Teaching Age

The good news is there is no real age restrictions on who can take a TEFL course and then go on to teach English abroad. At ITTT we do require you to be at least 18 years old to enroll on our courses but there are certainly no upper age limits. Over the years we have successfully trained people of all ages, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers as English language teachers. As long as you are a native or near-native English speaker who is keen to learn new skills and is open to new ideas, then your age should be no barrier to your success. Although a large number of new TEFL graduates are in their 20s, it doesn't mean they are always the most sought after by employers. Yes, there are many employers around the world who are only interested in recruiting younger teachers...  [Read more]

Although TEFL qualified teachers are able to find work in a wide range of countries throughout Asia, there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of before you decide on a destination. In some countries a 4-year university degree is necessary and some will only allow native English speakers to teach in their schools. Another issue that is worth considering is your age as it can be a factor in some situations in Asia. In some Asian countries there is a strict retirement age for local teachers that also applies to foreign EFL teachers working there. In popular teaching destinations such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, schools are unable to sponsor work visas for foreign teachers who exceed the local retirement age. This can range from 55 to 65, so you should contact...  [Read more]

  Asia is the number one region for teaching English abroad; however, there are certain restrictions in place in some countries that might limit the options available to you. One area that you might need to consider is your age.  [Read more]

  The good news is there is no real age restrictions on who can take a TEFL course and then go on to teach English abroad. At ITTT we do require you to be at least 18 years old to enroll on our courses but there are certainly no upper age limits. Over the years we have successfully trained people of all ages, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers as English language teachers. As long as you are a native or near-native English speaker who is keen to learn new skills and is open to new ideas, then your age should be no barrier to your success. Although a large number of new TEFL graduates are in their 20s, it doesn't mean they are always the most sought after by employers. Yes, there are many employers around the world who are only interested in recruiting younger...  [Read more]

  For many years we have enabled people of all ages to get started on the path to a new career as an English language teacher. As long as you are open to new ideas and keen to work in a classroom environment, your age should not be an issue.  [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]

To make your TEFL classes more engaging for all age groups, it is essential to incorporate a variety of interactive activities and teaching methods. For young learners, games, songs, and hands-on activities can be highly effective in keeping them engaged and motivated. For teenagers, using multimedia resources, such as videos and music, can help maintain their interest. Adults, on the other hand, may appreciate more practical and real-life based activities that are relevant to their interests and goals. Incorporating technology into your lessons can also make them more engaging for all age groups. Utilizing online resources, interactive whiteboards, and educational apps can help create a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Additionally, incorporating a mix of individual, pair,...  [Read more]

  Is a lack of teaching experience or relevant qualifications holding you back from starting a new career as an EFL teacher, or are you worried that you might be too old to find employment? Well, don’t be. As the demand for new teachers is so strong in many parts of the world, there are plenty of jobs available no matter what your age or background. Previous teaching experience is rarely a requirement for the majority of positions. The truth is that the vast majority of people currently teaching English around the world had no experience of teaching before they landed their current role. Academic qualifications are also not necessary in many cases. Teaching jobs in some countries are restricted to degree holders only, but there are many others without any such regulations. Age is...  [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]

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]

As Chile is one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Latin America, it has long been a popular destination for ESL teachers. Jobs can be found in advance via online job boards or by interviewing in person from within the country. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the popular English Opens Doors Program (EODP) that places foreign teachers into schools across Chile on a volunteer basis. Participants on the scheme work as teaching assistants with the aim of improving the English language skills of children ranging from 10 to 18 years old. The EODP is a highly respected program that is sponsored by the Chilean Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development Program. The program is open to native or near-native English speakers between the ages of 21 and 35...  [Read more]

  Two former trainees talk about their experiences during their TEFL course in Corinth Greece in this TEFL review video. If you are a person of a mature age or a senior citizen, do not be put you off from doing one of our courses. ITTT welcomes all applications regardless of age, gender or nationality. You just need to be committed to applying yourself to our demanding course. We at ITTT are committed to doing everything we can in assisting trainees to successfully complete the course and to promptly acquire a teaching job abroad. 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]

To teach English abroad all you truly need is a strong desire to embark on a new adventure and a teaching qualification that demonstrates to potential employers that you have received some level of teacher training. In this context, the internationally recognized qualification is a TEFL certificate, and these courses typically have minimal entry requirements. Having a strong level of English comprehension is the most fundamental requirement for enrolling in a TEFL certification course. Non-native English speakers are just as welcome as native speakers, provided they possess a solid understanding of written and spoken English. The demand for EFL teachers worldwide is immense, and there is frequently a shortage of qualified teachers in numerous regions. Thanks to this robust...  [Read more]

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]

The NET (Native-speaking English Teachers) Scheme is a recruitment program initiated by the Hong Kong Education Bureau that places qualified teachers from overseas countries into state run schools. The scheme recruits hundreds of teachers every year to work in either primary or secondary level schools across the territory. The stated goal of the scheme is to share and promote innovation in teaching practice, and to provide an authentic classroom environment for local students. Participants on the scheme will receive a generous salary and extra benefits, as well as a unique opportunity to live and work in one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan parts of Asia. To be eligible, you must be a native-English speaker or possess an exceptionally high standard of English language competence....  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners) courses are both specialized training programs for educators who want to teach English to non-native speakers, but they cater to different teaching contexts and student demographics. Understanding the differences between these two types of courses is essential for educators to choose the right program that aligns with their career goals and teaching preferences. TEFL courses are designed for teachers who want to teach English to non-native speakers of all ages in a variety of settings, such as language schools, private tutoring, or corporate training. These courses cover a wide range of teaching methodologies, language skills, and classroom management techniques that are relevant to adult learners....  [Read more]

