Which Tefl Course

For many ESL teachers a standard-level course such as the 120-hour TESOL certification course from ITTT is the only official teaching qualification they ever take. This level of certification will allow you to apply for a wide range of teaching jobs in countries worldwide. Some teachers also add one or more specialized TESOL qualifications to their portfolio in order to further their own understanding and to add more options to their job search. The next step up is an advanced-level certificate such as the Diploma in TESOL that takes an in-depth look at the theory side of teaching. Finally, teachers who want to rise to the very top of the ESL industry often sign up for university-level courses such as a Degree or even a Master’s in TESOL. Depending on the country you are in, there...  [Read more]

Within the world of ESL teaching there is little in the way of common regulation so course providers are free to offer whatever courses they wish. For the trainee, this can make it difficult to know which courses are the best and which are best left alone. On the positive side, there is something you can do to check the overall quality of the course and its contents. If the course you are interested in has been accredited by an independent body then it is fair to assume that it will be of reasonable quality. Put simply, an accrediting body is an independent third party who reviews the standards of a course provider and gives them their accreditation if they are satisfied with the results of that review. By visiting a course providers website it should be easy to find any...  [Read more]

As online TESOL training has become so popular in recent years you will find some people suggesting that in-class courses are no longer relevant. The truth is somewhat different. Online courses offer a great deal of flexibility and convenience and are therefore here to stay. However, in-class TESOL courses provide a range of unique benefits that online options just can't match. On top of all the main benefits mentioned below, our in-class TESOL course can be taken in one of many fantastic locations around the world. Probably the biggest advantage that in-class TESOL courses have over online courses is the fact that they include several hours of Observed Teaching Practice (OTP). OTP involves planning and delivering your own lessons for real language learners in an authentic classroom...  [Read more]

To meet the demand for teachers qualified to teach ESL online, ITTT has designed a course that is focused on the specific skills and knowledge needed in this unique learning environment. We also have an option where this specialized course can be combined with a standard TESOL certification course to give you a solid all-round qualification that will allow you to apply for jobs online and in-class. The contents of this specialized course are specifically designed to build on the subjects covered in our standard TESOL certification course and to ready you for the unique environment you will encounter if you decide to teach English online. Once you complete the course you will also receive access to our graduate network which is made up of hundreds of TESOL qualified teachers who...  [Read more]

3. Factors to Consider When Choosing a TEFL Course for International School Teaching Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a certification that enables individuals to teach English to non-native speakers. International schools are educational institutions that offer a curriculum different from the host country's national curriculum and usually cater to expatriate communities. Teaching English in international schools requires a specific skill set and qualification, which is where a TEFL certification becomes crucial. When considering a TEFL course for teaching in international schools, it is essential to choose a program that is recognized and respected in the field. Courses like the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and the Trinity...  [Read more]

Teaching English in underserved communities presents unique challenges that require specialized training. TESOL courses provide educators with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively teach English to diverse learners, including those in underserved areas. These courses cover topics such as language acquisition theories, cultural competence, classroom management techniques, and strategies for addressing the needs of learners with limited resources. When choosing a TESOL course for teaching in underserved communities, it is essential to select a program that offers a strong foundation in language teaching principles and practical teaching experience. Courses that focus on teaching English to speakers of other languages in low-resource settings, such as community centers or refugee...  [Read more]

4. Practical Experience and Resources for Teaching English to Refugees and Immigrants Teaching English to refugees and immigrants requires an understanding of their unique needs and challenges. Refugees often come from traumatic backgrounds and may have limited formal education, while immigrants may struggle with cultural adaptation and language barriers. It is essential for teachers to be sensitive to their students' experiences and create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. When selecting a TEFL course for teaching English to refugees and immigrants, it is important to look for programs that offer specialized training in this area. Courses that focus on teaching English for specific purposes, such as English for Academic Purposes or English for Specific Purposes, can...  [Read more]

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TEFL certification programs are designed for individuals who want to teach English in countries where English is not the primary language. These programs focus on providing the skills and knowledge needed to teach English to non-native speakers in a classroom setting. TEFL certification is typically required for teaching positions in countries where English is not the official language. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. TESOL certification programs are broader in scope and are designed for individuals who want to teach English to non-native speakers in a variety of settings, including countries where English is the primary language. TESOL certification programs cover a wider range of topics related to...  [Read more]

If you have done any research into teaching English in Europe it is likely that you have read something about the Schengen Area that is made up of 26 countries with a combined population of over 400 million people. Set up in 1985, the Schengen Area has essentially removed all border controls between member countries allowing the free movement of people within the whole area. Prior to this, anyone wanting to travel between any country in the area would need to go through full passport checks at every border they wanted to cross. Now TESOL teachers are free to travel at will across the Schengen Area without any restrictions. Please note that the Schengen Area should not be confused with the European Union which is a separate institution. Once you have entered any country that is a...  [Read more]

Although Romania might not currently be top of the list of destinations for many teachers, it is well worth considering as it has one of the fastest growing populations of English language learners in the region. The majority of jobs are found in the main cities, but you should make time to explore the idyllic countryside that makes up much of the country. Romania?s most famous region is undoubtedly historic Transylvania, where ancient castles inspired Bram Stoker to write his masterpiece, Dracula. Salaries for ESL teachers in Romania are relatively low when compared to many Western European countries at around $500 to $1000 per month, although teachers with experience might be able to earn more. While these figures do not sound a lot, a low cost of living means that your salary will...  [Read more]

