What Are Some Halloween Traditions

Acronyms are an essential tool used in all professions and technical writing. They are powerful tools to reduce word content. However without knowing what the acronym stands for, they can form a barrier to understanding. In the ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching world there is certainly no shortage of acronyms. Here we look at a few and one in particular, TEFL. Some useful teaching acronyms are: ELT: English Language Teaching. This is a general term for teaching English and applies to the teaching of English to both native and non-native English speakers. ELL: English Language Learner. This is a general term for anyone learning English and applies to learners of English who are native or non-native English speakers. ESL: English as a Second Language: This relates to the...  [Read more]

Every year tens of thousands of people from all backgrounds leave behind their existing life and head overseas in search of fun, travel and adventure. They are able to do this by completing a TEFL certification course that gives them all the qualifications they need to apply for English language teaching jobs in countries all over the world. If you want to join this ever growing number of TEFL qualified teachers, there should be very little that can get in your way. Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin...  [Read more]

Acronyms are widely used within the English language teaching world and EFL is one of the most common. English as a Foreign Language is typically used to describe any scenario where English is being taught or learned in a country where English is not the main language. In this situation most students are learning English as part of their school studies, in order to travel overseas, or as a hobby, and they rarely get to use it outside of their lessons. An example of EFL would be an American teaching English to Italians in Rome. While EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, ESL stands for English as a Second Language. In practice these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably when talking about English teaching, however, there is a genuine difference between the two that you...  [Read more]

TEFL courses are designed to give you all the skills and knowledge you need to start a new career teaching English as a foreign language. Once you have completed a TEFL course and received your TEFL certificate you will be able to apply for a wide range of jobs in countries across the world. Before you choose a TEFL course you should be fully aware of all the course options available to ensure you make the right choice to suit your future plans. 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...  [Read more]

At ITTT we offer three specialized courses that are designed to provide a higher level of knowledge and qualifications for teachers who are already TEFL certified. Our Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners (CTEYL), Certificate in Teaching Business English (CTBE), and Certificate in Teaching English Online (CTEO) are all completed 100% online. The addition of one or more of these qualifications will greatly enhance your CV/resume and make you more desirable to employers worldwide. As our specialized courses are designed to build on the topics covered in a standard TEFL certification course, prior certification is usually required. Exceptions might be made if you have extensive experience in English language teaching. However, if you are not TEFL certified, we are currently...  [Read more]

If you have been researching TEFL certification you will undoubtedly be aware that there are many different options on offer, with a wide range of training hours mentioned. Unfortunately, as there is little standardization within the TEFL world, individual course providers are at liberty to provide any format of training they see fit which can often make it confusing for potential trainees. So within this environment, how do you know which course is right for you? The first thing to consider is what do you want to achieve with your TEFL qualification? One ever-growing opportunity is to spend some time helping others in a developing part of the world by volunteering as an EFL teacher. In many areas there is a huge demand for qualified teachers to provide English language instruction...  [Read more]

If you have already done some research into TEFL courses you might have noticed that they are usually given a level that places it somewhere on the hierarchy of available courses. This type of organization makes it much easier for teachers to compare different courses and to choose the best options to suit their own situation. However, the first thing to make clear about TEFL course levels is that there is not just one framework, as many countries and individual teaching organizations have developed their own versions. Despite this, the vast majority of frameworks are designed using the same type of criteria, which means that most are very similar in design. Although each framework might vary slightly, most are constructed based on the type of study, the hours involved, whether they are...  [Read more]

Summer camps are held in various locations, including: Summer camps offer a wide range of activities to cater to the interests and developmental needs of campers. Here are some common activities that you can expect to find at summer camps: Teachers can apply to work at summer camps by following these steps: Yes, there are often age requirements for teachers at summer camps. Summer camps may have specific age requirements for teachers based on various factors such as legal regulations, safety concerns, and the nature of the camp program. Here are some common age requirements that teachers at summer camps might encounter:  [Read more]

There are several work visa options available for individuals seeking to work in a different country. Here are some common types of work visas: To obtain a work visa, you typically need to meet specific requirements set by the country where you intend to work. While the exact requirements can vary depending on the destination country, there are some common criteria that are often needed: A work visa application processing time can vary depending on various factors such as the country where you are applying, the type of work visa, the efficiency of the immigration office processing the application, and any specific requirements or complications. Here are some general guidelines to consider: Yes, in some countries, you can apply for a work visa without a job offer. This process is known as a...  [Read more]

