Halloween Dates By Year

To the young ESL teacher, seven-year-old Bobby seems inattentive and unmotivated. He cannot sit at his desk for five seconds and absolutely refuses to follow the logical, sequential steps she lays out for each assignment. She has tried lots of ideas to make her lessons more interesting, however, what she does not realize is that Bobby is an abstract random learner in a concrete sequential classroom. In other words, the teacher does not understand the way that Bobby takes in and processes information. There are at least four major learning styles and a number of other components that influence human learning ability. It follows then, that if teachers can understand and accommodate for a variety of learning styles, they can increase productivity of learning time. ...  [Read more]

The main features of the in-class TEFL/TESOL course include:  [Read more]

After spending the last year in Korea I feel sharing my experiences there will be of great assistance to any ESL teachers who are considering or have accepted a position in the country. Firstly, I would like to outline the basic conditions of employment in the country The average salary is around 2,000,000 Won per month, which is equal to around $2,200, this amount is fairly standard whether working at a government school, university or the most common place of employment the all prevalent language school or “Hagwon” in Korean. Furthermore, your employer will provide free accommodation, round trip air fare and will make a contribution to both the government run health insurance program and pension fund.Additionally upon completion of your contract you will receive...  [Read more]

Are you looking to embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career as an English teacher? Look no further than the International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT). With a team of proficient teachers who have years of experience in the field, we offer top-notch training programs that will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the world of English language teaching. Our comprehensive courses are designed to cater to individuals with varying levels of experience – whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned teacher looking to enhance your skills, we have a program that is tailored just for you. Our experienced instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, ensuring that you receive the best possible training to kickstart your career in TEFL or...  [Read more]

Over the past several years, I have periodically come across newspaper reports, magazine articles, and television & radio discussions about the emergence of English as a universal language. I must admit, the idea of a single, universally spoken language did intrigue me. I would sometimes wonder about how easy travel would be if the entire world spoke the same language. However, a few questions often arose in my mind. Why English' Why, with the enormous population of Southeast Asia and the widespread use of Spanish throughout Central and South America, would English be the language of choice for the world' Also, why does the world now need a global language' Fortunately for me, David Crystal has conducted extensive research into answering my questions. In his book,...  [Read more]

For many years Teachers of English have used the PPP model of Presentation, Practice and Production for the preferred model of teaching. It has worked well. The PPP model falls short however, in that it does not work well when teaching more complex language problems beyond the sentence level or when teaching communicative skills. Jeremy Harmer in How to Teach English (Longman Publishing 1998) proposed an alternative to PPP called ESA: Engage, Study, and Activate. In an article written in The Guardian Weekend, March 15 1997, Bridget Riley complained about the treatment she and her fellow students received at the Royal College of Art. 'We were abandoned when what we needed and what we hoped for was help toward independence in teaching rather than having independence...  [Read more]

The role of the teacher has significantly changed for past few years due to advent of new technology. Although the same qualities of a good teacher are still required from the educators, the style of teaching has fundamentally changed and transformed from teacher- centered method of teaching into student-centered teaching pattern. Nowadays teacher’s personality is still considered an important factor in a process of teaching. Thomas Peacock in his article “Native Students Speak What makes a good teacher'” states that a teacher should possess two kinds of characteristics: teaching and personal. As Peacock indicates “teaching characteristics include having cultural knowledge, being interested in students, listening and understanding to their problems...  [Read more]

Over the years, many debates have arisen in regards to second language instruction (L2), giving prominence to two main models: English Only versus Bilingual Education. English Only uses solely English as the medium for instruction, whereas Bilingual Education, as its name implies, uses both English and the student's native language. While there are several aspects to the debate, this paper will briefly cover a certain few: cultural sensitivity, accuracy, and segregation. Proponents of the English Only model claim that the use of a student's native language creates a 'cycle of native language dependency,' meaning that the student, to some extent, gets 'tethered' to his native tongue. Using solely English in the classroom, advocates say, frees students to think and...  [Read more]

