Where Was The First Valentine's Day Celebrated

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 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]

  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]

Creating a supportive learning environment for TEFL students begins with setting clear expectations. Communicate the goals of the course, the learning outcomes, and the assessment criteria from the beginning. This helps students understand what is expected of them and reduces anxiety. Building rapport with students is also crucial. Get to know your students, their interests, backgrounds, and learning styles. Show empathy, respect, and understanding to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere in the classroom. To keep students motivated and engaged, incorporate interactive and engaging activities into your lessons. Use a variety of teaching methods such as group work, pair work, role-plays, games, and multimedia resources. Interactive activities not only make learning fun but also...  [Read more]

Australia's vibrant cultural landscape is deeply enriched by the diverse influences of its Indigenous peoples. From art and music to language and spirituality, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures have left an indelible mark on the country's identity. Let's delve into the myriad ways in which these ancient traditions continue to shape and inspire contemporary Australian society. One of the most prominent and celebrated aspects of Indigenous culture is its art. From intricate dot paintings to vibrant storytelling through traditional dance, Indigenous art serves as a powerful medium for preserving and sharing stories, histories, and spiritual beliefs. The iconic symbols and motifs found in Indigenous artwork reflect a deep connection to the land and the ancestral knowledge...  [Read more]

Creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment is crucial for the success of both teachers and students in the TEFL setting. A positive classroom environment fosters a sense of belonging and safety, which in turn enhances students' motivation and willingness to learn. In an inclusive classroom, students from diverse backgrounds feel respected and valued, leading to increased engagement and participation. As a TEFL teacher, it is essential to prioritize building a supportive and inclusive space where every student feels welcomed and accepted. There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can use to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Firstly, establishing clear expectations and rules from the beginning helps set the tone for respectful behavior and mutual...  [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]

  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]

  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]

  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]

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]

  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]

--- Intercultural understanding is a crucial aspect of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) as it goes beyond language proficiency. It helps students develop empathy, respect, and open-mindedness towards different cultures, which are essential skills in today's interconnected world. By promoting intercultural understanding in the classroom, you can create a more inclusive and harmonious learning environment where students can learn from each other's diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 1. Cultural Exchange Activities: Encourage students to share aspects of their own culture such as food, music, festivals, and traditions. This can help foster a sense of pride in one's own culture while also increasing awareness and appreciation for other cultures. 2. Cross-Cultural Communication:...  [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]

  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]

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]

  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]

  This video outlines ITTT's four week in-class course, our online course and the combined course. The four week in-class course is offered in over thirty locations throughout the world. Our training centers are usually located in countries where there is a high demand for English language teachers. Graduates often remain in the country where they complete their course to begin their teaching career. The course provides trainees with a detailed working knowledge of grammar and teaching skills that will give them a solid foundation to begin their teaching careers. ITTT's online course is more flexible as it offers trainees the opportunity to work at their own pace in the comfort of their own home. The combined course is a combination of the 120 hour online course plus 7 to 10...  [Read more]

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

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

  Chelci completed her course with ITTT and is now teaching at a school in South Korea. In this TESOL review video she shows us how the school day ends as students finish studying for the day. Completing a TEFL TESOL course with ITTT enables you to work all over the world as an English teacher and is a great way to experience new countries and cultures. 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. wow this was quite a complicated and enlightening unit! I...  [Read more]

TEFL International’s center in Corinth is a four-week, 120-hour course that includes teaching practice, trainers with extensive expertise in the field and results in a certification that is internationally recognized. On top of this, the school is associated with a local recruitment company and we’ll provide employment assistance for any location in which you wish to teach. Our facilities and accommodation are comfortable and clean. All course materials and an airport pick-up are included in the course fees. Located on the Peloponnese Peninsula and very near pristine beaches, Corinth is rich with archeological sites. Outside Athens, Corinth is the most visited site on Greece’s mainland. This course represents a unique opportunity to absorb Greek history and culture. We’re only 50...  [Read more]

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

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]