How To Become An English Teacher In A Foreign Country

Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 US per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this depending on your lifestyle. On top of the basic salary you can also expect other benefits such as paid airfares, free housing and an end of contract bonus. Unsurprisingly, the high salaries and good benefits on offer have led to a high level of competition for the best jobs. If you have any teaching qualifications and experience in the classroom, you will find you have the pick of the available jobs. However, thanks to a continually high...  [Read more]

TEFL certification can definitely help you teach English in your home country. While TEFL certification is often associated with teaching English abroad, it is also valuable for teaching English to non-native speakers in your home country. Here are some ways in which TEFL certification can benefit you as an English teacher in your home country: 1. **Enhanced Skills and Knowledge**: TEFL certification provides you with essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. You will learn about language teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and more. This knowledge will make you a more competent and confident English teacher. 2. **Credibility**: Having a TEFL certification adds credibility to your teaching credentials. It shows...  [Read more]

  Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 US per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this depending on your lifestyle. On top of the basic salary you can also expect other benefits such as paid airfares, free housing and an end of contract bonus. Unsurprisingly, the high salaries and good benefits on offer have led to a high level of competition for the best jobs. If you have any teaching qualifications and experience in the classroom, you will find you have the pick of the available jobs. However, thanks to a continually...  [Read more]

The requirements for teaching English in China have changed frequently in recent years. They are also frequently misunderstood and the situation has become even more complicated due to COVID-19. So let's dive into it. The main requirement for teaching in China is a valid Z-Visa in your passport. This is the only type of visa that allows you to work in the country legally. This means that those who want to teach English in China must meet the Z visa requirements. To obtain a Z visa you must meet certain requirements, which range from nationality and age to qualifications and a few other crucial details. It is critical to understand that many of the rules outlined below have exceptions. The following are the primary Z Visa requirements: You must be a citizen of one of the seven approved...  [Read more]

The high demand for English language teachers worldwide offers English speakers from all walks of life exciting opportunities to live and travel abroad. In most cases, you do not need any prior teaching experience to teach English overseas. Moving to another country to live, work, and travel, on the other hand, will necessitate careful planning and foresight. Good research is also essential to ensuring that you do it correctly. Teaching English abroad, like any new endeavor, can present challenges, and you will most likely be nervous at first. However, your TEFL certification training will provide you with the skills necessary to lead your own classroom, where you will teach the fundamentals of grammar and conversation, as well as prepare lessons and manage a classroom. You must meet...  [Read more]

With long summers and mild winters, countless sandy beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, great food, and hundreds of islands to explore, Greece has been a popular teaching destination for many years. Unfortunately, the country’s recent economic woes have had a negative impact on the number of available jobs and it may be sometime before it fully recovers. However, there are still plenty of teaching positions on offer if you are willing to seek them out and you fit the necessary criteria. Due to the economic problems in recent times there has been a reduction in the number of teaching jobs on offer across Greece. This reduction means that employers are now more picky about who they choose to fill vacant positions. Also, it has become increasingly difficult for non-EU citizens to obtain the...  [Read more]

Anyone who is involved in English language teaching (ELT) is well aware of the industry’s love of acronyms. If you have researched training courses you will undoubtedly have come across several such as TEFL, TESOL, ESOL, EFL, ESL, ELT, and many more. Here we will look at EFL and the first thing to clear up is that EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language. It is often used interchangeably with some of the other acronyms mentioned when referring to the teaching or studying of the English language by non-native English speakers. Although these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably within the teaching world, there are technical differences between the two. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) refers to situations where a student is learning English in a country (normally their...  [Read more]

Completing a TEFL certification course brings many benefits and one of the most popular is that you get to choose exactly which country or region you want to live and work in. As the demand for English language instruction is so strong in many parts of the world, there is never any shortage of job options for TEFL qualified teachers. From tropical countries in Asia to the cooler climes of Northern Europe, there will be something to suit everyone. Whether you prefer a bustling major city or something more off the beaten path, there is sure to be the perfect destination out there waiting for you. This vast continent is home to the largest number of TEFL jobs of any region in the world. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan all have thriving markets for foreign teachers with...  [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]

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]

