What Country Does Halloween Come From

  If you have done some research on teaching English in Europe you have probably come across something called the Schengen Area, but what exactly is it and how does it affect TEFL qualified teachers?  [Read more]

  If you have looked into the idea of teaching English abroad you are certain to have come across the acronyms TEFL and TESOL many times and in several different contexts. But what do they actually mean?  [Read more]

When it comes to ranking educational qualifications by their difficulty level, many countries have their own ranking system. For example, there are 9 different levels that courses can be classed as within the UK. Level 1: GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G Level 2: GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C Level 3: A level Level 4: Certificate of higher education (Cert HE) Level 5: Diploma of higher education (Dip HE) Level 6: Degree with honors - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons Level 7: Master’s degree, for example Master of Science (MSc) Level 8: Doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil) Depending on which National Qualification Framework (NQF) you are referencing, you may...  [Read more]

  The role of an EFL teacher can vary from one job to the next, although there are certain responsibilities that are common to most positions. You will need to create lesson plans, gather materials, set and grade tests, organize homework, and ensure that every student gets the help they need.  [Read more]

We can start with two sayings: 1) These is no such thing as a free lunch And 2) You get what you pay for With these two things in mind let us explore what free TEFL certificates are available and the problems that may be associated with them. This is becoming more common with online courses in all subjects across the curriculum. You are able to take a course for free (or at a minimal cost) but there is no certificate issued with the course. You are then offered certificate options from a PDF emailed version to full hard copy certificate with postage. When you add the certification cost you find it is similar to buying a regular course which has the certificate and regular postage already paid for in the price. There are some legitimate free TEFL courses available as well as many not so...  [Read more]

It is important to appreciate that higher salaries are made available to attract the best teaching candidates. What each country considers best does depend on the country, but there are some common factors regarding qualifications and experience when it comes to securing the top paying jobs. In general you need to be a native English speaker, have a degree, usually in education or a related field, and a minimum of a TEFL certificate (though often higher, such as a Diploma in TESOL). You will often see that a minimum of two years teaching experience is also needed. If you have all the above, you have a good chance of gaining employment in the first five of our top ten below. With some of them, you may be able to gain employment in the other five. Figures taken from a range of teaching...  [Read more]

  Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) refers to a branch of language teaching where English is taught to non-native speakers. Often this teaching takes place in a country where the first language is not English. What does a TEFL course involve and how do you get a TEFL certificate?  [Read more]

  The final stage of the lesson will be the activate and the activate phase is going to form the main speaking activity within the lesson. So, it's very very important that here, we do a good demonstration of what it is that we're expecting them to do, that we elicit the type of target language we're expecting them to produce from the activity. So, one way we could go around it is to, firstly, form pairs. Each pair is going to be given a card and onto that card they're going to write the country and a month. What the teacher can then do, just to add a little bit of spice to it, is to collect all of the cards and shuffle them around and then redistribute them to the pairs so that they get a card that doesn't have their country or their month on it. What they're then going to do is...  [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]

Completing a TEFL certification course brings many benefits and one of the most popular is that you get to choose exactly which country or region you want to live and work in. As the demand for English language instruction is so strong in many parts of the world, there is never any shortage of job options for TEFL qualified teachers. From tropical countries in Asia to the cooler climes of Northern Europe, there will be something to suit everyone. Whether you prefer a bustling major city or something more off the beaten path, there is sure to be the perfect destination out there waiting for you. This vast continent is home to the largest number of TEFL jobs of any region in the world. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan all have thriving markets for foreign teachers with...  [Read more]

These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and TESOL is usually preferred in the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a TESOL certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. Although TEFL and TESOL training courses are identical and the acronyms are generally used interchangeably, there is a technical...  [Read more]

  What if a course doesn\'t meet this criteria? If a TEFL/TESOL course does not meet the necessary criteria, it may not provide you with the quality training needed to effectively teach English as a foreign language. Here are some potential issues you might encounter if a course doesn't meet the required standards: Lack of accreditation: Without proper accreditation, your TEFL/TESOL certificate may not be recognized by employers or institutions, limiting your job opportunities. Inadequate content: A course that doesn't meet the criteria may lack essential teaching methodologies, language practice, and classroom management techniques, leaving you unprepared for real teaching situations. Limited support: Proper courses offer ongoing support, feedback, and guidance from experienced...  [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]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard does a fun board game activity with his students on the second conditional tense. ITTT's Observed Teaching Practice courses (OTP) are ideal for teachers wanting to improve their teaching skills remotely from anywhere in the world." 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 quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. In this lesson we learned about the potential problems that may arise when teaching english. This can include students at different levels,...  [Read more]

