Do I Need A Degree To Do A Tefl Course

If you have decided to pursue a career in teaching English abroad, it is now time to figure out what the requirements are to get you started! While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to teaching abroad, the most commonly required qualifications to become a TEFL teacher are: Although it may seem self-evident, fluency in English is a prerequisite for TEFL instructors. If you don't speak English well, we recommend looking for another job. Non-native English speakers with fluency in the language can find work in many areas, including South and Central America, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. In some regions of the world, though, being a native English speaker is almost a necessity. If English is not your first language, countries like China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are probably no...  [Read more]

Definition of TEFL: The acronym means the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language, usually in a country where the first language is not English. It could therefore be applied to any teaching situation where the English Language Learner (ELL) has a first language which is not English. The profession of teaching is regulated throughout the world, although the level of regulation varies from country to country. This is also true of the EFL teaching sector, however, there are some differences. The teaching of EFL has two main sectors, public and private. The public sector mainly includes government institutions such as schools and higher education institutions. The private sector includes private schools and language centers and a large number of self employed freelance teachers. Each of...  [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]

The majority of people who complete a TEFL certification course will head overseas to live and work in schools and language centers across the world. However, the job hunting process and securing work permits etc can require a range of different documents that varies from one job to the next. To ensure the whole process runs smoothly, you should make sure you have everything you might need as far in advance as possible. 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...  [Read more]

People come from all over the world to teach English as a foreign language in Spain, and there are a variety of different visa options depending on your nationality. The following is a brief overview of the current options; however, we recommend that you always conduct your own research to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. As Spain is a member of the European Union, teachers from other EU member states do not need a visa to live and work legally in Spain. However, you will still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number on arrival in the country. The application process should be straightforward and you can usually expect your employer to help you through it. For non-EU citizens, the most common option is a 90-day tourist visa that is issued on arrival at a...  [Read more]

If you plan on heading to Europe to teach English it is important that you are aware of the regulations regarding visas and work permits in your chosen destination. The visa situation varies from one country to the next and may also depend on your own nationality. Because of this, we recommend that you visit the relevant embassy website to get the most up to date information before you make any final travel plans. As Spain is a member of the European Union, teachers from other EU member states do not need a visa to live and work legally in Spain. However, you will still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number on arrival in the country. The application process should be straightforward and you can usually expect your employer to help you through it. For non-EU citizens,...  [Read more]

The combination of a tropical climate, stunning beach filled coastline, exotic flora and fauna, and some of the most pristine rain forest in the region, makes Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for teaching English abroad. The majority of foreign English teachers working in Costa Rica have no more than a tourist visa in their passport. Unlike many other countries, it is technically legal for teachers to work without the need for a work visa. For many nationalities, including Americans, Canadians, and most Western Europeans, tourist visas are issued on arrival in the country. Visas are valid for 90 days and can be renewed by crossing a border to a neighboring country and then simply crossing back to receive a new one. When entering Costa Rica it is worth...  [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]

At ITTT we have developed a wide range of TEFL certification courses to suit a variety of situations. Whether you are a complete beginner who is looking to kick start a new teaching career or an experienced teacher looking to increase their level of qualifications and knowledge, we have a good option for you. As each course varies in content they are all priced individually. Simply click on the course page that you are interested in for full details on cost and payment options. There are several ways for you to complete your course payment. The quickest and easiest method is via a credit or debit card. Card transactions are completed via our online payment page which is both secure and hassle-free. We are also happy to accept course payments via Western Union, PayPal, and bank...  [Read more]

The good news is that you do not need a degree to teach English online in many situations. We will expand on this throughout this article. The general qualification required to teach ESL either in person or online is a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certification. This is seen as the entry level qualification and is usually required by most employers. Other qualities they will be looking for include, in no particular order: (i) Experience: Any formal teaching experience is highly regarded by employers. This may be just a few hours from your TEFL training with real classes, or volunteering at a summer school for example. The more your experience matches the type of teacher they are looking for (such as children or adult teaching) the better. Make sure your C.V or resume indicates all teaching...  [Read more]

As a result of government restrictions and official requirements for visa applications, there are a variety of countries where it is hard for teachers to find a job without having a 4-year university degree on their CV/resume. However, if you are able to be flexible and are willing to look for employment in areas where the demand is high and restrictions are less rigorous, TEFL qualified teachers without a degree can still have several great destinations to choose from. 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 certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Cambodia is...  [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]

  So how do we actually make best use of the course book? Well, just a couple of factors that you need to keep into consideration when using these types of material, use the course book to help you create a balanced lesson in terms of the range of skills that are being taught and the actual types of material within that the grammar or vocabulary. Secondly, don't use it all the time, particularly with things like activities, we can create our own materials and we can tailor those materials much more specifically to the actual class that we're teaching. As very often the actual creations in the book are very general, we can make our own materials much more specific. The third thing you need to be aware of is that you can't always rely 100% on the information that's presented in those...  [Read more]

When picking a destination for teaching English in 2022/23 you will have plenty of options to choose from. Some people will choose a location that offers the highest salaries, while others will make their decision based on cultural reasons or even where you can find the best social life. And of course, in the current climate teaching English online is more popular than ever as you do not even need to leave home. Every option has its pluses and minuses, so take a look at this brief rundown on all the most popular choices. Asia is without doubt the top region for teaching English abroad in terms of job numbers. The continent is absolutely huge and home to a wide diversity of great teaching locations. You will find many exciting cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Bangkok,...  [Read more]

