Native Speaker Online

  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]

Definition of TEFL: The acronym means the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language, usually in a country where the first language is not English. It could therefore be applied to any teaching situation where the English Language Learner (ELL) has a first language which is not English. The profession of teaching is regulated throughout the world, although the level of regulation varies from country to country. This is also true of the EFL teaching sector, however, there are some differences. The teaching of EFL has two main sectors, public and private. The public sector mainly includes government institutions such as schools and higher education institutions. The private sector includes private schools and language centers and a large number of self employed freelance teachers. Each of...  [Read more]

  One of the best things about a career in TEFL is that it is open to almost anyone, regardless of age, background, prior experience, or whether or not you are a native English speaker. But one of the most frequently asked questions is, -Do I need a degree to teach English abroad?-  [Read more]

Vietnam is one of several booming destinations for teaching English in Southeast Asia. In recent years the demand for teachers has grown enormously and the salaries on offer have also improved due to increased competition among schools looking to employ the best teachers. Teachers who have spent time in Vietnam overwhelming say it is a great place to live and work, so if you want to find out for yourself, how do you go about it? In order to get a work permit to teach English legally in Vietnam you will need to be a native English speaker with a bachelor’s degree. Many employers will also insist on a TEFL/TESOL certificate of at least 120-hours duration. Some jobs at the top end of the pay scale will also require some level of classroom experience, although these are relatively small in...  [Read more]

Every year, thousands of new and experienced teachers head to Europe looking for adventure while working as an English language teacher. A large number of these will arrive in the usual hotspots across Italy and Spain where the competition for jobs can be very high. If you are looking for something a little different that is slightly off the beaten path, then the Central European Teaching Program (CETP) may be worth a look. The CETP is a long running program that places applicants into schools in Hungary to work as English language teachers. The CETP is open to native English speakers from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., or any other EU country. As the scheme has no official upper age limit it is a particularly good option for older teachers who might find it difficult to secure jobs in...  [Read more]

EPIK stands for the English Program in Korea, a scheme run by the South Korean government that places foreign teachers into schools across the country to work as English language instructors. EPIK is one of the largest and most popular schemes of its kind as it offers a competitive salary, a good range of extra benefits, and the chance to experience living and working in a unique cultural environment. If you meet the specified criteria then you could be one of the thousand plus teachers heading to South Korea this year to join the program. If you are interested in the EPIK program, we recommend reaching out to our TEFL recruitment partner Reach To Teach. Reach To Teach is an official partner of the EPIK program (English Program in Korea) and works with the Korean Ministry of Education...  [Read more]

  The English Program in Korea (EPIK) is a government run scheme that places native English speakers into South Korean schools with the specific aim of improving the language skills of children and teachers. The program allows you to enjoy a fascinating cultural experience while also gaining valuable classroom experience.  [Read more]

  The Central European Teaching Program (CETP) is a scheme run throughout Hungary that places native English speakers in state run or private schools to work as language teachers. Unlike similar programs in other European countries, the CETP requires a placement fee that must be paid in advance.  [Read more]

Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, with miles of unspoilt beaches, a warm Mediterranean climate and some of the best cuisine in the region. The country’s booming tourism industry is one of the main reasons why there is a strong demand for English language teachers as knowledge of English is necessary to find work in what is Portugal’s biggest job sector. Unfortunately, Portugal’s economy is currently quite weak so teacher’s salaries are not particularly high. However, it is the local lifestyle that attracts people to this corner of Europe rather than the pay scale. If you want to teach English in Portugal in any type of school you will need a university degree and a TEFL/TESOL qualification. Most employers also expect at least one years teaching...  [Read more]

As a non-native English speaker, you may still have the opportunity to teach English abroad. Many countries are open to hiring non-native English speakers as long as they meet certain qualifications and requirements. It's important to note that being a native English speaker is not always a strict requirement, as long as you have a high level of proficiency in English and relevant teaching qualifications. One of the key factors that will determine your eligibility to teach English abroad as a non-native speaker is your level of English proficiency. Most schools and language institutes will require you to have a high level of fluency in English, typically demonstrated through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Additionally, having a certification in Teaching English as a Foreign...  [Read more]

