When Was Valentine's Day First Celebrated

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]

  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]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard introduces the topic of quantifiers to his students in Florida. After talking about quantifiers he uses an online game platform to start the activate phase with his students. 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. IRRITATITING UNIT! PLease be more simple with...  [Read more]

  Grammar lessons can be perceived as boring for some students, so it is important to have fun activities that encourage the students to use the target language creatively and foster high student talking time. Below is a list of ten activities that can be used for lessons on the past simple. Matching Pairs: The teacher creates a set of cards with present simple verbs and a set with the past simple form of the same verbs. The sets are mixed together and places face down on the desk. Students take turns to turn over two cards. If the two cards match, i.e. both forms of the same verb, the student has to make a sentence with the past simple form before they can keep the cards. If they cannot make a correct sentence, the cards are turned over and it is the next player's turn. The...  [Read more]

  STEP 1. GETTING STARTED Decide where you want to teach. Research the required qualifications for your chosen destination. Find out potential salaries and cost of living. Complete an application for one of ITTT's TEFL courses, either online, in-class or combined. STEP 2. LEARN Upon successfully completing the course wait for your certificate to arrive by post. Or attend the training center at your chosen destination for your 4 week in-class course. Once your application is successful and necessary fees have been paid you are ready to go! If you have chosen an online course, you can start studying the course materials and complete the tests when you are ready. STEP 3. APPLY FOR JOBS Use the resources provided by ITTT to ensure your C.V.,/cover letter, etc. make the most impact...  [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]

  Tori completed the 120-hour TESOL certificate course as well as the business English course to further her education in English language teaching. In this TESOL review she tells us that as an English and Education university graduate Tori found that she had come across some of the theories covered in the courses before but also learned new theories and methodologies. She was also able to put the knowledge she learned on the courses to immediate use in her lessons in Japan. 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...  [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]

  This video covers the difference between 'interested' and 'interesting'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. 'Interesting' describes the people or things that cause the feeling of interest to someone, for example: Today's lesson about world history is very interesting. 'Interested', on the other hand, describes how someone feels, such as here: I am very interested in learning another language. 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...  [Read more]

  The simple answer is no, you do not need to have any knowledge or experience of languages other than English to take a TEFL course or to become an EFL teacher. The ability to speak other languages is not required as the vast majority of TEFL classrooms around the world rely on the communicative approach to English teaching that specifies that English is the only language used in the classroom. In multilingual classrooms where the students could have a dozen or more different first languages, being able to communicate in one or two of them would obviously be of no particular advantage. In monolingual classrooms you may also find that students are more inclined to revert to their mother tongue during the lesson if they are aware that the teacher can understand what is being said....  [Read more]

  ITTT's online TEFL/TESOL courses are designed to help anyone thinking of teaching English overseas. On them you will learn teaching methodologies, important parts of English grammar and ideas of how to teach this grammar to your students. This video looks at one idea for the future continuous tense. For this activity students are each given a planner filled with different activities on different dates. The planners are rigged so that there is only one day when the students are both free. They have to interview each other to find out which day they are both free. To find out more about how you can become qualified and suitably prepared for teaching English overseas click the link above. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online...  [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]

  Telmo lives in Portugal and has completed an online TEFL course with ITTT. In this TEFL review, Telmo tells us how he enjoyed his experience on the course and recommends taking the course with tutor support. ITTT offers a range of course to suit all needs so if you are looking at taking your first steps as an English teacher or wish to refresh your skills you are bound to find something to suit you with ITTT. 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. ...  [Read more]

  This video is a sample EFL lesson in a real-life classroom setting abroad. In the activate phase of the lesson, the teacher starts a class activity with his students. The class is split into two teams and a member of each team is competing against the other team to build a correct sentence about modal verbs. This phase of the lesson is important for the students to actively use the newly learned grammar or vocabulary. 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. ...  [Read more]

ITTT’s Chongqing TEFL training center gives attendees the chance to study an in-class TEFL course in just three weeks. This is the perfect option for trainees who want to attend a classroom based course but have time restrictions. Chongqing is a busy industrial city in southwest China located on the Yangzi River. The city has a population of over 18 million people and is an important transport hub and manufacturing base. Famous for its spicy cuisine which makes extensive use of Sichuan pepper, Chongqing attracts visitors from all over the country looking to try its most famous dish, Chongqing hot pot. This spicy broth is available at thousands of hot pot restaurants around the city and is celebrated in a yearly hot pot festival when over ten thousand hot pot restaurants give discounts...  [Read more]

TEFL International’s center in Cebu sits only minutes from white-sand beaches and crystal blue waters. As one of the most highly developed provinces in the Philippines, Cebu acts as the heart of education, trade, and commerce for the central and southern portions of the archipelago. Despite all its growth, Cebu has retained its culture as well. It’s this combination of factors that makes Cebu an incredibly dynamic and exciting choice of location for your teacher training. Aside from careful development and great seascapes, Cebu comes from a distant past. 30,000 years ago the area was a series of land bridges that played a critical part in the migration of humans. When the bridges were covered with ocean, the island of Cebu was formed. Ferdinand Magellan visited the area in 1521 but...  [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]

