The Tefl Life

Balancing TEFL teaching with personal life is essential to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being. Here are some strategies to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance in the field of TEFL: 1. **Set Boundaries:** Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. When you're off the clock, avoid checking work emails or grading assignments. This separation is crucial for mental relaxation and rejuvenation. 2. **Prioritize Self-Care:** Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation can help reduce stress and prevent teaching fatigue. 3. **Time Management:** Efficient time management is key to balancing work and personal life. Create a schedule that allocates time for...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) and enjoying city life, there are several countries that offer great opportunities for teachers. These countries not only have a high demand for English teachers but also provide a vibrant urban experience. Here are some of the best countries for TEFL teachers who enjoy city life: One of the top choices for TEFL teachers who prefer city living is Japan. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto offer a unique blend of traditional culture and modern amenities. The demand for English teachers in Japan is high, and the salary and benefits are usually very competitive. Additionally, Japan is known for its safety, cleanliness, and efficient public transportation system, making it a popular choice for many expats. Another popular...  [Read more]

If you are tired of dark, cold winter nights and grey, windy days, then why not get TEFL certified and start a new life as an English language teacher in a tropical country? Every year, thousands of everyday people do exactly that and for most it will be one of the best decisions they ever make. So where exactly can you teach English in the tropics? Although it is only a small country by area, Costa Rica has one of the best job markets for TEFL qualified teachers in Central America. The most common form of employment are private language schools that can be found in most built up areas. There is also a good market for private tutoring, either part time on top of a regular teaching job or full time once you have found enough students. The majority of positions are filled following an...  [Read more]

When choosing a TEFL certification course one of the first decisions you need to make is whether to complete it online as a distance learning course or in-class by attending a training center. Both have their pros and cons so it is down to the individual to decide which best suits their own personal situation. Probably the most significant difference is the inclusion of Observed Teaching Practice (OTP) in classroom based courses. Throughout the four-week course you will spend many hours practicing your teaching skills in a real classroom with genuine English language learners. These practice lessons are observed by an experienced course trainer who will provide instant feedback and tips for improvement following each lesson. OTP allows you to hone your teaching skills and gain...  [Read more]

Yes, TEFL teachers can definitely work in youth development programs. Teaching English as a foreign language can have a significant impact on the personal and academic development of young learners. By incorporating language learning with elements of youth development, such as life skills, cultural awareness, and social responsibility, TEFL teachers can create a well-rounded educational experience for their students. One of the key benefits of having TEFL teachers in youth development programs is the opportunity to enhance students' communication skills. English language proficiency opens up a world of possibilities for young learners, enabling them to interact with a wider range of people and access a wealth of educational resources. By improving their English language abilities, students...  [Read more]

The simple answer is that TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. The TEFL acronym is also used when referring to training courses that new or experienced English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon successful completion. As one of the leading providers in this field, ITTT offers all the TEFL training and certification required to become a successful English language teacher virtually anywhere in the world. In order to secure a position as an EFL teacher most employers require their job applicants to possess a relevant qualification known as a TEFL certificate. However, as there is no official standard when it comes to TEFL certification, it can be hard to know which course to choose from the many options available. A quick...  [Read more]

  Once issued TEFL certificates are valid for life, they do not expire. Wherever you are in the world you can apply for teaching jobs using your certificate as proof that you have received training in a wide variety of topics, including English grammar, lesson planning and classroom management.  [Read more]

  COVID-19 has had a big impact on many avenues of life in recent months, including disrupting some of our in-class TEFL courses. Here we provide the latest update on our training centers and what it might mean for those who have booked a course or are planning to book one in the future.  [Read more]

Due to a government backed scheme to improve English language proficiency across the country, Vietnam has seen a boom in ESL teaching jobs in recent years. As well as having plenty of teaching positions, Vietnam also offers a great mix of cosmopolitan cities, laidback beach resorts, and lush tropical countryside. The relaxed way of life is another reason why an increasing number of teachers are deciding to move here, particularly those who are used to working in other Asian countries with a more strict approach to life and work such as South Korea, China, and Japan. With so much in its favour it is no surprise that Vietnam is currently one of the fastest growing destinations in the world for teaching English abroad. The average salary for ESL teachers in Vietnam is around $1,000 USD...  [Read more]

  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]