While teaching English abroad you are unlikely to face any type of discrimination from fellow teachers as most are like-minded people who are easy-going and accepting of the world in all its diversity. However, it can be a different story when it comes to employers. In some parts of the world, including some of the most popular teaching destinations, traditional, conservative views and opinions are still commonplace and this can lead to some uncomfortable situations. Many people still have the mistaken belief that all you need to teach English is to be a native English speaker and those that aren’t will never be as good at it. However, this view on teaching couldn’t be more wrong. To be an effective TEFL teacher you need to have a solid understanding of the workings of the language...  [Read more]

Put simply, language is a verbal expression of culture which means that culture clearly has to be seen as an important part of language learning. Although it is important to learn the vocabulary and grammar of English during lessons, to truly grasp what the language means to native speakers it is vital that EFL students learn as much as possible about the culture of English speaking nations. The good news is that students generally love learning about cultural issues, whether it is music, films, books, and TV, or other things such as food or fashion. So, how can we incorporate culture into our EFL lessons to make them interesting and productive? Authentic materials can be anything that native English speakers might use that can be adapted for use in an EFL classroom. This type of material...  [Read more]

  This video is a sample EFL lesson in a real-life classroom setting abroad. After the class activity 'Find Someone Who', the students sit back down and feed their findings back to the teacher. In this phase the teacher can then correct any error or mistakes the students have made during the activity, particularly in terms of grammar. 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 learned some more advanced concepts that may be taught to...  [Read more]

  This video is a sample EFL lesson in a real-life classroom setting abroad. In the video, you can see an engage phase of a lesson about the modal verb "have to". The teacher uses a lot of gestures and objects to demonstrate the grammar point. This is especially helpful for English students abroad to be able to grasp the content of the lesson quickly and effectively. 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 was difficult for me as a non...  [Read more]

  In her ITTT TEFL review video Kelly talks about how she found the four week in-class TEFL/TESOL course both challenging and rewarding. She speaks about how the course gave her the opportunity to teach the local students while being observed by qualified trainers who provided valuable feedback after each teaching session. 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 unit 18, I learned about the modals, phrasal verbs, and passive voice. This unit is very...  [Read more]

Demand for TEFL qualified teachers is very strong in many parts of the world, which is why our TEFL courses are open to anyone who has a solid grasp of the English language. However, in order to successfully complete the course and go on to find a good quality teaching job you will need to put in some hard work and be willing to embrace new ideas and techniques. First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Turkey can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with specific requirements. Whether you are a native English speaker or a non-native speaker with a high level of proficiency, there are certain qualifications and documents you need to have in order to teach English in Turkey. First and foremost, most language schools and institutions in Turkey require English teachers to have a bachelor's degree in any field. This is a basic requirement that demonstrates your ability to commit to a long-term goal and shows that you have a certain level of academic knowledge and skills. In addition to a bachelor's degree, most employers in Turkey also require English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other...  [Read more]

Teaching English in China is a popular option for many people looking to live and work abroad. To be eligible to teach English in China, there are several requirements that you must meet. These requirements are put in place to ensure that teachers are qualified and capable of effectively teaching English to students in China. One of the primary requirements for teaching English in China is to have a bachelor's degree. While the degree can be in any field, having a degree is typically a non-negotiable requirement for obtaining a work visa in China. Additionally, having a degree is often seen as a sign of professionalism and competence in the eyes of potential employers. In addition to having a bachelor's degree, many schools and language institutes in China also require teachers to have a...  [Read more]

  Neil took the in-class TEFL course with TEFL International in Zhuhai, China. In this TEFL review video, Neil points out what was covered in the course including grammar, pronunciation as well as the practical side of teaching. He found the trainers encouraged him to put what he was learning into practice in the classroom. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I enjoyed the discussion on Grammar. I appreciate that this is a very problematic area,...  [Read more]

