Certification Means

To begin, let's clarify the acronym TEFL: TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a term that encompasses the teaching of English to non-native speakers in various contexts. While technically, TEFL specifically refers to teaching English in non-English-speaking countries, it is widely used to describe English language instruction in most settings. Additionally, TEFL is the designation given to teacher training programs and the resulting certifications that aspiring teachers pursue to meet the qualifications sought by international employers of English language instructors. Although many English teaching positions require a TEFL certificate, some teachers hold a TESOL certificate instead. The great news is that TEFL and TESOL essentially denote the same concept, and...  [Read more]

  There are a variety of acronyms used in the English language teaching industry. Two of the most common are TEFL and TESOL. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These terms are interchangeable and effectively mean the same thing. Historically within the industry TEFL was a British based term and TESOL a North American based term. 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]

Presuming that you have already done a bit of research into teaching English as a foreign language, you will probably already be aware of the basic role of an EFL teacher, i.e, to teach non-native speakers to speak, read, and write in the English language. However, there is a whole lot more to the role of an EFL teacher than simply standing in front of the class and teaching vocabulary and grammar. Your exact role will depend on the individual employer and the environment where you are actually working, but there are several things that will be expected of you in most situations. For many teachers the most time consuming aspect of the job is planning and preparing lessons in advance. While teachers with plenty of experience can often get by with minimal planning as they will have taught...  [Read more]

  Online TEFL courses come in many different shapes and sizes, which means there is no easy answer to this question. A quick Google search will reveal various short-format TEFL courses for just a few dollars, however, if you want to impress employers around the world, it is quality that is important.  [Read more]

Congratulations if you have recently completed a TEFL certification course and are now looking for that all important first teaching position. As learning English is commonplace in the majority of countries around the world, qualified TEFL teachers rarely find it difficult to secure a good job. However, the level of demand can vary greatly from one place to the next, which also means the level of requirements can vary. What is required in one country might be completely different to the requirements in its immediate neighbor. As mentioned above, the demand for qualified TEFL teachers varies considerably and can have a big effect on where you might end up working in your first teaching position. Certain countries also have stricter rules and regulations than others, as do individual...  [Read more]

  Salaries in Cambodia are modest in comparison with China, South Korea, and Japan, however, a low cost of living means it is possible to live comfortably on a teacher's pay. Salaries vary but an inexperienced teacher can reasonably expect to earn around $1,000 to $1,200 USD per month.  [Read more]

  The acronym TEFL stands for teaching English as a foreign language. TESOL is teaching English to speakers of other languages. Today, both terms have much the same meaning are generally used interchangeably in the EFL field. In the early days, TEFL was more of a UK-based qualification and TESOL was more of a North American-based qualification. ESL is English as a Second Language, and is usually used when teaching English in an English-speaking environment. Some people argue that TESOL encompasses both EFL and ESL. In reality there is very little difference, if any. As the need for English language training has developed worldwide, the two terms have almost become synonymous. They are both used to describe the field of English language teaching and one of them is stated on...  [Read more]

Due to a rapid increase in job numbers and fewer restrictions on who can legally work as a teacher, the Eastern European region is now beginning to catch Western Europe in terms of popularity. Typically, the balance between income and cost of living means that many teachers find they are better off financially in a country such as the Czech Republic than they are working in a traditional teaching hotspot such as Italy. The monthly income of foreign teachers in Russia varies hugely depending on many different factors such as location, qualifications, experience, and number of contracted hours. Private language schools generally pay an hourly rate which averages around $650 per month for a first-time teacher. This figure can rise substantially with relevant experience. Many positions...  [Read more]

  A level 5 TEFL certification is an equivalent level to a CELTA or Foundation Degree. This type of TEFL qualification is great when applying for competitive TEFL jobs - both online and abroad. Teachers who possess this level of TEFL certification typically earn a higher salary.  [Read more]

  The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is commonly used to refer to training courses that almost anyone can take to learn the skills and knowledge required to teach English to non-native speakers in countries all over the world.  [Read more]

