Female Blog

  If you want to find information on all aspects of the TEFL world in one convenient location, head straight over to the ITTT Blog. The blog is home to hundreds of fascinating articles written by a range of TEFL experts and our very own TEFL course graduates. Some of the most popular sections of the blog include tips on visas and work permits, information on salaries and budgets, heaps of great teaching ideas, as well as insight into the different TEFL course options. You will also find many posts related to different teaching destinations around the world that could help you make the right choice of location to suit your preferences. A large number of these articles are written by ITTT course graduates who are now working as EFL teachers in many different settings and locations. It...  [Read more]

  Our popular partnership program is open to anyone who wants to earn extra income without having to put in much effort. To earn extra cash through the program all you need to do is refer people to us who might be interested in teaching English abroad and taking a TEFL certification course. If any of your referrals sign up for an online TEFL course or pay a deposit on an in-class or combined course, you will get a 30% commission. If you want to earn easy money, sign up for the partnership program today. If you operate a website or blog, or contribute to any others, we can provide special banners or embedded text that you can add that will automatically send your readers to us. Alternatively, if you don’t have a website or blog you can use, we can also provide a link that can...  [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 do not want to be tied to an individual English teaching platform and would prefer to be your own boss, you can potentially set up your own online teaching business. There are many different ways to set up your own online teaching service, although it obviously helps if you have some previous experience in the field of online language teaching. Former ITTT alumna Bri did just that and shared her story and top tips with ITTT on our TEFL blog: How To Start Your Own ESL Teaching Service  [Read more]

To enhance your TEFL teaching portfolio, there are several strategies you can implement to showcase your skills and experience effectively. First and foremost, consider obtaining a recognized TEFL certification if you haven't already done so. This certification will not only provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field but will also add credibility to your portfolio. There are various TEFL courses available, ranging from online to in-person options, so choose one that best fits your needs and goals. Once you have your certification, gaining practical teaching experience is crucial. Consider volunteering at local schools or community centers, or even offering tutoring services to non-native English speakers. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your...  [Read more]

If you are looking to find TEFL teaching jobs online, there are several avenues you can explore to secure a position that suits your preferences and qualifications. One of the most popular ways to find TEFL teaching jobs online is through specialized job boards and websites dedicated to English teaching positions worldwide. Websites such as Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and ESLemployment are great resources for finding job postings from schools and language institutions around the globe. These platforms allow you to filter job listings based on your preferred location, salary range, and teaching experience. Another effective method to find TEFL teaching jobs online is by directly contacting language schools, universities, and online teaching platforms. Many institutions actively recruit...  [Read more]

To find private TEFL tutoring clients, you can employ various strategies that will help you attract students who are looking for personalized English language instruction. One effective method is to create an online presence by setting up profiles on popular tutoring platforms like iTalki, Preply, or Verbling. These platforms connect language learners with tutors, allowing you to showcase your qualifications and experience to potential clients. Another approach is to utilize social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to promote your tutoring services. You can create engaging posts highlighting your expertise, share testimonials from satisfied students, and offer special promotions to attract new clients. Joining TEFL-related groups and forums on social media can also...  [Read more]

First we will look at the different levels of study currently available and how they relate to the world of TEFL qualifications. Taking the UK as an example, there are nine qualification levels; examples of actual UK qualifications at each level are given below: From the above, we can see that a degree in TEFL/TESOL is at level 6 and is therefore a very high level of study in the English teaching world. A few examples of such Level 6 courses are shown below: https://www.bachelorstudies.com/BA-English-Language-Linguistics-and-TESOL/United-Kingdom/York-St-John-University/ https://www.bachelorstudies.com/Bachelor-of-Arts-in-TESOL/USA/Great-Northern-University/ https://www.bachelorstudies.com/BA-TESOL/Thailand/Thongsook-College/ If you have a TEFL/TESOL degree the most obvious use of it would...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, there are numerous resources available to help you improve your skills and enhance your teaching practice. These resources range from online courses and webinars to books, blogs, podcasts, and teaching forums. By utilizing these tools, you can stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methodologies, improve your language proficiency, and connect with other professionals in the field. Online courses are a popular option for TEFL teachers looking to enhance their skills. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and TEFL courses offered by universities provide a wide range of courses on topics such as classroom management, lesson planning, and teaching grammar. These courses are often self-paced, allowing you to study at your own convenience. Webinars are another valuable resource...  [Read more]

