Teaching English Abroad After University

  Taking a gap year between school and university, between university and a first job, or at any other time in your life is an increasingly popular option. Although some people can afford to head off without any money concerns, many people embrace TEFL as a way of earning cash on the road.  [Read more]

  If you want to teach English abroad and you do not have a 4-year degree there are still plenty of great destinations to choose from. Most countries in Latin America have no such restrictions, while popular countries such as Spain and Italy are also great options.  [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]

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]

  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 fact that our online TEFL courses are accredited by a leading educational institution such as the Paris University of International Education (PUIE) is a major benefit to many trainees as you are able to claim credits towards your bachelor’s or master’s degree through the PUIE. For example, if you choose to take our 120-hour TEFL certification course (generally seen as our standard online course option) you can claim three bachelor’s credits or one master’s credit on completion. If you take our 550-hour Expert Package you can claim nine bachelor’s credits or six master’s credits. At ITTT we offer the chance to gain a teaching qualification that is recognized and welcomed by all the best employers across the TEFL world, while also adding to your higher education...  [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]

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]

When considering the best TEFL certification for career development, it is essential to look for a program that is accredited, reputable, and recognized internationally. The quality of the program, the level of support provided, and the opportunities for practical teaching experience are all crucial factors to consider. One highly regarded provider of TEFL certification is the International TEFL Academy (ITA). ITA offers accredited TEFL courses both online and in various locations around the world. Their courses are internationally recognized and meet the highest standards for TEFL certification. Additionally, ITA provides comprehensive job search guidance and support to help graduates find teaching positions abroad. Another reputable option is the University of Cambridge, which offers the...  [Read more]

Opportunities for TEFL Jobs in Turkey, especially in the bigger cities, are great. Salaries are large enough for teachers to live comfortably. Most of the TEFL job openings are in private language schools. The majority of teachers find living and teaching in Turkey an agreeable experience. You will to have at least a university degree in order to get a job here. You will find the cost of living to be very low in Turkey, and there is a legal minimum wage of approximately $450 US per month. English teachers usually make about twice that amount. The middle class in this country is very keen to learn English, and they prefer to be taught by a native speaker. This equates to more TEFL job openings than can be filled by the supply of English teachers. There are a great number of English...  [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]

Anyone who is thinking about teaching English abroad has most likely received a response along the lines of "Oh, how fun, but what will you do when you get back?" Some people believe that teaching English as a foreign language is not a "real job" but rather something that people do to pay off student debt or simply for fun before settling down into a "normal" job and lifestyle. Many people decide to teach English abroad for these reasons, but there are also many who have made a successful and lucrative career out of it. Yes, you can pursue a long-term career as an EFL teacher. For the vast majority of people who travel abroad to teach English, it all begins with a simple desire to see some of the world while earning some money. After a while, many people realize that they enjoy and are...  [Read more]

Here at ITTT, we will do all we can to ensure your entire TEFL training experience is as straightforward and rewarding as possible. If you have any questions regarding our courses, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below. Our FAQ section should clear up most of your queries but if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by submitting them via the form provided at the bottom of this page. What does TEFL mean?    The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is commonly used to refer to training courses that almost anyone can take to learn the skills and knowledge required to teach English to non-native speakers in countries all over the world. What is the difference between TESOL and...  [Read more]

As teaching English abroad involves applying for jobs and traveling overseas, you will require a variety of documentation at different times. Although there maybe some things that you cannot arrange until you have arrived in your country of choice, it is best to organize the required documents as far in advance as possible so they are on hand in case you need them during a job interview or when applying for a visa. 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 further travel once your initial contract is complete. In many cases you will...  [Read more]

Yes, having a degree in engineering can be beneficial when pursuing a career in TEFL. Many countries require a bachelor's degree in any field to qualify for a work visa, so your engineering degree would meet this requirement. Additionally, having a technical background can make you stand out as a TEFL teacher, especially when teaching English for specific purposes such as technical English or business English. When applying for TEFL jobs abroad with an engineering degree, it's essential to highlight any transferable skills that make you a strong candidate for teaching English. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and analytical thinking are all valuable traits that can be applied in the classroom. Your ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner can also be an...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Matt tells us that she graduated from ITTT?s 120-hour online TEFL course. He decided to take the TEFL course in order to be able to teach English in either Spain or Chile upon graduating from university. He recommends this course to anyone interested in teaching English abroad.  [Read more]