It doesn’t matter whether you choose an in-class TEFL course or an online course, the skills and knowledge gained during an ITTT course will never expire. Successfully completing an ITTT course results in an academic qualification that is valid for life. Trainees of ITTT’s online courses complete regular assessments throughout the course to test their understanding of the course material. A further written summative task is the final task of each course. While your certificate won't expire, it isn't uncommon for teachers to feel the need to improve or refresh their skills. One option is to take a 120-hour online TEFL course to refresh your knowledge. Another option is to take one of our short specialized TEFL courses to extend your skills in a particular area of teaching. There are...  [Read more]

Every year tens of thousands of people from all backgrounds leave behind their existing life and head overseas in search of fun, travel and adventure. They are able to do this by completing a TEFL certification course that gives them all the qualifications they need to apply for English language teaching jobs in countries all over the world. If you want to join this ever growing number of TEFL qualified teachers, there should be very little that can get in your way. Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin...  [Read more]

  Whether you are an experienced teacher or are looking for your first classroom position, Vietnam offers an abundance of jobs, a low cost of living, and a famously relaxed attitude to life. Depending on experience you can expect to earn between $1,000 and $2,000 USD per month.  [Read more]

  Our online TEFL courses have many popular features and their high level of flexibility is probably one of the most appreciated by our trainees. None of our online courses have any set study times or fixed timetables, which means you can fit your course around whatever else you have going on in your life. As you get to choose when and how much you study, it is possible to work around any other existing commitments you have, such as work, family, or other forms of study. You do not need to be online at any specific times, simply log in to your study dashboard whenever you have some free time and do what you can, when you can. The only restriction we have is a six month time limit on the whole course from the day you first start your study. This time frame is in place to ensure that...  [Read more]

If you are bored with the everyday grind and want a new life that is full of travel and adventure, TEFL could be the perfect option for you. First you need to choose the right TEFL course to suit your situation and then work your way through the training. Once you have completed the course and you have your TEFL certificate in hand you will be ready to head overseas to start work as an English language teacher in the country of your choice. 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]

  Teaching English abroad often has the reputation of being a short-term adventure that young people do for a year before returning home to a ‘normal life’. However, it is entirely possible to make a successful long-term career out of TEFL and many people do.  [Read more]

If you perform an internet search for TEFL courses in Thailand you will find several pages of different providers offering a variety of courses across the country, but how do you know which is the best for you? At ITTT we are confident that our in-class courses are the best on offer in Thailand as we have developed them over a number of years. The key to the success of our in-class TEFL courses is the quality of the instruction provided. At all of our centers we only employ trainers who possess a high level of teaching qualifications and several years of experience teaching in an international classroom environment. All our teacher trainers are dedicated to helping each and every trainee to reach their full potential. With their guidance and encouragement, most trainees successfully...  [Read more]

  Due to its high level of development, good wages, strong job market, and high quality of life, Hong Kong is a popular destination for teaching English abroad. If the territory is on your radar, there are a few bits of crucial information you need to know before applying for jobs.  [Read more]

For both newly qualified and experienced teachers, one common concern when planning to teach English abroad is how to find accommodation that is comfortable, in a safe location and suitable for your personal needs. The good news is you are unlikely to be the first foreign teacher in the area you are heading for, so you will probably have several options to choose from. Here we break down the most common aspects of organizing accommodation when teaching abroad. For many teachers, accommodation is not an issue as employers often provide housing as part of the teaching contract. Schools in countries such as China and South Korea, as well as many countries in the Middle East, routinely provide some form of free or subsidized accommodation. If you sign-up for a government-run recruitment...  [Read more]

As it is a modern, vibrant city where English is a common language and most luxuries and comforts are available, Hong Kong is naturally a popular destination among TEFL qualified teachers. The city is a cultural melting pot where almost every language on Earth can be heard and there is an impressive number of major skyscrapers dominating the skyline, two reasons why it is sometimes referred to as the New York of the East. Due to its popularity, Hong Kong has strong competition for the best teaching jobs, so to have a good chance of landing one there are a few things you need to know. There have been government guidelines for employing foreign teachers in Hong Kong for some time; however, these have not been rigorously enforced until recently. These days it is very difficult, and...  [Read more]

  In this lesson Iban teaches adverbs of frequency. Iban starts the lesson with an activity to warm the students up before covering the lesson point. He ends the lesson with activities to give the students practice using the language point he has taught. 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 concentrates on productive skills, as opposed to the previous one, that was about receptive skills. I learned that writing is a lot more difficult than...  [Read more]

  In her TESOL review, Zeneb shares her experience about our in-class course in Zhuhai. Zeneb took the four-week in-class training course in Zhuhai, China, and had a very positive experience. She learned a lot about lesson planning and how to keep her students engaged. She also loves China and wants to stay and pursue a career in teaching English as a foreign language. 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 lesson was about course development....  [Read more]