Mexico is a hugely popular destination for teaching English abroad due to its booming job market, vibrant culture, diverse and beautiful landscapes, and the worldwide popularity of its cuisine. The country’s close ties to its neighbour the USA, also ensures Mexico has a very strong demand for the English language in every town and city, no matter how big or small. Although a teacher’s salary is much less than you would earn in the US, the low cost of living means that what you earn goes a whole lot further. Your income will vary depending on the type of job you secure and the location in which you choose to live and work. On average, you can expect to earn between $500 and $1,000 USD per month. When looking for a job, it is best to shop around to find the best deal as hourly rates can...  [Read more]

  A level 6 TEFL certification is an equivalent level to the final semester of an undergraduate degree. This type of TEFL qualification is perfect when applying for competitive TEFL jobs abroad and online. Teachers with this level of TEFL certification generally also earn a higher salary.  [Read more]

  A level 4 TEFL certification fulfills the standard of at least 100 hours of coursework, which is highly sought after by most employers in the EFL field worldwide. Teachers who obtain this level of TEFL training will have access to teaching jobs around the world.  [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]

  In order to answer this question we will break it down into a series of smaller questions, including: Why should you volunteer? Where can you volunteer? What does the “best place” mean? By considering these three factors you should have a clearer idea of the overall answer.  [Read more]

If you have done some research and made the decision to teach English abroad or online, you will probably have been confronted with a mound of perplexing letters: TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA – what do they all mean, and which is better? Don't worry. We are here to help you understand the differences and lead you into a world of education and international travel. First, let's get the abbreviations out of the way. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and CELTA is an acronym for Certificate in English Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages (until recently, it stood for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). To put it another way, TEFL and TESOL are generic terms for the field of teaching English...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) are both certifications that qualify individuals to teach English as a foreign language. However, there are some key differences between the two that potential teachers should be aware of before choosing which certification to pursue. One of the main differences between TEFL and CELTA is the level of recognition and prestige associated with each certification. CELTA is widely considered to be the gold standard in TEFL certifications and is highly regarded by employers around the world. On the other hand, TEFL certifications can vary widely in quality and may not always be recognized by employers to the same extent as CELTA. Another important difference between TEFL and CELTA is the...  [Read more]

For job seekers looking to enter the field of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), obtaining a TEFL certification can provide a multitude of benefits. Here are some of the key advantages of getting TEFL certified: 1. **Increased Employability**: Many schools and language institutes around the world require their teachers to have a TEFL certification. By obtaining this certification, job seekers can significantly increase their chances of securing a teaching position, as it demonstrates to employers that they have received proper training in TEFL methodologies and techniques. 2. **Enhanced Skills and Knowledge**: A TEFL certification program equips job seekers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. From lesson planning to...  [Read more]

  In this video Linda discusses the difference between two words that are often confused: "borrow" and "lend". Because the two words have similar meanings it makes it hard to identify the correct word, especially for non-native speakers. The difference is solely down to perspective. "Borrow" is a verb that means to receive something from someone with the expectation that you will return it to them. While "lend" is also a verb, it means to give something to someone with the expectation that they will give it back to you. Therefore, you need to make sure you use the right word depending on the perspective. 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...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certifications are both valuable credentials for those looking to teach English to non-native speakers. While they share similarities, they also have distinct differences that cater to different teaching contexts. TEFL certification is geared towards individuals who aim to teach English to students in countries where English is not the primary language. This means that TEFL instructors typically work with students who are learning English for purposes such as travel, business, or academic studies in non-English-speaking countries. TEFL certification programs often focus on teaching English language skills in immersive environments where English is not commonly spoken outside the classroom. On the...  [Read more]

  The first group of students we are looking at in this series are the beginners. It is important to understand that beginners can be of any age. This is why we break this category down into the following sub-categories: absolute beginners, false beginners, adult beginners, young beginners and beginners without the Roman alphabet. Find out more about this type of student group in this video. 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 lesson talked...  [Read more]

