Gemma Barker Case

  This video covers special cases in reported speech that do not follow the typical pattern. This video is specifically aimed at teaching reported speech in an ESL setting. 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 we watched 2 videos. In the first video, the student did not actively participate much and did not seem to understand the concepts very well. The teacher didn't really explain what was expected of the students during the study...  [Read more]

Japanese people are known to be well educated. In the case of English, most people have at least six years of English learning experience in school. However in reality, the majority of those people are not able to hold a short, basic conversation in English, even just a few lines of greeting. A language is a communication tool. If you cannot communicate with it, it is pointless to spend so much time and effort on learning it' Thus, clearly something is ineffective in the way that English was taught in Japan to my generation or to the generations who are old enough to prove this inefficient result. In this article, I try to describe the problems that Japanese people have and the appropriate teaching aspects in terms of their English fluency and pronunciation, from the...  [Read more]

For anyone planning an adventure teaching English overseas, the amount of cash needed to cover the initial start-up costs is an important question to consider. As with any move there are certain expenses that cannot be avoided, although these will vary depending on where you plan to teach. In most cases the basic start-up costs will include: The cost of obtaining TEFL certification can vary considerably depending on the style of course you choose. At ITTT our least expensive online option can be completed for under $200, while an in-class course will typically cost between $1500 and $2000, not including flights, accommodation, meals etc. However, you should not base your choice of course solely on the cost, as there are fundamental differences to consider. Online courses offer an...  [Read more]

Exploring the world as a solo female traveler can be an empowering and enriching experience. However, it is important to prioritize safety and take precautions to ensure a smooth and secure journey. Here are some essential safety tips for women traveling alone: Before embarking on your solo adventure, take the time to research your destination thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the local customs, culture, and laws to avoid inadvertently offending anyone or getting into trouble. Plan your itinerary in advance, including transportation, accommodation, and activities, to minimize any risks. Maintain regular communication with friends or family back home to keep them updated on your whereabouts. Share your travel itinerary with someone you trust and check in with them periodically. Consider...  [Read more]

As teaching English abroad involves applying for jobs and traveling overseas, you will require a variety of documentation at different times. Although there maybe some things that you cannot arrange until you have arrived in your country of choice, it is best to organize the required documents as far in advance as possible so they are on hand in case you need them during a job interview or when applying for a visa. 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 will...  [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]

  We can see that this particular usage of the unfinished past can be used for both the present perfect and the present perfect continuous. Where we've got action verbs, we usually prefer to use the present perfect continuous. However, there are state verbs which don't usually go into the continuous form, such as 'know'. We would say 'I have known her for 10 years,' not 'I have been knowing her for 10 years.' So when we have these state verbs, such as 'know', 'be', 'seem' and 'appear', we would usually put these in the present perfect but with the action verbs, such as 'play', 'cook', 'work', we will use these in the present perfect continuous. Normally, we also use the present perfect continuous fairly frequently with words, such as just or recently to express a recently completed...  [Read more]

Exploring the world as a solo female traveler can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but safety should always be a top priority. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure your well-being. In this guide, we’ll discuss important safety guidelines for female solo travelers, including tips for staying safe, packing essentials, and navigating unfamiliar environments. As a solo female traveler, it’s important to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to your safety. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe during your travels: - Research your destination: Before you depart, take the time to research your destination thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the local customs, laws, and potential safety...  [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]

Introduction English is today the dominant international language in most parts of the world. It is spoken by an estimated 300-400 million people as a native language and by an estimated two billion people as a second language. It is by far the most widely taught and understood language in the world. The use of English in so many parts of the world by so many people has inevitably produced a number of national and regional variations. For historical and political reasons, the most commonly used variations are British and American English. These variations should not be understood as unvaryingly homogeneous dialects, as many regional differences can be observed within them. Nevertheless, one may say that there is a standard version of British English and a standard version of...  [Read more]

1. Essential items for solo female travelers 2. Clothing and accessories 3. Toiletries and personal care 4. Documents and money Embarking on a solo journey as a female traveler can be an incredibly empowering and enriching experience. However, it's essential to be well-prepared and equipped for any situation that may arise along the way. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, having the right essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. When traveling alone, it's crucial to pack items that will provide you with comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Some essential items to consider include a reliable travel backpack or suitcase, a versatile travel scarf that can double as a blanket or cover-up, a portable charger for your...  [Read more]