The seed of a global language was planted several hundred years ago and has since rooted up in the form of English. During the 19th century, British economic predominance, which was a direct result of the Industrial Revolution, paved the way for a colonialism of monumental scope. The rapid rise and infectual spread of the English language began to permeate the globe. Some years later, the strong politicial and military predominance boasted by the United States following World War II paved the way for a substantial economic and cultural reform that displaced French from the sphere of diplomacy and has since fixed English as the standard for global communication. (Shutz)As of today, English is the dominant language of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Austria, the...  [Read more]

The two of us spent 2 years in Indonesia (1996-97) teaching English at a university. Prior to that we spent one year learning Indonesian in classes in Australia. We therefore, have a good insight into the difficulties both with English speakers learning Indonesian and of Indonesian speakers learning English with is the two sides of the same coin. We also found that linguistic problems seemed to be inevitable be bound up in cultural ones on both sides of the fence. Let us look at some of these problems.Before we went to Indonesia we were introduced to people who had already been there (in fact the town of Salatiga). The English teachers/missionaries that we spoke to seemed blind to any difference in culture however, and this cultural blindness operates on both sides as we...  [Read more]

I have been living in Malawi for the past several years, and, though I am definitely far from being an expert on any of the subjects mentioned here, I would like to share a few of my observations on the difficulties that Malawian students of English as a second language may encounter. Of course, these difficulties vary in intensity among the different sectors of the population, even to the point that, for some, one or more of these do not apply at all. Areas we can consider include social, educational, and economic challenges.One of the struggles that Malawian students can face from the social side is the fact that Chichewa is unofficially the 'national' language even though English pretends to hold that position. English is taught in all the schools, but if you just...  [Read more]

The term Active Learning means ''student interaction with content, with materials and with peers in a multi-disciplinary, multi-sensory and multi-graded approach' (Meyers, 1993 pg 39). Active learning helps the teacher handle the diversity of student levels in the classroom.In an Active Learning classroom the student is provided with the time, the materials, and the organized classroom routines and expectations they need in order to allow them interaction with their learning. It is important for educators to realize that Active Learning supports not only English-speaking students but second- language learners as well.If we think that students are learning English so that they can use it in their everyday lives to better themselves and their opportunities, we must realize that...  [Read more]

Choosing the right time to take your CELTA exam in the Philippines can be a crucial decision that impacts your future career opportunities. Whether you are a local resident or an international student looking to enhance your teaching skills, proper planning and preparation are key to achieving success in this prestigious certification. In this guide, we will explore the factors to consider when scheduling your CELTA exam date in the Philippines, including the availability of courses, exam centers, and the best time of year to sit for the exam. 1. Understanding the CELTA Certification 2. Factors to Consider When Planning Your Exam Date 3. Availability of CELTA Courses in the Philippines 4. Choosing the Best Time to Sit for the CELTA Exam The Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of...  [Read more]

When looking for English teaching jobs overseas you will find plenty of options at any time of the year. However, to give yourself the widest choice of opportunities it is important to be aware of any times of the year that are considered peak hiring seasons in the country that you are interested in. Wherever you dream of living and working it is best to start applying for jobs at least three months before your intended start date to give enough time to make all the necessary arrangements, such as sending in applications, interviewing, applying for entry visas and work permits, etc. Hiring seasons are when a large number of teaching jobs become available at one particular time, due to the start of a new school year or semester. The exact timing of hiring seasons can vary from region to...  [Read more]

Although teaching jobs can be arranged in Asia once you arrive in your destination of choice, in many countries it is common for jobs to be arranged in advance from within your own country. One area where this is certainly true is if you join a government run placement program. The following are the most popular programs of their kind in Asia. EPIK stands for the English Program in Korea, a scheme run by the South Korean government that places foreign teachers into schools across the country to work as English language instructors. EPIK is one of the largest and most popular schemes of its kind as it offers a competitive salary, a good range of extra benefits, and the chance to experience living and working in a unique cultural environment. If you meet the specified criteria then you...  [Read more]