For some teachers, Saudi Arabia offers the ideal destination for teaching English abroad as salaries and benefit packages are as good as you will find anywhere in the world. Demand for qualified and experienced teachers is strong in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, where universities, colleges, international schools, and private language academies offer a variety of teaching positions. While Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive teaching destinations in terms of income, it is important to be aware of the cultural situation before you decide to head there. The country's conservative laws and traditions mean it is not an ideal destination for some teachers. Alcohol is forbidden and interaction between unmarried couples is not permitted, including between foreigners. Female teachers...  [Read more]

  The purpose of grammar translation then is to basically translate between L1 and L2 and vice versa. So, we could take a simple example. Let's imagine that our native language was English and our target language was French and let's assume that we want to translate a document from French into English. Let's take a simple sentence. Here's a sentence in French "Ouvre la fenêtre" and we'll add "s'il vous plaît" at the end. What we want to do is to take this L2 and translate it back into English. Now, if we have a reasonable knowledge of French then we may well know that this particular verb "ouvre" "to open" translates directly and this female form of the and finally the fenêtre "Open the window" and this polite form of "please". This is all very well if the two structures that...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they do have some subtle differences. TEFL typically refers to the practice of teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. EFL, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the teaching of English to non-native speakers in any context where English is not the dominant language. From an SEO point of view, it is important to understand the distinctions between TEFL and EFL as they can impact the search results and the relevance of the content to the user's query. When creating content for a website or blog that focuses on teaching English, using the appropriate terminology can help attract the...  [Read more]

To find TEFL teaching jobs in countries with competitive markets, you need to adopt a strategic approach that sets you apart from other candidates. Start by researching the specific requirements and preferences of schools in your target countries. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, qualifications, and skills that align with their needs. Networking is crucial in competitive markets, so attend job fairs, connect with alumni, and join online TEFL communities to expand your contacts. Consider gaining additional certifications or specializations to make yourself more attractive to employers in competitive markets. For example, obtaining a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)...  [Read more]

If you have a degree and a recognized TESOL certificate such as that offered by ITTT, you won’t find a region in which you can make more money teaching EFL than in the Middle East. These oil-rich nations might suffer from a bad reputation, and admittedly, they’re not for everyone, but saving thousands of dollars every month will certainly make up for any hardships along the way. Don’t believe everything you hear about the Middle East. Countries like the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar are much more liberal than you might imagine. And while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is still rather strict, it offers top dollar, paid accommodation, tax-free income and paid airfare. As mentioned, you won’t find higher salaries than here. You’ll need a degree and a TESOL certificate but with those two...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and trends in the field of English language teaching. There are several ways in which TEFL teachers can ensure they are continuously learning and growing in their profession. One of the most effective ways for TEFL teachers to stay updated is by attending professional development workshops and conferences. These events provide valuable insights into new teaching techniques, approaches, and resources that can enhance classroom instruction. By networking with other educators and experts in the field, teachers can exchange ideas and stay informed about best practices. Additionally, TEFL teachers can take advantage of online resources such as webinars, podcasts, and forums dedicated to English language...  [Read more]

As it is a modern, vibrant city where English is a common language and most luxuries and comforts are available, Hong Kong is naturally a popular destination among TEFL qualified teachers. The city is a cultural melting pot where almost every language on Earth can be heard and there is an impressive number of major skyscrapers dominating the skyline, two reasons why it is sometimes referred to as the New York of the East. Due to its popularity, Hong Kong has strong competition for the best teaching jobs, so to have a good chance of landing one there are a few things you need to know. There have been government guidelines for employing foreign teachers in Hong Kong for some time; however, these have not been rigorously enforced until recently. These days it is very difficult, and...  [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]

All ITTT TEFL courses result in a certificate that can be used when applying for ESL teaching positions anywhere in the world. Our TEFL courses range from 120-hours up to 550-hours. The majority of ESL teachers select an online course due to the flexibility of a self-paced course and its cheaper price. While these two factors make the courses ideal for most people, there are some real benefits to taking an in-class course over 4 weeks. The in-class courses are structured 4-week courses with face-to-face instruction from professional TEFL trainers. During an in-class course, trainees cover the same teaching techniques as the 120-hour online course with the added advantage of being able to put them into practice at local schools. After each class is taught by a trainee, the TEFL trainers...  [Read more]

In recent years teaching English abroad has become a popular and profitable job for many native English speakers around the world. This is largely due to the rapid increase in demand for the English language in many countries, leading to teaching salaries becoming more and more competitive. When looking for a teaching job it is always advisable to weigh up the salary on offer in comparison with the local cost of living as this can vary considerably from one country to the next. A monthly salary of US $1000 in Bolivia would allow you to live a very comfortable lifestyle, while the same salary in a city such as Barcelona would probably not be enough to provide all the comforts you had hoped for. Other benefits included in the contract are also worth noting as free housing, health...  [Read more]

