Henry Harvin Tefl

Savvidou - Understanding Chinese Names: Cross-Cultural Awareness ...Diversity and cultural sensitivity are important considerations in an EFL classroom. English is an international language and the numbers of English speakers are growing rapidly. It's important to understand how English translates in each culture and language. There is a growing body of literature addressing cultural differences and the importance of awareness. Our challenge is to meet the demand of student in a manner that incorporates linguistic and cultural competence. Language is primarily a communication tool. As language teachers it is paramount to help students take 'ownership' of the new language they are learning. H. G. Widdowson,, suggests taking 'ownership' of English as a way of shifting attitudes....  [Read more]

For the purpose of this article I assume that there is absolutely no difference between TEFL and TESOL, they are both a means of teaching English to people who do not have it as their first language. So why do people think to themselves sitting at home, maybe I will train to be a teacher, but not a regular teacher that we all grew up with at school. But someone who teaches the English language to non English speakers in foreign countries. Well the reasons are varied but almost everyone can identify themselves with at least one. Some realize that the jobs they work in are not quite what they thought they would do growing up. So in search of excitement and something more worthwhile they sign up to TEFL. Others like myself are really gypsies and have a great urge to...  [Read more]

If you are thinking about joining the tens of thousands of people already working as ESL teachers in China, one of the first decisions to make is which location in this vast country would suit you best. Although it is possible to find jobs off the beaten track, the vast majority of positions are located in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. However, as there are more than 150 other cities with a population of over one million people, there are plenty of options for you to consider. With a population of over 20 million, the vast city of Shanghai offers countless opportunities for ESL teachers, particularly in the field of business English. As it has such a large job market and offers very competitive salaries, Shanghai is one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Asia....  [Read more]

Teaching idioms and slang is quite a subjective topic. I believe that it is an integral part of teaching EFL. I agree with the school of thought that says that slang and idioms are an every day part of our language and it is important that foreign students are aware of the most common forms they are likely to encounter, the appropriate use of these language forms and what is considered to be taboo in polite society. An important matter to consider is that although students can find endless reference books on almost every other form of the English Language, slang and idioms are not considered part of the syllabus and paid no or very little attention.If we do not teach idioms how is a student ever going to cope with phrases such as - To bury the hatchet, to be in the same boat...  [Read more]

Teaching idioms and slang is quite a subjective topic. I believe that it is an integral part of teaching EFL. I agree with the school of thought that says that slang and idioms are an every day part of our language and it is important that foreign students are aware of the most common forms they are likely to encounter, the appropriate use of these language forms and what is considered to be taboo in polite society. An important matter to consider is that although students can find endless reference books on almost every other form of the English Language, slang and idioms are not considered part of the syllabus and paid no or very little attention. If we do not teach idioms how is a student ever going to cope with phrases such as - To bury the hatchet, to be in...  [Read more]

English is currently spoken by more people all over the world than any other language. Every time we turn on the television to find out about what is happening in the world, local people are being interviewed in English. Wherever one travels in the world these days English becomes the common language of communication between nationalities. Much has been made of the Internet as an instrument for circulating English around the globe. Eighty percent of what’s on the Internet is in English.I quote Barbara Wallraff in her article from the Atlantic November 2000 on What Global Language' Technology is expanding English by requiring us to come up with new words to describe all the possibilities it offers. English is used more often in various technological domains such as...  [Read more]

English is currently spoken by more people all over the world than any other language. Every time we turn on the television to find out about what is happening in the world, local people are being interviewed in English. Wherever one travels in the world these days English becomes the common language of communication between nationalities. Much has been made of the Internet as an instrument for circulating English around the globe. Eighty percent of what?s on the Internet is in English. I quote Barbara Wallraff in her article from the Atlantic November 2000 on What Global Language? Technology is expanding English by requiring us to come up with new words to describe all the possibilities it offers. English is used more often in various technological domains such...  [Read more]

If some burly, impatient builder were to shout 'Slab!' at a construction site, and subsequently stare in my direction, what is my reaction to be' As his stare transforms to a glare, his eyes becoming more savage by the second, I begin to feel rather ill at ease. What meaning am I to extract from this single word statement' Am I to ponder the nature of the object just uttered' Am I to shout something equally arbitrary back in his direction' Or am I to fetch this object post-haste' As anyone familiar with the 'language-game' of a construction site might tell me: surely the latter, if I don't want to be thrown from the side of the scaffolding.The term 'language-game' was coined by the Austrian-born philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) to refer to the idioms adopted by and...  [Read more]

If you are bored with the everyday grind and want a new life that is full of travel and adventure, TEFL could be the perfect option for you. First you need to choose the right TEFL course to suit your situation and then work your way through the training. Once you have completed the course and you have your TEFL certificate in hand you will be ready to head overseas to start work as an English language teacher in the country of your choice. These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used...  [Read more]

