Why Is St Patrick's Day Celebrated Around The World

The first major factor that has an impact on how long it will take to get TEFL certified is which type of course you choose to take. There are three main TEFL course types to be aware of: The most common form of in-person TEFL course is the four-week, 120-hour TEFL certificate. Trainees on this course usually travel from their home country to one of many locations around the world to take the course. Courses should involve a theory component, covering language awareness and teaching skills, and a practical teaching component where trainees teach classes of real English language learners and receive feedback. These courses usually take four weeks to complete and therefore some form of accommodation is required for the duration of the course. This and the travel aspect, make this form of...  [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]

Our TEFL course in Cusco, Peru is one of the best places in South America to earn your teaching qualification. As the former capital of the Incan empire, Cusco is the ideal location to learn about the history of the Incan civilization. It is also a great place to study to become an English teacher. teaching in peru is a fantastic experience and our TEFL course in Cusco is a popular choice for those starting their English teaching careers in South America. Known as the gateway to the famous city of Machu Picchu, Cusco is at the forefront of Peru’s tourism industry. The city itself is home to a number of interesting ruins from the Incan period as well as beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture exemplified in the city’s cathedral and churches. From the city you can plan...  [Read more]

Kolkata, is famous for its literary, artistic and cultural heritage. It was once India’s capital city and is still home to exquisite buildings, museums and galleries. Held in high esteem by locals and known as the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who takes our TEFL International certification course here. Along with Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, Kolkata is one of the four main cities in India. It was once the headquarters for the British Raj during colonial rule in India and therefore, Victorian architecture can be seen from many points in the city. It is also commonly referred to as the nation’s intellectual capital. Kolkata offers plenty of activities for trainees during their downtime. You can take a morning stroll over Howrah Bridge—the...  [Read more]

Our TEFL course in Guatemala is located in one of Central America’s best-kept secrets. La Antigua is a thriving former capital and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Throughout the city you can find well preserved examples of colonial architecture as well as fascinating ruins and the city has rightly been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to Guatemala is like stepping into another world with Mayan ruins, colonial buildings and cobbled streets all resting in the shadows of magnificent volcanoes. At 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level, La Antigua’s location in the central highlands of Guatemala make it the ideal jumping off point for trips to the Pacific coast, the beautiful Lake Atitlan and the Mayan ruins in Tikal. In addition to all that...  [Read more]

Before we look at this question closely, we should first make an important distinction. The number of hours you teach in the classroom (often called contact hours) are not the same as the number of hours you will be expected to be in school, often confusingly called contract hours. Next, it is important to appreciate that different teaching jobs have different typical hours. There are basically three types of jobs available. Most schools abroad work normal office hours so you will probably need to be in school, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. (in many Asian countries) until 4:00 p.m. This equates to around 40 hours per week. You will not have to teach for all of those hours but a typical teaching load would be around 20-25 hours per week. When you are not teaching you will be expected to...  [Read more]

Acronyms are an essential tool used in all professions and technical writing. They are powerful tools to reduce word content. However without knowing what the acronym stands for, they can form a barrier to understanding. In the ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching world there is certainly no shortage of acronyms. Here we look at a few and one in particular, TEFL. Some useful teaching acronyms are: ELT: English Language Teaching. This is a general term for teaching English and applies to the teaching of English to both native and non-native English speakers. ELL: English Language Learner. This is a general term for anyone learning English and applies to learners of English who are native or non-native English speakers. ESL: English as a Second Language: This relates to the...  [Read more]

  Mira is from Australia and completed the 120-hour online course without tutor support with ITTT. In this TEFL review she tells us how the flexibility offered by ITTT?s online course meant that Mira was able to complete the course at her own pace, fitting her study time around her busy work schedule. She completed the 20 units within four and a half months. Mira has learned a lot from the course including lesson planning, student assessment, vocabulary and grammar and is looking forward to putting all she has learned to use 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...  [Read more]

Sign up for our TEFL certification course in London and discover everything that this world-class city is famous for. You’ll be immersed in one of the most historically significant cities in the world, yet you’ll be able to take advantage of all London’s modern attractions. Opportunities for those who are certified to teach ESL are there to be found. With the right amount of determination and patience, your decision to take our course in London will pay off for you. That being said, you can take the course in London and use it as a stepping stone upon which to start your teaching career in the rest of Europe, Asia or anywhere else there is a demand for teachers. If you are interested in taking a TESOL in England, you will find demand for English language teachers throughout the...  [Read more]

  Grammar lessons can be perceived as boring for some students, so it is important to have fun activities that encourage the students to use the target language creatively and foster high student talking time. Below is a list of ten activities that can be used for lessons on the past simple. Matching Pairs: The teacher creates a set of cards with present simple verbs and a set with the past simple form of the same verbs. The sets are mixed together and places face down on the desk. Students take turns to turn over two cards. If the two cards match, i.e. both forms of the same verb, the student has to make a sentence with the past simple form before they can keep the cards. If they cannot make a correct sentence, the cards are turned over and it is the next player's turn. The...  [Read more]

