Portland State University Tesol

  Oregon is one of three mainland US states with a Pacific Coast. “The Beaver State” has a diverse landscape with a splendid coastline, volcano ranges, abundant lakes and rivers as well as lush, evergreen forests. Before Western settlers arrived, Oregon was largely populated by Native American tribes and today, the state is the 9th largest state in the United States. On top of that, Oregon is one of the most visited states in the US due to its lush natural scenery, making it a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. To truly get to see all the wonders Oregon has to offer, you will have to get out of your vehicle, hike along the many trails and feel the lush nature. One of the state’s most exciting destinations is the mighty Mt. Hood. Its snowy peak, that dominates...  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in a university setting, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are equipped to effectively instruct students at this level. First and foremost, it is essential to have a strong foundation in the English language yourself. This includes a high level of proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, as well as an understanding of linguistics and language acquisition theory. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and expectations of teaching English at the university level. This may include understanding the curriculum guidelines, learning outcomes, and assessment methods typically used in university English courses. Furthermore, consider enrolling in specialized training or certification programs for...  [Read more]

Due to government restrictions or work visa requirements, there are several countries where English language teachers without a 4-year university degree might find it difficult to secure employment. However, the good news is there are still plenty of great opportunities for those without a degree if you are flexible and willing to go where the demand for your services is high. To increase your chances of landing a position in the country of your choice, it is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Although China has the largest market for TEFL qualified teachers in the world, the regulations for...  [Read more]

  The state of New York is famous all over the world due to the city of the same name. However, the state has a lot more to offer than just the ‘Big Apple’. ‘The Empire State’ is rich in natural wonders, and is of great importance to the country’s history due to the huge number of migrants that have passed through its ports since the early 19th century. Over 10 million people have arrived at New York immigration ports seeking a better life and to make their American dreams come true. Still today, New York is one of the most diverse states in the country and a cultural melting pot. In upstate New York you will find the region of Adirondacks which offers pure nature at Lake George’s popular campgrounds and its many relaxing lakeside resorts. Whiteface Mountain offers...  [Read more]

  The state of Wisconsin is located in the Midwest, to the south of the famous Great Lakes. Due to this location, Wisconsin’s geography is very diverse and it is home to a booming farming industry. That is why the state is also known as ‘America’s Dairyland’. Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city in a wooden cabin by the lake, to relax in a luxurious spa resort, or are looking for country fairs and festivals, Wisconsin will make your dreams come true. The northwest region of Wisconsin is situated beside the deep waters of Lake Superior. This area is made for adventurers as it used to be the home of the lumberjack. Today, it is a prime destination for travelers and outdoor lovers of all kinds. Visitors can enjoy kayaking around the Apostle Islands, hiking...  [Read more]

  Our online TEFL certification courses are accredited by leading institutions in the world of English language teaching, including the Paris University of International Education (PUIE). The PUIE is a higher education institute that is recognized by the Paris Academy as a degree-granting organization. Our certificates are actually the only 100% online TEFL certificates available that are validated, accredited and credit bearing from an internationally-recognized university. Through the PUIE our online TEFL courses have been evaluated and have successfully met all the criteria necessary to be given full accreditation by this respected institute. All ITTT in-class TEFL certification courses, no matter which of our international training centers you choose, are validated by Lamar...  [Read more]

  The state of Arizona is often referred to as ‘The Copper State’, due to its booming copper industry that dates back to the 19th century. Today, Arizona is much more famous for its natural attractions, including the majestic Grand Canyon National Park. The park is among the oldest national parks in the United States and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Millions of visitors from across the world visit Arizona every year to explore its unique landscape, however, there are many more attractions that are well worth visiting. The array of red sandstone formations around Sedona were a holy site for the native Yavapai and Apache tribes and are still a major attraction today. Also popular is Oak Creek Canyon which is often referred to as the little cousin of the Grand...  [Read more]

  Although Nevada is only the 35th most populous state, it is a major tourist destination for visitors from around the world. Divided into five different regions (Elko, Ely, Reno, Tonopah and Las Vegas), Nevada offers a wide range of leisure activities for both locals and visitors alike. Whether it is trekking, hiking and exploring the outdoors, or relaxing, shopping and gaming, Nevada has something to offer everyone. The northern region of Elko is often referred to as ‘Cowboy Country’, as it still maintains the feel of the old Wild West today. One of the most popular destinations is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Here, visitors can explore the outdoors via hiking, bicycling, rock climbing and horseback riding. Nevada is also famous for its many UFO sightings....  [Read more]