Some people who go abroad to teach English fall in love with their new life overseas and never return to their home country. The majority, however, will return home at some point, whether after a single year or much longer. It can be a difficult experience for some because you are no longer the person you were when you first left home. Everything, from the everyday language to the time zone, the climate to the cuisine, can feel different. Reverse culture shock can be frightening. For many teachers the obvious next step is to continue working as an English language tutor. If you live in or near a relatively large city you are likely to come across language schools and community colleges that provide English lessons to international students, immigrants, and refugees, among others. With...  [Read more]

Completing a TEFL certification course brings many benefits and one of the most popular is that you get to choose exactly which country or region you want to live and work in. As the demand for English language instruction is so strong in many parts of the world, there is never any shortage of job options for TEFL qualified teachers. From tropical countries in Asia to the cooler climes of Northern Europe, there will be something to suit everyone. Whether you prefer a bustling major city or something more off the beaten path, there is sure to be the perfect destination out there waiting for you. This vast continent is home to the largest number of TEFL jobs of any region in the world. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan all have thriving markets for foreign teachers with...  [Read more]

While teaching English abroad you are unlikely to face any type of discrimination from fellow teachers as most are like-minded people who are easy-going and accepting of the world in all its diversity. However, it can be a different story when it comes to employers. In some parts of the world, including some of the most popular teaching destinations, traditional, conservative views and opinions are still commonplace and this can lead to some uncomfortable situations. Many people still have the mistaken belief that all you need to teach English is to be a native English speaker and those that aren’t will never be as good at it. However, this view on teaching couldn’t be more wrong. To be an effective TEFL teacher you need to have a solid understanding of the workings of the language...  [Read more]

If you are interested in applying for overseas teaching jobs, you will almost certainly come across something called Teaching English as a Foreign Language, or TEFL, certification. As a result, you are probably wondering if getting a TEFL certification is a good idea. Regardless of your other qualifications and experience, a TEFL certification is always a valuable addition to your resume. Furthermore, it will set you apart from the competition in the eyes of principals and hiring managers all over the world. Even if a TEFL certificate is not required for a specific position, it is always a huge plus and preference. A TEFL certificate opens doors to exciting opportunities in teaching English as a foreign language in countries all around the world. The most common requirement is 120 hours of...  [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]

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]

Even entry-level teaching jobs usually require applicants to have completed a standard TEFL certification course of around 120 hours. Teachers who want to take another step up the employment ladder often choose to take a higher level qualification such as a Diploma in TESOL. However, if you are seriously interested in reaching the very top of the TEFL job market, completing a master’s degree will certainly be a big help. ITTT does not oversee its own master’s degree course, but we do have a popular option that we can recommend. The Master of Education in TESOL (MEd in TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education provides a practical and affordable route towards gaining a highly regarded, internationally recognized qualification. With this qualification in your pocket you...  [Read more]

Thailand is one of the most attractive destinations in Asia and it is a popular stop for many backpackers. The good news for those who want to stay for an extended period of time is that there is a big demand for English language teachers in many parts of the country. Although wages may not be as high as those in other Asian countries, you can still earn enough to live comfortably and enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer. It used to be almost the norm for teachers to work "under the table" without a proper work permit; however, those days are long gone and you must now have the necessary paperwork in order to earn a good salary in Thailand. A degree in any subject is required to be granted a work permit, it is also helpful to complete a TEFL training course before applying...  [Read more]

There is often much confusion surrounding these acronyms but essentially they mean the same thing. TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language tesol = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages The above are generally used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and tesol is usually preferred in Australia and the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a tesol certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. Although TEFL and TESOL training courses are identical and the acronyms are generally used interchangeably, there is a technical difference between the two. The general perception is that speakers of English as a foreign...  [Read more]

Teaching English without a degree is, fortunately, possible. Regardless of your educational history, there are plenty of language schools that will be happy to employ you. True, having a degree opens up more doors and opportunities, but if you don't have one, there is no reason to let that stop you from pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad. The question of whether you need a degree to find a teaching position is arbitrary, as it is with many other occupations. There is no reason why an English teacher with a university degree would be more effective than one without. Certain traits (passion, commitment, and the ability to create rapport with your students, for example) are more important than a college diploma in this career, as they are in many others. It is important to note,...  [Read more]

If you want to meet the criteria laid out for most online or overseas TEFL jobs, then you will need to complete a standard 120-hour TEFL certification course as a minimum. Anyone who dreams of earning a higher salary or applying for management level positions will typically need an advanced qualification such as diploma. However, teachers who want to get to the very top of the EFL tree will probably need to think about completing a Bachelor's Degree in TESOL. ITTT does not operate its own degree course, but we are able to recommend a good option. The Bachelor of Education in TESOL (B.Ed TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education offers a very convenient and affordable way to gain a high-end, internationally recognized teaching qualification. This is a 120-credit degree...  [Read more]

If you have done your homework and are serious about becoming an EFL teacher, there is no reason why you should not successfully complete your TEFL course. However, our training courses do require a strong sense of time commitment. This means, if you do not complete all elements of the course in the required timeframe, you may fail the course. We are very proud of our course pass rate of over 90%. Although it is possible to fail a TEFL course, the vast majority of our students finish their training and go on to become successful EFL teachers. As part of our promise to our teacher trainees, we make every effort to help each and every course taker to reach their full potential. Our one-of-a-kind combination of high-quality study materials, experienced trainers, and dedicated support staff...  [Read more]