If you don’t possess a university degree, it is still possible to teach English in a foreign country. Regardless of your academic background, there are countless language schools out there that will happily hire you. Even though a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there really is no reason to give up on your dream of teaching English abroad if you do not have one. We at ITTT believe that having a degree is not the most important thing when considering a career in language teaching. Instead, certain qualities, like passion, dedication, and the ability to establish a connection with your students, may be argued to be far more important in this career than a university degree. However, you should still possess the right skills and know-how for leading a successful classroom. This...  [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]

When it comes to finding the best TEFL certification for non-native English educators, it's essential to consider several factors before making a decision. The quality of the program, accreditation, job placement assistance, and affordability are crucial aspects to look into. Here are some reputable institutions that offer excellent TEFL certification programs for non-native English educators: One top option is the University of Cambridge, which provides the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program. The CELTA is highly regarded worldwide and is known for its rigorous training and practical teaching experience. It is accredited by Ofqual in the UK and is a widely recognized qualification by employers. Another excellent choice is the Trinity College...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world and get paid while doing it, but what does it actually involve? Before you buy a plane ticket and jet off across the world it is a good idea to research as much as possible about TEFL qualifications, the possible restrictions you might encounter when applying for jobs, and the long term prospects this path might lead to. Here we look at the answers to all these questions and 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...  [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]

When looking for TEFL teaching internships, there are several reputable sources that you can explore to find the best opportunities. One of the most common places to start your search is through online job boards and websites that specialize in advertising teaching positions abroad. Websites like Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and GoAbroad.com are popular platforms that regularly post TEFL internship opportunities from around the world. Another excellent resource is to directly contact TEFL course providers and language schools in the country or region where you are interested in teaching. Many of these institutions offer internship programs for newly certified teachers, providing valuable hands-on experience in the classroom. By reaching out to them directly, you may discover internship...  [Read more]

We know it can be difficult to sort through the various TEFL certification options available today, but don’t worry, we're here to explain the various levels of TEFL courses to you. The general characteristics of the framework are frequently tied to a variety of elements, including the total amount of hours spent studying, the certification type, if the program contains a practical component, and the form of study (full-time or part-time). A level 4 TEFL course fulfills the standard of having at least 100 hours of coursework, which is highly sought after by most employers in the EFL field worldwide. A level 4 TEFL qualification is the equivalent of a freshman-level university course. This level is ideal for finding a long-term TEFL job, whether you want to work online or in classrooms...  [Read more]

Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and visuals. ...  [Read more]

Anyone who has considered teaching English abroad has probably had a reaction from a friend or family member along the lines of “that sounds like fun, but what will you do when you get back?” In some quarters, teaching English as a foreign language has the reputation of not being a ‘real job’, just something that people do to pay off student loans or simply for fun and adventure before settling down into a normal job and lifestyle. There are many people who do choose teaching abroad for these reasons, but there are also plenty who have made a successful and lucrative career out of TEFL. YES, you absolutely can have a long-term career as an EFL teacher. For the majority of people who head overseas to teach English, it all starts with a small idea to see a bit of the world while...  [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 Czech Republic is a very popular destination for teaching English abroad due to its' welcoming people, fascinating cultural heritage, and world famous beer. Another reason for its popularity is that unlike many other European countries such as Spain and Italy, it is possible for non-EU citizens to obtain a long-term work visa to teach legally in the country. Most teachers enter the Czech Republic on a basic tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. Once in the country you can then begin the process of applying for a work visa. The most common route for teachers is to apply for a Zivnostensky List (Zivno), which is essentially a business license that allows you to work for any school in the country. You can lodge your application at a government zivnostensky office, although most...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), also known as teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), is a rewarding profession that needs commitment and love. Luckily, you also won't have to sacrifice a good salary! We are sure you are curious about what type of teachers earn the most when teaching abroad, so let's have a look. The simple answer is your potential salary often depends on three main factors: your qualifications, the country you teach in, and the type of school you work for. The fact is, TEFL and TESOL certified teachers earn higher salaries compared to teachers without a certificate. Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates are among the top-paying countries in the world to teach English, with salaries ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 USD a month....  [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]

If you have a university degree, a well recognized TEFL certificate and you can present yourself in a professional manner, finding a TEFL Job in Thailand is as close to a guaranteed certainty as you can get. In places like Bangkok and the island of Phuket, there are far more TEFL jobs than there are teachers to fill them. All state schools are mandated to employ at least one native speaking English teacher, and a large number of schools just can’t find one, because the job market is so heavily weighted in the teacher’s favor. Teachers in Thailand are accorded a tremendous amount of respect, traditionally coming in third, just behind the king and monks. However, this respect is not indelible, and your actions can easily erase it, if you are not careful to be culturally sensitive and...  [Read more]