  The state of California is famous all over the world due to its sandy beaches, iconic cities and year-round great weather. California received its nickname ‘The Golden State’ from the famous Gold Rush in the mid 19th century. During this period, the state saw dramatic changes in its society with waves of immigration from the east and all over the world. Today, California is the most populous state in the USA and also one of the largest, making up almost three quarters of the West Coast. In the south of California, you will find one of the state’s most popular cities: San Diego. Often referred to as ‘America’s Finest City’, San Diego is blessed with great weather and a laid back attitude. Shop at Horton Plaza, watch a baseball game at Petco Park, or visit the Gaslamp...  [Read more]

  The state of Utah in the Western USA is filled with untouched natural scenery, red canyons, rivers and creeks, making it a great destination for outdoor activities. Long before the first European settlers reached this land, various tribes of the Ute-Aztec Native American ethnicity called it their home. Another group of Native Americans, the Navajo, settled in the region around the 18th century and they are still one of the largest Native American groups in the country. Utah is a unique state where the landscape has been strongly influenced by wind, water and time. The state has some of the best parks in the USA, including five national parks, seven national monuments, three national historic trails, two national recreation areas, and one national historic site. The Mighty 5®...  [Read more]

  Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the United States. Often referred to as “The Sunshine State”, due to its year-round great weather, Florida features the longest coastline in mainland USA and is the only state that borders the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Florida is home to exceptional natural wonders, including some of the finest beaches and best parks in the country, as well as vibrant cities and first-class entertainment facilities. Before the first Europeans arrived in Florida, Native American groups, such as the Apalachee and Tocobaga, populated the land. Florida was the first part of the USA that was visited by Europeans and after the Spanish arrived in 1513, he named the peninsula La Florida, meaning “land of flowers”. Florida is a nature...  [Read more]

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

If you plan on heading to Europe to teach English it is important that you are aware of the regulations regarding visas and work permits in your chosen destination. The visa situation varies from one country to the next and may also depend on your own nationality. Because of this, we recommend that you visit the relevant embassy website to get the most up to date information before you make any final travel plans. As Spain is a member of the European Union, teachers from other EU member states do not need a visa to live and work legally in Spain. However, you will still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number on arrival in the country. The application process should be straightforward and you can usually expect your employer to help you through it. For non-EU citizens,...  [Read more]

When it comes to ranking educational qualifications by their difficulty level, many countries have their own ranking system. For example, there are 9 different levels that courses can be classed as within the UK. Level 1: GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G Level 2: GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C Level 3: A level Level 4: Certificate of higher education (Cert HE) Level 5: Diploma of higher education (Dip HE) Level 6: Degree with honors - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons Level 7: Master’s degree, for example Master of Science (MSc) Level 8: Doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil) Depending on which National Qualification Framework (NQF) you are referencing, you may...  [Read more]

If you have done some research and made the decision to teach English abroad or online, you will probably have been confronted with a mound of perplexing letters: TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA – what do they all mean, and which is better? Don't worry. We are here to help you understand the differences and lead you into a world of education and international travel. First, let's get the abbreviations out of the way. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and CELTA is an acronym for Certificate in English Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages (until recently, it stood for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). To put it another way, TEFL and TESOL are generic terms for the field of teaching English...  [Read more]

The British Council estimates there are 1.55 billion English language learners around the world, and at least 10.2 million English teachers. www.theguardian.com/education/2013/nov/07/tefl-for-british-language-learners A fair proportion of these learners will be taught in language schools and through private lessons, including online teaching. There do not appear to be any official figures as to the number of TEFL and TESOL training centers worldwide, but it would be a fair guess to say they number in the thousands. Most countries in the world control education through government regulation and oversight. This is also true of private education provision. This means that each country’s government tends to make the rules and regulations concerning the training standards required of ESL...  [Read more]

  Alesheia completed her TEFL certificate course online with ITTT. In this TEFL review video, Alesheia tells us that although she studied TESOL as a minor at university, research showed that the majority of jobs required a specific TEFL certificate. She found the course to be a good refresher of her previous TESOL studies at university and it also taught her a number of new things such as classroom management and lesson planning. Alesheia recommends ITTT to new and experienced teachers looking to earn a recognized TEFL certificate. 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,...  [Read more]

  Yuliia is from Ukraine and recently took our online TEFL course. In her TESOL review, she states that she found the course to be very interesting and useful.  [Read more]

Teaching English without a degree is, fortunately, possible. Regardless of your educational history, there are plenty of language schools that will be happy to employ you. True, having a degree opens up more doors and opportunities, but if you don't have one, there is no reason to let that stop you from pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad. The question of whether you need a degree to find a teaching position is arbitrary, as it is with many other occupations. There is no reason why an English teacher with a university degree would be more effective than one without. Certain traits (passion, commitment, and the ability to create rapport with your students, for example) are more important than a college diploma in this career, as they are in many others. It is important to note,...  [Read more]

