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  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]

  Valentina is a proud graduate of ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course with videos and tutor support. Watch this TEFL review video to hear Valentina talk about how the course helped her to develop her teaching skills. One of the main advantages of ITTT's online TEFL courses is their flexibility, allowing you to work at your own pace in your time. This makes it easy to fit your study around your prior commitments and allowing you to gain certification without having to take time off work. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can...  [Read more]

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]

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]

For both newly qualified and experienced teachers, one common concern when planning to teach English abroad is how to find accommodation that is comfortable, in a safe location and suitable for your personal needs. The good news is you are unlikely to be the first foreign teacher in the area you are heading for, so you will probably have several options to choose from. Here we break down the most common aspects of organizing accommodation when teaching abroad. For many teachers, accommodation is not an issue as employers often provide housing as part of the teaching contract. Schools in countries such as China and South Korea, as well as many countries in the Middle East, routinely provide some form of free or subsidized accommodation. If you sign-up for a government-run recruitment...  [Read more]

If you are tired of dark, cold winter nights and grey, windy days, then why not get TEFL certified and start a new life as an English language teacher in a tropical country? Every year, thousands of everyday people do exactly that and for most it will be one of the best decisions they ever make. So where exactly can you teach English in the tropics? Although it is only a small country by area, Costa Rica has one of the best job markets for TEFL qualified teachers in Central America. The most common form of employment are private language schools that can be found in most built up areas. There is also a good market for private tutoring, either part time on top of a regular teaching job or full time once you have found enough students. The majority of positions are filled following an...  [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]

--- Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an innovative teaching method that involves students working on a project over an extended period of time. In TEFL, PBL can be a powerful tool to engage students and enhance their language skills in a meaningful context. By focusing on real-world projects, students are motivated to learn English while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. --- There are numerous benefits to incorporating PBL in TEFL lessons. Firstly, it promotes student engagement and motivation as learners are actively involved in the learning process. PBL also allows for the integration of language skills in a holistic manner, helping students develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities simultaneously. Furthermore, PBL encourages...  [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]

--- In a TEFL classroom, promoting cultural exchange is crucial for creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Understanding and appreciating different cultures not only enriches students' language skills but also fosters mutual respect and empathy. By exposing students to diverse perspectives and practices, cultural exchange enhances their intercultural communication skills, preparing them for a globalized world. Moreover, it helps break down stereotypes and promotes a sense of unity and collaboration among learners from various backgrounds. To promote cultural exchange effectively in the TEFL classroom, teachers can implement various strategies. Encouraging students to share their cultural traditions, beliefs, and experiences can help create a sense of community and mutual...  [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]

  Mira is from Australia and completed the 120-hour online course without tutor support with ITTT. In this TEFL review she tells us how the flexibility offered by ITTT?s online course meant that Mira was able to complete the course at her own pace, fitting her study time around her busy work schedule. She completed the 20 units within four and a half months. Mira has learned a lot from the course including lesson planning, student assessment, vocabulary and grammar and is looking forward to putting all she has learned to use in the classroom. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This...  [Read more]

Our TEFL course in Guatemala is located in one of Central America’s best-kept secrets. La Antigua is a thriving former capital and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Throughout the city you can find well preserved examples of colonial architecture as well as fascinating ruins and the city has rightly been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to Guatemala is like stepping into another world with Mayan ruins, colonial buildings and cobbled streets all resting in the shadows of magnificent volcanoes. At 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level, La Antigua’s location in the central highlands of Guatemala make it the ideal jumping off point for trips to the Pacific coast, the beautiful Lake Atitlan and the Mayan ruins in Tikal. In addition to all that...  [Read more]

Embark on a journey to discover the vibrant culture of Cebu, a province in the Philippines that boasts a rich tapestry of traditions, history, and heritage. From its colorful festivals to its mouthwatering cuisine, Cebu is a melting pot of influences that have shaped its unique identity. Join us as we delve into the importance of culture in Cebu and explore the various aspects that make this province a cultural gem in the heart of the Philippines. Cebu is steeped in history, with a cultural heritage that dates back centuries. The province was a thriving trade hub long before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, and this diverse cultural exchange is evident in the architecture, language, and traditions of the Cebuano people. From the ancient ruins of the Spanish colonial era to the ornate...  [Read more]

TEFL International’s teacher training course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is simply incredible. Besides training for your internationally recognized TEFL certificate, you’ll immerse yourself in lush jungle, swim in turquoise waters and relax on some of the most stunning beaches in the entire world. Costa Rica is an absolutely amazing country and TEFL International is one of the most recognized and well-established training centers in the industry. It’s no wonder our course in Manuel Antonio has become so popular with people who wish to see the world from a new perspective. Once trained and certified, our teachers are able to travel to distant destinations and experience cultures in ways the average traveler could only envy.     Because it’s located on the Pacific Coast,...  [Read more]

TEFL International’s course in Chiapas is nestled alongside the Mexican states of Veracruz, Tabasco and Oaxaca. It also borders Guatemala and flanks the Pacific Ocean. Our center is in a quaint colonial town in west-central Chiapas. According to Lonely Planet, it’s a town with an easy-going, provincial air. The summary is accurate but the town is overlooked by most tourists—which is great for sustaining authentic local customs. We might be located in a small town but we’ve got big things in store for you upon your arrival. We’re located about 20 minutes away from the state capital. On the weekends you can tour up a nearby mountain to San Cristobal. The town is home to ancient ruins and beautiful lakes. If you wish to make a longer trip, feel free to visit the world-renowned Mayan...  [Read more]