The world of English language teaching is well known for its love of acronyms and unfortunately this can lead to a large amount of confusion amongst potential teachers, as well as those with plenty of experience in the field. Websites for course providers, job boards, recruitment programs, and any other teaching related information you might look at are likely to be littered with acronyms, including TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA. So what is the difference between these terms? Short for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TEFL is probably the most common acronym you will come across when conducting research for teaching English abroad. TEFL does not refer to a single training program, certification, or program provider but is simply a catch-all term for training courses and certification...  [Read more]

For many English speakers worldwide, teaching English abroad has recently grown to be a lucrative career path. This is largely because teaching salaries are getting more and more competitive as a result of the swiftly rising demand for the English language in many countries around the world. Additionally, online teaching opportunities have been booming, and many teachers have moved their workplace entirely to the virtual classroom. Due to a combination of high salaries, low cost of living, and a wide range of fascinating cultures to discover, Asia has long been one of the most popular regions for teachers. Traditional hotspots like South Korea and Taiwan are still well-liked since new teachers can earn between $2,000 and $2,500 per month on average, while experienced teachers can earn up...  [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]

When choosing a destination for teaching English abroad there are a wide variety of options available to suit all tastes. For some this choice is based on where the best salaries and benefits are offered, whilst others may be more focused on cultural aspects or simply where to find the best nightlife. Each region and individual country has its own pros and cons, so here we give a brief overview of the most popular options to help you make the right decision to suit your plans. The huge continent of Asia continues to be the most popular destination for teachers in terms of numbers. Across the region there are a wide variety of diverse destinations to suit everyone, from the high-tech modernity of Tokyo to the peace and tranquility of a Cambodian village, Asia has it all. If you are...  [Read more]

Of the tens of thousands of people who head overseas every year to teach English abroad, the vast majority will have some level of anxiety about meeting new people and making new friends. The good news is that most teachers soon forget these concerns once they are immersed in their new environment. The chances are high that you will not be the only foreign teacher in your new school, apartment building, or neighborhood. As well as other teachers, you can also expect to meet friendly and welcoming people from the local community who will be more than happy to help you settle into your new home. One obvious source of friendship in your new life overseas will be your place of work. The majority of teachers will find there are other foreign teachers working in the same school, many of whom...  [Read more]

When picking a destination for teaching English in 2022/23 you will have plenty of options to choose from. Some people will choose a location that offers the highest salaries, while others will make their decision based on cultural reasons or even where you can find the best social life. And of course, in the current climate teaching English online is more popular than ever as you do not even need to leave home. Every option has its pluses and minuses, so take a look at this brief rundown on all the most popular choices. Asia is without doubt the top region for teaching English abroad in terms of job numbers. The continent is absolutely huge and home to a wide diversity of great teaching locations. You will find many exciting cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Bangkok,...  [Read more]

South Korea is a small but incredibly beautiful country, and during the 4 week TEFL you will have fantastic opportunities to experience the rich culture and history. Not only will you have the chance for local excursions, but based in Incheon, you will be less than an hour away from the lively city of Seoul on the express train. The first week of your program includes in-depth cultural orientations, ensuring you deeply understand the Korean way of life and culture. This includes a welcome dinner, tour of the local neighbourhood and the “Grand” Palace (Gyeongbok Palace), taekwondo class and learning South Korean cookery and language. Incheon is home to Korea’s only official Chinatown, where you can try jajangmyun (noodles with black bean sauce) at the Gongwachun restaurant and for...  [Read more]

  If you want to teach English as a foreign language, it is important to make sure you are as well prepared as you can possibly be before entering a classroom. It is equally important to have a good understanding of the country and culture you are hoping to make your home while you are teaching. Below we look at some important aspects of etiquette in different countries in Asia. The teacher holds a position of respect in many Asian countries and is expected to behave in a way that reflects that respect. Dress for teachers tends to be formal and women should avoid wearing anything too revealing. Although many locals understand a foreign teacher's lack of understanding about local customs, taking the time to learn and show interest can make a real difference to your experience. ...  [Read more]

It is a common misconception that teaching English abroad requires a large amount of money up front before you even start earning. While you will need to cover the cost of your TEFL certification and get yourself to the destination you have chosen to work in, you should soon start earning enough to get those outlays back quickly. However, in some destinations the cost of living is so high that it can seem like you are constantly hemorrhaging money. So where can you teach English and live well on just a small budget? Here we look at some of the cheapest destinations for teaching English abroad. Thailand makes an appearance on many lists of the best places to teach English abroad for various reasons and one is its relatively low cost of living. Although the average salary for English...  [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]

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]