Feeling Unsettled In New Home

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]

Homesickness can be a common experience for those teaching English abroad, especially if it is your first time living in a foreign country. It is essential to acknowledge these feelings and take proactive steps to manage them effectively. Here are some strategies to help you deal with homesickness while teaching abroad: 1. Stay Connected with Loved Ones: Maintaining regular contact with family and friends back home can provide a sense of comfort and connection. Schedule video calls, send messages, or write emails to stay in touch and share your experiences with them. 2. Establish a Routine: Creating a daily routine can help you feel more grounded and settled in your new environment. Plan your lessons, explore the local area, and engage in activities that bring you joy and a sense of...  [Read more]

Handling culture shock when teaching abroad can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Here are some tips and strategies to help you navigate and cope with culture shock effectively. Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation and discomfort when you are exposed to a new and unfamiliar culture. It can manifest in various ways, such as feelings of isolation, frustration, homesickness, and confusion. When teaching abroad, you may encounter differences in language, food, customs, values, and social norms that can be overwhelming at first. Before embarking on your teaching abroad journey, it is essential to prepare yourself mentally for the cultural differences you may encounter. Researching about the country's history, language, customs, and traditions can help you gain a better...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the main challenges is the language barrier. Many of your students may have limited proficiency in English, which can make communication difficult. This can be frustrating for both you and your students, as it may impede the learning process. Another challenge is adapting to a new culture. Teaching English abroad often means immersing yourself in a new and unfamiliar culture. This can be both exciting and overwhelming, as you navigate different customs, traditions, and social norms. It's important to approach this challenge with an open mind and a willingness to learn from your surroundings. Additionally, teaching English abroad may require you to adjust your teaching style to...  [Read more]

  This video covers the differences teachers encounter when teaching monolingual and multilingual classes. Monolingual students all have the same native language. Multilingual students have different first languages. Watch this video to find out how to deal with these types of classes as a 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. two videos comparing two different ways of teaching. the first one a \"bad\" teacher that only needs to pass the...  [Read more]

If you are a full-time student or employee, figuring out when you will fit a brand new 120-hour TEFL certification into your schedule can be difficult (especially if you are looking at completing it on-site overseas). The good news is that you can take as long as you want to get your TEFL certification. Structured on-site TEFL courses have start and end dates, so determining how long it will take to complete a TEFL course is as simple as determining the program dates. However, our 120-hour TEFL course can be completed entirely online, thus giving you all the flexibility you need to make it happen on your own terms. As this course is self-paced, it really depends on your own personal learning style and the amount of spare time you have available to study. As a general guideline, the typical...  [Read more]

  Sonia recorded this TEFL review after completing the 120-hour online TEFL course from ITTT. The course has given her more confidence as a teacher as well as the chance to develop her skills in the profession. As a new graduate, Sonia is now looking to teach in China where she can put her newly learned teaching abilities to use and start her career as an English teacher abroad. 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. I enjoyed being able to watch...  [Read more]

  Marina from Moscow completed the 120-hour TEFL course with ITTT while on maternity leave. In her TEFL review she describes initially feeling apprehensive about studying online, Marina found this to be the best way to study for her in her situation. As a teacher of ten years, Marina did find some of the grammar units easier than expected for her but also found useful tips on teaching different skills. ITTT?s courses do not require trainees to have any previous teaching experience but those who have already been teaching for some time can still learn something new to help them develop their skills as an English 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...  [Read more]

Some people who head overseas to teach English grow to love the lifestyle so much that they never return to work in their home country. However, for the majority, the move back home will come at some stage, whether after a single year or much longer. For some it can be a difficult experience as you are no longer the person you were when you first left home. Everything can feel different, from the everyday language to the time zone, from the climate to the cuisine. Reverse culture shock can be genuinely unsettling. One way you can combat this, and continue the international focus of your new found way of life, is to find a job that allows you to use the new skills and knowledge that your time abroad has given you. One obvious step for many teachers is to simply continue working as an...  [Read more]

Some people who go abroad to teach English fall in love with their new life overseas and never return to their home country. The majority, however, will return home at some point, whether after a single year or much longer. It can be a difficult experience for some because you are no longer the person you were when you first left home. Everything, from the everyday language to the time zone, the climate to the cuisine, can feel different. Reverse culture shock can be frightening. For many teachers the obvious next step is to continue working as an English language tutor. If you live in or near a relatively large city you are likely to come across language schools and community colleges that provide English lessons to international students, immigrants, and refugees, among others. With...  [Read more]

Yes. If you travel outside of your home country to teach English, you will need to possess a valid passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry, so it is vital that you check this in advance. To avoid any hassles while you are away from home, we recommend that you have at least two years validity on your existing passport. Once you know the country or countries where you intend to travel, you can contact the nearest consulate for each country if you have any questions or doubts regarding their entry regulations. From within the U.S. you can apply via the State Department's web page. From outside the country you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. British citizens should visit the U.K. Government's...  [Read more]