We know it can be difficult to sort through the various TEFL certification courses available on the market. That is why we are here to explain the various levels of TEFL courses. The general characteristics of the frameworks are frequently tied to a variety of elements, including the total amount of study hours, the certification type, if the program contains a practical component, and the study technique applied (full-time or part-time study). A level 6 TEFL course is near the top of the framework, making it one of the most advanced TEFL credentials available. A level 6 TEFL qualification is equivalent to an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. With this level of TEFL certification, better-paying TEFL jobs are easier to come by, whether online or abroad. A level 6 qualification will also...  [Read more]

  The two words "lay" and "lie" are often confused for each other, which is why we decided to break down the differences in this video. "Lay" is what is called a transitive verb. That means, it needs to be followed by one or more objects. A good example sentence would be "I lay the book on the table". As you can see, lay is followed by ""on the table"". We couldn't only say "I lay the book." as it would be incomplete. This means it is transitive. "Lie" on the other hand is an intransitive verb. That means it doesn't take an object, for example "I lie down". Most errors have to do with the past tenses of the two verbs, as the past tense of "lie" is "lay" while the past tense of "lay" is "laid". Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online...  [Read more]

First we need to define what TEFL means before looking at the various ways in which it can be examined to provide a teaching certificate. There are various locations in which a TEFL exam can be taken and different methods of instruction, these will also be considered. The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and it can be used in any situation where the English language is being taught to non-native English speakers. Technically speaking, TEFL refers to teaching English in countries where English is not the native language. It is a term used mainly in the UK and is used interchangeably with the equivalent USA term TESOL. As with any profession, teaching has a series of exams at different levels. Within the world of ESL the entry level examination for teachers is...  [Read more]

Yes, obtaining a TEFL certification is often required when teaching English in private language schools, especially in countries where English is not the native language. While it is possible to find teaching opportunities without a TEFL certification, having one can significantly increase your chances of securing a job and may lead to better employment prospects. Private language schools typically look for teachers who have received proper training in teaching English as a foreign language, and a TEFL certification demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Additionally, many schools prefer to hire teachers with a TEFL certification as it is a mark of professionalism and dedication to the field of English language...  [Read more]

To teach English in Sweden, there are several requirements that you need to meet. First and foremost, you will need to have a proficient level of English language skills. This means that you should be a native English speaker or have obtained a high level of proficiency through education or experience. Additionally, many schools and language centers in Sweden require their English teachers to have a bachelor's degree in English, education, or a related field. In terms of qualifications, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is highly beneficial and sometimes mandatory. These certifications provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Some...  [Read more]

  Tim currently completed our 120-hour online certification course and enjoyed working with the well-organized units. He also found the videos accompanying the course very useful. 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. honestly, this was the hardest unit ! I needed much more time to dig all the information comparing to the other units, but I guess it will be ok. It is amazing how the things that we beleieve are so simple, are actually so basim...  [Read more]

  There is no simple answer to this question as it depends entirely on which type of TEFL course you choose to study. At ITTT we have a range of courses that are designed to suit the various needs of our trainees, each with its own time scale for completion. Please see below for a breakdown of our various course options. Online courses are often the quickest route towards TEFL certification. If you are in a real hurry a course such as our 60-hour introduction to TEFL may be a good choice as you can conceivably complete it in as little as five days. Even those who prefer to study at a slower rate should find they can complete the course within one month. However, it is worth remembering that the majority of employers worldwide insist on job applicants having a TEFL certificate of...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word variety. This word is used as a noun and describes a state of being different or diverse. The words diversity and variation can be used as synonyms for variety. The word comes from the Latin word varietas. 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. Understanding the forms and usage of all four present tenses is important to master before a teacher can impart the the knowledge to students in a...  [Read more]

  Strictly speaking the answer is no, you do not have to possess a TEFL certificate in order to find work as an English language teacher. In some countries around the world it is still possible to secure employment simply by being a native English speaker. However, there are several reasons why we would strongly recommend that you complete a TEFL training course before you set off to teach English abroad. In recent years many popular destinations for EFL teachers have begun to tighten the requirements necessary for teaching English in schools and language centers. A recognized TEFL certificate is now required in order to secure a work permit in many countries, whilst the ever growing number of teachers with a TEFL qualification means that employers in the majority of countries...  [Read more]