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global center of trade, finance, and travel, thanks to its vast oil wealth, major ports, and thriving tourism industry. With cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering lavish shopping, world-class dining, and some of the most stunning architecture in the world, the Emirates have become a popular tourist and investment destination. These attractions, combined with some of the most lucrative salaries and benefits in the world, make the UAE one of the most desirable destinations for teaching English abroad. Generally speaking, simply having a TEFL certification does not guarantee you a job in Dubai or the rest of the UAE. If you want to teach English in Dubai with a TEFL certificate, make sure you meet the other requirements, such as a degree and relevant...  [Read more]

It is a common misconception that teaching English abroad requires a large amount of money up front before you even start earning. While you will need to cover the cost of your TEFL certification and get yourself to the destination you have chosen to work in, you should soon start earning enough to get those outlays back quickly. However, in some destinations the cost of living is so high that it can seem like you are constantly hemorrhaging money. So where can you teach English and live well on just a small budget? Here we look at some of the cheapest destinations for teaching English abroad. Thailand makes an appearance on many lists of the best places to teach English abroad for various reasons and one is its relatively low cost of living. Although the average salary for English...  [Read more]

Definition of TEFL: The acronym means the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language, usually in a country where the first language is not English. It could therefore be applied to any teaching situation where the English Language Learner (ELL) has a first language which is not English. The profession of teaching is regulated throughout the world, although the level of regulation varies from country to country. This is also true of the EFL teaching sector, however, there are some differences. The teaching of EFL has two main sectors, public and private. The public sector mainly includes government institutions such as schools and higher education institutions. The private sector includes private schools and language centers and a large number of self employed freelance teachers. Each of...  [Read more]

The world of English language teaching is well known for its love of acronyms and unfortunately this can lead to a large amount of confusion amongst potential teachers, as well as those with plenty of experience in the field. Websites for course providers, job boards, recruitment programs, and any other teaching related information you might look at are likely to be littered with acronyms, including TEFL, tesol, and CELTA. So what is the difference between these terms? Short for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TEFL is probably the most common acronym you will come across when conducting research for teaching English abroad. TEFL does not refer to a single training program, certification, or program provider but is simply a catch-all term for training courses and certification...  [Read more]

The requirements for teaching English in China have changed frequently in recent years. They are also frequently misunderstood and the situation has become even more complicated due to COVID-19. So let's dive into it. The main requirement for teaching in China is a valid Z-Visa in your passport. This is the only type of visa that allows you to work in the country legally. This means that those who want to teach English in China must meet the Z visa requirements. To obtain a Z visa you must meet certain requirements, which range from nationality and age to qualifications and a few other crucial details. It is critical to understand that many of the rules outlined below have exceptions. The following are the primary Z Visa requirements: You must be a citizen of one of the seven approved...  [Read more]

If you have done some research and made the decision to teach English abroad or online, you will probably have been confronted with a mound of perplexing letters: TEFL, tesol, and CELTA – what do they all mean, and which is better? Don't worry. We are here to help you understand the differences and lead you into a world of education and international travel. First, let's get the abbreviations out of the way. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, tesol stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and CELTA is an acronym for Certificate in English Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages (until recently, it stood for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). To put it another way, TEFL and tesol are generic terms for the field of teaching English...  [Read more]

I?ve definitely learned how useful a lesson plan can be, especially for thinking back on a lesson you?ve taught and making it better... I have gained a lot from this course... Al, ireland This course has taught me to take the time to really understand new information and to look from a teachers and a student?s perspective in order to achieve the best results when planning lessons... This course has provided me with a good review of the english grammar and has given me the opportunity to reflect on my teaching... ... This has been an excellent course and we would recommend it to anyone who is interested in teaching TEFL or just want to brush up on their grammar skills! There was so much great information in the course it?s hard to talk about what was most beneficial... The first main...  [Read more]

Why complete a TEFL course? There are a number of reasons why a native English-speaker might undertake a TEFL course. Firstly, it can provide the skills to allow a person to live and work in another country, where it might otherwise be difficult to find employment. By living abroad, one has the opportunity to experience a foreign culture on a level that would not otherwise be possible if simply visiting on holiday. It also allows the individual to make a positive impact on people’s lives, which is much harder to achieve directly when residing in a Western country. Last, but not least, it is both a challenging and fun environment in which to work and provides a great opportunity for personal development. My first experience of teaching was on a PGCE...  [Read more]

In the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL), games are very important, with adults and especially with children. Let?s face it, no matter how much one wants to learn another language sometimes class discussions about verb tenses and vocabulary can be monotonous, slow, and boring. Games make learning fun and can be used to add a little spice to class. Many people are motivated by competition so games can stimulate this enthusiasm and help to stimulate participation. Games can be used to aid in: learning vocabulary, verb usage, vocabulary review, pronunciation practice, phrase building, confidence building, and encouraging students to think and respond in English. Games are great ways to begin or end a class. Openers for classes are used to introduce...  [Read more]