Although Salt Lake City is one of the smaller cities where we offer our TEFL/TESOL training course, it still has plenty to offer those who choose it as their destination. Famous for hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the city and its surrounding area boasts some of the finest winter sport facilities in the country. The region’s beautiful and rugged terrain also provides an ideal playground for all manner of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. As the capital and largest city in Utah, Salt Lake City is equally popular with thousands of less energetic visitors who come to explore the stunning natural landscape from the comfort of their own car or tour bus. Famously founded by Mormon settlers in the 19th century, Salt Lake City has steadily grown from its...  [Read more]

Once you have completed your chosen TEFL certification course, it is time to start sending out applications for the teaching jobs that catch your eye, whether they are within your own country, overseas, or online. Unfortunately, some people underestimate the importance of their CV/resume and how it is absolutely crucial in getting you an interview ahead of all the other applicants for the same job. First impressions really do count, which is why it is vital that the documents you send out should be properly thought out. So what exactly should be included in a TEFL resume? The first thing to realize here is that in most countries around the world there are less restrictions on personal information than in the USA. In many cases, international employers will expect to find out more from your...  [Read more]

The NET (Native-speaking English Teachers) Scheme is a recruitment program initiated by the Hong Kong Education Bureau that places qualified teachers from overseas countries into state run schools. The scheme recruits hundreds of teachers every year to work in either primary or secondary level schools across the territory. The stated goal of the scheme is to share and promote innovation in teaching practice, and to provide an authentic classroom environment for local students. Participants on the scheme will receive a generous salary and extra benefits, as well as a unique opportunity to live and work in one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan parts of Asia. To be eligible, you must be a native-English speaker or possess an exceptionally high standard of English language competence....  [Read more]

If you want to have a job in place and all the paperwork sorted out before you leave your home country, a TEFL placement program is certainly worth considering. Several countries across Europe and Asia have government run schemes that recruit foreign teachers to work in their public school system. The following options are long established and respected programs that offer a great opportunity to live and work in some of the most popular teaching destinations. The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who...  [Read more]

The vast majority of teachers who work in South Korea are employed by either a government run public school or a private language school known as a hagwon. Both types of employer offer good salaries and other benefits but there are a few differences that might sway your decision either way. Most public and private school positions are filled in advance, meaning you will apply and interview for the job before you leave your home country. The hiring process for public schools generally follows a set timetable that includes two regular start dates. Online applications begin in April for start dates in August/September, and in October for start dates in February/March. A large number of teachers in public schools are hired through government recruitment programs such as EPIK (English...  [Read more]

Are you looking to obtain a CELTA qualification in Vietnam? Look no further! ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) offers a comprehensive CELTA course in Vietnam to help you kickstart your teaching career. Read on to find out more about the benefits of getting a CELTA qualification with ITTT in Vietnam. 1. Why Choose ITTT for Your CELTA Qualification in Vietnam 2. The CELTA Course Structure in Vietnam 3. The Benefits of Getting a CELTA Qualification in Vietnam 4. How to Apply for the CELTA Course in Vietnam with ITTT ITTT is a leader in providing internationally recognized TEFL and TESOL courses, including the prestigious CELTA qualification. With over 25 years of experience in the field, ITTT offers top-notch training with experienced tutors to guide you through the course. By...  [Read more]

Located on the west coast of the U.S.A, San Diego is a southern Californian city with a lot to offer. Not only does it benefit from a Mediterranean style climate but it also has some of the region’s most beautiful beaches where you can make the most of the year-round summer days. Other attractions include Balboa Park, the Mission Bay area and the many museums, galleries, amusement parks and interesting shops and restaurants that are spread around the city. Add to this the city’s proximity to the Mexican border and Los Angeles and you will see why so many people take their TEFL/TESOL course with us in San Diego, California. First settled by Europeans in 1769, San Diego is known as the ‘birthplace of California’. However, it remained a relative backwater until the railroad connection...  [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]

