How To Start Teaching English Abroad

How long it takes to complete a TEFL course and actually find a job teaching English abroad will depend on a variety of different factors. The outcome will be influenced by the type of training course you sign-up for, the country you choose as your teaching destination, and how determined you are to complete your studies and start working. As a rough guide you should allow four to six months for completing the course, finding a suitable job, and for making all the necessary arrangements. However, there are certainly ways to make this quicker if you want to get cracking! This is typically the quickest route to TEFL certification and finding a job teaching English abroad. In theory, you can sign-up for an in-class TEFL certification course in Phuket, Thailand just a few days before the...  [Read more]

What does TEFL mean?    The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is commonly used to refer to training courses that almost anyone can take to learn the skills and knowledge required to teach English to non-native speakers in countries all over the world. What is the difference between TESOL and TEFL?    TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These descriptions are generally used interchangeably, however, TESOL is more common in the USA and TEFL is more common in the UK. Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?    Although it is possible to teach abroad without a TEFL certificate, we recommended that you complete a TEFL...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]

For both newly qualified and experienced teachers, one common concern when planning to teach English abroad is how to find accommodation that is comfortable, in a safe location and suitable for your personal needs. The good news is you are unlikely to be the first foreign teacher in the area you are heading for, so you will probably have several options to choose from. Here we break down the most common aspects of organizing accommodation when teaching abroad. For many teachers, accommodation is not an issue as employers often provide housing as part of the teaching contract. Schools in countries such as China and South Korea, as well as many countries in the Middle East, routinely provide some form of free or subsidized accommodation. If you sign-up for a government-run recruitment...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world and get paid while doing it, but what does it actually involve? Before you buy a plane ticket and jet off across the world it is a good idea to research as much as possible about TEFL qualifications, the possible restrictions you might encounter when applying for jobs, and the long term prospects this path might lead to. Here we look at the answers to all these questions and more. 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]

The high demand for English language teachers worldwide offers English speakers from all walks of life exciting opportunities to live and travel abroad. In most cases, you do not need any prior teaching experience to teach English overseas. Moving to another country to live, work, and travel, on the other hand, will necessitate careful planning and foresight. Good research is also essential to ensuring that you do it correctly. Teaching English abroad, like any new endeavor, can present challenges, and you will most likely be nervous at first. However, your TEFL certification training will provide you with the skills necessary to lead your own classroom, where you will teach the fundamentals of grammar and conversation, as well as prepare lessons and manage a classroom. You must meet...  [Read more]

Within the TEFL world there is no standardized content or set course length, which allows providers to offer any style of course they want at whatever price they see fit. When choosing the right option to suit you it is best not to simply go for the cheapest one available as it may not be of sufficient quality or depth to satisfy potential employers in the country you wish to work in. Also, cheap courses are unlikely to provide suitable preparation for starting a new career as an EFL teacher. To give yourself the best start to a new life teaching English abroad it is recommended that you consider more than just the initial cost of the TEFL certification course. In-class TEFL courses usually involve 4-weeks of intensive training that comprehensively covers the most important aspects of...  [Read more]

Do you want to teach English abroad, but are not sure if a TEFL certificate is going to get you there? The good news is that, as most countries and individual employers do not require an advanced teaching license, a TEFL certificate is usually enough to land a job in many areas. In some countries a bachelor's degree is also required, but there are still plenty of others where having a TEFL certificate is all you need. It is estimated that over a billion individuals are learning English around the world. This, paired with an English teacher shortage in many countries, is fantastic news for TEFL teachers because it demonstrates that TEFL jobs are widely available all around the world. Teachers who take a TEFL course will have a wide range of choices in the international job market. They can...  [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]

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]

If you are already TEFL qualified and are looking to take your teaching knowledge and qualifications to the next level, or you have yet to start your training and want an advantage in the job market, then our Diploma in TESOL could be the perfect choice for you. This advanced level training course will build on your existing skills and knowledge, and provide you with a highly valued qualification that will allow you to apply for a wider range of jobs within the TEFL world. The course is a great choice for anyone with or without classroom experience as it begins with our standard 120-hour TEFL certification course that covers all the basic subjects required before you move onto the advanced diploma stage of the training. The course also includes the assistance of a highly experienced...  [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]