  This video is the first video of our series on conditionals and reported speech. The conditionals are commonly referred to as "if" sentence structure speaking about if this happens then that happens. 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. Course book and Lesson Material. The coursebook is a universal book: it does not and cannot take into consideration the specific needs of your learners. This is the idea that all learners at a given level are...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a career that is open to anyone with an excellent standard of written and spoken English, regardless of age, nationality, or academic history. All you need, apart from a solid understanding of the language, is a TEFL or TESOL certification and the drive to make your dreams come true. However, despite all the many benefits that await teachers heading overseas, there are also a few potential issues that you need to prepare for. So what are the main pros and cons of TEFL? Once you have completed your TEFL certification course you will be able to apply for teaching jobs in virtually any country you can think of. If you dream of living and working by a tropical beach, or if a major world city such as Tokyo, Milan, or Rio is your preference, no problem,...  [Read more]

The market for ESL teaching books is very large and all the major publishers have some form of involvement in the production and selling of these resources. There are many different types of books and resources that are used in ESL teaching and we will consider three main categories. 1) Book series 2) General teaching theory books 3) Activity resources There are a number of well known book series. These are specifically written for the ESL teaching market and are generally set at the five levels most often taught. These levels are Starter or Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate. A typical book series at each level will contain three books. These are the teacher book, student book and resources book (or similar names). The teacher book gives an...  [Read more]

To teach English in Vietnam, you will typically need a work visa, which is known as a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Here are the general steps and requirements for obtaining the necessary visas to teach English in Vietnam: Processing times for a work visa for teaching English in Vietnam can vary depending on several factors. Here is a breakdown of the typical timeline and key considerations: To obtain a work visa to teach English in Vietnam, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, including: Yes, there are specific documents required to apply for a teaching English visa in Vietnam. To teach English legally in Vietnam, you will typically need the following documents:  [Read more]

To teach English in Thailand, the qualifications required typically include: A bachelor's degree: Most schools and language centers in Thailand require English teachers to have a bachelor's degree in any field. This is a legal requirement for obtaining a work permit. TEFL/TESOL certification: While not always mandatory, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is highly recommended and can make you a more competitive candidate. It provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. Native or fluent English speaker: Schools in Thailand often prefer native English speakers or those with a high level of fluency in English. Some schools may also require a...  [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]

The JET Program offers a variety of teaching positions in Japan, providing opportunities for both English teaching assistants and coordinators. Here are some of the teaching positions available through the JET Program: Qualifications required for teaching positions in the JET Program: To be eligible for teaching positions in the JET Program, applicants need to meet specific qualifications and requirements: The application process for teaching positions in the JET Program involves several steps: Yes, there are specific age requirements for teaching positions in the JET Program. The JET Program, which stands for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, has age restrictions for applicants due to the nature of the program and the working environment in Japan. The age requirements for the JET...  [Read more]

The teaching jobs available through the Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme in Hong Kong are primarily focused on English language education. The NET Scheme aims to enhance the English language proficiency of students in local schools by providing them with exposure to native English-speaking teachers. Here are some of the teaching positions that are typically available through the NET Scheme: To apply for teaching jobs through the NET Scheme, you must meet specific requirements set by the Hong Kong Education Bureau. Here are the general criteria: The application process for teaching jobs under the Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme typically involves several steps to ensure the selection of qualified candidates for teaching English in Hong Kong. Here is an overview of...  [Read more]

To teach English in Vietnam, you typically need the following qualifications: In Vietnam, the typical requirements for teaching English include: Certifications accepted for teaching English in Vietnam include: Yes, there are specific educational requirements for teaching English in Vietnam. To teach English in Vietnam, you typically need:  [Read more]

  This video focuses on modal auxiliary verbs. The words "might", "could" and "must" are modal auxiliary verbs. These verbs express the speaker's feeling or attitude towards the particular verb following the modal. 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. A teachers body language and the way he or she presents themselves in front of the classroom really depicts the mood and willingness of a student to participate. If a teacher does not smile, encourage...  [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]