The job market for TEFL teachers in the Gulf States is generally quite strong, with a high demand for qualified English teachers across the region. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain are known for offering lucrative opportunities for TEFL teachers. In the Gulf States, English is widely recognized as a global language of communication and business, leading to a high demand for English language education. As a result, there are numerous job opportunities available for TEFL teachers in schools, language institutes, universities, and corporate settings. One of the key factors contributing to the demand for TEFL teachers in the Gulf States is the region's focus on internationalization and globalization. Many Gulf countries are actively working...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, ITTT course graduate Simon from the United States talks about his experience with ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course. He thought the course is a great base for anyone new to the world of teaching English as a foreign language. He especially enjoyed watching the teaching videos included in the course. He highly recommends this course and is excited to put his new learned skills to use.  [Read more]

Before you head to the airport to start your TEFL journey it is important that you are aware of the paperwork required by the country you are planning to work in. The specific type of visa you need to gain entry to your destination country and how you gain the right to work legally there can vary enormously from one place to the next. To ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible, you should visit the relevant embassy website and do a bit of online research well before you plan to leave. Typically, anyone traveling to a foreign country requires a passport that is valid for at least six months. In some situations your passport must be valid for a full year, so the best advice is to ensure your passport has two years or more remaining to allow for an extended teaching contract or...  [Read more]

It is definitely possible to teach English without a degree. There are plenty of language schools that will gladly hire you regardless of your educational background. Even though having a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there is no reason for not pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad if you don't possess a degree. The question of whether a degree is required to find a teaching job is arbitrary, as it is for many other occupations. There is no reason why a university-educated English teacher would be more effective than one who does not possess a degree. One might argue that certain characteristics, such as passion, commitment, and the ability to establish rapport with your students, are far more important than a college diploma in this career. These qualities should,...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Rachel from Australia shares her thoughts on our TESOL courses. She just graduated from university and wanted to start a career in teaching English overseas. That's why she decided to complete the 120-hour online course and had a great time taking the course. After completing the course, she immediately found a job teaching English in Vietnam.  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard introduces the topic of modal verbs. They are used to express ability, possibility, permission or obligation. 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 next. I find this unit to be crucial to my TESOL training, since it provides key teaching theories, techniques and...  [Read more]

  Would you like to live and work abroad? With a TEFL or TESOL certificate you can work and live abroad, Teaching English as a Foreign Language or Teaching English as a Second Language. Check out ITTT's courses and start a new life with a TEFL or TESOL certification! 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. Unit 8 covers all seven types of future tenses wherein types 5 & 7 are most commonly used in English and 3 & 4 are often times mistaken for...  [Read more]

When it comes to getting TEFL certification for online teaching, there are several reputable options available. One of the best places to consider is the International TEFL Academy (ITA). ITA offers a comprehensive online TEFL course that is internationally recognized and accredited. The course covers all the essential aspects of teaching English as a foreign language, including lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment. Another top choice for online TEFL certification is the University of Toronto’s TEFL Online program. This program is designed for both new and experienced teachers looking to enhance their skills in teaching English online. The University of Toronto is a globally recognized institution, so completing your TEFL certification through their program...  [Read more]

These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and TESOL is usually preferred in the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a TESOL certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. Although TEFL and TESOL training courses are identical and the acronyms are generally used interchangeably, there is a technical...  [Read more]

During the past 10 years, more and more teachers have opted to gain their TEFL qualifications online. This was further accelerated due to the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent restrictions placed on international travel and business practices. However, onsite TEFL training and hybrid type courses that combine online and in-class training are still viable options in many areas. The most commonly taken ESL teaching course is a 120-hour online TEFL certification course. Originally taught across 4 weeks in a classroom, the course content has been adapted into a popular online course by highly experienced TEFL trainers at ITTT. Access to our online courses is possible at any time of the night or day, from any location with an internet connection. Participants can work through the course...  [Read more]

When considering the best TEFL course for teaching in high schools, it is essential to prioritize courses that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of older students. High school students have a higher proficiency level compared to younger learners, so the TEFL course should focus on advanced language skills, academic vocabulary, critical thinking, and preparation for standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. One of the most highly recommended TEFL courses for teaching in high schools is the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) offered by Cambridge English. The CELTA course is widely recognized and respected by high schools around the world, as it provides practical training in teaching English to older students and adults. The CELTA course...  [Read more]