How To Get Around Europe

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]

For anyone planning an adventure teaching English overseas, the amount of cash needed to cover the initial start-up costs is an important question to consider. As with any move there are certain expenses that cannot be avoided, although these will vary depending on where you plan to teach. In most cases the basic start-up costs will include: The cost of obtaining TEFL certification can vary considerably depending on the style of course you choose. At ITTT our least expensive online option can be completed for under $200, while an in-class course will typically cost between $1500 and $2000, not including flights, accommodation, meals etc. However, you should not base your choice of course solely on the cost, as there are fundamental differences to consider. Online courses offer an...  [Read more]

Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin America. However, before you book your plane tickets you need to be aware that the requirements for foreign teachers vary greatly from one country to the next and these may limit your options. You should do plenty of research on whether any of the following issues apply to your chosen destination. In some cases, language schools are restricted to only hiring teachers who hold citizenship of a native English speaking country. These are generally considered to be the USA,...  [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]

Sign up for our TEFL certification course in London and discover everything that this world-class city is famous for. You’ll be immersed in one of the most historically significant cities in the world, yet you’ll be able to take advantage of all London’s modern attractions. Opportunities for those who are certified to teach ESL are there to be found. With the right amount of determination and patience, your decision to take our course in London will pay off for you. That being said, you can take the course in London and use it as a stepping stone upon which to start your teaching career in the rest of Europe, Asia or anywhere else there is a demand for teachers. If you are interested in taking a TESOL in England, you will find demand for English language teachers throughout the...  [Read more]

When you enroll in a TEFL or TESOL certification course with ITTT, you have the privilege of selecting which acronym you would like to appear on your certificate. Either TEFL or TESOL is perfectly acceptable since they are often used interchangeably within the English language teaching community. However, if you have a specific employment destination in mind, it would be beneficial to conduct some research to determine which of the two acronyms is more commonly preferred in your chosen location. If the majority of employers in your target region are seeking TEFL-qualified teachers in their job listings, it makes sense to opt for that designation, and conversely, if TESOL certificates are more prevalent. After successfully completing your course and obtaining your TEFL or TESOL certificate,...  [Read more]

Spain is one of the most popular TEFL destinations in Europe and it attracts thousands of teachers from all over the world every year. However, before you jump on the plane to sunny Spain, you might want to consider what Latin America has to offer. When armed with all the facts, many teachers decide that a country in this region is actually better suited to them. One of the many benefits of teaching English abroad is it provides a perfect opportunity to learn another language during your stay. Many people choose Spain as their teaching destination as they assume it is the best environment for learning the Spanish language. However, the reality is that the Spanish spoken in Spain uses an accent and slang that is very different to anywhere else, to the point that Spanish speakers from other...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad has become a popular and lucrative job for many English speakers around the world in recent years. This is mainly due to the increase in demand for the English language in many countries, which has resulted in increasing competition for teaching salaries. When looking for a teaching job abroad it is always a good idea to compare the salary on offer with the local cost of living, which can vary greatly from one country to the next. A monthly salary of US $1,000 would allow you to live a very comfortable lifestyle in Costa Rica, whereas the same salary in a city like Paris would most likely not be enough to provide all of the comforts you desire. Other contract benefits such as free housing, health insurance, paid vacations, and airfare reimbursement can all add up to...  [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]

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 interested in applying for overseas teaching jobs, you will almost certainly come across something called Teaching English as a Foreign Language, or TEFL, certification. As a result, you are probably wondering if getting a TEFL certification is a good idea. Regardless of your other qualifications and experience, a TEFL certification is always a valuable addition to your resume. Furthermore, it will set you apart from the competition in the eyes of principals and hiring managers all over the world. Even if a TEFL certificate is not required for a specific position, it is always a huge plus and preference. A TEFL certificate opens doors to exciting opportunities in teaching English as a foreign language in countries all around the world. The most common requirement is 120 hours of...  [Read more]

As there is a strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers in many countries worldwide, most course graduates should have little trouble finding a suitable position. However, to maximise your chances of securing the best jobs there are a few things you should be aware of. Where you should look for work, how to apply for jobs, and how to prepare for that all important interview are all covered below. Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin America. However, before you book your plane tickets you need to be aware...  [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]

France is a great destination for the qualified TEFL teacher. Most of the major cities in France have TEFL jobs available, with the great majority of job openings being in Paris. The language schools in Paris offer a lot of business oriented English courses, so if you have a certificate in teaching business English or previous experience in business your chances of getting a TEFL job are significantly increased. France is one of the easier countries among the EU members to get an TEFL job if you don’t hold an EU passport. Business experience and qualifications are held in higher regard than TEFL certificates. Basically, if you have a B.A. and are comfortable in a business setting, you have an excellent chance of finding work. This is even more the case if you can speak French reasonably...  [Read more]

While no teaching job is ever likely to be seen as easy, teaching English as a foreign language promises a rich life full of travel, excitement, and job satisfaction. However, if you want everything to go as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you need to think about before jumping on a plane to distant shores. If you want to start your teaching career in a positive fashion it is important to understand the TEFL job market and to head to where the demand is especially high. As a newly-qualified teacher you are unlikely to have the luxury of picking and choosing exactly where you want to live and work as many of the most sought after jobs in the most popular teaching locations will often be taken by teachers with previous classroom experience. Many first-time teachers look...  [Read more]