  Now here are some teaching ideas for the future continuous tense. Here, we have an activity where we'll be asking students to spontaneously make some excuses based upon some invitations. We can do this in pairs or small groups. The teacher will have cut these cards up and the students will place them into a pile, randomly picking up a card. So one student might pick this card up and say 'Would you like to play tennis with me tomorrow?' The other student will be challenged to come up with an excuse as quickly as possible, which might be 'No, I'm sorry I'll be working.' Then, we have the next student pick up the next card and we challenge an additional student to make an excuse. Here we have another teaching idea for the future continuous tense and this involves two students trying...  [Read more]

In general, most schools and language centers will expect their job applicants to commit to contracts of between 10 and 12 months. However, if you are looking for a short term adventure during the summer break, there are a few options to explore. Although you might find some employers who will take on teachers without a long term contract, most short term opportunities are found in English summer camps or via a volunteer organization. English language camps are a popular fixture during the summer months in many countries across Asia, Europe and Latin America. These usually involve around one to two months work teaching English to young learners from primary age right through to university level, depending on the location. Although this type of work is only short term, it still provides...  [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]

  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]

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]

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]

Chile’s economy is relatively healthy compared to other Latin American countries, and the demand for TEFL Jobs in Chile has grown along with the economy. The market for positions teaching business English is thriving, and there is a growing demand for teachers to teach younger learners of English. Chile has lots of private language academies, especially in Santiago, the capital. If you have a well recognized TEFL certificate, you shouldn’t have difficulty finding an adequate job. Schools advertise TEFL jobs in Chile frequently on major TEFL web sites. It’s a good idea to contact these schools six months before you plan to arrive in Chile. Make sure you provide them with a professional resume that is up to date and that emphasizes your education, TEFL experience and training and your...  [Read more]

Choose to take TEFL International’s certificate course in Kathmandu, and you’ll be on top of the world. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and home to a dozen ethnicities. The country is known for its warm-hearted citizens, its proximity to the world’s tallest mountain chain and for its devout Buddhist practices. Kathmandu is truly a magical place and anyone who’s been there will attest to this. But don’t take their word for it, sign up for the course now and come see it for yourself. Nepal’s scenery is breathtaking. Eight of the ten highest mountain peaks in the world are in Nepal and of course it’s home to Mount Everest. While these climbs are not for the average traveler, you’re welcome to get out and experience some of the best hiking the world has to offer. Although not...  [Read more]

The choice between different TEFL course formats depends on your teaching plans and preferences: Each of these options has its advantages and is suited to different teaching goals and circumstances. Consider your own situation and aspirations when choosing the most suitable TEFL course format for you. Upon receiving your course fee, we will promptly send you an email containing all the necessary information to commence your TEFL studies. This email will include your personal login details for our online training platform. Once you access the platform, you will find all the materials required to start with the first unit of the course. As you progress through the materials and feel you have sufficiently absorbed the information, you can proceed to take an automated online test based on...  [Read more]

  And now let's look at the pronouns. Simply put, pronouns take the place of a noun. We have various types of pronouns. They are personal pronouns, which can either be subject or object. We have reflexive pronouns, relative pronouns and possessive pronouns. With our personal pronouns, we have to decide whether it's the subject or the object. The subject is the doer of an action, whereas the object is the one that receives the action. Subject pronouns are: I, you, he, she, it etc. Object pronouns are: me, you, him, her, etc. In the sentence "Greg hit Pete," the subject of the sentence is "Greg", therefore I would say "He hit Pete," or I could put a pronoun in for the object of the sentence, where "Greg hit Pete", now, I go into "Greg hit him." With our reflexive pronouns, these are...  [Read more]

With a highly developed infrastructure, a stable economy, plenty of job opportunities, high salaries, and a relatively low cost of living, Taiwan has become an increasingly popular destination for teaching English abroad. Native English speakers with a TEFL certification should have little trouble finding a suitable position in a public school or a privately owned language academy. Teaching jobs can be found right across the country but are most numerous in large cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. There are several types of schools that employ foreign teachers in Taiwan, all of which offer various salaries depending on your previous classroom experience and level of teaching qualifications. Many positions are paid on an hourly rate that starts at around 600 NTD...  [Read more]

Your initial application should be completed on ITTT's own Internet application form. As part of our pre-screening process, applicants are requested to submit an account of their personal history and background and of their motives for joining the course, as well as their future aspirations. If for any reason you wish to subsequently cancel your place on the course after your deposit or full fees (i.e. deposit plus balance) have been paid, ITTT/TEFL International cannot provide any refund except for exceptional circumstances. The course organiser's decision is final. In any case, the deposit is non-refundable. The main reason for this is that the staffing for the course and accommodation have fixed costs which have to be paid for in advance and based on a specific number of course members...  [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]

The combined TEFL course provides a convenient option for anyone who wants the benefit of in-person training from a highly qualified teacher trainer, but who doesn’t have the time to commit to a full in-class course. The course starts with an online section that covers all the theory topics. You then attend one of our training centers to complete your observed teaching practice classes. Yes. The combined course covers all the same content as the full in-class course. However, if you are not comfortable with the idea of distance learning or would prefer more interaction with your tutors and other trainees, then the in-class TEFL course might be the better option. Yes. If you complete the combined course you will be issued with the exact same certificate as those who complete the...  [Read more]