Do Teachers Usually Owe Taxes

  A TEFL course is usually the first step towards becoming an English teacher, whether it is online or overseas. With an exceptional pass rate and many thousands of course graduates, passing a TEFL course with ITTT shouldn’t be too difficult if you put in the level of work required.  [Read more]

  Are you thinking of going to Thailand to teach English, but are worried that you don't speak Thai? Fortunately, it is not usually necessary for international teachers of English in Thailand to speak Thai. Most schools operate on an English only policy in the classroom.  [Read more]

In the same way that we would expect our surgeon, dentist or airline pilot to have undertaken some training, our students of English might also expect their teachers to be trained and competent. What does it mean that our English teacher is competent? Possibly there are two major components to the answer: 1. The teacher has adequate subject knowledge. 2. The teacher has some classroom delivery skills. First you need to find a course that offers these components. While many native English speakers have learned the rules of English grammar sub-consciously as part of their language development, this does not give them the necessary subject knowledge required to teach English. So both native English speakers (NES) and non-native English speakers (NNES) should have some background knowledge of...  [Read more]

In some countries there is a clear process for foreigners to obtain a work visa that provides full legal status to live and work. In others, the process can be expensive and time consuming or simply nonexistent. However, as the demand for English language teachers is so high in many parts of the world, the necessity of a work visa is sometimes ignored. The fact is many thousands of people work as English language teachers in countries all over the world without a work visa. In countries such as Spain and Italy, both extremely popular destinations, it is common for Americans and other nationalities to enter the country on a tourist visa and immediately start working as an English language teacher. A tourist visa in these countries is typically valid for 90 days and cannot be renewed so...  [Read more]

There are many TEFL Jobs in India for the prospective English teacher, though most of them are on a volunteer basis. There are several agencies that can arrange an unpaid position for qualified TEFL teachers. Although competition is tough, paid positions are still available. A TEFL or similar certification and a degree in education or a lot of teaching experience is usually required for one of these jobs. A lot of the English teaching jobs in India will ask that you work six days a week and around 20 to 25 hours. The utmost of respect is generally given to teachers in India. In Indian culture education is very highly regarded, so teachers are treated well and students are motivated to do as well as they can. Because of the fact that good command of the English language is common in India,...  [Read more]

The birth place of the English language, the UK offers many opportunities to teach English as a second language (TESOL). While the best opportunities are reserved for UK nationals, native speakers from around the Commonwealth and even the US can enjoy employment here. The UK’s open-door policy on immigration means that great opportunities await TESOL teachers. In the last 40 years or more, wave after wave of immigrants have decided to make the UK their home. Presently, the greatest influx is from Eastern Europe, and new arrivals tend to have a lot of motivation to learn the English skills they will need to survive in the UK. Opportunities are best for those who have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a Post-Graduate Certification in Education (PGCE). If not already certified in TESOL,...  [Read more]

As it is one of the few countries in the world that overlaps two different continents, Turkey has long been a popular destination for international travelers. Due to a steadily growing demand for the English language across much of the country, it is now also an increasingly popular destination for teaching English abroad. Job opportunities can be found in many parts of the country, but the big markets for ESL teachers are located in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Technically a degree in any subject is required for all teaching jobs; however, there are often not enough teachers to fill vacant positions so a TEFL certificate is sufficient for many employers. The monthly salary you can expect when teaching English as a foreign language in Turkey will vary from around $800 to $1,800 USD per...  [Read more]

If you are looking for TEFL teaching jobs in countries with high living costs, there are several strategies you can employ to maximize your chances of finding a suitable position. One of the most effective ways to secure a well-paying TEFL job in a country with a high cost of living is to target international schools or private language institutions that cater to affluent clients. These establishments often offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract qualified teachers. Additionally, networking can play a crucial role in finding TEFL jobs in countries with high living costs. Attend TEFL conferences, job fairs, and networking events both in person and online to connect with potential employers and other professionals in the field. Building relationships with individuals who have...  [Read more]

The combination of a tropical climate, stunning beach filled coastline, exotic flora and fauna, and some of the most pristine rain forest in the region, makes Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for teaching English abroad. The majority of foreign English teachers working in Costa Rica have no more than a tourist visa in their passport. Unlike many other countries, it is technically legal for teachers to work without the need for a work visa. For many nationalities, including Americans, Canadians, and most Western Europeans, tourist visas are issued on arrival in the country. Visas are valid for 90 days and can be renewed by crossing a border to a neighboring country and then simply crossing back to receive a new one. When entering Costa Rica it is worth...  [Read more]

  The difference between a tutor and a teacher is that a tutor tends to be a personal teacher. A tutor usually teaches one-to-one, whereas a teacher has a class of students. Often the role of a tutor is defined in terms of what is to be taught to the student.  [Read more]

