Learn Esl Online

The age, background, and motivation of the students in your ESL classroom will vary greatly depending on where you are teaching and the school or institute you work for. You could have a class full of university students, hotel workers or even high flying business executives. Alternatively, you might work in a government school teaching a class of children aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Each of these groups has its own characteristics, and different teachers have their own preferences. Just remember that by completing a reputable TEFL certification course before you head off abroad, you will learn all the skills required to deliver effective and enjoyable lessons to almost any group of learners. A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their...  [Read more]

  There are certain words that need backshifting when using reported speech. In this video we look at backshifting places in reported speech. This video is specifically aimed at teaching reported speech in an ESL setting. 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. Learing all of parts of speech,I can figure out the different effects they made in sentnces.I confused with the transitive verb and intransitive verb before, but now I am clear about them. It...  [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]

  This video provides a comprehensive overview of all the future tenses in the English language: future simple, future continuous, future perfect and the future perfect continuous. This is especially helpful for ESL teachers around the globe teaching speakers of other languages. 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. In this unit, we covered the use of course books in the classroom. I learnt that although course books can be very useful for providing...  [Read more]

Within the world of English language teaching there are many acronyms used to describe what type of teaching is involved in any particular scenario. EFL is one of the more common ones you will come across and it stands for English as a Foreign Language. You will find EFL is most commonly used when describing the teaching or learning of English in a non-English speaking country, such as Spain, Japan, or Mexico. It is very common for either of these acronyms to be used when talking about any situation where a student is learning English, however, there is a technical difference between the two. As previously mentioned, EFL is when the student is learning English in a non-English speaking environment, for example, a Japanese student learning English in Tokyo. In this scenario there is often...  [Read more]

  Absolutely YES! Large numbers of non-native English speakers complete our TEFL courses each year and go on to have successful careers teaching English either in their home country or further afield. In order to successfully complete the course you will need to demonstrate a high standard of English, but it is certainly not a barrier that will stop you from becoming a fully qualified EFL teacher. In many cases being a non-native English speaker can actually be an advantage in the classroom as you have already been through the same experience that your students are currently facing. This can help to build a good rapport between the students and the teacher as they are often less afraid of making mistakes in this situation. It can also provide the students with a real incentive to...  [Read more]

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

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In other words, it is a teaching qualification for teaching English to anyone whose first language isn’t English. TEFL certificates are academic qualifications that are provided upon successful completion of a TEFL course. TEFL certificates can be used anywhere in the world, although the TEFL acronym is most commonly used when referring to teachers in the UK and Europe. Almost all schools expect their ESL teachers to be fluent in the English language, with sound communication skills and an ESL teaching qualification (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA). CELTA shares some similarities with TEFL and TESOL courses. It is overseen by the Cambridge university and is predominantly a qualification for teaching English to adult learners. TEFL and TESOL...  [Read more]

  Margaret from Indonesia took the 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course and had a great experience. She learned a lot about grammar, classroom management, and lesson planning. In her TEFL review, she recommends our training courses to anyone who is interested in becoming an English language teacher. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I have learnt about the direct and indirect speech. It was great to repeat all the rules because some of them I...  [Read more]

  Applying for ITTT's combined course is a very easy process. The application form only takes a few minutes to complete and once you have sent it back to us you will receive a response within twelve hours. Your course acceptance email will outline all the details regarding the course. There is a deposit required before you receive your course material. The web site has all the current details. Towards the end of your online course you will need to contact us to confirm when and where you would like to do your observed teaching practice. 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...  [Read more]

To secure a job teaching English in North America, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. First, it is important to have a strong grasp of the English language and be a native or near-native speaker. Many language schools and institutions in North America require their English teachers to have a degree in English, Education, Linguistics, or a related field. Having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is also highly recommended as it demonstrates your commitment to teaching English as a second language. Networking can also be a valuable tool in finding a job teaching English in North America. Attend job fairs, conferences, and workshops related to ESL teaching to connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities....  [Read more]

To find TEFL teaching opportunities, there are several effective strategies you can use. One of the best ways is to search online on specialized job boards and websites that cater specifically to TEFL and ESL teachers. Websites such as Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and ESLemployment are great resources for finding job listings from around the world. You can filter your search based on location, salary, and other preferences to find the perfect opportunity for you. Networking is also a powerful tool in the TEFL industry. Joining online forums and social media groups for ESL teachers can help you connect with other professionals in the field who may be aware of job openings. Attending TEFL conferences and workshops is another excellent way to network with potential employers and learn about job...  [Read more]

