Hanukkah Celebration Traditions

Our TEFL course in South Korea gives you the chance to complete your teacher training in one of the most popular destinations for EFL teachers in the world placing you right at the heart of one of the world’s largest markets for English language learning. South Korea is a country of contrasts; it is highly urbanized with half the population living in high rise buildings yet you are never too far from the natural delights on offer. Beautiful mountains rising out of densely forested national parks give great opportunities for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Remote islands are home to friendly fishing villages where you can sample the day’s catch at local cafés and restaurants. South Korea is also technologically advanced with a highly educated population. It has the...  [Read more]

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

Our TEFL course in South Korea gives you the chance to complete your teacher training in one of the most popular destinations for EFL teachers in the world placing you right at the heart of one of the world’s largest markets for English language learning. South Korea is a country of contrasts; it is highly urbanized with half the population living in high rise buildings yet you are never too far from the natural delights on offer. Beautiful mountains rising out of densely forested national parks give great opportunities for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Remote islands are home to friendly fishing villages where you can sample the day’s catch at local cafés and restaurants. South Korea is also technologically advanced with a highly educated population. It has the...  [Read more]

When considering the importance of the role of a teacher, what then is the importance of how they teach when faced with different and diverse cultures? First, we must look to the definition of culture itself: ?A culture may be conceived as a network of beliefs and purposes in which any string in the net pulls and is pulled by the others, thus perpetually changing the configuration of the whole.? (Jacques Barzun, quoted on site: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural- services/articles/culturel) So if culture is indeed a highly upheld structure that supports each individual, then we must carefully take into consideration how we incorporate the culture in the classroom to create a sense of unity. In teaching to a different culture, one must first reflect on their ...  [Read more]

If you would like to earn an internationally recognised and accredited TEFL certificate in one of the most fascinating and beautiful countries in the world, then why not enrol on ITTT’s highly respected course in Nepal, based in the capital city, Kathmandu. As the centre of the Himalayas, Nepal has no fewer than eight of the ten highest mountains in the world and is unrivalled in its variety of scenery and sense of adventure. Nepal is also a land of festivals, with a specific celebration for each day of the year, each with its own particular focus. While the country as a whole is not rich in the traditional sense, what Nepal lacks in material wealth, it more than makes up for with its natural beauty and the openness and charm of its people. Demand for qualified EFL teachers in Kathmandu...  [Read more]

Seville is the capital and largest city of the region of Andalusia, in the South of spain. It is quite possibly one of europe's most beautiful and exuberant cities, and has captivated visitors for centuries with its rich history and folkloric tradition that continues to permeate daily Sevillano life. Legend has it that Seville was founded by the famous Hercules, and this city also gave life to the legendary figure of Don Juan, offered a nearby port from which columbus sailed to discover the New World, and produced such notable characters as Carmen and Figaro. Seville's biggest holiday, Holy Week (La Semana Santa), is during the March/April course, as is Seville's week long party, the Feria. From April 30 to May 4, everyone in Seville spends as much time as possible at the fairgrounds,...  [Read more]

nepal, birthplace of the Buddha, truly is a special place. Nestled along the uniquely impressive and world-renowned Himalayan mountain range, Nepal is a mystical country of warm-hearted people, time-worn temples and an incredibly diverse geography. Its landscape is incredible, boasting some of the best walking trails on the planet. Although Nepal isn’t particularly well-off in financial terms, the country’s welcoming and friendly people, landscape, traditions, religions and culture all culminate; for many, one visit is simply not enough. From the awe-inspiring Himalayas to the lush green national parks, the countless temples and pagodas to the bustling markets, street sellers, and clubs and bars of Kathmandu, Nepal has something for everyone, and for most visitors to Nepal, something...  [Read more]

The tefl international TEFL course in Granada is in the ideal location to discover the past and enjoy the present. History is everywhere in the area. Granada’s architecture and rich cultural history is passionately kept alive; the delicious cuisine; the resounding sound of Flamenco music played into the night; the blending of Islam and Christianity. Granada is totally unique. Historically, Granada hosts one the last fortifications of the Moorish Kingdom in Western europe. The internationally famous Alhambra and the Generalifé are samples of the splendour of this fascinating civilisation. It was in Granada in 1492 that Christopher columbus received the support he needed and a charter from the then Queen to seek a new route to india, which ultimately resulted in the discovery of the...  [Read more]

