What Are The Countries That Celebrate Christmas

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]

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]

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]

There are many benefits to be enjoyed while working overseas as an English language teacher, including the unique opportunity to be surrounded by a new language on a daily basis. If your dream is to perfect your Spanish language skills by living and working in a Spanish speaking environment, then you have several great options to choose from. There are over twenty countries with a combined population of nearly half a billion people where Spanish is the main language. Many of these also have a large demand for English language teachers. If you are looking to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and language, where better to do it than in Spain itself. Famous for its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and laidback attitude, Spain has plenty to offer foreign...  [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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Founded in 1923, Celta de Vigo has a rich history in Spanish football, with a particularly intriguing early period that laid the foundation for the club's success in the years to come. From its humble beginnings to its rise as a prominent team in La Liga, Celta de Vigo has experienced a journey filled with ups and downs, victories and defeats, but always with a strong sense of identity and passion for the game. The early years of Celta de Vigo were marked by the club's establishment by a group of Vigo-based enthusiasts who shared a common love for football. The club was officially founded on August 23, 1923, under the name Real Club Celta de Vigo. In its formative years, Celta de Vigo competed in regional leagues, gradually building a reputation for its style of play and commitment to...  [Read more]

  Let's just consider next, when using these resource books, the student book, the workbook and the teachers resource book, what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using those types of materials? Well, firstly, the main advantage perhaps of using these types of material is that it's quicker than actually creating your own. Secondly, the course books that you will get will be graded for a particular level. So there'll be a set of books for the starter level, a set of books for the elementary level and so on and so forth. So you know that the activities and materials in there will have been graded for level. The use of the book can also offer continuity so that the syllabuses have been covered in a particular way by the book itself and are presented in a logical order....  [Read more]

The Czech Republic is a very popular destination for teaching English abroad due to its' welcoming people, fascinating cultural heritage, and world famous beer. Another reason for its popularity is that unlike many other European countries such as Spain and Italy, it is possible for non-EU citizens to obtain a long-term work visa to teach legally in the country. Most teachers enter the Czech Republic on a basic tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. Once in the country you can then begin the process of applying for a work visa. The most common route for teachers is to apply for a Zivnostensky List (Zivno), which is essentially a business license that allows you to work for any school in the country. You can lodge your application at a government zivnostensky office, although...  [Read more]

  We now consider what we might call the technology that we could use within the classroom then that could include things such as cassettes, the use of CDs, the use of DVD and video. Some general issues surrounding the use of these types of material, make sure whenever you're using any of this type of technology though you know how it actually works when using it for a listening activity, for example. How long does it take for the whole tape to play through? How long does it take to rewind and so on. Other issues that you might need to think about is if you're using a cassette player or CD or something that you set the volume level before you actually start the lesson so that when you switch on you don't shock everyone with a very loud sound or that they can't actually hear it....  [Read more]

Since joining the European Union, the demand for qualified TEFL teachers has steadily grown in Hungary. Today you will find plenty of jobs available at all age levels and with all types of employers. Native English speakers are particularly sought after, but non-native speakers who are fluent in English will still find opportunities in many parts of the country. The largest markets for foreign teachers in Hungary are in the bigger cities such as Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc, Szolnok, and Szeged. The average monthly salary for English language teachers in Hungary is between $700 and $900 USD, although this can be higher at college or university level. Most jobs require around 20 to 25 hours of teaching per week which also allows many teachers to supplement their main income by taking on...  [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...  [Read more]

There are many different reasons why people choose to teach English abroad and the chance to earn good money is certainly one of them. How much you can realistically expect to earn is largely dependent on where in the world you choose to teach. The highest salaries are generally found in the Middle East and East Asia regions where teachers can typically live well and still save a considerable sum each month. In Europe and Latin America it is harder to save money, but you should still earn enough to live comfortably. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in the region. Teachers without experience can expect to earn around $1,000 per month,...  [Read more]

Every year thousands of people from all over the world head to Latin America in search of fun and adventure while teaching English abroad. From Mexico in the north, to Argentina in the south, there are a wide variety of opportunities available in a diverse range of countries. By following a few simple tips and completing plenty of your own research, you should have little trouble securing a job that allows you to enjoy all that this fantastic region has to offer. Unlike some other popular regions for foreign teachers, there is generally no requirement for teachers in Latin America to possess a college degree or to have extensive experience in the classroom. However, most employers will expect their teachers to have completed a reputable TEFL/TESOL training course. Although an online...  [Read more]

