When Halloween Celebrated

When looking for English teaching jobs overseas you will find plenty of options at any time of the year. However, to give yourself the widest choice of opportunities it is important to be aware of any times of the year that are considered peak hiring seasons in the country that you are interested in. Wherever you dream of living and working it is best to start applying for jobs at least three months before your intended start date to give enough time to make all the necessary arrangements, such as sending in applications, interviewing, applying for entry visas and work permits, etc. Hiring seasons are when a large number of teaching jobs become available at one particular time, due to the start of a new school year or semester. The exact timing of hiring seasons can vary from region to...  [Read more]

Before you head to the airport to start your TEFL journey it is important that you are aware of the paperwork required by the country you are planning to work in. The specific type of visa you need to gain entry to your destination country and how you gain the right to work legally there can vary enormously from one place to the next. To ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible, you should visit the relevant embassy website and do a bit of online research well before you plan to leave. Typically, anyone traveling to a foreign country requires a passport that is valid for at least six months. In some situations your passport must be valid for a full year, so the best advice is to ensure your passport has two years or more remaining to allow for an extended teaching contract or...  [Read more]

When it comes to accents we all have one no matter where in the world we were brought up. Most of us are familiar with the basic differences between British and American accents, but what about accents from Australia and New Zealand, Canada and South Africa? And within each of these countries there are dozens of regional accents, just to complicate things further. So, we all have an accent, but is it a problem when teaching English as a foreign language? The first thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong accent when it comes to teaching and learning English. When teaching it is fine to speak naturally, just be sure that you always speak clearly and that all your instructions are fully understood by the whole class. Whether there is one accent that is better to teach than others...  [Read more]

When considering this question it is important to first outline the different types of class levels found in English language classrooms worldwide. A fairly common classification of EFL teaching levels is indicated by the book resources available. If you consider book series such as, Reward, New Headway, and many others, you will find five levels. These levels are, Starter (or Beginner), Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate. Now we have established the general language levels of students, we can now consider the four skills of English. It is very important to remember that there are four skills that are required by any language user. These four skills are, reading and listening (known as the receptive skills) and writing and speaking (known as the productive...  [Read more]

Once you have made the decision that teaching English abroad is the right path for you to take, the next step is to complete a TEFL certification course that will give you the qualification and knowledge you need to find a good job and be confident and successful in the classroom. However, when it comes to choosing a TEFL course there are many different options available and each has a different time frame from sign-up to completion. No matter where you choose to take your in-class TEFL certification course you will need to commit to four weeks of full time intensive training. This type of course provides a perfect start to your teaching career as long as you have sufficient funds and are able to fit around the fixed schedule. Although it is possible to sign-up for an in-class course a...  [Read more]

When choosing a TEFL course location, consider the following factors: Local culture can significantly impact the effectiveness of a TEFL course in various ways: When choosing a TEFL course location for job opportunities after completion, consider the following factors:  [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]

The age, background, and motivation of the students in your ESL classroom will vary greatly depending on where you are teaching and the school or institute you work for. You could have a class full of university students, hotel workers or even high flying business executives. Alternatively, you might work in a government school teaching a class of children aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Each of these groups has its own characteristics, and different teachers have their own preferences. Just remember that by completing a reputable TEFL certification course before you head off abroad, you will learn all the skills required to deliver effective and enjoyable lessons to almost any group of learners. A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their...  [Read more]

When teaching English abroad, it is important to pack clothes that are comfortable, professional, and suitable for the local culture. Here is a guide on what clothes to consider bringing: To pack efficiently for teaching English abroad in different climates, consider the following tips: Yes, there are cultural considerations to keep in mind when selecting clothing for teaching English abroad. Clothing choices can vary greatly depending on the country and culture where you will be teaching English. Here are some general guidelines to consider:  [Read more]

Due to the anonymous nature of the internet there are always a few unscrupulous characters looking to make easy money, and the world of ESL job recruitment is no exception. Although the overall quality of schools and the contracts they offer varies greatly, the truth is that most advertised jobs both good and bad are totally genuine. To avoid the small percentage of positions that are not what they seem, it is recommended that you always follow these simple rules. The single best defense against job scams is to ensure you thoroughly research the teaching market in your chosen destination. If you are fully aware of the typical salary, expected benefits, working hours, and normal visa requirements, you should have little trouble spotting potential scams. Remember, if it sounds too good...  [Read more]