TESOL stands for: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, which is also commonly referred to as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Whilst these two terms have slight technical differences they are generally used interchangeably within the industry to say the same thing. The first distinction in certification types comes about from the differences between an in-class course, an online course, and a combined (or hybrid) course. In-class courses are undertaken at a physical location, somewhere in the world. These locations are typically in countries where English is not the first language, but many people are learning it. This means there are plenty of English language learners (ELL’s) available for real teaching lessons, which is a very useful addition to these...  [Read more]

  And so on to the final phase of the ESA lesson, which is called the activate phase. What we have done so far, if you remember, is to engage the students, to get them talking and thinking in English, where possible we've elicited the teaching point from the students and covered any gaps in knowledge to make sure that the teaching point has been fully covered and then we've checked understanding of that teaching point by asking targeted and specific questions. Usually the types of activities that we've done for the study phase will involve using a single word in order to answer those questions correctly this, however, is not how language is actually used. When we use language, we always use it in some form of context. So the purpose of the activate activity is to put that teaching...  [Read more]

No matter where you plan to teach English, the chances are that there will be a wide range of potential age groups to choose from in your chosen destination. So how do you know which one is best? Put simply, there is no best age group for teaching English as every teacher has their own preference. Many ESL teachers choose to only work with young children as they suit the high energy level and focus on fun that often accompanies this age group. Others prefer to teach adults as the calmer and more academic approach is more to their liking. As we have already seen, English is commonly taught to people of all ages, from as young as 18 months, all the way up to the oldest members of society. This wide range of students is typically broken down into three main groups of learners: Teaching...  [Read more]

The basic answer to this question is No, it is not necessarily easier to teach English to any particular age group. Anyone who has spent time in different types of classrooms will know that there are many clear differences between teaching adults and teaching young learners. Different age groups have different reasons for being in the classroom, levels of motivation and discipline can vary considerably, and learning styles can also differ. Due to these differences, each age group will require a teaching style that is tailored to their needs. Below we look at some of the main differences between teaching young learners and teaching adults. One of the most important factors when teaching young learners is to keep them interested and motivated in whatever the day’s lesson is focused...  [Read more]

TESOL courses vary in length from a few hours over the weekend all the way to the pinnacle of educational certification, which is the doctorate level. Here we will briefly describe the different courses available, their content, and why you may wish to take them. Typical course duration: Five to fifteen hours Typical study components: An overview of TESOL. What a typical 120-hour certification involves. Employment opportunities by country. Introduction to teaching skills and language awareness. Use of certification: Can be used as ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD) credit. Useful to get an idea of what TESOL involves without paying out for a full course. Typical course duration: Forty to sixty hours Typical study components: There are three generally recognized...  [Read more]

If you have started researching the requirements for teaching English abroad or online you will already know that a TESOL certification is expected by the vast majority of employers who offer comfortable working conditions and a good salary. Your research is also likely to have highlighted the fact that there are many different course providers out there offering a dazzling array of different TESOL course options. So how do you navigate your way towards the right course option to suit your personal circumstances, study style, and future teaching plans? When choosing a TESOL course a good place to start is to decide what style of study will suit you best. If you have existing commitments that you cannot avoid, such as work, other study, or family responsibilities, then an online...  [Read more]

The first thing to appreciate, regardless of which country you are talking about, is that within any country there are vast differences in job opportunities and pay and conditions. Within any single country there are distinct areas which we could divide into three categories: 1. Urban 2. Sub-Urban (or Provincial) 3. Rural As you may expect, the level of opportunity, typical salary, and benefits, all decrease as you go down the list. A first world city such as Tokyo will be a vastly different teaching experience to a rural hamlet on a hillside in Cambodia. Many economically challenged areas will not be able to afford English teachers at all and jobs in these areas tend to be for volunteer work. If we look at mainstream job opportunities in urban environments this will give you an idea...  [Read more]

  There is no simple answer to this question as it depends entirely on which type of TEFL course you choose to study. At ITTT we have a range of courses that are designed to suit the various needs of our trainees, each with its own time scale for completion. Please see below for a breakdown of our various course options. Online courses are often the quickest route towards TEFL certification. If you are in a real hurry a course such as our 60-hour introduction to TEFL may be a good choice as you can conceivably complete it in as little as five days. Even those who prefer to study at a slower rate should find they can complete the course within one month. However, it is worth remembering that the majority of employers worldwide insist on job applicants having a TEFL certificate of...  [Read more]

While preparing for your overseas TESOL adventure you will probably have plenty of things to think about and organize including travel arrangements, visas, vaccinations, and a leaving party or two. Even if the only thing you have to do is pack your bags, you still need to decide what to take with you and what to leave behind. Despite the fact that most people now own a mobile phone with a built-in camera, you might still want to consider investing in a separate, high-quality camera. Mobile phones are reliant on their battery life which can often be quite short if you are away from a powerpoint and taking a lot of pictures. It is worth remembering that during your time away you are likely to do plenty of exploring, often in areas that are short on mobile charging stations. One...  [Read more]

When it comes to choosing the best online TESOL certification course you need to consider all the main options, what you want the qualification for, and what you hope to achieve with it once certified. First we will look at all the main online course options. The different types of online courses are easily separated by the average number of hours they require to complete them. Weekend courses: These are often marketed as “taster courses” and are done mainly at weekends to give those who are already employed a chance to see what TESOL is about. Due to time constraints (they usually last about 10 hours in total) there is limited material covered in terms of teaching and learning, but they can be useful to help you decide if doing a full course would be worthwhile for you. Short...  [Read more]