In general, most schools and language centers will expect their job applicants to commit to contracts of between 10 and 12 months. However, if you are looking for a short term adventure during the summer break, there are a few options to explore. Although you might find some employers who will take on teachers without a long term contract, most short term opportunities are found in English summer camps or via a volunteer organization. English language camps are a popular fixture during the summer months in many countries across Asia, Europe and Latin America. These usually involve around one to two months work teaching English to young learners from primary age right through to university level, depending on the location. Although this type of work is only short term, it still provides...  [Read more]

Teaching English to children and adults are two distinct processes that require different approaches and techniques. When it comes to teaching children, it is essential to create a fun and interactive learning environment that caters to their shorter attention spans and playful nature. Using games, songs, and visual aids can help keep children engaged and motivated to learn English. On the other hand, teaching English to adults involves more focus on real-life situations and practical language skills. Adults are often motivated by specific goals such as career advancement or travel, so incorporating relevant vocabulary and role-playing activities can be effective in their learning process. Additionally, adults may benefit from more in-depth grammar explanations and discussions on cultural...  [Read more]

If you want to have a job in place and all the paperwork sorted out before you leave your home country, a TEFL placement program is certainly worth considering. Several countries across Europe and Asia have government run schemes that recruit foreign teachers to work in their public school system. The following options are long established and respected programs that offer a great opportunity to live and work in some of the most popular teaching destinations. The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who...  [Read more]

If you want to teach English in Europe you will find that most jobs are secured following a face to face interview. If you would like to have a teaching job organised before you leave home, a government placement program might be a good option for you. The following are the most popular programs of their kind in Europe. The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who meet the necessary criteria, the TAPIF Program could be the perfect way to fulfil your dream of living and working in France. The program is...  [Read more]

  The trainees who complete an ITTT course come from a wide variety of backgrounds, age groups and countries. Ages range from 18 to people in their sixties and occasionally even older. Some have come straight from school, college or university. Others can be teachers who want to update their teaching credentials and then there are people from other professional and non professional backgrounds. We accept trainees who are native English speakers as well as fluent non native English speakers. We do not require trainees to have any previous teacher training experience. Our courses will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin your career as a qualified English language teacher. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their...  [Read more]

  Moving further down our list of parts of speech, we have our adjectives. Adjectives modify or describe nouns. Basically, they give more information about the noun. Here, we've used a noun such as chair. It could be any old chair. It's only the noun. If we want to describe the noun, we need to use an adjective before it. So, I could say "I have an old black leather chair". Here, we have to be concerned about the adjective order. In this instance, I started with age, as age typically goes before color and then I use the color to go before the material. This is a certain pattern. Depending on the adjectives you want to use, you always have to use certain patterns to which you'll need to be aware of when teaching your class. Another way to describe a noun is by showing possession. We...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners) certifications are both valuable qualifications for educators looking to teach English to non-native speakers. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that cater to specific teaching environments and student demographics. TEFL certification is a general qualification that equips teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to teach English to students of all ages and levels in a variety of settings, such as language schools, universities, and businesses. TEFL courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including lesson planning, classroom management, language assessment, and teaching methodologies. This certification is ideal for educators who want to teach English...  [Read more]

There are numerous companies that hire TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teachers to work online. These companies provide opportunities for educators to teach English to students around the world, offering flexibility and the chance to work from home. Here are some of the top companies that frequently hire TEFL teachers for online positions: 1. **VIPKID**: VIPKID is a well-known online English education platform that connects North American teachers with students in China. They offer one-on-one lessons to children aged 4-12 and provide a flexible schedule for teachers. 2. **Qkids**: Qkids is another popular platform that hires teachers to teach English to Chinese students. They focus on interactive lessons for children aged 4-12 and provide all the teaching materials needed. 3....  [Read more]

The Cultural Ambassadors Program (also known as the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program) is run by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. Every year as many as 2,500 North Americans are placed through the scheme into elementary or secondary schools across the country to work as assistant language teachers. As Spain can be a difficult place for non-Europeans to secure an official work visa, this program provides a great opportunity for Americans and Canadians to legally live and work in one of the world's most popular teaching destinations. The program is open to American and Canadian citizens aged between 21 and 60, although the upper age limit for placement in the Madrid region is 35. If accepted, participants are assigned as assistant English...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video another TEFL/TESOL student shares some of her experiences as a student with ITTT completing the four week in-class course. Gaining a TEFL certification from ITTT is the first step towards an exciting and rewarding experience teaching English overseas. During your training course you will have the opportunity to meet and study with people from all over the world. Our trainees come from a variety of backgrounds and age groups. 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...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can be extremely beneficial for teaching English to teenagers. Here's why: Firstly, a TEFL certificate equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. This includes lesson planning, classroom management, and understanding language acquisition theories. When teaching teenagers, who may have varying levels of English proficiency and unique learning styles, having a solid foundation in TEFL methodologies is crucial. Furthermore, many TEFL courses offer specialized training in teaching young learners, including teenagers. These modules cover age-appropriate activities, strategies for engaging teenage students, and techniques for addressing the specific challenges that may arise when teaching this age group. With this...  [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]

  This video covers the difference between 'defuse' and 'diffuse'. Their similar spelling and pronunciation make them a word pair that is often confused. The word 'defuse' refers to the action of making a situation less harmful or tense, whereas 'diffuse' means to spread over a wide area. Watch the video for detailed examples on the two words. 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 shows how important is it to know how to teach a new...  [Read more]

  Rory Cripps describes his own experience as a TEFL/TESOL learner in Beijing, China. ITTT is a professional training organization dedicated to raising standards of teaching and professionalism in the EFL industry. ITTT is committed to: Providing a wide range of courses and services to cater to individual needs. We aim to help you choose the right course for you. 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 has been an extremely useful course to me. I...  [Read more]