start dates in February/March. A large number of teachers in public schools are hired through government recruitment programs such as EPIK (English...  [Read more]

If you are looking for a region that has a huge job market for TEFL qualified teachers and you want to earn a good salary that allows you to save a considerable sum of money, look no further than East Asia. Jobs are abundant and the potential earnings are very high in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. As with any destination, the salaries on offer vary considerably depending on experience, qualifications, location, and type of employment. As a guide you should expect to earn somewhere between 200,000 and 600,000 yen (currently $2,000 to $6,000) per month. If the job pays by the hour then a figure of around 2,500 yen ($25) per hour would be typical. In addition to a basic salary, most positions will also include added benefits, such as paid airfares, housing,...  [Read more]

If you plan on heading to Europe to teach English it is important that you are aware of the regulations regarding visas and work permits in your chosen destination. The visa situation varies from one country to the next and may also depend on your own nationality. Because of this, we recommend that you visit the relevant embassy website to get the most up to date information before you make any final travel plans. As Spain is a member of the European Union, teachers from other EU member states do not need a visa to live and work legally in Spain. However, you will still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number on arrival in the country. The application process should be straightforward and you can usually expect your employer to help you through it. For non-EU citizens,...  [Read more]

  Our main goal at ITTT is to ensure we provide the very best TEFL courses on the market. However, we also do everything we can to help our course graduates find a wide choice of job options once their training is over. At the heart of this policy is our lifetime job assistance program that includes a range of job hunting tools. One of the most important parts of this policy is our job posting section that can be found on our website and across our social media platforms. We update our job postings every day, so you can be sure to stay ahead of the competition when looking for your dream TEFL position. As we have been in the TEFL world for many years, ITTT has developed close working relationships with many employers worldwide. These employers actively seek out our graduates as they...  [Read more]

Yes, most countries require foreign visitors to possess some form of visa in order to enter for tourism, business, education, or employment purposes. The requirements vary greatly from one country to the next, so we recommend that you contact the relevant embassy or visit their website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Here we break down the most common forms of visa that you are likely to come across. These are generally issued to short term visitors who do not plan to work or study during their stay. There are several categories of tourist visa depending on the destination and your own country of origin. The most common is the 'upon entry' tourist visa that is issued in the form of a passport stamp on arrival at the immigration desk. For example, US citizens heading...  [Read more]

People come from all over the world to teach English as a foreign language in Spain, and there are a variety of different visa options depending on your nationality. The following is a brief overview of the current options; however, we recommend that you always conduct your own research to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. As Spain is a member of the European Union, teachers from other EU member states do not need a visa to live and work legally in Spain. However, you will still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number on arrival in the country. The application process should be straightforward and you can usually expect your employer to help you through it. For non-EU citizens, the most common option is a 90-day tourist visa that is issued on arrival at a...  [Read more]

Formerly one of Europe’s leading centers of education and culture, Leipzig today is still a leading light of music and culture in Germany. The city’s long and fascinating history can be witnessed in its architecture and the many museums that are to be found in Leipzig and it is easy to see why Goethe once said that Leipzig was “A little Paris that educates its people” as you enjoy the café culture in the arcades surrounding the city center. Johann Sebastian Bach worked in Leipzig for several years in the 18th century and the city is home to the Bach-Archiv Leipzig, an institution that documents the life of Bach and his family. Classical music remains an important part of the life of the city and the Oper Leipzig is one of the most famous opera houses in Germany and the third...  [Read more]

Our TEFL course in Cusco, Peru is one of the best places in South America to earn your teaching qualification. As the former capital of the Incan empire, Cusco is the ideal location to learn about the history of the Incan civilization. It is also a great place to study to become an English teacher. teaching in peru is a fantastic experience and our TEFL course in Cusco is a popular choice for those starting their English teaching careers in South America. Known as the gateway to the famous city of Machu Picchu, Cusco is at the forefront of Peru’s tourism industry. The city itself is home to a number of interesting ruins from the Incan period as well as beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture exemplified in the city’s cathedral and churches. From the city you can plan...  [Read more]

  If you live in North America and you are considering teaching English at home or overseas, we offer a convenient short-format combined TEFL course that might be exactly what you are looking for. The course features an initial online study section, plus an additional five days of in-class study at one of our training centers. The main attraction of this course is that you get extra in-person instruction from a professional teacher trainer that will further enhance your understanding of everything you have learned during the initial online study. The 5-day combined TEFL course is currently available in 15 great locations across 13 different US states, as well as in Toronto, Canada. You can choose a training center in a major city, such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, San...  [Read more]

TEFL International’s course in Granada is magical. It’s one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites and home to the majestic Alhambra Palace. Added to this, it’s the former capital of Moorish Spain and the Moors’ influences are seen everywhere. From monuments and churches to homes and palaces, history and intrigue will surround you every day of your stay. Today, Granada is a larger town rather than a small village. Despite its growth, it has retained its ancient charm. It is also a popular university town with vibrant nightlife to compliment its variety of eateries, theaters and clubs. Located in the Andalucia region, and nestled between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Costa del Sol, Granada is also geographically unique. You’ll never run out of things to do or see. Opportunities...  [Read more]

  The 'going to' future tense is used to make predictions based on evidence and to talk about plans and intentions. This online TEFL course video discusses two teaching ideas that can be used with the 'going to' future tense. The first idea encourages students to make predictions based on evidence with a weather forecasting activity. The students are given information about the weather in a particular country and give weather forecasts for the following week or month: On Monday it's going to rain in the morning but then it's going to be sunny for the rest of the day. In the second teaching idea students discuss plans for an upcoming birthday party/holiday: We're going to eat at a fancy restaurant. I'm going to have a massive birthday cake. I'm going to sunbathe the whole time....  [Read more]