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]

Kolkata, is famous for its literary, artistic and cultural heritage. It was once India’s capital city and is still home to exquisite buildings, museums and galleries. Held in high esteem by locals and known as the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who takes our TEFL International certification course here. Along with Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, Kolkata is one of the four main cities in India. It was once the headquarters for the British Raj during colonial rule in India and therefore, Victorian architecture can be seen from many points in the city. It is also commonly referred to as the nation’s intellectual capital. Kolkata offers plenty of activities for trainees during their downtime. You can take a morning stroll over Howrah Bridge—the...  [Read more]

Are you looking to shed those extra pounds and improve your overall health? Incorporating clean eating into your weight loss routine is a great way to achieve your goals. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and cutting out added sugars and unhealthy fats, you can kickstart your metabolism, boost your energy levels, and feel better both inside and out. 1. The Benefits of Clean Eating 2. How to Get Started with Clean Eating 3. Clean Eating Meal Ideas 4. Tips for Success Clean eating involves consuming foods in their most natural state, free from additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. By choosing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to function at its best. This can lead to improved...  [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]

Tashkent is Uzbekistan’s capital city and is based in the east of the country. With a population of around 2.5 million people it is Uzbekistan’s and Central Asia’s largest city. Tashkent became the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Tashkent’s architecture is a testament to its rich, interesting history and culture. The city’s exhibition halls and metro stations have unique and fascinating styles, which never fail to amaze visitors. To truly experience local Tashkent life you should head to one of the local markets where locals meet and socialize in addition to doing their shopping. Tashkent’s nightlife is growing and the city is place to find the best clubs, restaurants and teahouses Uzbekistan. Food lovers will find...  [Read more]

  In a previous grammar video we looked at the future simple, future continuous, future perfect and future perfect continuous. In this video we look at three other forms used for talking about the future. These are the 'going to' future, the present continuous and the present simple. The 'going to' future: Subject + verb to be "am/is/are" + going to + base verb. It is used for intentions/things decided upon before speaking as in: "I'm going to teach English in Korea next year". The 'going to' future is also used when making predictions with evidence. The present continuous: Subject + verb to be "am/is/are" + present participle. This is used to talk about future arrangements that we might have such as: "I'm starting a TEFL course next month", this is saying that the course is...  [Read more]

  Thailand is firmly established as one of Asia's must-see destinations and is a favorite stop for many on the traditional backpacker trail. For those who want to stay on for an extended visit the good news is there is a healthy demand for English language teachers in many parts of the country. Although wages may not match those found in some of the region's teaching hotspots, you can still earn enough to live a comfortable lifestyle and to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer. In the past it was almost the norm for teachers to work 'under the table' without a proper work permit, however, those days are largely gone and you now need to have the necessary paperwork in place if you want to earn a good salary. To be granted a work permit you need to possess a degree in...  [Read more]

TEFL International’s course in Brazil is located in Natal--one of the most amazing cities in the entire country. Natal is easily reached from both North America and Europe, enjoys perfect weather all year round, has been found to have the best air quality in all of the Americas and is blessed with more than 20 spectacular beaches, along with their crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs. Known as the “City of Sun”, Natal will not disappoint you. Each year, thousands of visitors come to take in the calm ocean, wonderful climate and gorgeous dunes. It even has local water parks that cater to kids and adults of all ages. During the week, you’ll receive some of the best training you’ll find in South America, while over the weekends, you can laze your days away under the...  [Read more]

  The second conditional is used when speaking about dreams, fantasies and hypothetical situations. This video is specifically aimed at teaching the second conditional in an ESL setting. 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 lesson of troubleshooting we learned about common problem situations. We learned how to approach first lesson, we learned about warmers we can use, we learned about how to teach different groups of learners, how to teach...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Linda discusses her work on unit 3 of ITTT?s 120-hour TEFL course. This unit focuses on the theories and methodologies of English language teaching. The unit is longer than the previous two units but contains a lot of information about teaching methods, lesson planning, correction techniques and games and activities for 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 convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. When I first started this unit I was thinking that...  [Read more]

  In this video Linda explains the differences between "assure", "insure" and "ensure". They not only sound similar, but those three words also make an outcome sure but they are in no way interchangeable. "Assure" is used to speak out a promise or say something with confidence, for example "I assure you that he is a great lawyer". "Ensure" is used to make something certain, such as here: "Please ensure that you will be home at five o'clock today"."Insure" means to protect an object against risk by buying an insurance policy from an insurance company, like here: "I insure my television because it was expensive". Once you have realized the three different meanings and usages, there is no way you'll confuse them again. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one...  [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]

  In this TESL training video the teaching idea for the past perfect continuous tense involves giving the students a prompt and asking them to finish it with a sensible answer in the past perfect continuous tense. For example: I didn't have dinner last night... because I had been snacking all day. She passed the test... because she had been studying hard. The past perfect continuous is a rarely used tense and is often quit confusing for learners of English as well as new English teachers. Taking a 120-hour online teaching course with ITTT will give the knowledge needed to make sure you know how to explain such tenses to students the moment you step into your first TESL classroom. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL...  [Read more]