The phenomenon known as globalization has been called by some "Americanization" (Hook, 2005, p. 288). American culture is the driving force creating the desire for acquiring English language skills. Several characteristics of the United States have made it the center of globalization (Nye, 2004, p. 41). The internet is anchored predominately in American culture. In addition, America is a multiethnic society and has connections with various parts of the world. Notice how Joseph Nye (2004) clarifies this point:America has borrowed freely from a variety of traditions and immigration keeps it open to the rest of the world. This makes the United States a laboratory for cultural experimentation where different traditions are recombined and exported. In addition, because of the...  [Read more]

  In this ITTT TESOL review video Stratton talks about his TEFL experience in Phuket, Thailand. He talks about some of the course content including grammar, phonology and Thai culture and traditions. He also talks about the many advantages of doing the course, meeting new people and experiencing new adventures. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit took a different approach and provided visual aids of two example lessons. The first lesson...  [Read more]

Enrol on an ITTT TEFL course in Uzbekistan and explore a fascinating culture in an underrated travel destination. Our TEFL courses in Uzbekistan give you the opportunity to live at the intersection of East and West and explore this incredible and often undiscovered Central Asian gem. Uzbekistan is rich in history and culture and forms the South-Central Asian Union with the other “Stan” states of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan’s economy has been steadily increasing. The country has also been boosting its tourism industry and counts more and more foreign visitors every year. The ancient city of Smarkand, known for its mosques, mausoleums and connection to the Silk Road, and Bukhara,...  [Read more]

Teaching is the highest form of understanding. (Aristotle) A culture is a grouping within which values, norms, beliefs, patterns of behavior, rituals, customs and traditions are shared. To best serve their students, teachers at any level need to be especially sensitive to differences between their own culture and that of their students. This may begin with a careful look at their own worldview. Unintentional biases should never be promoted and are very easily overlooked, especially by the western mind. Changing family composition, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and religion are all areas teachers need to pay special attention to. There is often an inclination among Americans, especially those who have not lived outside their own culture, to be...  [Read more]

Our TEFL course in Vietnam gives you the opportunity to learn how to teach EFL in one of the most fascinating countries in the world. When you combine the country’s great food, lively cities, its complex history, and low cost of living, you can see why Vietnam has gained such a good reputation and is an increasingly popular destination for TEFL courses and teaching English. For those interested in taking a TEFL course and teaching English as a foreign language in Vietnam, the good news is that demand is very high for EFL teachers year round. In fact, you are almost certain to be offered a TEFL position soon after completing your course. In Vietnam, TEFL opportunities are to be found countrywide, especially in the large cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. With our TEFL courses running year...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word hidebound. This word refers to an unwillingness to change because of a tradition. Some synonyms for hidebound include conservative, conventional and reactionary. 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. While choosing a job after the TEFL training course, it is best to consider a specific place or avenue you would like to teach. If a TEFL certified teacher would like to teach in a foreign...  [Read more]

Our TEFL training course in Peru gives you the opportunity to earn an accredited and internationally recognized TEFL certification in a country with a rich and diverse history. You’ll experience the traditions and lifestyle of one of the most fascinating places in South America and on successfully completing the course, you may decide to stay on and teach English here. Peru is a land of many fascinating and awe inspiring sights and sounds, from the large waves of the Pacific coast to the heights of the Andes and the tropical rainforest of the Amazon, there is always something new to see and discover. You can explore the history of the Inca civilization among the many ruins that abound in the country the most famous of which is the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. Peru is a great place for...  [Read more]