English is taught as a second language all over the globe. Due to the volume of qualified teachers needed there are many great opportunities with attractive salaries just waiting to be filled in countries worldwide. TEFL teachers are usually required to have teaching qualifications and are therefore considered to be skilled workers in most areas. As a skilled foreign worker, the base salary enjoyed by a full-time ESL teacher is usually considerably higher than the country’s median wage. Experienced teachers and those with advanced-level teaching qualifications can often further enhance their claims for a higher salary. Factoring in lifestyle and living costs, countries in Southeast Asia continue to be extremely popular with our TEFL course graduates. An average teaching salary in this...  [Read more]

If you have a university degree, a well recognized TEFL certificate and you can present yourself in a professional manner, finding a TEFL Job in Thailand is as close to a guaranteed certainty as you can get. In places like Bangkok and the island of Phuket, there are far more TEFL jobs than there are teachers to fill them. All state schools are mandated to employ at least one native speaking English teacher, and a large number of schools just can’t find one, because the job market is so heavily weighted in the teacher’s favor. Teachers in Thailand are accorded a tremendous amount of respect, traditionally coming in third, just behind the king and monks. However, this respect is not indelible, and your actions can easily erase it, if you are not careful to be culturally sensitive and...  [Read more]

  As there is no standard content or fixed length required for a TEFL certification course, individual providers are free to design their own courses and set whatever fees they see fit. The best advice is not to choose a course simply because it is the cheapest one available. Yes, you can find TEFL courses on discount websites for as little US$ 49 but will they be accepted by employers in the region that you want to work in? And will they properly prepare you for life in a real classroom? If you want to ensure that the answer to these questions is YES then you should look a little deeper than just the price. In-class TEFL courses usually involve 4-weeks of intensive training that comprehensively covers the most important aspects of English language teaching. During the course you...  [Read more]

Yes, TEFL teachers can work in language schools both domestically and internationally. Language schools often hire TEFL teachers to provide English language instruction to students of various ages and proficiency levels. Working in a language school can offer TEFL teachers a structured teaching environment and the opportunity to work with diverse groups of students from different cultural backgrounds. One of the main benefits of working in a language school as a TEFL teacher is the support and resources that are typically provided. Language schools often have pre-designed curriculum and materials for teachers to use, which can help streamline lesson planning and preparation. Additionally, language schools may offer professional development opportunities and training sessions to help...  [Read more]

Every year over 80 million people visit France making it the most popular tourist destination in the world. ESL teachers also flock here in large numbers due to the country's wide array of attractions, from culture, history, and art, to fine cuisine and beautiful scenery. Demand for teachers is high in many parts of the country, although competition for the best positions is particularly strong in the most popular destinations such as Paris and the French Riviera. Teachers with plenty of experience will certainly have an advantage in these areas, while first time teachers may need to be more flexible when it comes to location. The figure you can expect to earn as an ESL teacher in France will vary considerably depending on your qualifications and experience, the location, and the type...  [Read more]

  After successfully completing the four week TEFL/TESOL certification course in Phuket, trainee Stratton shares his thoughts on the course in this TEFL review. He discusses some of the advantages of completing the in-class course and how the course has given him a strong foundation on which to build his future as an English language 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. There are two productive skills: speaking and writing . In many ways...  [Read more]

Acronyms are an essential tool used in all professions and technical writing. They are powerful tools to reduce word content. However without knowing what the acronym stands for, they can form a barrier to understanding. In the ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching world there is certainly no shortage of acronyms. Here we look at a few and one in particular, TEFL. Some useful teaching acronyms are: ELT: English Language Teaching. This is a general term for teaching English and applies to the teaching of English to both native and non-native English speakers. ELL: English Language Learner. This is a general term for anyone learning English and applies to learners of English who are native or non-native English speakers. ESL: English as a Second Language: This relates to the...  [Read more]

How much money you can earn teaching English online depends on a variety of factors, including your qualifications, prior experience, and the platform you work for. Online English teachers are paid on an hourly basis, typically ranging between $15 and $30. If you decide to work through an online platform, as most online teachers do, a fee for connecting you with students and providing materials is also deducted in the form of a commission. There are different ways to earn a living as an online English teacher. Some teachers work for an online ESL company, some offer their lessons on an open marketplace, and others even start their own online ESL business. Depending on your qualifications and the type of platform, online English teachers can typically earn between $10 and $40 US per hour....  [Read more]

Situated just north of the Equator, Malaysia is a tropical destination that has plenty to offer TEFL qualified teachers. The country’s rapid development, diverse culture, and great food are all major attractions. The government is also keen to recruit more English teachers in the coming years, ensuring plenty of opportunities for international teachers. As there are a large number of local English language teachers, competition for jobs is relatively strong, but they are available for those who want them. Salaries in Malaysia are not in the same league as some other Asian countries such as China, Japan, or South Korea, with an average wage being around $1, 000 USD per month. However, the cost of living is relatively low so this figure can go a long way if you live a normal lifestyle....  [Read more]

Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, with miles of unspoilt beaches, a warm Mediterranean climate and some of the best cuisine in the region. The country’s booming tourism industry is one of the main reasons why there is a strong demand for English language teachers as knowledge of English is necessary to find work in what is Portugal’s biggest job sector. Unfortunately, Portugal’s economy is currently quite weak so teacher’s salaries are not particularly high. However, it is the local lifestyle that attracts people to this corner of Europe rather than the pay scale. If you want to teach English in Portugal in any type of school you will need a university degree and a TEFL/TESOL qualification. Most employers also expect at least one years teaching...  [Read more]