Acronyms are widely used within the English language teaching world and EFL is one of the most common. English as a Foreign Language is typically used to describe any scenario where English is being taught or learned in a country where English is not the main language. In this situation most students are learning English as part of their school studies, in order to travel overseas, or as a hobby, and they rarely get to use it outside of their lessons. An example of EFL would be an American teaching English to Italians in Rome. While EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, ESL stands for English as a Second Language. In practice these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably when talking about English teaching, however, there is a genuine difference between the two that you...  [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]

With a very convenient location right in the heart of Central Europe, Slovakia offers plenty of options for TEFL certified teachers. It is not yet on the radar of many teachers looking to live and work in Europe, but it should certainly be considered as it is a modern and progressive country that is rapidly developing. In its current form, Slovakia is a very young nation, but its overall history goes back centuries. Across the country you will find ancient castles, medieval fortresses, and a rich cultural heritage. Since joining the EU, the country has seen a rapid rise in the number of English language students, so if you are looking for a peaceful and safe country that is a little off the beaten path, why not look at Slovakia? Salaries in Slovakia are not large by European standards,...  [Read more]

  The state of Ohio is located in the Great Lakes region, and is known as the ‘Buckeye State’ due to an abundance of the local buckeye tree. Locals and visitors from around the globe come to Ohio to dive into the wonders of this fascinating state. Many stand in awe at the amazing earthworks built by early humans known as the Great Serpent Mound. Ohio’s rich natural resources also mean there is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy throughout the state. With Lake Erie in the north and the mighty Ohio River in the south, the State of Ohio has been a prosperous location for thousands of years. With four distinct seasons, there is always something to do in Ohio. In 74 State Parks, over 130 State Nature Preserves, and the famous Cuyahoga Valley National Park, visitors can enjoy all kinds...  [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]

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]

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]

Chile has long been one of the most popular countries in Latin America for teaching English abroad. The capital city of Santiago has a thriving demand for ESL teachers year-round and is subsequently the most popular location for foreign teachers. If you prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city you will also find a smaller number of options in other towns and cities across the country. Although not an official requirement in Chile, it is recommended that you complete a TEFL/TESOL certification of at least 120 hours duration before looking for work as it will increase your job prospects significantly. There are many things to consider when calculating your expected salary for teaching English in Chile, such as your level of experience, qualifications, location, type...  [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]

Every year tens of thousands of people from all backgrounds leave behind their existing life and head overseas in search of fun, travel and adventure. They are able to do this by completing a TEFL certification course that gives them all the qualifications they need to apply for English language teaching jobs in countries all over the world. If you want to join this ever growing number of TEFL qualified teachers, there should be very little that can get in your way. Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin...  [Read more]

Did you know that there are multiple levels of TEFL certification, including TEFL level 4, TEFL level 5, and TEFL level 6? Just when you thought picking an appropriate TEFL course would be easy, you discover that there are several levels available! It is crucial to know what each of these TEFL levels means before choosing your TEFL course. This will help you in determining what level is ideal to reach your desired goal and what courses you need to take in order to get the teaching job you are looking for. To begin, keep in mind that TEFL levels are based on the UK qualifications framework. This includes levels 0 through to 8. Check out the graphic below to get a better understanding of what kind of qualification each level corresponds to: A level 3 TEFL certificate corresponds to the AS...  [Read more]

Due to the rapid rise in popularity of online study in recent times some people have the idea that traditional in-class TEFL training is a thing of the past. Nothing could be further from the truth. While it is true that the flexibility and convenience of online study means it is certainly here to stay, in-class courses still have several key advantages that will ensure they stay very much relevant today and in the future. And the best thing is they are available in many fantastic locations around the world. Probably the biggest attraction of taking an in-class TEFL course rather than an online course is that you get to spend several hours practicing all the theory you have learned during real lessons given to real language learners. As part of the overall training you will need to plan...  [Read more]

As is the case in many countries in Europe, there is a great demand for teachers who can teach business English. Lots of TEFL Jobs in Germany are available to teach English in many locations throughout the country. If you have a TEFL certificate, you shouldn’t have a problem finding TEFL employment. Pay is quite high for English teachers in Germany, however the cost of living is high as well. Germans have a preference for American English, so U.S. citizens can find work here despite not holding an EU passport. Because of the current state of economic affairs in Germany, many companies from large corporations to smaller businesses want their employees to learn English in order to compete more effectively in the global marketplace. Because of this there are often more jobs available than...  [Read more]

The Czech Republic is probably the favorite Eastern European country in which to teach English. TEFL jobs in the Czech Republic are quite easy to find, and the pay rates, though not high compared to TEFL jobs in some Asian or Middle Eastern countries, still offer the means for a quite comfortable lifestyle. If you have a well recognized TEFL certificate, you should not have difficulty securing a position in the Czech Republic. TEFL jobs are available throughout the year in the Czech Republic. This is particularly the case in Prague. Language schools in this country prefer to see you in person before offering you a job. Although its true that many schools do post their jobs on TEFL websites and other places on the internet, it’s best to show up in person, up-to-date resume in hand and...  [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]