  We now consider what we might call the technology that we could use within the classroom then that could include things such as cassettes, the use of CDs, the use of DVD and video. Some general issues surrounding the use of these types of material, make sure whenever you're using any of this type of technology though you know how it actually works when using it for a listening activity, for example. How long does it take for the whole tape to play through? How long does it take to rewind and so on. Other issues that you might need to think about is if you're using a cassette player or CD or something that you set the volume level before you actually start the lesson so that when you switch on you don't shock everyone with a very loud sound or that they can't actually hear it....  [Read more]

Ireland is a difficult place to get a TEFL job for anyone who does not live in the country or who does not have an EU passport. Most TEFL Jobs are available in Dublin, but this is an expensive city to live in. It can be cheaper to live outside of Dublin, but then there are fewer positions available. Dublin has a lot of language schools, and you may get one of these jobs, but the work may not be consistent, and the pay may not be able to meet your expenses. Aside from TEFL Jobs at private language schools, positions are available at universities and colleges as well. Many jobs are available during the summer holiday months of June to September. If you hold a passport from an EU country, you will not need to get a work visa. Ireland offers a Student Work Abroad Program, which can provide...  [Read more]

If you have a teaching degree from another country, you can still teach English abroad in many cases. One of the most recognized qualifications for teaching English as a foreign language is the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification is widely accepted worldwide and can open up opportunities for you to teach English in a variety of settings. Having a teaching degree from another country can be beneficial when looking for teaching opportunities abroad. Many schools and language institutes value the skills and experience that come with a teaching degree, even if it is not specifically in English language teaching. Your background in education can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively...  [Read more]

  The idiom "blue collar" refers to manual labor or industrial work. The term comes from the usually blue overalls manual laborers would wear in factories etc 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 quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This was a great chapter to read about the importance of reading and listening skills. understanding the difference can help a student become successful at understanding the lesion we are trying to teaching. The chapter also made a good point when it states...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a popular career choice for many individuals looking to work and travel abroad. However, having a criminal record can sometimes present challenges when it comes to securing a teaching position in a foreign country. While having a criminal record may limit your options, it does not necessarily disqualify you from teaching English abroad. Before pursuing a career in TEFL with a criminal record, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the rules and regulations regarding criminal records vary from country to country, so it is essential to research the specific requirements of the country where you wish to teach. Some countries may have strict policies regarding criminal records, while others may be more lenient depending on the nature of...  [Read more]

  What Does a TEFL Certification provide? A TEFL certification provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English as a foreign language effectively. Here are some key benefits and opportunities that come with obtaining a TEFL certification: Increased Job Opportunities: Many schools and language centers worldwide require teachers to have a TEFL certification. Having this qualification can open up more job opportunities in both online and classroom-based teaching. Improved Teaching Skills: A TEFL course covers essential topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching methodologies. This training equips teachers with the tools they need to create engaging and effective lessons for their students. Boosted Confidence: Through practical...  [Read more]

  Amanda from Brazil is currently living in Ankara, Turkey. Amanda completed her TEFL course with ITTT and found a job just two weeks after graduating. In this TEFL review video Amanda recommends ITTT?s TEFL course for those wanting to teach English abroad. Amanda liked how the course not only covered grammar but also taught methods and techniques that can help you become a great teacher. 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 quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit shows the...  [Read more]

The world of English language teaching is well known for its love of acronyms and unfortunately this can lead to a large amount of confusion amongst potential teachers, as well as those with plenty of experience in the field. Websites for course providers, job boards, recruitment programs, and any other teaching related information you might look at are likely to be littered with acronyms, including TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA. So what is the difference between these terms? Short for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TEFL is probably the most common acronym you will come across when conducting research for teaching English abroad. TEFL does not refer to a single training program, certification, or program provider but is simply a catch-all term for training courses and certification...  [Read more]