When it comes to the validity of an individual course it is not really the method of study that is the main issue, it is the overall quality of the course itself. Whether you complete your TEFL training online or via an in-class course is in many ways unimportant. What is really important is the quality of the training that leads to the TEFL qualification awarded. Essentially, the validity of a TEFL qualification is based on the standard of the course and not the method of study. A good quality TEFL course should include a number of essential topics relating to the theory of language teaching, teaching methodology, classroom management techniques, as well as a range of grammar subjects. However, as it is almost impossible to judge an individual course by its syllabus alone, how can you...  [Read more]

  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. Content and what I have learnt:↵•⇥The unit is on Teaching Themes.↵•⇥Case Studies could be used to practice what has been taught and to introduce new vocabulary and language structures.↵•⇥In problem-based learning the teacher plays the role of a ‘facilitator’ and students work in groups to solve problems.↵•⇥Many will enjoy...  [Read more]

  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. In unit 16,has been quite interesting and a brain teaser especially when reporting incidences that had occured sometime back.I have learnt some guidelines when reporting what someone has saidas follows,if the direct speech is in present simple,i report in the past simple.If its in present continous,i report in past continous.If its in present perfect continous,i report in past perfect continous.If its in...  [Read more]

For certain employers in certain countries you must be able to verify your TEFL certificate. This is often the case in countries like China or Vietnam, as well as when applying to work for some online teaching platforms. In the past, the legal requirements for teaching English were somewhat ambiguous. When it came to hiring, many employers had their own set of rules. As a result, there was an influx of teachers who did not have an accredited TEFL certification or teaching experience. These days, many countries and employers are enforcing stricter regulations. In many cases employers must be able to verify your TEFL certificate online as part of these new regulations. This is to ensure that your certification is genuine and that you are qualified to teach English; believe it or not, some...  [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. 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 visit. Whilst these courses will give you an introduction to EFL teaching, they...  [Read more]

If you do a quick Google search for ‘TEFL certification’ you are sure to find a wide range of course options. From short-format introductory courses, right the way through to high-end qualifications such as diplomas and degrees. When faced with this dazzling array of potential qualifications, how do you decide which is the right choice for you? Before you make a decision it is a good idea to do a little bit of research into the destination where you plan to work, as some countries have certain requirements when applying for work permits or visas. In other areas where there are a lot of teachers in contention for each vacant position, a high-end qualification or extra specialist teaching certificate could make all the difference. Below we take a look at some of the most common types of...  [Read more]

Deciding which TEFL course suits your individual learning style, your current situation and your future plans can be difficult as there is no standard length of training or a fixed syllabus that providers have to adhere to. The best advice we can give is don't simply choose the cheapest or the first option you come across as it may not be suitable for your needs. You should spend time researching what employers expect from job applicants in the countries where you would like to work, as well as any official requirements for work permits and visas etc. Finally you should also research the course provider to ensure they have a good reputation amongst their graduates. The overall length of the course is a good place to start. There are many providers who offer short format online courses...  [Read more]

  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. In this unit, I found that the Future Tense is one of the most complex areas in the English language. There are many different tenses and ideas that can be used in relation to future meanings. In so, from this particular unit, I learned that the Future Tenses can be divided into seven types, which are the Future Simple, Future Continuous, Future Perfect, Future Perfect continuous, 'Be going + infinitive',...  [Read more]

  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 covers the different ways a teacher can structure a lesson to teach different concepts and how useful each is in connection with certain techniques. It seems a patchwork lesson is often useful for teaching Grammar and a normal arrow structure is more useful for teaching a vocabulary lesson, though it is stressed that these are not all set in stone. There are also plenty of useful tips on what kind...  [Read more]

  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. I have learnt the terminology to describe the stages of language learning and the fact that there are two naming systems used. This unit has also helped me to reflect on my own learning style as a student, and how my experiences as a student can transfer over to help me as a teacher, incorporating what has been written about how to motivate the class, and how I was motivated by teachers in my past. It has been...  [Read more]

Around the world there are always a huge number of EFL teaching jobs waiting to be filled which means there are potential opportunities for almost everyone. So what qualifications, background or characteristics do you require to take a TEFL course? First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL teacher. In order to be an effective English language teacher you do need to have a thorough understanding of the...  [Read more]

Within the TEFL world there is no standardized content or set course length, which allows providers to offer any style of course they want at whatever price they see fit. When choosing the right option to suit you it is best not to simply go for the cheapest one available as it may not be of sufficient quality or depth to satisfy potential employers in the country you wish to work in. Also, cheap courses are unlikely to provide suitable preparation for starting a new career as an EFL teacher. To give yourself the best start to a new life teaching English abroad it is recommended that you consider more than just the initial cost of the TEFL certification course. In-class TEFL courses usually involve 4-weeks of intensive training that comprehensively covers the most important aspects of...  [Read more]

It is no secret within the TEFL world that South Korea is one of the most popular countries for foreign teachers due to the huge number of jobs available every year and the higher than average salaries offered by schools who need to fill their vacant positions. Working conditions are generally very good and the facilities and infrastructure throughout this modern and high-tech nation are as good as any in the region. Crime rates are very low by western standards and the excellent public transport network means that teachers are able to explore all parts of this fascinating country, culture, and people whenever they have time away from the classroom. The actual figure you will see on your monthly payslip will depend on several things including the type of school you work in, your level of...  [Read more]

Most of Europe has a very strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers and there is usually a big queue of people hoping to take advantage of every vacant position. People from all parts of the world dream of living and working in the UK and many see teaching English as a way to achieve that dream. However, non-UK citizens need to consider a few things before booking a flight to London. There is plenty of demand for English language instruction across the UK as the country has relatively high levels of immigration and a significant refugee population. Government, private, and charity run organizations operate in many areas where they help newcomers and their families to improve their English skills so they can get by on a day to day basis. However, most of these positions will go to local...  [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]

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]