Dolla Blue

  The idiom "blue collar" refers to manual labor or industrial work. The term comes from the usually blue overalls manual laborers would wear in factories etc Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I really enjoyed this unit as I was able to fully understand how you would discuss the learning topic to the students as well as giving them worksheets related. I learn't how to structure my activities based around the needs of the students by asking them...  [Read more]

Introduction.Often it is considered that learning is serious business and if students are seen laughing and having fun then they are not really learning. This is not always the case.In order to learn languages students need a relaxed, fun atmosphere and often this can be achieved by using games.Games also help the teacher create a situation whereby language can be practised and used in a meaningful way.What is a Game'A game can be defined as a form of play that involves rules, competition and an element of fun.Language games are not just fun 'ice-breakers' or things you do on Friday afternoon to end the week, they provide an opportunity for students to use and experiment with language ina meaningful way. Games can be highly motivating and encourage students to search out new...  [Read more]

'There is no such thing as Canadian English'[it] is a myth, fabricated to reinforce a fragile Canadian identity.'(www.ic.arizona.edu.)For some, the idea of the English language is a very clear- cut, inarguable point. But for those born outside of the United States, where English has been, in some minds, redefined as American; or outside of the United Kingdom, specifically England, for which the language was dubiously titled, the matter is not so simple. Though it is natural for any language to vary according to region, if that region happens to be the 51st State, as well as being the polite prodigal son of Olde Mother England, or by name, Canada, then an entirely new web of inconsistencies has spun itself. Though all strains have sprung from the same grain, according to...  [Read more]

There is no such thing as Canadian English?[it] is a myth, fabricated to reinforce a fragile Canadian identity. (www.ic.arizona.edu.) For some, the idea of the English language is a very clear- cut, inarguable point. But for those born outside of the United States, where English has been, in some minds, redefined as American; or outside of the United Kingdom, specifically England, for which the language was dubiously titled, the matter is not so simple. Though it is natural for any language to vary according to region, if that region happens to be the 51st State, as well as being the polite prodigal son of Olde Mother England, or by name, Canada, then an entirely new web of inconsistencies has spun itself. Though all strains have sprung from the same grain, according...  [Read more]

Teaching materials, or auxiliary materials, lend additional assistance or support to the lesson content to further student comprehension. There are many ready-made materials available through the Internet, mail-order magazines, stores, etc. but at times the teacher is compelled to design materials specifically for the needs of their class. Consider creating materials in the following categories: Graphic/Visual aids, Technical aids, Three- Dimensional objects, and Games.The most popular is the Graphic/Visual aids: whiteboard, pictures, and flashcards. When working with visuals, use simple outlines or drawings that are large enough to see by all students. Use color to make the visual attractive to the learner and draw attention to the parts that are applicable to the...  [Read more]

We can start with two sayings: 1) These is no such thing as a free lunch And 2) You get what you pay for With these two things in mind let us explore what free TEFL certificates are available and the problems that may be associated with them. This is becoming more common with online courses in all subjects across the curriculum. You are able to take a course for free (or at a minimal cost) but there is no certificate issued with the course. You are then offered certificate options from a PDF emailed version to full hard copy certificate with postage. When you add the certification cost you find it is similar to buying a regular course which has the certificate and regular postage already paid for in the price. There are some legitimate free TEFL courses available as well as many not so...  [Read more]

With a small town feel and the excitement of a big city - Ann Arbor is different from many other places. The city attracts thousands of visitors due to its unique flair. The city is a center for the arts, delicious cuisine and outstanding outdoor activities. Situated on the Huron River, Ann Arbor is blessed with beautiful natural landscapes including some of the finest nature trails. Whether it’s hiking, biking or canoeing, outdoor lovers will find plenty of things to do here. The local University of Michigan opened its doors in 1841 and is still the leading educational institution in the state of Michigan. All of this makes Ann Arbor a premier location to take a TEFL/TESOL course. Nightlife and entertainment are big in Ann Arbor. There are eight breweries in and around the city that...  [Read more]