We can say in general terms that all teachers are important, English teachers among them. However, the requirement for specialist teachers who are able to teach English as a second or foreign language is particularly important. What makes specialist ESL teachers so necessary? Globalized industry has led to an explosion of the use of English as the lingua franca. This trend looks as though it will continue in the near future. Whilst English is a mainstream curriculum subject in many countries, teachers of English are not necessarily equipped to teach English as a second or foreign language. Teachers trained in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are therefore in great demand. Whilst it is generally true that Native English Speakers (NES) have a good working knowledge of the...  [Read more]

Becoming an effective TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) teacher requires time, dedication, and ongoing professional development. While there is no fixed timeframe for achieving effectiveness, most TEFL experts agree that it typically takes between six months to a year for new teachers to feel comfortable in the classroom and develop their teaching skills. In the first few months of teaching, new TEFL teachers are usually focused on learning the basics of lesson planning, classroom management, and effective teaching techniques. They may also be adjusting to living in a new country and adapting to a different culture, which can add to the learning curve. As new teachers gain more experience and confidence in the classroom, they begin to refine their teaching style, develop their own...  [Read more]

The Czech Republic has been a popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years as it offers a unique cultural experience, a low cost of living, and a very healthy job market. Prague is the most popular destination, boasting an eclectic mix of architecture and a fascinating history that draws huge numbers of tourists from around the world every year. The city also has one of the largest demands for ESL teachers in the whole of Europe. Cities such as Brno, Ostrava, Liberec, and Plzen, which is world famous as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, are also popular locations. As there is a huge number of employers across the country offering a wide range of positions, the average salary can be anywhere from 18,000 to 30,000 CZK (currently US$700 to $1,200) per month. Many private...  [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]

TEFL teachers can indeed work in international schools around the world. International schools often seek qualified English language teachers to help students develop their language skills and prepare for exams such as the TOEFL or IELTS. These schools typically follow a curriculum that is taught in English, making it essential to have proficient English teachers on staff. Working in an international school as a TEFL teacher can be a rewarding experience. It allows educators to work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds and help them achieve fluency in English, which is a valuable skill in today's globalized world. TEFL teachers in international schools may also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from different countries and gain unique perspectives on teaching...  [Read more]

When people dream of teaching English in Europe, most do not immediately think about Romania as an option. However, they should as it has great potential for qualified teachers as it is one of the fastest growing nations in terms of people learning English as a second language. Although you will most likely be working in a city, as that is where the majority of jobs are located, you will still have plenty of free time to explore the country’s idyllic countryside. The historical region of Transylvania is probably Romania’s most famous attraction, where you will find the ancient castles that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Salaries for English language teachers in Romania are not high in comparison to some other European countries and they vary depending on the type of employer and...  [Read more]

There are many different reasons why people choose to teach English abroad and the chance to earn good money is certainly one of them. How much you can realistically expect to earn is largely dependent on where in the world you choose to teach. The highest salaries are generally found in the Middle East and East Asia regions where teachers can typically live well and still save a considerable sum each month. In Europe and Latin America it is harder to save money, but you should still earn enough to live comfortably. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in the region. Teachers without experience can expect to earn around $1,000 per month, which...  [Read more]

Prospects for securing a TEFL Job in Japan are very good for persons holding a TEFL certificate from TEFL International. In Osaka and Tokyo there are generally more TEFL jobs than there are teachers to fill them. Elsewhere in the country the prospects for TEFL employment remain good as well. Japanese society in general has a high respect for teachers, and the students are usually highly motivated and eager to learn. A bachelor’s degree is necessary in order to secure a work permit, so you have to be a graduate in order to get a TEFL job in Japan. An energetic personality and a good sense of humor in a teacher are highly sought after by schools here. Teacher’s salaries are high in Japan, and many teachers find they are able to save as much as 70,000 yen each month, depending on...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) and enjoying city life, there are several countries that offer great opportunities for teachers. These countries not only have a high demand for English teachers but also provide a vibrant urban experience. Here are some of the best countries for TEFL teachers who enjoy city life: One of the top choices for TEFL teachers who prefer city living is Japan. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto offer a unique blend of traditional culture and modern amenities. The demand for English teachers in Japan is high, and the salary and benefits are usually very competitive. Additionally, Japan is known for its safety, cleanliness, and efficient public transportation system, making it a popular choice for many expats. Another popular...  [Read more]

Although the average salary for EFL teachers in Southeast Asia is significantly less than that of some other countries across the continent, the region still draws a large number of teachers to countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. While you might struggle to save a great deal of your earnings during your stay, you should still be able to live comfortably in your country of choice. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in the region. Teachers without experience can expect to earn around $1,000 per month, which should be enough to cover general living expenses, but is unlikely to leave much in the way of savings. Teachers with a high...  [Read more]