A recent study suggests that teaching grammar to schoolchildren has no discernible effect on their writing skills, so why should it be of any more use in the ELT classroom?? asks Luke Meddings in an article on Friday February 4, 2005 in the Guardian Unlimited. Following a research project funded by the Department for Education in the UK reviewing 100 years of research into grammar teaching, a report was published on 19th January 2005 concluding that teaching grammar does not help young pupils either write more fluently or more accurately. Luke Meddings makes the point that, if this is the case, teaching grammar is likely to be no more useful for second- language learners than for first language learners. It seems to me that the conclusion drawn about teaching grammar...  [Read more]

There is no simple answer to this question because there are so many different TEFL providers offering a wide range of different TEFL courses. However, at ITTT, we are happy to state upfront what is and isn't included in our TEFL course prices. Essentially, the course price you see advertised on our website covers everything you need to complete your training and receive your TEFL certificate. Unlike many other TEFL course providers, we will never ask for additional payments to cover additional things such as study resources, exam fees, or certificate fees. Our online TEFL certificate courses include high-quality course materials that you can download and print out for you to keep. Even though we do provide you with a recommended reading list during your TEFL course, you do not have to...  [Read more]

When it comes to accents we all have one no matter where in the world we were brought up. Most of us are familiar with the basic differences between British and American accents, but what about accents from Australia and New Zealand, Canada and South Africa? And within each of these countries there are dozens of regional accents, just to complicate things further. So, we all have an accent, but is it a problem when teaching English as a foreign language? The first thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong accent when it comes to teaching and learning English. When teaching it is fine to speak naturally, just be sure that you always speak clearly and that all your instructions are fully understood by the whole class. Whether there is one accent that is better to teach than others...  [Read more]

Once you have secured a place on one of our in-class TEFL certification courses you will receive extensive information regarding all aspects of the course, including accommodation. The course fee does not typically cover your accommodation, so you will need to factor the cost of housing for the four weeks of your training into your overall budget. Your options will vary from one location to the next, but you can rest assured that we only recommend accommodation providers that have been thoroughly checked for comfort and value for money. Details of our recommended options can be found on each individual course location page, however, below is a brief overview of the most common options available. One of the more common options is to stay in an apartment that is shared with other trainees on...  [Read more]

'A recent study suggests that teaching grammar to schoolchildren has no discernible effect on their writing skills, so why should it be of any more use in the ELT classroom'' asks Luke Meddings in an article on Friday February 4, 2005 in the Guardian Unlimited.Following a research project funded by the Department for Education in the UK reviewing 100 years of research into grammar teaching, a report was published on 19th January 2005 concluding that teaching grammar does not help young pupils either write more fluently or more accurately. Luke Meddings makes the point that, if this is the case, teaching grammar is likely to be no more useful for second- language learners than for first language learners.It seems to me that the conclusion drawn about teaching grammar and its lack...  [Read more]

The worldwide market for English language teaching is huge, with over 250,000 teachers employed every year. The level of pay and other benefits varies considerably from job to job, however, there are some countries where employers routinely pay for your flight up-front or reimburse the fare once you arrive. In some cases you might be expected to complete a probationary period before receiving any cash, but if you see out your contract you should also have your return flight taken care of or at least a large portion of it. This vast and diverse country is home to the largest and fastest growing English teaching job market in the world, with over 50,000 positions taken by foreigners every year. A large percentage of these positions are likely to come with a benefit package that includes...  [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. Unit 5 is about a number of different teaching themes that can be applied to a range of contexts and situations. The unit covers information about Case studies, Frameworking, Problem-based learning, Games, Computer Aided Language Learning and Speech Act Theory. I have learned about the techniques that can be applied to these teaching themes (mainly the process of the activities and how to put the theory into...  [Read more]

Teaching beginners is one of the most interesting and ongoing training as a teacher will keep on discovering other techniques in order to capture the understanding of the beginner, rather to make the beginner understand. The term 'beginner' may not mean all the students are in one category, they are categorized as follows:The absolute beginner- these are students who don't know English at all. (htt://esl.about.com) there are a number of things to keep in mind when teaching someone who has had no prior (or very little) contact with the language, you need to carefully choose what you present, for instance, types of needs that needs to go into planning a lesson: If I begin the lesson with, Hi my name is--------.What's your name' I am presenting three (!) concepts at once*The verb...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our video series on "Evaluation and Testing of Students". In this video, we look at some of the most common general English exams students of English take around the world. EFL teachers often hold classes to prepare the students for these international proficiency exams. 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 is very informative and basically covers different teaching themes that are appropriate in teaching Business...  [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]