  Would you like to live and work abroad? With a TEFL or TESOL certificate you can work and live abroad, Teaching English as a Foreign Language or Teaching English as a Second Language. Check out ITTT's courses and start a new life with a TEFL or TESOL Certification! 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 on past tenses is a good for review. I don't think we do enough practice with past tense, past perfect or past perfect continuous tenses...  [Read more]

How to Land the Perfect Job and Change your Life Forever Here, you will find everything you need to know about TEFL recruitment companies for teaching English abroad, including a list of our trusted recruiters with whom we have worked for several years. If you are a TEFL recruiter and would like to work with us, please contact us via email ([email protected]). The Advantages of Using a TEFL Recruitment Company Choosing a TEFL recruitment company for finding a teaching job is a popular option for many teachers. Recruiters specialized in the EFL market overseas have the professional know-how and network to connect teachers with suitable schools and companies. On top of that, recruiters know the local job market in their specialized region and know exactly what type of teacher is sought...  [Read more]

South Korea is a small but incredibly beautiful country, and during the 4 week TEFL you will have fantastic opportunities to experience the rich culture and history. Not only will you have the chance for local excursions, but based in Incheon, you will be less than an hour away from the lively city of Seoul on the express train. The first week of your program includes in-depth cultural orientations, ensuring you deeply understand the Korean way of life and culture. This includes a welcome dinner, tour of the local neighbourhood and the “Grand” Palace (Gyeongbok Palace), taekwondo class and learning South Korean cookery and language. Incheon is home to Korea’s only official Chinatown, where you can try jajangmyun (noodles with black bean sauce) at the Gongwachun restaurant and for...  [Read more]

Some people who head overseas to teach English grow to love the lifestyle so much that they never return to work in their home country. However, for the majority, the move back home will come at some stage, whether after a single year or much longer. For some it can be a difficult experience as you are no longer the person you were when you first left home. Everything can feel different, from the everyday language to the time zone, from the climate to the cuisine. Reverse culture shock can be genuinely unsettling. One way you can combat this, and continue the international focus of your new found way of life, is to find a job that allows you to use the new skills and knowledge that your time abroad has given you. One obvious step for many teachers is to simply continue working as an...  [Read more]

If you are thinking about teaching English abroad, you may well have wondered whether you should take a TEFL certification course at home or wait until you head overseas. There are pros and cons relating to either choice, but here we look at the main arguments in favour of completing your TEFL training before leaving your home country. Yes, in many of the most popular countries for teaching English abroad jobs are routinely organized from within your own country. In this scenario you will have an interview via phone or webcam from home. If you are then offered the job you will often have to send off a range of documents that are required for the employer to organise your visa, or you may organise this on arrival in some cases. This method of recruitment is most popular in Asia, where it is...  [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]

Demand for TEFL qualified teachers is very strong in many parts of the world, which is why our TEFL courses are open to anyone who has a solid grasp of the English language. However, in order to successfully complete the course and go on to find a good quality teaching job you will need to put in some hard work and be willing to embrace new ideas and techniques. First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL...  [Read more]

Europe attracts large numbers of people who are looking to teach English abroad, particularly from North America. However, it can be a daunting prospect for many as most employers expect to recruit their teachers locally rather than in advance from within their own countries. Unlike Asia and the Middle East, most foreign teachers working across Europe have to head to their country of choice and then start the job hunting process by visiting potential employers in person. If this approach doesn’t appeal to you, there are a few exceptions that you can explore. In recent times, Russia has rapidly grown in popularity as a destination for teaching English abroad as demand has boomed and salaries have increased. Another popular reason for teaching in Russia is the fact that employers routinely...  [Read more]