  So what we're going to do is to run through a series of methodologies that were created mainly in the 1900s that adopted the idea that language learning should be much more communicative, much more natural. The first one is called audiolingualism and it's also called the army method because of where it was developed. Basically, psychology, during the 1950s and 60s, was building up new theories about behaviorism. Perhaps the most famous experiments that were done in this particular area were by Pavlov, where he was showing that most animals undergo a stimulus response mechanism and he had a series of famous experiments, where by ringing a bell, he could cause a dog to salivate, that would be his response, in the expectation of getting some food. This behaviorist idea of stimulus...  [Read more]

In recent years Cambodia has emerged as a popular destination for teaching English abroad. The capital Phnom Penh has plenty of great opportunities year-round, while other cities including Siem Reap, Battambang, and Sihanoukville also offer a significant number of teaching positions. A major attraction for some teachers is that, unlike many other countries in the region, there is no requirement to possess a 4-year degree. Whether you are a newly qualified TEFL graduate looking to gain classroom experience, or an experienced teacher looking to get off the beaten track, Cambodia is well worth considering. The figure you can expect to earn while teaching English in Cambodia will vary depending on your previous classroom experience and the type of employer. As a rough guide, a teacher...  [Read more]

For EU citizens looking to teach English in Germany it is relatively straightforward as they are able to work freely without a visa, while others such as Australians, New Zealanders, and Canadians can apply for a working holiday visa. However, for Americans and other non-EU citizens, there are fewer options when looking to live and work in the country. That being said, if you are patient it is definitely possible to obtain a work visa that allows you to fulfill your dream of teaching English in Germany. The application process can take up to two months and must be done from within Germany, so most teachers enter the country on a tourist visa. As the process is quite slow you will need to be able to support yourself financially while you wait for your application to be approved. It...  [Read more]

If you plan on teaching English in Europe you might have come across something known as the Schengen Area. This area is currently comprised of 26 countries with a combined population of over 400 million people. The area was set up in 1985 with the intention of removing border controls to make moving between countries hassle free. The Schengen Area should not be confused with the European Union which is a separate institution. Before its creation you would have to show your passport at every border to receive an entry stamp, while now anyone including TEFL teachers can move freely from one country to another without any restrictions. Essentially, by entering a country that is a member of the Schengen Area you are entering the area as a whole. Regardless of which country you enter first, the...  [Read more]

  "In terms of the things that are negative about it, we've already said that it doesn't develop speaking but perhaps the biggest negative point about this particular methodology is that it's very unnatural. Ok, so despite the criticisms of this particular method, and particularly the fact that is unnatural, this particular methodology was in use all the way through the 17th, 18th and 19th century and indeed it's still in use today. However, Gouin in the 1880s and Berlitz in the early 1900s decided that this particular methodology was so unnatural that they wanted to come up with something new. The method that they came up with, they called the direct method. You will also sometimes see it as the natural method. What these two people were saying is that if we wish to learn a...  [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]

  For the lesson that even takes place, there are a number of things that you need to have considered. Obviously, you need a very clear idea of what it is you're expecting the students to have to do and they need to know why. It's very important before you ask them to do an activity that they have an understanding of the purpose of that activity. You should, secondly, have had a thought about what they already know. Linked to that is, will it be necessary to do any form of pre-teaching before I can expect them to do this activity and finally, we need to make sure that we have prepared all our materials and our instructions for this particular activity. So, we'll consider a straight arrow ESA lesson, the focus of which is to be speaking skills. So, we'll start with our engage and in...  [Read more]

Hungary is a teaching destination that is rapidly growing in popularity due to a strong demand for English language proficiency, a low cost of living, and the friendly local population who are both welcoming and laid-back in their approach to life. The country’s location right in the heart of Central Europe is also a draw is it allows easy access to dozens of other countries across this fascinating region. As the demand for teachers is very high, it is possible to get a job without any qualifications or experience. However, the more you can offer employers, the better chance you have of getting the most sought after jobs that pay the best salaries. A TEFL/TESOL certificate is generally expected by most decent employers, particularly one that included practical teaching experience. If you...  [Read more]

Everyone agrees that learning a second language is more difficult than picking up our native language. However, why this is so is still a question of great debate in the scientific community.Most children with normal intelligence and neurological development will easily pick up their native language. The ease of this process is something that still mystifies scientists. Furthermore, parents do not usually make painstaking efforts to teach their children to speak. In many ways, the process appears innate; the child either “absorbs” the language through immersion or models the language that he or she hears her parents speaking.Although we speak of language learning as innate, recent scientific studies seem to point to the fact that the brain is not hard- wired with...  [Read more]