IntrodutionEnglish Pronunciation: How does it differ and why' We''re all native English speakers aren''t we, what''s all this about sounding different' Everyone knows that a guy from the states sounds different to a fellow from England. But, can we break it down' Can we state a few simple rules that are continually repeating' Rules that a country''s native always follow when pronouncing a word. The rules which determine their accent. Let''s try. MainAccents vary within countries, so as a starting point, let''s just take the standard English that is spoken. This is considered to be ''General American'' for the US and ''Received Pronunciation'' for England.Rule 1: American is rhotic (i.e. pronouncing all r''s) and English is non-rhotic (pronouncing r''s only when followed by a...  [Read more]

The state of Oregon is one of the most underrated destinations in the USA as it features amazing natural scenery and exciting cities. On top of that, Oregon is one of only three states in continental America to have a Pacific Coast and offers splendid beaches and charming coastal cities. Add to that the tall mountain ranges and deep forests and you will understand why the Native American, who lived in the area thousands of years ago, called it their sacred land. Oregon is the 9th largest state in America and offers a wide selection of attractions and beautiful destinations to visit. Oregon’s coast on the Pacific Ocean invites you to get in touch with nature and forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you are looking for a relaxed weekend or an action-packed getaway, you will...  [Read more]

Anyone who is thinking about teaching English abroad has most likely received a response along the lines of "Oh, how fun, but what will you do when you get back?" Some people believe that teaching English as a foreign language is not a "real job" but rather something that people do to pay off student debt or simply for fun before settling down into a "normal" job and lifestyle. Many people decide to teach English abroad for these reasons, but there are also many who have made a successful and lucrative career out of it. Yes, you can pursue a long-term career as an EFL teacher. For the vast majority of people who travel abroad to teach English, it all begins with a simple desire to see some of the world while earning some money. After a while, many people realize that they enjoy and are...  [Read more]

Currently, China is a country striving to catch up with modernization in infrastructure and economic development. It's now looking to partner with willing pioneers from Europe and the US to strengthen their ability for international involvement. In China, teaching English as a foreign language is a billion dollar industry. Over 100,000 foreign experts are recruited a day with over 150,000 teachers already working as foreign language experts. (Qiang, China Daily, Hong Kong Edition, October 9, 2002, www.chinatefl.com)That being said, the education system in China still leaves a lot to be desired for ESL students. Educational standards are a bit behind as many schools still rely on strict teacher controlled methods to run classes. (Guo, 2005) The result of this history has...  [Read more]

If you are looking for an exciting destination to take your TEFL/TESOL course in, choose Georgia! Filled with historic sites, spectacular national parks, and exciting cities, Georgia is a great place to become an English language teacher. Georgia is the last of the original Thirteen Colonies and features quite a collection of historic sites. On top of that, its natural landscapes are also worth noting, especially the northern part with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the east with its splendid Atlantic Coast. Visitors and locals also have the choice between over 60 major parks where they can engage in various different outdoor activities. Atlanta is home to our renowned training school. The center is located in downtown Atlanta and offers convenient amenities. To explore Georgia to the...  [Read more]

Nevada is one of the most visited states in the USA, due to its vibrant cities and exceptional landscapes. When the silver mining began in Nevada in 1858, the state has seen tremendous waves of immigration from all parts of the world. Still today, Nevada is often referred to as “The Silver State” due to its importance in the silver industry for the United States. Come to Nevada and you will find that its five regions of Ely, Elko, Las Vegas, Tonopah, and Reno have a lot to offer. Deserts, canyons, sandstones, and rivers are what makes Nevada such a unique place. Northern Nevada is home to Red Rock Canyon, one of the most interesting parks in the area. Imagine red sandstones, blue skies, and cowboys riding majestic horses. If you do not want to join them on horseback, simply rent a...  [Read more]

Introdution English Pronunciation: How does it differ and why? We??re all native English speakers aren??t we, what??s all this about sounding different? Everyone knows that a guy from the states sounds different to a fellow from England. But, can we break it down? Can we state a few simple rules that are continually repeating? Rules that a country??s native always follow when pronouncing a word. The rules which determine their accent. Let??s try. Main Accents vary within countries, so as a starting point, let??s just take the standard English that is spoken. This is considered to be ??General American?? for the US and ??Received Pronunciation?? for England. Rule 1: American is rhotic (i.e. pronouncing all r??s) and English is non-rhotic (pronouncing r??s only when...  [Read more]

