How To Travel To Europe On A Budget

In years gone by most training courses required attendance at some form of training center. However, since the explosion of the internet and the wide availability of internet connected devices, online training has gradually become more and more popular. These days online courses have largely become the norm in many fields and they have also become widely accepted by employers as a legitimate route towards qualification. Although there are a few areas where online courses might struggle to replicate their in-class equivalent, online courses are clearly here to stay. If you have made the decision to complete your TESOL training via an online course, the next decision is which one to choose? The first thing to remember is that TESOL courses are normally classified by the average number...  [Read more]

If you have finished a training course and are now TESOL qualified, you are probably ready to start sending out job applications to all the vacant positions you like the look of. For each application you will need to send your CV/resume and an all important cover letter to go with it. The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce yourself, to demonstrate your enthusiasm, and to outline why you think you are the best candidate for the job on offer. So when it comes to writing a cover letter for your TESOL job applications, what points do you need to consider? It is typical human nature to take the quick and easy route of using the same cover letter for every job application. However, you are likely to have better results if you tailor your letters to suit each individual job. The...  [Read more]

If you go online and search for free TESOL courses you will be confronted by a confusing array of results. You will find several free course options on offer and many more that are suspiciously cheap. Your initial reaction might be that these options seem like a great deal and you can save some of your hard earned cash to put towards your upcoming teaching adventure, rather than spend it on your TESOL qualification. However, we would recommend you think about a few things before you sign up for any of these so-called ‘great deals’. One common feature of free or suspiciously cheap TESOL courses is that they often do not come with any form of certification included. Once complete, you are then offered various certification options at any extra cost. These options might be a PDF...  [Read more]

This common question is not easy to answer as it depends on the individual TESOL course you decide to sign up for. There are many different options to choose from, whether it is an online course, an in-class course, or a course that blends the two study methods. Each study method has a variety of courses and each one comes with its own average completion time. By choosing ITTT as your TESOL course provider you will have access to a wide range of courses with varying lengths, level of difficulty, and study method, which means you should certainly find something to suit your individual situation. In general, TESOL courses are classified by how many hours they take to complete on average. A quick online search will reveal a wide range of courses starting from around 50 hours or even...  [Read more]

This question is one of the most common asked by TESOL course trainees and one of the most difficult to answer as there are so many variables that can affect it. The main thing to realise when considering this question is that the vast majority of our TESOL course graduates go on to find a teaching job either at home or overseas within a reasonably short space of time. Your choice of destination is one of the most significant factors as demand for ESL teachers varies from one area to the next. In countries such as China, the demand far outweighs the available teachers in many places which is great news for first-time teachers who have no experience to put on their application form. The simple fact is, if you are TESOL qualified and would like to teach in China, you will have little...  [Read more]

Finding a TESOL teaching job in a specific region can vary in terms of the time it takes, depending on various factors. One of the primary factors that can influence the duration of the job search is the demand for English teachers in the region of interest. Popular destinations for teaching English, such as Asia or the Middle East, tend to have a higher demand for TESOL teachers, which can lead to quicker job placement. On the other hand, less popular or competitive regions may take longer to secure a teaching position. Another factor that affects the timeline is the time of year. Many schools and language institutions have specific hiring seasons, which can impact the availability of job opportunities. For example, in countries like South Korea or Japan, the hiring process for English...  [Read more]

Whether you are new to teaching or you have years of experience, finding somewhere comfortable and safe to live is often a top priority. The chances are that you will not be the first foreign teacher to live and work in the area so there are likely to be a few common options to choose from. Below we look at the basics regarding accommodation when teaching English abroad. In a lot of cases, finding suitable accommodation is not a problem as it can often be included as part of the teacher?s benefit package. If you have a teaching job in China, South Korea, or the Middle East, there is every chance that you will receive free or subsidized accommodation. Government-run recruitment schemes such as Japan's Jet Program also typically include some form of accommodation in the contract. While...  [Read more]

  The ITTT in-class TESOL certification course requires roughly four weeks attendance at one of our international training centers, which means you will most likely need to find local accommodation for the duration of the course. To help you out all our centers are able to recommend a number of different options that should appeal to all tastes and budgets. In most locations we can recommend low cost hostels and high-end hotels, as well as many other options in between. As each location is very different and has its own unique list of accommodation options, the most popular choice is different at every center. At some it is an apartment shared with other trainees, while in other locations it is a comfortable local guest house. In a select few of our in-class locations we can also...  [Read more]

Spanish language schools often prefer to employ teachers from within the EU to avoid the hassle of applying for a work permit. Despite this, thousands of non-EU citizens still head to Spain every year to work as ESL teachers. A large proportion of these enter the country on a standard tourist visa and work illegally without a work permit. Although illegal, this practice is very common and rarely causes any problems for the teacher. However, one alternative for non-EU citizens to consider is to apply for a student visa which also allows you to legally teach a set number of hours each week. To get the process underway you need to visit a Spanish Embassy at least three months before your planned departure date. At the embassy you can pick up an application form, verify the exact...  [Read more]

France, like many other countries in the region, can often be a difficult place for non-EU citizens to find teaching jobs. Employers often prefer to hire teachers with an EU passport, rather than go through the difficult process of applying for a work permit. One popular alternative route for non-EU teachers is to apply for a student visa as these allow you to work for a set number of hours each week. Although the legal amount of teaching hours is limited with a student visa, many teachers also take on a few private students in their free time to top up their income. Applications for a student visa should be made in your country at least four weeks prior to your departure date. Required documents include a passport that is valid for at least six months after you plan to leave France...  [Read more]