Although TEFL qualified teachers are able to find work in a wide range of countries throughout Asia, there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of before you decide on a destination. In some countries a 4-year university degree is necessary and some will only allow native English speakers to teach in their schools. Another issue that is worth considering is your age as it can be a factor in some situations in Asia. In some Asian countries there is a strict retirement age for local teachers that also applies to foreign EFL teachers working there. In popular teaching destinations such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, schools are unable to sponsor work visas for foreign teachers who exceed the local retirement age. This can range from 55 to 65, so you should contact...  [Read more]

The bottom line is that teaching English abroad is just a job like any other. If you are unhappy with your employer or things simply aren't going as you had hoped, you are free to quit and return home or look for another job at any time. Of the tens of thousands of ESL teachers working in countries all over the world, the vast majority do see out the length of their contract. However, there are always going to be some teachers who decide that the best course of action is to terminate their contract early. Whether it's due to an emergency at home, problems with work colleagues or poor working conditions, if you feel you have to leave you are perfectly at liberty to do so. For teachers who are employed on an hourly contract there should be few consequences to worry about. This would...  [Read more]

The average salary for teaching English in Europe is generally higher compared to other regions, but it can vary significantly depending on the country and type of institution where you work. Here is a breakdown of the average salary ranges for teaching English in different regions: Europe: Factors influencing the salary of English teachers in Europe: Yes, there are additional benefits and perks that English teachers in Europe may receive, in addition to their salary. These can vary depending on the country, type of institution, and specific job position. Some common benefits and perks for English teachers in Europe include:  [Read more]

When applying for English teaching jobs, you will typically need to provide the following documents: Types of certifications typically required for English teaching jobs: Most English teaching jobs, especially those abroad or in formal educational settings, require candidates to hold specific certifications to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English effectively. The most common certifications sought by employers include: Qualifications are essential for securing English teaching positions. Here's what you should have on your resume: Yes, specific background checks or clearances may be required for English teaching job applications. Background checks and clearances are common requirements for English teaching positions, especially in educational settings. The...  [Read more]

For many English speakers worldwide, teaching English abroad has recently grown to be a lucrative career path. This is largely because teaching salaries are getting more and more competitive as a result of the swiftly rising demand for the English language in many countries around the world. Additionally, online teaching opportunities have been booming, and many teachers have moved their workplace entirely to the virtual classroom. Due to a combination of high salaries, low cost of living, and a wide range of fascinating cultures to discover, Asia has long been one of the most popular regions for teachers. Traditional hotspots like South Korea and Taiwan are still well-liked since new teachers can earn between $2,000 and $2,500 per month on average, while experienced teachers can earn up...  [Read more]

English teachers can expect various additional incentives while teaching abroad, beyond their regular salary. These incentives can vary depending on the country, school, and specific teaching position, but common ones include: Yes, there are unique perks and advantages for those who teach English in a foreign country. Teaching English abroad can offer a range of benefits beyond just the opportunity to travel. Some of the unique perks and advantages include:  [Read more]

Yes, it is not recommended to send upfront payments when applying for TEFL jobs. Sending upfront payments can be a red flag for potential scams or fraudulent job postings. It is important to exercise caution and be aware of common practices in the TEFL job market to protect yourself from potential scams. Here are some reasons why you should avoid sending upfront payments when applying for TEFL jobs: Common payment practices when applying for TEFL jobs: To avoid scams related to upfront payments for TEFL jobs, consider the following tips: Yes, there are legitimate reasons for TEFL employers to request upfront payments. TEFL employers may request upfront payments for the following reasons:  [Read more]

Key points to consider when choosing a TEFL course: To determine the credibility of a TEFL course provider, consider the following factors: Online TEFL courses can be as effective as in-person courses, depending on individual learning styles and preferences. Both online and in-person courses have their advantages and considerations to keep in mind: Benefits of Online TEFL Courses:  [Read more]