If you have decided to pursue a career in teaching English abroad, it is now time to figure out what the requirements are to get you started! While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to teaching abroad, the most commonly required qualifications to become a TEFL teacher are: Although it may seem self-evident, fluency in English is a prerequisite for TEFL instructors. If you don't speak English well, we recommend looking for another job. Non-native English speakers with fluency in the language can find work in many areas, including South and Central America, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. In some regions of the world, though, being a native English speaker is almost a necessity. If English is not your first language, countries like China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are probably no...  [Read more]

Until recently, Colombia was famous for its high profile drug barons and very public acts of gang violence, however, things have changed dramatically in the last few years. Today, Colombia is a peaceful country with a rapidly growing tourism industry that is being held back by a lack of English speakers rather than violence on the streets. This exotic destination offers a great deal of adventure, but it is recommended that you head there soon before everyone finds out about it. Although average salaries are not especially high at between $700 and $1,000 USD per month, teachers can still live very good lifestyles as the cost of living is relatively low. Jobs in private schools typically pay the best salaries, as well as extra benefits such as a housing stipend and health insurance. Hourly...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word catastrophic. This word is used as an adjective and means extremely tragic or horrendous. Some synonyms for catastrophic include tragic and disastrous. The word comes from the Greek word katastroph?, meaning to overturn. 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 talked about the way that words are pronounced and produced, both physically and phonetically. It also talked about how the way...  [Read more]

  In this ITTT TESOL review video Stratton talks about his TEFL experience in Phuket, Thailand. He talks about some of the course content including grammar, phonology and Thai culture and traditions. He also talks about the many advantages of doing the course, meeting new people and experiencing new adventures. 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 had not realised that the present tense was so complicated. Rather, I should say that I did not know...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Patrick tells us that he graduated from ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course. Even though Patrick is a native speaker of English, he was surprised how much he learned from the course. He was very satisfied with the amount of material provided during the course and recommends it to anyone wanting to teach English abroad.  [Read more]

  This video is part of our series on the past tenses in English. In this video, we take a look at the past continuous tense and how it is formed and used. This tense is used to indicate that a certain action was in progress at a particular time in the past. 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've never learned about what a good teacher is and their various jobs. I was always in the position of \"learner\" and learning about what a good teacher is...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our video series on "Evaluation and Testing of Students". In this video, we cover the different types of tests teachers will come across. These include placement tests, diagnostic tests, progress tests, practice tests and proficiency tests. In the next videos, we will take a look at each type of test in detail. 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. It is true that writing skills are often neglected during lessons. We as...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience, even if you have limited teaching experience. Many countries welcome native English speakers to teach their language, and there are opportunities available for both experienced teachers and newcomers to the field. Here are some key points to consider if you are thinking about teaching English abroad with limited teaching experience: First and foremost, it's essential to have a strong command of the English language. As a non-native English speaker, your fluency and proficiency in English will be crucial in effectively teaching the language to others. Additionally, having a recognized certification in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) can greatly enhance your chances...  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard introduces the topic ""can"" and ""could"". Both words are some of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. They can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility. ITTT's Observed Teaching Practice courses (OTP) are ideal for teachers wanting to improve their teaching skills remotely from anywhere in the world." 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...  [Read more]

Many potential TEFL trainees come to us and ask whether they need to speak another language in order to teach English overseas or online. The good news is the answer is most definitely NO, you do not need to have any language skills other than a thorough understanding of the English language. Obviously, if you do speak the native language of the country you intend to live and work in it can be a real help in many ways, but it is not normally required by the employer. The specific requirements for teaching English abroad or online will vary depending on the country and the individual employer. In all cases a thorough understanding of the mechanics of English will be required. On top of that, a TEFL certificate from a reputable course provider is usually a must, while some jobs will also...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word canoodle. This word is used as a verb and describes the action of kissing and cuddling amorously. The origin of the word is widely unknown. 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. As a native English speaker it is easy to forget a lot of grammar rules, since we base off grammar on what \"sounds right\". It is important for TEFL to not only have a firm understanding on grammar, but also be aware...  [Read more]