Jobs teaching English in Japan are diverse and cater to various preferences and qualifications. Here are some common types of English teaching positions available in Japan: Qualifications needed to teach English in Japan: To teach English in Japan, you will typically need the following qualifications: The salary range for English teaching jobs in Japan varies depending on several factors, such as the type of institution, location, qualifications, and experience of the teacher. Here are some key points to consider: Yes, there are opportunities to teach English online to students in Japan. Online English teaching has become increasingly popular in Japan, especially due to the convenience and flexibility it offers to both teachers and students. Here are some key points to consider:  [Read more]

  So, the document itself needs to contain some general information about the class, for example the name of the teacher, the date and time of the lesson, what level of class is being taught and in what room, how many students are we expecting, this is important, when we've got things like photocopying and materials to do, what is the context of the lesson, in other words, what is the lesson actually about, what vocabulary or grammar point is this lesson covering and sometimes it's also useful to write out what the focus of the lesson is. So, in effect, the context of the lesson is telling us the grammar point, for example, that might be the present continuous tense, whereas the focus is telling us how we're going to go about teaching it. Another example to illustrate this: Let's...  [Read more]

When applying for English teaching jobs, in addition to holding a TEFL/TESOL certification, there are several other requirements that employers typically look for. Here are some common additional requirements: Qualifications required for English teaching positions can vary depending on the country, institution, and level of English being taught. However, some common qualifications include: Experience is crucial when applying for English teaching jobs. While having a TEFL/TESOL certification is a requirement for many teaching positions, having relevant experience can significantly enhance your job prospects. Here is why experience is important in English teaching job applications: Yes, there are specific certifications needed for teaching English abroad. To teach English abroad, especially...  [Read more]

In addition to teaching English as a Foreign Language, there are various other TEFL-related jobs that you can pursue in the long run. These roles often require additional qualifications and experience but can offer diverse career opportunities within the field of English language teaching. Some of the other TEFL-related jobs include: TEFL experience can be useful in other professions in various ways: Yes, there are various opportunities for advancement in the field of TEFL. Advancement in TEFL can take many forms, offering teachers the chance to grow both professionally and personally. Some common opportunities for advancement in the field of TEFL include:  [Read more]

TEFL teachers have various career prospects, both domestically and internationally. Here are some key points to consider: TEFL qualifications can significantly enhance your chances of securing long-term employment in the field of English language teaching. Here's how: Yes, there are non-teaching roles in the field of TEFL that offer long-term career opportunities. Non-teaching roles in TEFL can provide fulfilling career paths for individuals interested in the field but who prefer not to work directly as teachers. Some of these roles include:  [Read more]

Popular spots for teaching English in Asia include: Recommended countries for teaching English in Asia: Top destinations for English teachers in Asia include: Yes, there are lesser-known but attractive locations for teaching English in Asia. These locations can offer unique cultural experiences and professional opportunities for English teachers. Here are some lesser-known but attractive locations in Asia for teaching English:  [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]

  Some and Any are two words that often cause confusion, which is why we have decided to take a closer look at the difference of the two words in this video. Firsly, some is a determiner used for positive statements while any is a determiner used in questions and negative statements. Consider the following situation: I asked the teacher if he could give me some paper. I said ‘Excuse me, have you got any paper?’ Unfortunately, he didn’t have any. The first statement is positive and therefore requires us to use some. The second sentence is a question and therefore, we need to use any. The third and final sentence is a negative statement which also requries us to use any. It's worth noting that we do sometimes use some in questions and we also use any in positive statements. For...  [Read more]

  Now here are some teaching ideas for the future continuous tense. Here, we have an activity where we'll be asking students to spontaneously make some excuses based upon some invitations. We can do this in pairs or small groups. The teacher will have cut these cards up and the students will place them into a pile, randomly picking up a card. So one student might pick this card up and say 'Would you like to play tennis with me tomorrow?' The other student will be challenged to come up with an excuse as quickly as possible, which might be 'No, I'm sorry I'll be working.' Then, we have the next student pick up the next card and we challenge an additional student to make an excuse. Here we have another teaching idea for the future continuous tense and this involves two students trying...  [Read more]

  Here are some tips on completing your parts of speech worksheet. When providing examples for each part of speech, five one-word answers will suffice for almost all of them. However, we'll need to clarify this for the gerunds. This is basically due to the fact that what you've written can either be used as the main verb in a sentence, that would be the present participle, or can be used as the gerund. For example the word "playing" wouldn't be enough, as it can be used both as the verb or the gerund. So, an example sentence such as "I like playing poker." would suffice rather than simply the word "playing". 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...  [Read more]