Our TEFL training course in Peru gives you the opportunity to earn an accredited and internationally recognized TEFL certification in a country with a rich and diverse history. You’ll experience the traditions and lifestyle of one of the most fascinating places in South America and on successfully completing the course, you may decide to stay on and teach English here. Peru is a land of many fascinating and awe inspiring sights and sounds, from the large waves of the Pacific coast to the heights of the Andes and the tropical rainforest of the Amazon, there is always something new to see and discover. You can explore the history of the Inca civilization among the many ruins that abound in the country the most famous of which is the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. Peru is a great place for...  [Read more]

Enrol on an ITTT TEFL course in Argentina and immerse yourself in the vibrant South American culture. Our TEFL courses in Argentina give you the opportunity to learn how to teach English while experiencing the traditions and lifestyle of this remarkably dynamic country. Argentina is one of the most desirable places to live and work in South America and on completion of the course many of our graduates decide to stay on and teach here. Argentina covers most of the lower half of South America and is a country where excitement waits around every corner. Home of the tango, world-class soccer, succulent steaks, fine wines and beautiful beaches, Argentina has something for everyone. When combined with the country’s other outstanding features such as its vibrant cities, lively night life, low...  [Read more]

Teaching is the highest form of understanding. (Aristotle) A culture is a grouping within which values, norms, beliefs, patterns of behavior, rituals, customs and traditions are shared. To best serve their students, teachers at any level need to be especially sensitive to differences between their own culture and that of their students. This may begin with a careful look at their own worldview. Unintentional biases should never be promoted and are very easily overlooked, especially by the western mind. Changing family composition, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and religion are all areas teachers need to pay special attention to. There is often an inclination among Americans, especially those who have not lived outside their own culture, to be overly...  [Read more]

Our TEFL training course in Cambodia gives you the opportunity to earn an accredited and internationally recognized TEFL certification in a country with a rich and diverse history. You’ll experience the traditions and lifestyle of one of the most fascinating places in Southeast Asia and on successfully completing the course, you may well decide to stay on and teach English here. Cambodia is a land of many fascinating and awe inspiring sights and sounds, from the large temple complex of Angkor to the magnificent Tonle Sap Lake, there is always something new to see and discover. You can explore the history of the Khmer civilization among the many ruins that abound in the country, the most famous of which is Angkor Wat. If you join our TEFL course in Cambodia, not only will you get to...  [Read more]

For some teachers, Saudi Arabia offers the ideal destination for teaching English abroad as salaries and benefit packages are as good as you will find anywhere in the world. Demand for qualified and experienced teachers is strong in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, where universities, colleges, international schools, and private language academies offer a variety of teaching positions. While Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive teaching destinations in terms of income, it is important to be aware of the cultural situation before you decide to head there. The country's conservative laws and traditions mean it is not an ideal destination for some teachers. Alcohol is forbidden and interaction between unmarried couples is not permitted, including between foreigners. Female teachers...  [Read more]

Learning a second language through music. K. Sarah-Jane Murray. Academic Exchange Quarterly 9.2 (Summer 2005): p161(5).               “Songs provide us with a window into a world that is not our own, a world that we glimpse and remember thanks to the power of music.” (Murray) It’s the age of technology, a generation of cell phone carrying, ipod listening, x-box playing, and internet fanatics. The necessary next step for the pedagogical world is to incorporate this technology into their teaching repertoire. Music in particular is everywhere, on the radio, television, in movies, etc. Incorporating music in the curriculum for students learning another language would be beneficial and engaging for the...  [Read more]

There are many advantages to completing a TEFL certified course. One very simple reason, is if you're going to complete a course in English as a foreign language, TEFL is the best choice because it is the most recognized. I am already pleasantly surprised how familiar people from all ages and backgrounds are with this program. Literally every person I know between the ages of fifteen and thirty knows someone or has taken a TOEFL language exam for academic purposes. By completing a TEFL course you're at a greater advantage than some other programs because you are associated with such a huge global symbol of language learning. After completing a TEFL course, the possibilities are countless. If you've ever dreamed of living abroad, this is a perfect way of fulfilling that dream....  [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]