As it is the exciting capital of Greece, Athens is a great destination to complete your CELTA training course. This dynamic city offers plenty of magnificent sites to explore and you are only a short trip away from some of the best coastal resorts in the region. Athens is known as the birthplace of democracy and is home to the mighty Acropolis, one of the most famous landmarks in the whole of Europe. For a quick look at what Athens has to offer, click here for a virtual tour of the city. Athens has a well earned reputation as one of the friendliest and safest cities in Europe and it has been welcoming visitors with its warm climate and rich culture for many years. Wherever you go in the city you will find authentic outdoor cafes, restaurants and taverns where you can sample the very best...  [Read more]

As it is the exciting capital of Greece, Athens is a great destination to complete your CELTA training course. This dynamic city offers plenty of magnificent sites to explore and you are only a short trip away from some of the best coastal resorts in the region. Athens is known as the birthplace of democracy and is home to the mighty Acropolis, one of the most famous landmarks in the whole of Europe. For a quick look at what Athens has to offer, click here for a virtual tour of the city. Athens has a well earned reputation as one of the friendliest and safest cities in Europe and it has been welcoming visitors with its warm climate and rich culture for many years. Wherever you go in the city you will find authentic outdoor cafes, restaurants and taverns where you can sample the very best...  [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 was my least favorite so far and it was way too long. I didn't think it was necessary to give us all the scientific terms for the inside of our mouths. That would have been really useful and entertaining if i wanted to become a dentist, but that is not the case. We do not need to know the scientific terms in order to make certain sounds with our mouths and we aren't going to teach that in a...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Kathryn describes her experiences as a TEFL/TESOL student at the training center in Phuket Thailand. Like Kathryn you can select the location that best suits you to complete your TEFL/TESOL course. No matter which international location you select you can be assured that the professional and most up to date level of training and the learning acquired on our course will enhance your employment prospects. 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...  [Read more]

  Zeki is from Turkey and currently working as an English teacher in Mongolia. He enjoyed working through the units and especially found the grammar units very useful. He highly recommends this certification course for anyone interested in teaching abroad. 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. Teaching special groups unit focuses on different type of groups that may a teacher come across .↵The teacher may be teaching various range of classes...  [Read more]

Women traveling alone face unique challenges and safety concerns that require special attention and preparation. At ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), we understand the importance of empowering women to explore the world confidently and safely. Our comprehensive guide provides essential tips and strategies for women to enhance their safety while traveling solo. Understanding the cultural norms and customs of the destination is crucial for female travelers. Researching the local dress code, social etiquette, and potential risks can help women blend in and avoid drawing unwanted attention. Additionally, learning a few key phrases in the local language can facilitate communication and establish a sense of respect for the culture. Packing wisely is another essential aspect of...  [Read more]

For expats living in Greece, understanding the healthcare system is essential for ensuring access to quality medical care. Whether you are a resident or just visiting the country, knowing how the system works and what options are available to you can make all the difference in times of need. In this guide, we will explore the ins and outs of healthcare in Greece for expats, from the public and private healthcare providers to health insurance options and what to do in case of an emergency. Greece has a public healthcare system that provides medical services to all residents, including expats who are registered with the social security system. The public healthcare system is funded through taxes and contributions to social security, allowing residents to access medical care at no or low...  [Read more]

What is slang' A simple online definition is, "The nonstandard vocabulary of a given culture or subculture, typicaly consisting of transitory coinages and figures of speech." (Catchword) What is an idiom' From another online source, "Idiom refers to a grammatical construction unique to a certain people, region, or class that cannot be translated literally into another language." (Pearson Canada) When learning any language, these two concepts are an important part of complete understanding. The first hurdle a language student must overcome is grammar. After getting a basic understanding of how to string a language´s words together to form something understandable to an average native speaker, the next step is vocabulary. While grammar and vocabulary are definately an...  [Read more]

Teaching beginners is one of the most interesting and ongoing training as a teacher will keep on discovering other techniques in order to capture the understanding of the beginner, rather to make the beginner understand. The term ?beginner? may not mean all the students are in one category, they are categorized as follows: The absolute beginner- these are students who don?t know English at all. (htt://esl.about.com) there are a number of things to keep in mind when teaching someone who has had no prior (or very little) contact with the language, you need to carefully choose what you present, for instance, types of needs that needs to go into planning a lesson: If I begin the lesson with, Hi my name is--------.What?s your name? I am presenting three (!) concepts at once...  [Read more]