Spain has long been one of the top destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. Thousands of teachers from all over the world head to Spain every year drawn by the promise of a relaxed lifestyle, a beautiful coastline dotted with sandy beaches, and the opportunity to learn Spanish while living in a modern, international city such as Madrid or Barcelona. If Spain is your number one choice, take a look at the following tips that could help you on your way. If you are serious about living and working as an ESL teacher in Spain, the first thing you will need to do is complete a TEFL certification course. Without a TEFL certificate you will find it difficult to secure a well paid teaching job anywhere in the country. Thanks to a government recruitment program it is possible for a...  [Read more]

  So now we'll consider the actual classroom arrangements themselves in terms of the physical desk layout. There are possibly three main types of arrangements that are used within classrooms and we're going to indicate the desks here as being boxes and the arrangements of the students within those desks will be blue crosses. So here we have the desks ranged in rows and the students sitting within those rows. The second arrangement could be the use of horseshoes or semi circles and finally the use of individual desks. So for each of these arrangements what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of arranging our seating in this way? Let's take the rows first of all. One of the potential advantages is that it does give the teacher the opportunity, if it's arranged correctly,...  [Read more]

The tefl international center in central greece is located in Corinth and offers the four-week, 120-hour intensive course with 10 hours of teaching practice, internationally experienced trainers, and an internationally recognized certification. The Greek TEFL International center also offers global employment assistance and well-equipped and comfortable classrooms, and provides accommodation for the duration of the course. The TESOL course fees include the course itself, all course materials, certification, and a ‘meet and greet' at the railway station in Corinth, if required. Corinth is on the Peloponnese Peninsula, home to a large number of ancient sites and the most visited part of mainland Greece outside Athens. For many, a visit to the Peloponnese region offers the best chance to...  [Read more]

The tefl international course on the Mediterranean coast of southern spain is in the famous city of Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol in Southern spain, where the sun shines 300+ days a year. Malaga is also renowned for its culture, preparing to be elected as the european City of Culture by 2016. Malaga is exceptional. Art, nature, culture, beaches, fiestas/festivals, real Spanish traditions, enchanting neighbouring towns and villages and an abundance of sunshine; these are just a few of the reasons why you should choose Malaga as the city to earn your TEFL International Certificate. You’ll enjoy a Spanish cultural environment; real, motivated people wanting to learn English from you, and a flagship course proven to produce TEFL Teachers that can really teach. Malaga is a strong...  [Read more]

It is very hard to exaggerate Barcelona. With a population of nearly 2 million, it is big enough to offer the widest range of choices in arts, culture and entertainment but small enough to find your way around. Catalonia's capital sparkles with vibrant colours and intense energy. At tefl international in Barcelona we will do everything possible to make sure you have an enjoyable time in this fantastic region. We are a small and friendly team offering you the warmest welcome and a range of social activities and excursions to suit everyone. Tapas evenings, café crawls, sailing trips, skiing, windsurfing, wine tasting, beautiful beaches we can arrange just about anything! A welcome dinner at the start of the course helps ensure you get to know your fellow trainees at an early stage. Yes, the...  [Read more]

Even though L.A. and Santa Monica almost merge together, the spectacular beach city of Santa Monica is undoubtedly a separate entity. Here you will spot celebrities, surfers, business professionals and hordes of students, all drawn to the endless summer and sunshine that the city offers with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. The laid-back lifestyle is much more distinct here than it is in its pulsating neighbor Los Angeles. This balance between the relaxing beach and the glamour of Hollywood makes Santa Monica an excellent destination for your TEFL/TESOL course. Even for Americans, California is known as one of the most attractive states to live in and it also draws in countless visitors from across the world every year. The most famous attraction in Santa Monica is its pier, built...  [Read more]