  The next idea we're going to consider is the use of visual aids and visual aids can include some examples such as real, objects, which we call realia, the use of pictures and photographs and also the use of models. So let's consider some of the ideas surrounding the use of visual aids. Well, why are they useful? Well, first of all the use of a visual aid can reduce teacher talk time. It's very much more simple just to show a real object than to try to describe it so that we could just ask the students ?what is this,? and they would say ?this is a pen,? rather than trying to actually describe it. Again if we were trying to show examples of fruit and vegetables rather than to try and describe them why not use an actual model and this is going to be much more visually stimulating...  [Read more]

  The idiom "golden opportunity" refers to a chance that is likely to be rewarding and successful, for example: The low price for the house is a golden opportunity we must not waste. The price for the house is very cheap at the moment, so we should buy it before the price increases again. 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 quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit covers conditionals and reported speech. There are five main conditionals; zero, first, second, third and mixed....  [Read more]

Home / CELTA Trinity Courses / Madrid Due to its status as Spain’s capital city and its economic center, Madrid has had a strong demand for foreign English language teachers for many years. The city is also a favourite as it is open and friendly to visitors and it has a warm climate that is pleasant for much of the year. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, you will find plenty of things to keep you busy when you are not in the classroom. Art lovers will be overwhelmed by the number of museums and galleries on offer, while night owls will never tire of the city’s endless variety of entertainment options. If you prefer to relax among the peace and quiet of natural surroundings then the parks and gardens of Madrid will suit you just fine. When it comes to getting...  [Read more]

Home / CELTA Trinity Courses / Madrid Due to its status as Spain’s capital city and its economic center, Madrid has had a strong demand for foreign English language teachers for many years. The city is also a favourite as it is open and friendly to visitors and it has a warm climate that is pleasant for much of the year. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, you will find plenty of things to keep you busy when you are not in the classroom. Art lovers will be overwhelmed by the number of museums and galleries on offer, while night owls will never tire of the city’s endless variety of entertainment options. If you prefer to relax among the peace and quiet of natural surroundings then the parks and gardens of Madrid will suit you just fine. When it comes to getting...  [Read more]

  What are the difficulties of teaching English in an English speaking country? Teaching English in an English-speaking country presents unique challenges despite the shared language. Here are some difficulties that teachers may encounter in this context: Diverse Student Backgrounds: Students in English-speaking countries may come from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, requiring teachers to adapt their teaching methods to cater to a diverse classroom. High Expectations: Students may have high expectations due to the prevalence of English in their environment, leading to increased pressure on teachers to deliver engaging and effective lessons. Slang and Informal Language: Teachers may need to navigate the use of slang, informal language, and regional accents that can...  [Read more]

Being interviewed for a TEFL related position is much like any other interview situation; it can be an intimidating prospect. However, if you do your homework and prepare for some general questions in advance, you can remove a great deal of worry from the whole process. Unfortunately you cannot predict exactly how any interview will unfold but most will include a similar range of questions that are aimed at assessing your suitability for joining the existing workforce. The employer will certainly want to form an impression of who you are as a person, so expect questions such as: What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? If the job is outside of your home country you can also expect some questions...  [Read more]

Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad for many different reasons, including the buoyant job market, laid-back culture, great climate, and fabulous cuisine. Jobs are available year-round in most major towns and cities, but are you eligible to join the many thousands of people teaching English across Spain right now? This is one of the most common questions asked by those who dream of living and working in Spain, and the answer is NO, you do not need a university degree to teach English in Spain. There is no legal requirement for English teachers to have a degree and demand is so high that most employers are also unconcerned about your degree status. Most employers in Spain prefer to hire native English speakers as this is what local students are...  [Read more]

Yes, not only is it safe for women to teach English abroad, it is also extremely popular. Every year there are somewhere in the region of 150,000 women working as ESL teachers in countries all over the world. Of these, the majority will find themselves living in modern, thriving cities across Europe, Asia and Latin America that have a similar level of infrastructure and amenities to what they are used to back home. Whether in Rome, Beijing, or Santiago, new teachers will almost certainly find there is an expat community of English speakers who are more than happy to provide local knowledge and information to help them settle into their new life overseas. Unfortunately, nowhere is 100% safe all of the time, but with a few simple precautions single women can head off to teach English...  [Read more]