New York City is well-known around the world for its influence on the international development of music, fashion, art, finance, film and also education and politics, which the headquarters of the United Nations confirms. Also home to hundreds of different nationalities, the Big Apple is truly a melting pot. Because of its famous sights and big influence on world affairs, New York is among the most popular cities for obtaining a TEFL/tesol certification. New York’s history dates far back to its first settlement around 400 years ago. However, the city became particularly famous for its role as a major immigration hub in the mid 1900s, when large numbers of people flocked to the city to escape unrest in europe and to seek a better life in the land of freedom. This phenomenon still has a...  [Read more]

If you are a full-time student or employee, figuring out when you will fit a brand new 120-hour TEFL certification into your schedule can be difficult (especially if you are looking at completing it on-site overseas). The good news is that you can take as long as you want to get your TEFL certification. Structured on-site TEFL courses have start and end dates, so determining how long it will take to complete a TEFL course is as simple as determining the program dates. However, our 120-hour TEFL course can be completed entirely online, thus giving you all the flexibility you need to make it happen on your own terms. As this course is self-paced, it really depends on your own personal learning style and the amount of spare time you have available to study. As a general guideline, the typical...  [Read more]

TaLK stands for Teach and Learn in Korea which is a government sponsored program that places foreign nationals into elementary schools across South Korea. TaLK is a similar program to the much larger EPIK; however, the TaLK Program differs by focusing on placements in underprivileged areas that might otherwise struggle to attract foreign teachers. Participants on the program will gain valuable teaching experience throughout their time in South Korea. There is also plenty of free time for exploring the local culture and for travel across the country and wider region. The TaLK Program is open to college graduates or current undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of a degree course. You must also hold a passport from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada,...  [Read more]

Enrolling for a CELTA diploma in Cairo is a significant step towards kickstarting your career in teaching English as a foreign language. This internationally recognized qualification opens up opportunities to teach English to speakers of other languages, both locally and abroad. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of enrolling in a CELTA course in Cairo, highlighting the key steps and requirements you need to fulfill. Whether you are a recent graduate, a career changer, or a seasoned educator looking to enhance your skills, pursuing a CELTA in Cairo can be a rewarding experience that sets you on the path to a fulfilling and dynamic career in TEFL. The Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) is an intensive program designed by the University of...  [Read more]

As demand for ESL teachers is continually high in many parts of the world, there are several countries where you can realistically expect to find employment at any time of the year. However, some regions and individual countries have specific seasons when the majority of hiring is done. If you have particular areas where you want to work as an EFL teacher, it is important that you are aware of these seasons so you can plan your job hunting strategy effectively. Language school season: year-round: Across much of Asia there is such high demand for English language instruction that private language schools often hire throughout the year. This is generally the case with all the most popular destinations in the region for teaching English abroad such as China, South Korea, Thailand,...  [Read more]

Japan has been a popular destination amongst English language teachers for many years due to its widespread job opportunities, good salaries and fascinating culture. Whilst there are other countries in the region where the cost of living may be lower and the wages a little higher, nowhere provides such an incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions as you will find in this extraordinary country. If you are looking for excitement and adventure, look no further than Japan. In order to work legally you will need to be eligible for a work visa. The good news is the criteria is not as tough as many other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The only other qualifications you need are a fluency in the English language, a professional approach and a...  [Read more]

Ban Phe is a sleepy and quaint fishing village 180 km south of Bangkok, perfectly situated along the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Thailand. This coastal village is a friendly one, and offers a direct view into the daily life of the local Thai people. Several excellent Thai and seafood restaurants and many great shopping venues can be found throughout Ban Phe. The pier in Ban Phe is a gateway to the incredible island of Samet. This beautiful island is only a 30 minute ferry ride from town, and has something for everyone - from fun-filled beaches with jet skiing and live music, to tranquil, secluded spots where one can enjoy the sea, sand and sun in complete privacy. Ko Samet is also a great place to do some trekking and discover the wide variety of plant and animal life in Thailand....  [Read more]