Here at ITTT, we will do all we can to ensure your entire TEFL training experience is as straightforward and rewarding as possible. If you have any questions regarding our courses, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below. Our FAQ section should clear up most of your queries but if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by submitting them via the form provided at the bottom of this page. What does TEFL mean?    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. What is the difference between TESOL and...  [Read more]

Across Europe there are several countries that attract a large number of EFL teachers every year. Some make it hard for foreign teachers to work legally, while others are much more open. By doing a bit of simple research you should be able to find the countries that offer the best prospects for your personal circumstances. Spain has long been one of the top destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. Thousands of teachers from all over the world head to Spain every year, drawn by the promise of a relaxed lifestyle, a beautiful coastline dotted with sandy beaches, and the opportunity to learn Spanish while living in a modern, international city such as Madrid or Barcelona. If you are serious about living and working as an ESL teacher in Spain, the first thing you will need to do...  [Read more]

Due to a strong demand in many countries, TEFL qualified teachers should have plenty of great options to choose from. Across Asia, Europe and Latin America there are countless opportunities available depending on your own personal preferences. Whether your main goal is to make as much money as possible, to experience living in a different culture, or to get right off of the beaten path, there is the ideal destination waiting for you. If you are looking for the widest choice of English language teaching jobs, look no further than Asia. Across the continent you will find countless opportunities in a wide range of fascinating countries, although the requirements do vary from one to the next. Some countries are only open to native English speakers and others will require a university...  [Read more]

Ireland is a difficult place to get a TEFL job for anyone who does not live in the country or who does not have an EU passport. Most TEFL Jobs are available in Dublin, but this is an expensive city to live in. It can be cheaper to live outside of Dublin, but then there are fewer positions available. Dublin has a lot of language schools, and you may get one of these jobs, but the work may not be consistent, and the pay may not be able to meet your expenses. Aside from TEFL Jobs at private language schools, positions are available at universities and colleges as well. Many jobs are available during the summer holiday months of June to September. If you hold a passport from an EU country, you will not need to get a work visa. Ireland offers a Student Work Abroad Program, which can provide...  [Read more]

If you are looking for the widest choice of English language teaching jobs, look no further than Asia. Across the continent you will find countless opportunities in a wide range of fascinating countries, although the requirements do vary from one to the next. Some countries are only open to native English speakers and others will require a university degree, however, there are still plenty of jobs out there for anyone with a TEFL certification. Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this...  [Read more]

Feel free to click on the links below for information regarding TEFL jobs in specific countries and regions. Many of the most popular teaching destinations are listed and we literally have thousands of employers on file from countries all over the world. Once you have earned your TEFL certificate, you will be qualified for a huge range of TEFL related jobs. There are many online resources with hundreds of vacancies listed and you will be provided with a comprehensive list of these resources after you have enrolled in the course. Throughout your teaching career, we will help guide you into the right job that meets your needs. With our well established reputation around the world, you might even be hired before you finish the course. With our assistance, our graduates have a head start on...  [Read more]

  The popularity of China as a destination for English language teachers has steadily increased in recent years, and it is now right at the top of the list with an estimated 100,000 foreign teachers working in the country each year. As a result of an extraordinary economic boom, Chinese parents are more willing than ever to spend thousands of dollars on their children's English education to give them the best chance of success in the future. With over 300 million people learning English across the country, China's insatiable demand for English language teachers looks set to continue. As there are often more job opportunities than there are teachers to fill them, schools are willing to offer very good salaries and other benefits to attract teachers. Salaries vary depending on the...  [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]

With a highly developed infrastructure, a stable economy, plenty of job opportunities, high salaries, and a relatively low cost of living, Taiwan has become an increasingly popular destination for teaching English abroad. Native English speakers with a TEFL certification should have little trouble finding a suitable position in a public school or a privately owned language academy. Teaching jobs can be found right across the country but are most numerous in large cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. There are several types of schools that employ foreign teachers in Taiwan, all of which offer various salaries depending on your previous classroom experience and level of teaching qualifications. Many positions are paid on an hourly rate that starts at around 600 NTD...  [Read more]