It is very common for teachers working overseas to send money back home for a variety of different reasons, such as student loan repayments, to pay a mortgage on a property, or simply to help out family members. Unfortunately, it is not always a straightforward process as there are several factors to consider, including transfer fees, exchange rates, and the actual time each method takes to complete. Below we take a look at some of the most common options. Banks can offer a reliable option for transferring your money, although this largely depends on where you are in the world. If you are teaching English in a popular location such as Japan or South Korea, banks are often a good choice as they generally only charge a small fee and transactions typically clear within one or two days....  [Read more]

TEFL International’s teacher training course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is simply incredible. Besides training for your internationally recognized TEFL certificate, you’ll immerse yourself in lush jungle, swim in turquoise waters and relax on some of the most stunning beaches in the entire world. Costa Rica is an absolutely amazing country and TEFL International is one of the most recognized and well-established training centers in the industry. It’s no wonder our course in Manuel Antonio has become so popular with people who wish to see the world from a new perspective. Once trained and certified, our teachers are able to travel to distant destinations and experience cultures in ways the average traveler could only envy.     Because it’s located on the Pacific Coast,...  [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]

ITTT’s Chongqing TEFL training center gives attendees the chance to study an in-class TEFL course in just three weeks. This is the perfect option for trainees who want to attend a classroom based course but have time restrictions. Chongqing is a busy industrial city in southwest China located on the Yangzi River. The city has a population of over 18 million people and is an important transport hub and manufacturing base. Famous for its spicy cuisine which makes extensive use of Sichuan pepper, Chongqing attracts visitors from all over the country looking to try its most famous dish, Chongqing hot pot. This spicy broth is available at thousands of hot pot restaurants around the city and is celebrated in a yearly hot pot festival when over ten thousand hot pot restaurants give discounts...  [Read more]

Choose to take TEFL International’s certificate course in Kathmandu, and you’ll be on top of the world. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and home to a dozen ethnicities. The country is known for its warm-hearted citizens, its proximity to the world’s tallest mountain chain and for its devout Buddhist practices. Kathmandu is truly a magical place and anyone who’s been there will attest to this. But don’t take their word for it, sign up for the course now and come see it for yourself. Nepal’s scenery is breathtaking. Eight of the ten highest mountain peaks in the world are in Nepal and of course it’s home to Mount Everest. While these climbs are not for the average traveler, you’re welcome to get out and experience some of the best hiking the world has to offer. Although not...  [Read more]

Hong Kong is a city of discovery and excitement. From the peaceful views atop Victoria Peak to the frenetic pace of life in the streets, there is always something new to see in Hong Kong. As a leading global financial hub, and with a long history shaped by people from all over the world, the city has a truly international air. Hong Kong’s unique blend of cultures, traditions and cuisines are what make it the World City of Asia. By taking your TEFL course with TEFL International in Hong Kong, you can be sure that you will have an experience to remember. You will have the chance to study with trainees from all over the world and to experience all this vibrant, fascinating city has to offer. The heart of the city is truly its people and you will find them friendly, polite and eager to...  [Read more]

Cairo is one of the largest and most culturally diverse cities in Egypt and the Arab world as a whole. It a truly interesting and exciting place to visit and an ideal location to study for a TEFL qualification. Cairo is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Egypt with a long history as the site of this Egypt’s historic capitals. The city is home to a spectacular number of ancient and modern monuments and is a “living museum” where visitors get to experience Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic history through the many relics and monuments found across the city. These fascinating archaeological sites attract visitors from all over the world and Cairo is a first-class tourist destination. Not only is Cairo home to some of the most interesting historical relics in the world,...  [Read more]

Paris is an absolutely amazing location to take TEFL International’s teacher training course. As the center of French culture and history, Paris will dazzle you with breathtaking landscapes, sites and scenery. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the meandering River Seine, Paris and its people will leave you with a truly unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Due to all it has to offer, Paris is one of the world’s most popular destinations. Regardless of age, gender or nationality, the City of Lights will provide you with unforgettable memories. Despite its size, Paris has a charm that can only be discovered by walking down its streets and interacting with Parisians themselves. During the duration of your course, you’ll be able to see a side of Paris that average travelers can only...  [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]

TEFL International’s course in Brazil is located in Natal--one of the most amazing cities in the entire country. Natal is easily reached from both North America and Europe, enjoys perfect weather all year round, has been found to have the best air quality in all of the Americas and is blessed with more than 20 spectacular beaches, along with their crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs. Known as the “City of Sun”, Natal will not disappoint you. Each year, thousands of visitors come to take in the calm ocean, wonderful climate and gorgeous dunes. It even has local water parks that cater to kids and adults of all ages. During the week, you’ll receive some of the best training you’ll find in South America, while over the weekends, you can laze your days away under the...  [Read more]

Although most Russians study English during their senior school years the level of instruction is often poor. Because of this many people look to improve their language skills once they join the workforce as a way of moving up the employment ladder. An increasing number of parents also recognize the importance of English language skills in modern day Russia. As a result there is a huge demand for English language teachers across all age ranges in many parts of the country. Moscow and St. Petersburg offer the most numerous positions but there are also plenty of other towns and cities to consider if you want to stay off the beaten track. The monthly income of foreign teachers in Russia varies hugely depending on many different factors such as location, qualifications, experience, and...  [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]