Many thousands of people every year, of all nationalities and from all walks of life, make the decision to take a TEFL certification course for a wide variety of different reasons. For some it offers the chance to earn a bit of spending money while traveling in far-flung corners of the world, while for others it is a great way to make fundamental changes to their career and life plans. If you are one of the many thousands of others who have thought about studying TEFL, but are yet to act, here are some of the main reasons why we think you should take the leap. Most people have periods in their life when the job they are doing becomes dull, mundane, and all too repetitive. So what better way to shake things up and make a change to the same old same old than by taking a training course that...  [Read more]

When it comes to TEFL teachers who enjoy cultural diversity, there are several countries that stand out as ideal destinations. One of the top choices is Thailand. Thailand is a vibrant and culturally rich country with a high demand for English teachers. The country offers a mix of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it a fascinating place to live and work. TEFL teachers in Thailand can immerse themselves in the local way of life, explore ancient temples, and enjoy delicious Thai cuisine. Another great option for TEFL teachers seeking cultural diversity is Spain. Spain is known for its lively atmosphere, rich history, and diverse regions. TEFL teachers in Spain can experience the unique traditions of each region, from the flamenco dancing in Andalusia to the pintxos (small...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a career that is open to anyone with an excellent standard of written and spoken English, regardless of age, nationality, or academic history. All you need, apart from a solid understanding of the language, is a TEFL or TESOL certification and the drive to make your dreams come true. However, despite all the many benefits that await teachers heading overseas, there are also a few potential issues that you need to prepare for. So what are the main pros and cons of TEFL? Once you have completed your TEFL certification course you will be able to apply for teaching jobs in virtually any country you can think of. If you dream of living and working by a tropical beach, or if a major world city such as Tokyo, Milan, or Rio is your preference, no problem,...  [Read more]

Balancing TEFL teaching with other commitments can be challenging, but with some planning and organization, it is definitely possible. Here are some tips to help you manage your time effectively: First and foremost, it is essential to create a schedule that clearly defines your teaching hours, preparation time, and other commitments. Consider using a planner or a digital calendar to block out specific time slots for each task. Prioritize your tasks based on deadlines and importance. Make a to-do list at the beginning of each day or week to ensure you stay on track and accomplish all necessary tasks. Delegate responsibilities whenever possible. If you have a co-teacher or teaching assistant, divide tasks and share the workload to lighten the burden on yourself. Utilize technology to...  [Read more]

When considering the best countries for TEFL teachers who are looking to work with a partner, there are several factors to take into account. Some countries offer better job opportunities, while others may provide a more affordable cost of living or a higher quality of life. Here are some of the top countries for TEFL teachers to consider when looking to work with a partner: 1. **Spain**: Spain is a popular destination for TEFL teachers due to its warm climate, rich culture, and relatively low cost of living. There are many opportunities to teach English in both public and private schools, as well as language academies. With a partner, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and beautiful beaches that Spain has to offer. 2. **Thailand**: Thailand is another attractive...  [Read more]

Join in on the fun and take our four-week in-class training course in Rome. Take the TEFL and TESOL course in small groups and quickly improve your skills week after week. Within only four weeks, you will be ready to start teaching English in worldwide classrooms. While many of our trainees enjoy life in italy so much that they stay, others move on to other parts of Europe or somewhere completely different across the globe. Your internationally recognized teaching qualification allows you to work virtually anywhere you like. Come and join this year and change your life forever.  [Read more]

If you search for TEFL courses in Thailand on the internet you will find a selection of different providers offering a variety of TEFL courses throughout the country, but how do you know which is the best for you? ITTT is confident that our in-class courses are the best available in Thailand, having developed them over a number of years. The quality of instruction provided is critical to the success of our in-person TEFL courses. We only hire trainers with a high level of teaching qualifications and several years of experience teaching in an international classroom environment at all of our centers. All of our teacher trainers are committed to assisting each trainee in reaching their full potential. After our trainees successfully complete the course they go on to teach in their own...  [Read more]

  Choosing a TEFL certification course can be a difficult decision as there is no standardized duration of training or a fixed syllabus for providers to adhere to. This seemingly free-for-all situation means there are a multitude of companies offering a wide range of courses of varying quality. The good news is there are several long established TEFL course providers out there who do offer high quality courses that provide all the skills and knowledge you need to start a new career as an EFL teacher. So what should you look for when choosing the right course for you? The overall length of the course is a good place to start. There are many providers who offer short format online courses of 40 hours or even less, as well as in-class courses that can be completed in one weekend...  [Read more]