  Another way that we can help our graduates find their dream teaching job is via our close working relationship with some of the best recruitment companies in the TEFL field. The main advantage of following this route to employment is that the recruitment company takes care of much of the paperwork and you can arrange a job in your chosen country before you leave home. This hassle-free approach is particularly popular with those who have little or no experience of overseas travel and are new to the teaching world. The application and interview process is typically taken care of online and any required visas and work permits are usually arranged for you. The other major benefit of using a recruitment company is that it won’t cost you a thing as all the fees are paid by the...  [Read more]

If you are thinking about teaching English abroad, you may well have wondered whether you should take a TEFL certification course at home or wait until you head overseas. There are pros and cons relating to either choice, but here we look at the main arguments in favour of completing your TEFL training before leaving your home country. Yes, in many of the most popular countries for teaching English abroad jobs are routinely organized from within your own country. In this scenario you will have an interview via phone or webcam from home. If you are then offered the job you will often have to send off a range of documents that are required for the employer to organise your visa, or you may organise this on arrival in some cases. This method of recruitment is most popular in Asia, where it is...  [Read more]

Whether you are just looking to earn some extra cash during a gap-year or are planning a more serious move into the world of education, teaching English as a foreign language has many benefits. The demand for TEFL qualified teachers is continually growing in many parts of the world and opportunities for making teaching a career are abundant. Also, if you decide that it is time to head back home, there are many directions in which your overseas teaching experience can take you. Although for many TEFL course graduates the aim is to head overseas to experience living and working in a foreign culture, it is not the only option. Plenty of people use their teaching qualification within their home country as increasing levels of immigration have led to a rapid increase in demand for ESL...  [Read more]

  This video is a sample EFL lesson in a real-life classroom setting abroad. After covering how to build questions with modals, the teacher elicits the form for short answers from his students. Notice how the teacher elicits information from his students rather than feeding them the new information. This way, the students think in English and also speak to the teacher in English. 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. the teaching method overview part...  [Read more]

Deciding to leave your old life behind and head overseas to teach English is a big move to make and one that can come with a few issues. One that many people encounter is how to stay in regular contact with friends and family. However old and independent you might be, the people you leave behind are likely to have some concerns and it certainly helps them and yourself if you are able to keep everyone informed of your experiences. While it is easy to make excuses and pass the buck, it ultimately is down to you to maintain relationships while you are teaching English abroad. The people you leave behind will have little understanding of the time difference, or your new work schedule, which means it is up to you to find the best time to make a phone or webcam call and to make the necessary...  [Read more]

If you are considering teaching English in your home country, having a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certificate can be beneficial in several ways. While the primary focus of a TEFL certificate is to prepare individuals to teach English to non-native speakers in foreign countries, the skills and knowledge gained from a TEFL course can also be applied to teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) in your home country. One of the main advantages of having a TEFL certificate when teaching English in your home country is that it provides you with a recognized qualification that demonstrates your ability to teach English effectively. Employers, whether they are language schools, private tutoring companies, or educational institutions, often prefer candidates with a...  [Read more]

Many fully certified teachers choose to teach abroad rather than stay in their home country. Some newly qualified teachers may find it difficult to find suitable employment, so they travel abroad to obtain useful classroom experience, while others may simply be looking for something different. Whatever your motivation, teaching is one of the few professions that allows you to develop your skills and knowledge, gain experience, and increase your employability while traveling the world and seeking out new countries and cultures. If you believe this is the right path for you, the next step is to consider how you will differentiate your CV/resume when applying for the best opportunities in the most exciting locations. A TEFL certificate is required in many cases, even for qualified teachers....  [Read more]

  Choose from thousands of teaching jobs around the world. Earning a TEFL or TESOL certificate enables you to work as an English teacher in almost any country around the world. Whether you are thinking of teaching English as a way to fund your world travels, as a new career, or as a means to supplement retirement income, getting TEFL qualified gives you the skills needed to make your dream come true. Earn money while travelling the globe. Making money while teaching English is a great way to conserve your hard-earned savings and extend your globetrotting almost indefinitely. Why limit yourself to just a month or two backpacking when a TEFL certificate will allow you to spend quality time in each country you visit. Volunteer in some of the world's less developed countries....  [Read more]

  Learning a foreign language is high on the to-do list of many teachers working abroad. Being able to practice the language on a day to day basis will not only help you to learn it quickly, but will also help you to feel more at home in your new surroundings.  [Read more]

Yes, having a teaching license from your home country can be a valuable asset when seeking opportunities to teach English abroad. Many countries and language schools require their English teachers to have some form of teaching qualification, and a teaching license demonstrates that you have received proper training and have met certain standards in your home country. One of the first steps you should take when considering teaching English abroad with a teaching license from your home country is to research the specific requirements of the country you are interested in teaching in. Some countries may have specific regulations or requirements for foreign teachers that you will need to meet in addition to having a teaching license. It's important to ensure that your teaching license is...  [Read more]