Tokyo is the venue for the tefl international course in japan. An incredible city on the edge of the Orient, Tokyo is the last great conurbation before the Pacific Ocean, and is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Take a step back from the big city bustle and the frenetic main roads and you'll find yourself in a world of tranquil backstreets, where wooden houses are fronted by neatly clipped bonsai trees; wander beyond the high-tech department stores, and you'll find ancient temples and shrines. In this city of 24-hour shops and vending machines, a festival is held virtually every day of the year, with the locals regularly visiting their local shrine or temple and scrupulously observing the passing seasons. At the centre of it all is the mysterious green void of the Imperial...  [Read more]

Cebu is a city in the midst of overwhelming growth that blends its ancestral heritage with a modern business edge. Standing as the country's top business and tourist destination, Cebu was crowned as the Queen City of the South. Finding its own place under Cebu's friendly skies, business and leisure coincide together with office buildings and beach resorts. Cebu is an elongated island some 250 kilometers from North to South and 45 kilometers across at its widest point. It is central to the Philippine archipelago and some 600 kilometers south of Manila. This location combined with a sheltered deep water harbor has made Cebu the base for most of the country's domestic shipping and the gateway to the central and southern philippines. The island's area of 5,000 square kilometers supports over...  [Read more]

It is very hard to exaggerate barcelona. With a population of nearly 2 million, it is big enough to offer the widest range of choices in arts, culture and entertainment but small enough to find your way around. Catalonia's capital sparkles with vibrant colours and intense energy. At tefl international in Barcelona we will do everything possible to make sure you have an enjoyable time in this fantastic region. We are a small and friendly team offering you the warmest welcome and a range of social activities and excursions to suit everyone. Tapas evenings, café crawls, sailing trips, skiing, windsurfing, wine tasting, beautiful beaches we can arrange just about anything! A welcome dinner at the start of the course helps ensure you get to know your fellow trainees at an early stage. Yes, the...  [Read more]

In a world full of languages how does one place the English language' Most languages have a full history going back thousands of years. Can this really be said of English' No, but we can say that the history is full, one full of war and violence as well as compromise and inclusion. We might start in the year 449 AD in the island of Britain. At this time the Anglo-Saxons invaded Britain as the Romans left to defend their homeland. The local Celtic people quickly adapted the ways of the German tribe and we saw the beginning of English, it is said that the majority of its words can be traced to this. As the next thousand years progressed we saw the invasion of the Danes, French Normans as well as the influence of the Church. This leads us up to the time when this...  [Read more]

From Sumo wrestling, the most authentic Japanese cuisine you’ve ever tasted, ancient castles and Pagodas, skiing in the mountainous north and beach hopping in the tropical south, ancient and bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Japan caters for every type of traveller. Japan is unlike any country you’ve ever been to with the most bizarre but fascinating experiences available throughout the country, and a scenery like no other. A distinct balance between ancient and modern- Japan opens up a whole new world. Nagoya is an ideal destination for an in-class, immersive TESOL course experience in Japan. It is the fourth largest city in Japan, which means that as a TESOL student, you get the full experience of high paced life in Japan, but at a much lower cost than bigger cities like the...  [Read more]

Across Europe there are several countries that attract a large number of EFL teachers every year. Some make it hard for foreign teachers to work legally, while others are much more open. By doing a bit of simple research you should be able to find the countries that offer the best prospects for your personal circumstances. Spain has long been one of the top destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. Thousands of teachers from all over the world head to Spain every year, drawn by the promise of a relaxed lifestyle, a beautiful coastline dotted with sandy beaches, and the opportunity to learn Spanish while living in a modern, international city such as Madrid or Barcelona. If you are serious about living and working as an ESL teacher in Spain, the first thing you will need to do...  [Read more]

Due to a strong demand in many countries, TEFL qualified teachers should have plenty of great options to choose from. Across Asia, Europe and Latin America there are countless opportunities available depending on your own personal preferences. Whether your main goal is to make as much money as possible, to experience living in a different culture, or to get right off of the beaten path, there is the ideal destination waiting for you. If you are looking for the widest choice of English language teaching jobs, look no further than Asia. Across the continent you will find countless opportunities in a wide range of fascinating countries, although the requirements do vary from one to the next. Some countries are only open to native English speakers and others will require a university...  [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]