When we look back on our own learning experiences, most of us will have strong memories of certain teachers, and in some cases this can be for all the wrong reasons. Some teachers might be remembered for being harsh disciplinarians, having a boring monotone delivery, failing to listen to the class, or any number of other negative traits. Thankfully, many of us will also have memories of the teachers who had a positive impact on our education, and this could be for a variety of reasons. If you are planning to teach English online or in a traditional classroom, there are several qualities that we think combine to make a great teacher. If you can develop your teaching strategy to include all these traits you are sure to be remembered by many of your students as a great EFL teacher. Although...  [Read more]

TEFL certification is not always a strict requirement for teaching English in non-English speaking countries, but it is highly recommended for several reasons. Firstly, having a TEFL certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have received proper training in teaching English as a foreign language and have the necessary skills to effectively educate non-native English speakers. This can make you a more competitive candidate in the job market and may lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Another benefit of obtaining a TEFL certification is that it can improve your teaching abilities and confidence in the classroom. TEFL courses cover a wide range of topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment, which can help you become a more...  [Read more]

When looking for English teaching jobs overseas you will find plenty of options at any time of the year. However, to give yourself the widest choice of opportunities it is important to be aware of any times of the year that are considered peak hiring seasons in the country that you are interested in. Wherever you dream of living and working it is best to start applying for jobs at least three months before your intended start date to give enough time to make all the necessary arrangements, such as sending in applications, interviewing, applying for entry visas and work permits, etc. Hiring seasons are when a large number of teaching jobs become available at one particular time, due to the start of a new school year or semester. The exact timing of hiring seasons can vary from region to...  [Read more]

Turkey is famous as a crossroads between Europe and Asia and it is fast becoming known for its booming market for foreign English language teachers. Demand is very high in all the big cities and tourist resorts as English language skills are becoming more and more important in many fields of employment. It is no exaggeration to say that Turkey offers more opportunities for TEFL qualified teachers than any other country in the region. Although it is possible to find a teaching job with no qualifications, these positions are likely to be with less than reputable employers who pay at the bottom end of the local scale. Most good teaching jobs will require a TEFL/TESOL certification, while some may also ask for a degree and/or previous experience. It is worth noting that many employers prefer...  [Read more]

  There is often much confusion surrounding these acronyms but essentially they mean the same thing. TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages The above are generally used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and TESOL is usually preferred in Australia and 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 difference between the two. The general perception is that speakers of English as a foreign...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) has become a popular career choice for many individuals looking to work abroad and immerse themselves in different cultures. One common question that arises is whether it is possible to teach English abroad without a degree if you have a TEFL certificate. The answer to this question can vary depending on the country and institution you are looking to work for. In many countries, having a degree is a requirement to obtain a work visa and work legally as an English teacher. However, there are some countries where having a TEFL certificate may be sufficient to secure a teaching position, especially in private language schools or tutoring centers. It is important to research the specific requirements of the country where you wish to teach to ensure...  [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]

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world and get paid while doing it, but what does it actually involve? Before you buy a plane ticket and jet off across the world it is a good idea to research as much as possible about TEFL qualifications, the possible restrictions you might encounter when applying for jobs, and the long term prospects this path might lead to. Here we look at the answers to all these questions and 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...  [Read more]

If you’re looking for a real world experience but need to ensure that you’ll find a TESOL job, Asia is the place for you. Asia’s market is as hot as you’re going to find anywhere in the world. When it comes to China, it’s not about finding a job; it’s about finding the right job to suit your individual tastes and needs. After China, you’ve got the Far East and Southeast Asia as well as Mongolia, the Indian subcontinent, and many of the Former Soviet Republics (FSRs). Azerbaijan, Kirgizstan and Kazakhstan are some of the better options for paying jobs and if you’re looking to volunteer, Armenia is also a good choice. TESOL positions in Asia can be divided into three main categories: private schools, university work, and freelance teaching. Universities are generally lower...  [Read more]

Teaching English in any environment offers a wide variety of benefits that will enhance your future career, whatever path you choose to follow. If your English teaching experience also included an extended period living and working outside of your home country, then this will certainly look very appealing on your resume when applying for other jobs further down the line. In the modern age where every job seems to have a huge number of applicants and everyone seems to have a degree or other high-end qualifications, being able to add an overseas teaching adventure to your application could well be the difference between securing an interview and being put at the bottom of the pile. So what are the major benefits that teaching English abroad adds to your CV/resume? This is the most obvious...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]