  Also in the 1970s la señal came up with a new methodology called "Suggestopedia". As psychological theory was developing, one of the ideas that came up was something called ?the effective filter?. Basically, the effective filter is a barrier to learning. It's the reasons why we inhibit our learning of a particular language. There are two main elements to the effective filter, two sets of factors, if you like, those are known as internal and external factors. The external factors to learning, the reasons why we have barriers to learning, may be just simple things such as external noise. So, people talking to us while we're trying to learn and so on and so forth. Perhaps more important are these internal factors and the internal factors one of the main things here is our previous...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience, and having a teaching certificate from your home country can certainly be beneficial. However, the requirements for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) can vary depending on the country you wish to teach in. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process of teaching English abroad with a teaching certificate from your home country. In many countries, having a teaching certificate is a requirement to teach English as a foreign language. This is especially true for more formal teaching positions in schools, universities, or language institutes. Your teaching certificate can demonstrate that you have the necessary training and skills to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Before you start applying...  [Read more]

Many fully certified teachers decide to head overseas to teach rather than stay in their home country. For some newly qualified teachers it can be hard to find a suitable job so they go abroad to gain valuable classroom experience, while others might simply be looking for a change of direction. Whatever your reasons, teaching is one of the few professions that allow you to develop your skills and knowledge and increase your experience and employability, while travelling the world and exploring new countries and cultures. If you think this is the right path for you, the next step is to think about how your CV/resume will stand out when applying for the best jobs in the most exciting locations. In many cases, qualified teachers do need a TEFL certificate. While searching for jobs online you...  [Read more]

Job interviews are notorious for causing anxiety, but if you know what to expect and you prepare accordingly you should find they are not as bad as you are expecting. The essential nature of any interview is to show that you are confident in your teaching ability, keen to get started, and able to fit into the existing workforce. By doing some research and planning in advance, you should be able to demonstrate all of this and land the job on the spot. The worldwide market for teaching English abroad covers dozens of countries and many types of employer. In some situations it is normal to complete the recruitment process before leaving home, including an interview conducted via Skype or phone. However, in many of the most popular destinations employers prefer to recruit their teachers...  [Read more]

Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and visuals. ...  [Read more]

Yes, not only is it safe for women to teach English abroad, it is also extremely popular. Every year there are somewhere in the region of 150,000 women working as ESL teachers in countries all over the world. Of these, the majority will find themselves living in modern, thriving cities across Europe, Asia and Latin America that have a similar level of infrastructure and amenities to what they are used to back home. Whether in Rome, Beijing, or Santiago, new teachers will almost certainly find there is an expat community of English speakers who are more than happy to provide local knowledge and information to help them settle into their new life overseas. Unfortunately, nowhere is 100% safe all of the time, but with a few simple precautions single women can head off to teach English...  [Read more]

  The state of New York is famous all over the world due to the city of the same name. However, the state has a lot more to offer than just the ‘Big Apple’. ‘The Empire State’ is rich in natural wonders, and is of great importance to the country’s history due to the huge number of migrants that have passed through its ports since the early 19th century. Over 10 million people have arrived at New York immigration ports seeking a better life and to make their American dreams come true. Still today, New York is one of the most diverse states in the country and a cultural melting pot. In upstate New York you will find the region of Adirondacks which offers pure nature at Lake George’s popular campgrounds and its many relaxing lakeside resorts. Whiteface Mountain offers...  [Read more]

If you are over 50 and looking to liven things up and add a bit of adventure into your life, teaching English abroad could be the perfect answer. For many people turning 50 can be a time to really consider your place in the world and plenty of people decide that hitting the road is the way to go. Sure, you can quit your job and jump on a plane to explore the world, but how about earning some money while doing it and even making a positive change to other peoples lives at the same time? The short and simple answer to this common question is YES, there is very little stopping almost anyone of any age from teaching English overseas. Although it is true that most government-run teaching programs such as those found in Japan, South Korea, France, and Spain, have an age limit that restricts...  [Read more]

Because of its proximity to the United States, there are a very large number of TEFL Jobs in Mexico. Practically every city and town are in need of native English speaking instructors, so teachers with a good TEFL certificate should be able to choose their preferred location and find a TEFL Job in Mexico. The demand for teachers to teach business English in the largest cities is high, and those with experience in business or teaching business English will find it even easier to find a good job. For the most part, a university degree and a TEFL/TESOL certificate from a four-week, internationally recognized course are required to secure a decent TEFL job in Mexico. Some larger language schools are willing to hire teachers with only a TEFL certificate. At the other end of the spectrum,...  [Read more]