If you are looking to find TEFL teaching opportunities in rural areas, there are several avenues you can explore to secure a position that aligns with your goals and interests. One option is to directly contact schools or educational institutions in rural areas that may be in need of English teachers. Many of these schools may not actively advertise their vacancies online, so reaching out to them via email or phone can be an effective way to discover potential opportunities. Additionally, you can consider contacting local education authorities or organizations that work in the field of education to inquire about teaching positions in rural areas. Another approach is to utilize online job boards and websites that specialize in advertising TEFL positions. Websites such as Dave’s ESL...  [Read more]

To find TEFL teaching jobs in less popular destinations, you can follow these steps: Start your search by exploring online job boards and websites that specialize in advertising TEFL positions worldwide. Websites like Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and ESLemployment are great resources for finding teaching opportunities in less popular destinations. These platforms often have job listings for countries that may not be as commonly sought after by teachers. Research language schools and educational institutions in the specific destination you are interested in teaching. Reach out to them directly via email or phone to inquire about potential job openings. Sometimes, these establishments may not actively advertise their vacancies online, so contacting them directly can give you an advantage....  [Read more]

To find TEFL teaching jobs in countries with different educational systems, there are several strategies you can employ. Firstly, it's essential to research the specific requirements and qualifications needed to teach English in your desired country. Many countries have their own unique educational systems, so understanding these systems will help you navigate the job market more effectively. One of the most common ways to find TEFL teaching jobs in countries with different educational systems is to use online job boards and teaching platforms. Websites such as Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and ESLemployment offer job listings from around the world. You can search for positions based on location, salary, and job requirements. It's important to read the job descriptions carefully to ensure you...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our series on the past tenses in English. We start off the series with the past simple tense. In this video, we show you how to execute a mill drill activity for this tense. Here, the teacher provides the students with a survey or questionnaire with statements in the past simple tense. The students then go around the classroom and ask other students about their past experiences. 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. This is...  [Read more]

  In this video we look at a TESOL teaching idea for the Present Perfect Continuous. This tense is the one we use when we want to say what has been happening. The activity in the video is called "Guess what I've been doing?" It is a fun activity that can generate a lot of student talk time. Students each receive a card that has two pieces of information on it, a past activity and a result. Each student has a turn of telling the class the result and the class then has to guess the activity using the Present Perfect Continuous. For example, the past activity on a card is "You have been driving your motorbike in the rain", the result written on the card is "You are all wet. Your clothes are wet". The other students could ask, "Have you been swimming?", "Have you been washing the dog?"...  [Read more]

  OgSun from South Korea took the 120-hour online TESOL with tutor support and videos. In this TESOL review video OgSun tells how she had always wanted to take a TESOL course but struggled to be able to fit studying into her already busy schedule. The online course from ITTT solved this problem by allowing her to study where and when she wanted. With a six-month time limit and the ability to study anywhere, ITTT?s online courses are ideal for those who need to fit their study time around their busy schedules. 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...  [Read more]

Although you are free to sign up for any course that catches your eye, there is one thing you should always bear in mind: the minimum qualification required by most ESL employers worldwide is a 120-hour TEFL certificate course. The good news for our trainees is that there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved with ITTT. The first distinction in TEFL course type depends upon whether you want to travel to a training center to complete your studies or stay at home. If you wish to travel, then an ‘onsite’ course is best for you. Should you wish to complete your training at home then an ‘online’ course is best. The four-week 120-hour TEFL certification course can be completed at one of many locations spread across the globe. As the name implies, you attend the training...  [Read more]

  This video is a review of the reported speech in the English language. We take a look at the necessary changes in terms of place, time and tense necessary. This video is specifically aimed at teaching reported speech in an ESL setting. 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. Overall this section is good. I feel like the questions about best order for lesson segments is rather subjective without more information as you could make them work in many...  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in a high-demand region, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are ready for the challenges and opportunities that come with teaching in such a competitive environment. First and foremost, it is essential to obtain the necessary qualifications and certifications to teach English as a foreign language. This typically includes obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. These certifications will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Additionally, gaining experience through volunteer work or internships in teaching English as a foreign language can be extremely beneficial in preparing...  [Read more]