Understanding diversity in the classroom is of high importance for teachers. In society, educational institutions represent a rare opportunity for developing friendly relations among the worlds many ethnic groups. The open exchange in classrooms can contribute to a type of exchange found nowhere else in society. So teachers must not ignore multiethnic relations. The potential challenges a teacher faces for acknowledging the differences in students will be well rewarded if done with respect. Unfortunately, no matter the age or background, ethnicity perceptions are commonly found in individuals. Children are no exception. A study of Dutch and Turkish children conducted in the Netherlands showed that biases about ethnicity are widespread. Boys showed more ethnic bias...  [Read more]

Understanding diversity in the classroom is of high importance for teachers. In society, educational institutions represent a rare opportunity for developing friendly relations among the worlds many ethnic groups. The open exchange in classrooms can contribute to a type of exchange found nowhere else in society. So teachers must not ignore multiethnic relations. The potential challenges a teacher faces for acknowledging the differences in students will be well rewarded if done with respect. Unfortunately, no matter the age or background, ethnicity perceptions are commonly found in individuals. Children are no exception. A study of Dutch and Turkish children conducted in the Netherlands showed that biases about ethnicity are widespread. Boys showed more ethnic bias than girls,...  [Read more]

ITTT offers an outstanding training course for people who want to gain TEFL certification in Japan. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will receive one of the most respected TEFL certifications in the world. With your certificate in hand, we will then help you find employment throughout the country, elsewhere in Asia, or almost anywhere else in the world for that matter. Our course is located in the capital city of Tokyo. Situated on the edge of Asia and the Far East, the city is the last major population centre before the vast Pacific Ocean begins. Tokyo is a place of fascinating contrasts that combines areas of tranquillity and peacefulness with areas of near-frantic pace and high-end lifestyles. Culturally speaking, you might not find a more fascinating city anywhere...  [Read more]

The tefl international course in france is in Plelauff, a scenic French village bordering the renowned Nantes-Brest Canal in the Côtes-d'Armor. It lies in central Brittany not far from the region's rugged coastline, steep cliffs and numerous delightful, medieval towns. Plelauff is an ideal spot simply because it is so central to everything. A charming, peaceful little village designed to truly help you get away from it all, it nonetheless offers a significant number of attractions. Nearby villages include Gouarec and Plougernevel while the closest towns are Rostrenen (a 10-minute drive), historic Pontivy (20 minutes) and the slightly more distant St Brieuc (40 minutes) which stages the popular Breton rock festival in summer, and is the nearest main line train station. The village of...  [Read more]

Put simply, language is a verbal expression of culture which means that culture clearly has to be seen as an important part of language learning. Although it is important to learn the vocabulary and grammar of English during lessons, to truly grasp what the language means to native speakers it is vital that EFL students learn as much as possible about the culture of English speaking nations. The good news is that students generally love learning about cultural issues, whether it is music, films, books, and TV, or other things such as food or fashion. So, how can we incorporate culture into our EFL lessons to make them interesting and productive? Authentic materials can be anything that native English speakers might use that can be adapted for use in an EFL classroom. This type of material...  [Read more]

Although the benefits of learning foreign languages are undisputable, the implementation varies around the globe. When should we introduce it' Should we go for a bilingual education, foreign language classes or immersion schools ' Immersion elementary schools started to appear in Canada in the early sixties (CRAWFORD, 1989). In Europe, after a long tradition of a second language learning in secondary and high schools, the European Centre for Modern Languages conducted, in 2002-2003, a project called 'Janua Linguarum - the Gateway to Languages' in ten European countries to promote the introduction of language awakening at the end of primary schools. There are a number of arguments in favor of early language learning. Noam Chomsky, a 20th century linguist, referred to a...  [Read more]

Many thousands of people every year, of all nationalities and from all walks of life, make the decision to take a TEFL certification course for a wide variety of different reasons. For some it offers the chance to earn a bit of spending money while traveling in far-flung corners of the world, while for others it is a great way to make fundamental changes to their career and life plans. If you are one of the many thousands of others who have thought about studying TEFL, but are yet to act, here are some of the main reasons why we think you should take the leap. Most people have periods in their life when the job they are doing becomes dull, mundane, and all too repetitive. So what better way to shake things up and make a change to the same old same old than by taking a training course that...  [Read more]