You can expect to earn a modest salary when teaching English in Latin America, with variations depending on the country, type of institution, and your qualifications and experience. Factors affecting your earnings when teaching English in Latin America include: Average salaries for teaching English in Latin America vary depending on the country, type of institution, and teacher's qualifications. Here are some general guidelines regarding salaries for English teachers in Latin America: Salaries in Latin America typically range from $600 to $2,000 USD per month, with some countries offering higher salaries than others. Countries like Brazil, Chile, and Argentina tend to offer higher salaries compared to countries like Peru, Bolivia, or Ecuador. Private language schools and international...  [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]

The salary for teaching English in the Middle East is generally higher compared to other regions due to various factors. In the Middle East, English language teachers are in high demand, and the region often offers attractive salary packages to attract qualified teachers. Here is a breakdown of how the salary for teaching English in the Middle East compares to other regions: Factors influencing the salary for teaching English in the Middle East: Yes, there are several additional benefits and perks that come with teaching English in the Middle East. Teaching English in the Middle East can offer the following benefits and perks:  [Read more]

Learning a foreign language when teaching English abroad can provide several benefits: Being bilingual while teaching English overseas provides several advantages that can enhance the teaching experience and effectiveness: Learning a foreign language can significantly enhance teaching skills in an international classroom in various ways: Yes, speaking a second language can enhance cultural understanding when teaching English in a foreign country. When teaching English in a foreign country, being able to speak the local language can provide several benefits for both the teacher and the students:  [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]

When selecting a TEFL course, it is best to narrow your focus to the courses that will give you the best chance to achieve your goals. TEFL qualified teachers are employed in a range of roles. Most notably, teaching children in a school setting, teaching business English at a language center, working as a private tutor, or teaching English online. Keeping your options open is a good approach, but it isn't for everyone. Understandably, some teachers limit their options to employment in a specific area or to the flexibility of online teaching jobs. If you wish to teach English via a virtual platform, it is advisable to complete a qualification which includes specific certification in teaching English online. Identifying the type of students that you would like to teach can also impact...  [Read more]

  There are some general Do's and Don'ts that need to be considered when teaching young learners. Watch this video to get more insight into teaching this special group of learners. 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. Phonetics are such an important part that is overlooked so much! I realized how much I need to learn and practice it, I learned the types of stress, intonation, how every single part of your body, all the way from gestures to postures...  [Read more]

  Regardless of which type of beginners you are teaching here are our top 10 tips for the teaching of beginner classes. 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. Unit 6 was about the past tenses and how to use them correctly. It described the different situations of when to use each tense and how to properly structure them. Sadly, there aren't any rules for knowing the irregular verbs. You simply just have to study and remember them, and in English...  [Read more]

  There are some general Do's and Don'ts that need to be considered when teaching business English. Watch this video to get more insight into teaching this special group of learners. 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. It was a very interesting but also guided unit demonstrating the activities in writing as well as speaking.The ideas produced as well as the extensive assistance showed me how well prepared the teacher should be.The games in the...  [Read more]

Throughout the world a significant percentage of ESL teaching positions are filled locally via face-to-face interviews. However, there are many countries where recruitment is typically undertaken in advance from within the teacher's home country. This method of securing a position is particularly convenient for newly qualified teachers and those with little or no experience of international travel. The application process is usually conducted via email, while interviews take place via Skype or phone. Securing a job in advance usually means you will receive assistance with obtaining the necessary visas and work permits. Employers may also provide financial assistance with airfares, health insurance and accommodation on arrival. One drawback is the time needed to complete the recruitment...  [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]

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In other words, it is a teaching qualification for teaching English to anyone whose first language isn’t English. TEFL certificates are academic qualifications that are provided upon successful completion of a TEFL course. TEFL certificates can be used anywhere in the world, although the TEFL acronym is most commonly used when referring to teachers in the UK and Europe. Almost all schools expect their ESL teachers to be fluent in the English language, with sound communication skills and an ESL teaching qualification (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA). CELTA shares some similarities with TEFL and TESOL courses. It is overseen by the Cambridge university and is predominantly a qualification for teaching English to adult learners. TEFL and TESOL...  [Read more]