Chiang Mai is the capital city of northern Thailand and it was once the center of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. It was founded in the 13th century and is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. The Lanna Kingdom might not exist in the 21st century, but shadows of its rich culture can still be seen today. The outskirts of Chiang Mai are full of small mountains, meandering rivers, gentle waterfalls and countless Buddhist monasteries. If you’re looking for a great experience while conducting your teacher training, Chiang Mai is a great choice for your TEFL International course. Chiang Mai is an essential destination for anyone visiting Thailand. It sits roughly 350 miles northwest of Bangkok and offers countless temples to visit—more than 120 are within city limits. The Old Town is surrounded...  [Read more]

The simple answer is no, you do not need to have any knowledge or experience of languages other than English to take a TEFL course or to become an EFL teacher. The ability to speak other languages is not required as the vast majority of TEFL classrooms around the world rely on the communicative approach to English teaching that specifies that English is the only language used in the classroom. In multilingual classrooms where the students could have a dozen or more different first languages, being able to communicate in one or two of them would obviously be of no particular advantage. In monolingual classrooms you may also find that students are more inclined to revert to their mother tongue during the lesson if they are aware that the teacher can understand what is being said....  [Read more]

Beijing is an amazing place and taking your teacher training course here would allow you to see a side of Beijing average travelers will never see. Located in the Chao Yang district, just a short distance from Tian’anmen Square, our TEFL International Beijing course will prepare you to work in China or anywhere else your ESL job brings you. Should you wish to teach in Beijing, jobs are absolutely abundant and those having earned TEFL International’s certificate are guaranteed meaningful employment in Beijing and all over China. Beijing is a huge metropolis. Stretching over nearly 20,000 miles, the estimated population, spread over eighteen districts, is thought to be over 12 million. Beijing also doubles as China’s cultural hub. The city’s famous and lengthy history still holds...  [Read more]

Nestled in the heart of Mexico, Guadalajara (the second largest city in Mexico) enchants visitors with its rich cultural heritage and dynamic atmosphere. From the towering Guadalajara Cathedral to the savory delights of birria and tortas ahogadas, the city offers a diverse tapestry of experiences. Mariachi music reverberates through its streets, embodying its status as the birthplace of this iconic genre. Tranquil retreats like Parque Metropolitano contrast with the lively energy of markets such as Mercado Libertad. As a gateway to natural wonders like the Tequila landscape, Guadalajara warmly welcomes visitors with its friendly locals and vibrant neighborhoods, including the globally recognized Colonia Americana, that was named the "coolest neighborhood in the world to visit" by Time Out...  [Read more]

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. The culture is warm, friendly and genuine. There is a big expat community out there, so you’re in a new and exciting culture but also engaging with many different cultures through the expat network as well. The travel opportunities are wonderful, either around Thailand itself or to neighboring countries. AND the food is delicious and fresh! Hua Hin is a beautiful city on the beach in central Thailand, approximately two and a half hours away from Bangkok. The area has some amazing beaches, mountains, viewpoints, temples, night markets, water parks, and dining experiences for you to choose from and enjoy at any time of the year. Hua Hin itself features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, plenty of waterside seafood restaurants, a lively night market...  [Read more]

For many people, quintessential Greece is what comes to mind when they think of the beautiful island of Santorini, the most southern of the Cyclades islands. The island is actually made up of 5 islands, with Santorini being joined by Thirasia and Aspronisi and the volcanic islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. With stunning scenery all around you, Santorini really is an ideal place to take your TEFL course. During the volcanic eruptions of 1866-1870, the area was visited by Jules Verne. He then immortalized Santorini in his books “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” and “The Mysterious Island’. Here captain Nemo and his crew watched the famous eruptions. The Caldera View is one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire world. The Santorini Caldera view includes 85-meter...  [Read more]

  Take ITTT’s TEFL course in Cambodia and you will be studying in one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating countries. Upon successful completion of the course you will be well prepared to start your first teaching job in Cambodia and ideally placed to take advantage of other positions available in the rest of Asia and beyond. Cambodia is a beautiful country with a long and interesting history and no visit would be complete without a trip to the breathtaking Angkor Wat complex. Cambodia’s diverse landscape and long history mean there is always something new to see and learn. Combine all this with the friendly people and our excellent training course and you are sure to have the time of your life with ITTT in Cambodia. The majority of teaching jobs can be found in the capital...  [Read more]

TEFL International’s center in Corinth is a four-week, 120-hour course that includes teaching practice, trainers with extensive expertise in the field and results in a certification that is internationally recognized. On top of this, the school is associated with a local recruitment company and we’ll provide employment assistance for any location in which you wish to teach. Our facilities and accommodation are comfortable and clean. All course materials and an airport pick-up are included in the course fees. Located on the Peloponnese Peninsula and very near pristine beaches, Corinth is rich with archeological sites. Outside Athens, Corinth is the most visited site on Greece’s mainland. This course represents a unique opportunity to absorb Greek history and culture. We’re only 50...  [Read more]