Italy is one of several European countries where it can be difficult for non-EU citizens to find teaching jobs. Many language schools are reluctant to go through the process of getting a work permit for a non-EU teacher when they can simply hire one with an EU passport. If you are in this situation, one option available to you is to apply for a student visa that also includes the right to teach up to 20 hours per week. To allow for a comfortable lifestyle many teachers also take on a few private students in their free time. It can take up to a month for your visa application to be processed after you have handed over the required documents to an Italian embassy or consulate in person. Your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months after your stay in Italy is over and...  [Read more]

Transitioning from teaching English online to teaching abroad with a TESOL certificate can be a rewarding experience. A TESOL certificate equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English effectively to non-native speakers. Teaching abroad with a TESOL certificate not only allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture but also provides you with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of your students. Additionally, teaching abroad can enhance your professional development and open up new career opportunities in the field of TESOL. Before making the transition from teaching English online to teaching abroad, it is essential to make adequate preparations. Research the country where you intend to teach to familiarize yourself with its culture, language,...  [Read more]

A TESOL professional development portfolio is a collection of documents, evidence, and reflections that showcase your achievements, skills, and professional growth as a teacher of English to speakers of other languages. It serves as a comprehensive record of your experiences, qualifications, and professional journey in the field of TESOL. This portfolio is not only a valuable tool for self-reflection and growth but also for demonstrating your expertise and dedication to potential employers, colleagues, and professional development opportunities. A well-structured TESOL professional development portfolio typically includes the following components: 1. Personal Statement: This section provides an overview of your background, teaching philosophy, and professional goals in TESOL. 2. Resume/CV:...  [Read more]

1. Understanding the Challenges Faced by Students with Limited Access to Resources and Technology 2. Strategies for Supporting Students with Limited Access to Resources and Technology Understanding the Challenges Faced by Students with Limited Access to Resources and Technology Students with limited access to resources and technology face numerous challenges in the TEFL classroom. These students may not have access to reliable internet connectivity, computers, or even basic school supplies. As a result, they may struggle to complete assignments, participate in online activities, or engage with digital learning materials. It is essential for teachers to recognize these challenges and work towards creating a more inclusive learning environment for all students. Strategies for Supporting...  [Read more]

IV. Best Practices for Incorporating Games and Interactive Activities in TESOL Classrooms Using games and interactive activities in a TESOL classroom can provide numerous benefits for language learners. First and foremost, these activities make learning enjoyable and engaging, which can increase students' motivation and participation in the classroom. Games can also create a low-pressure environment where students feel comfortable experimenting with language without fear of making mistakes. This can help build students' confidence and willingness to take risks in using the target language. Additionally, games and interactive activities can provide valuable opportunities for meaningful communication and authentic language use, allowing students to practice and reinforce their language...  [Read more]

Creating a TESOL learning community outside the classroom is essential for students to practice English in a natural and authentic environment. It provides learners with opportunities to interact with others who share the same goals, interests, and challenges in language learning. By engaging in social interactions, students can improve their communication skills, fluency, and confidence in using English. Additionally, a TESOL learning community fosters a sense of belonging and support among students, which can enhance motivation and persistence in language learning. There are various strategies that educators can employ to establish a TESOL learning community for students. One effective approach is to create a virtual platform, such as a social media group or online forum, where students...  [Read more]

If you have a TESOL certificate and you're looking to teach English in Europe, there are plenty of opportunities available to you. Europe is a diverse continent with a high demand for English teachers, so you're likely to find a job that suits your preferences and qualifications. One popular option for teaching English in Europe is to work in language schools. These schools cater to students of all ages and levels, providing a steady stream of work for qualified English teachers. Countries such as Spain, Italy, France, and Germany have a high demand for English teachers in language schools, making them popular destinations for TESOL certificate holders. Another option is to work as a private tutor. Many individuals and families in Europe are willing to pay for private English lessons,...  [Read more]

In a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) classroom, it is essential to recognize and understand the diverse needs of learners. Students in a TESOL classroom come from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, each with unique learning styles and preferences. Some learners may be visual learners, while others may be auditory or kinesthetic learners. Additionally, students may have different proficiency levels in English, ranging from beginner to advanced. Understanding these differences is crucial in adapting your teaching style to meet the needs of diverse learners effectively. To cater to the needs of diverse learners in a TESOL classroom, it is essential to adapt your teaching strategies accordingly. One way to do this is by incorporating a variety of teaching...  [Read more]

Teaching English in the Middle East can be a rewarding experience, but it typically requires specific qualifications. While requirements can vary depending on the country and institution you wish to work for, there are some general qualifications that are commonly needed. A TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is often a basic requirement for teaching English in the Middle East. This certification demonstrates that you have received training in teaching English as a second or foreign language, which is crucial for effectively instructing non-native English speakers. In addition to a TESOL certification, a bachelor's degree is usually required to teach English in the Middle East. The degree does not necessarily have to be in English or education, but having...  [Read more]

The timeline for becoming an ESL teacher will vary for each individual person. However, the journey always starts with a TESOL certification course that provides all the knowledge needed to plan and deliver high-quality lessons in whatever type of classroom you end up working in. Which type of TESOL course you choose to complete will have a big say in how long it will take you to become an ESL teacher. TESOL courses are usually classified by the average number of hours they take to complete, with some being as little as 50 hours or less. These short-format courses offer the chance to get a qualification very quickly, however, they might not be the best approach if you want to have a wide choice of well paid jobs to choose from. Generally speaking, employers of ESL teachers expect to...  [Read more]