When selecting a TEFL course, it is best to narrow your focus to the courses that will give you the best chance to achieve your goals. TEFL qualified teachers are employed in a range of roles. Most notably, teaching children in a school setting, teaching business English at a language center, working as a private tutor, or teaching English online. Keeping your options open is a good approach, but it isn't for everyone. Understandably, some teachers limit their options to employment in a specific area or to the flexibility of online teaching jobs. If you wish to teach English via a virtual platform, it is advisable to complete a qualification which includes specific certification in teaching English online. Identifying the type of students that you would like to teach can also impact...  [Read more]

TEFL and TESOL courses can be taken online, in-class or as a combined course (mixed online and in-class training). An internationally recognised TEFL qualification should contain at least 120 hours of externally validated study. Depending on the visa rules of the country that you would like to work in, a degree may also be necessary. More information about BA and MA TESOL programs can be seen on our Upgrade your Qualifications page. There are some clear advantages to taking an in-class TEFL course. The main benefit comes from the observed teaching practice sessions and the confidence that is instilled in new teachers. Face-to-face instruction also gives the TEFL trainer more opportunity to impart their knowledge and guide the trainee on areas that they feel are particularly important. The...  [Read more]

  Our next category in our series of teaching special groups in ESL is English for specific purposes. This video focuses specifically on teaching business English. How is business Enligsh different to general English? Will you be able to teach business English? Find out in this video. 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 have learnt from this unit the complexity of future tenses. I have learnt that so many tenses can be used with future meanings....  [Read more]

What qualities and qualifications do employers of ESL teachers look for? First we need to say that there are no hard and fast rules to answer this question. There are a huge range of requirements worldwide, depending on the country, type of school, nature of the job, type of contract and so forth. The information given here is therefore general. There are a number of generally recognized requirements that employers are looking for from their teachers. You may need one, two, three or all of the following to get any particular job. It is unlikely you will find a job without any of these: Many ESL teaching jobs worldwide require the minimum of a TEFL certification from this list. As the nature of the job, or country specific employment requirements increase, so the need for other qualities or...  [Read more]

  Paul from Australia is currently living in Manila in the Philippines. Paul took the 120-hour online TESOL course without tutor from ITTT. In this TESOL review video, Paul tells us that he found the course to be challenging and rewarding and had a great time completing but feels it would have been better to take the course with tutor support. Since completing the course Paul has been able to observe ESL lessons at the local international school and is looking forward to starting his new career as a TESOL 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...  [Read more]

  This video looks at the structure of the positive form of the Present Simple tense. The negative form and the question form will be covered in other videos. The Present Simple talks about facts, habits and routines. Positive structure: subject + base form of the verb I/You/We/They teach English. He /She/It teaches English. There are a number of rules associated with the formation of the base verb. For most verbs add s to the base form of the verb -- plays, works... Verbs ending in o, s, z, ch, sh add es -- does, goes, washes... Verbs ending in a consonant plus y, change the y to i and add es -- cries, flies tries.... The verb be becomes am/is/are. The verb have becomes have/has. As a certified TEFL graduate you could gain a teaching position in a public school, a private...  [Read more]

If you are considering teaching English in Portugal, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of securing a job in this beautiful country. First and foremost, it is important to have a recognized TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. Many language schools and employers in Portugal require their teachers to have at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Having this certification not only makes you a more attractive candidate but also equips you with the necessary skills to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. In addition to a TEFL certification, having a bachelor's degree is often a requirement for teaching English in Portugal. While it is not always mandatory, having a degree can open up more opportunities and potentially lead to...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word bowdlerize. This word is used to refer to the act of removing improper or offensive material in order to make it weaker or less effective. Some synonyms for bowdlerize include censor, expurgate or edit. 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. This Unit encompasses evaluation and testing of ESL. I was surprised to learn there were so many tests designed to test for English ability of varying...  [Read more]

Finding TEFL teaching jobs in countries with unique cultural contexts can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process effectively: Before applying for TEFL jobs in a specific country, take the time to research and understand its unique cultural context. Learn about the local customs, traditions, and social norms to ensure that you can adapt and thrive in that environment. One of the most efficient ways to find TEFL teaching jobs in countries with unique cultural contexts is to use online job boards and websites dedicated to international education opportunities. Websites like Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and GoAbroad.com often list job postings from around the world. Networking with other TEFL professionals can also be a valuable way to learn...  [Read more]