Cape Town, located at the southern tip of the African continent, is one of South Africa’s capitals and has won numerous accolades from international newspapers and travel magazines. Surrounded by a beautiful natural environment and with the infrastructure of a modern international city, Cape Town has plenty to offer visitors from all over the world. Cape Town is known as the “Mother City” and is the oldest city in South Africa. The area that is now Cape Town was first noted by Portuguese explorers in the fifteenth century. Visitors to the city will have the chance to explore the long history of Cape Town at the many museums throughout the city. Cape Town has plenty of attractions for travellers to explore including beautiful beaches, refreshing botanical gardens, picturesque...  [Read more]

Whether you are just looking to earn some extra cash during a gap-year or are planning a more serious move into the world of education, teaching English as a foreign language has many benefits. The demand for TEFL qualified teachers is continually growing in many parts of the world and opportunities for making teaching a career are abundant. Also, if you decide that it is time to head back home, there are many directions in which your overseas teaching experience can take you. Although for many TEFL course graduates the aim is to head overseas to experience living and working in a foreign culture, it is not the only option. Plenty of people use their teaching qualification within their home country as increasing levels of immigration have led to a rapid increase in demand for ESL...  [Read more]

Once you have made the decision that teaching English abroad is the right path for you to take, the next step is to complete a TEFL certification course that will give you the qualification and knowledge you need to find a good job and be confident and successful in the classroom. However, when it comes to choosing a TEFL course there are many different options available and each has a different time frame from sign-up to completion. No matter where you choose to take your in-class TEFL certification course you will need to commit to four weeks of full time intensive training. This type of course provides a perfect start to your teaching career as long as you have sufficient funds and are able to fit around the fixed schedule. Although it is possible to sign-up for an in-class course a...  [Read more]

Many potential TEFL trainees come to us and ask whether they need to speak another language in order to teach English overseas or online. The good news is the answer is most definitely NO, you do not need to have any language skills other than a thorough understanding of the English language. Obviously, if you do speak the native language of the country you intend to live and work in it can be a real help in many ways, but it is not normally required by the employer. The specific requirements for teaching English abroad or online will vary depending on the country and the individual employer. In all cases a thorough understanding of the mechanics of English will be required. On top of that, a TEFL certificate from a reputable course provider is usually a must, while some jobs will also...  [Read more]

The Czech Republic has been a popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years as it offers a unique cultural experience, a low cost of living, and a very healthy job market. Prague is the most popular destination, boasting an eclectic mix of architecture and a fascinating history that draws huge numbers of tourists from around the world every year. The city also has one of the largest demands for ESL teachers in the whole of Europe. Cities such as Brno, Ostrava, Liberec, and Plzen, which is world famous as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, are also popular locations. As there is a huge number of employers across the country offering a wide range of positions, the average salary can be anywhere from 18,000 to 30,000 CZK (currently US$700 to $1,200) per month. Many private...  [Read more]

Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and visuals. ...  [Read more]

Anyone who has considered teaching English abroad has probably had a reaction from a friend or family member along the lines of “that sounds like fun, but what will you do when you get back?” In some quarters, teaching English as a foreign language has the reputation of not being a ‘real job’, just something that people do to pay off student loans or simply for fun and adventure before settling down into a normal job and lifestyle. There are many people who do choose teaching abroad for these reasons, but there are also plenty who have made a successful and lucrative career out of TEFL. YES, you absolutely can have a long-term career as an EFL teacher. For the majority of people who head overseas to teach English, it all starts with a small idea to see a bit of the world while...  [Read more]

There are many reasons why people take a gap year and there is no particular best time to do it. You might have just finished high school or university and are unsure what you want to do next. You might already be in work, but are bored of the daily routine and looking for a break. Whatever your reason for taking a few months, a year, or even longer away from your existing life, it could be the best decision you ever made. After being away for a while you should find you have time to reflect on the past, enjoy your present, and most importantly, make well thought out plans for your future. Initially many people assume that teaching English during a gap year is simply a good way to earn some cash while traveling from place to place. However, there are many reasons why teaching abroad is a...  [Read more]

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 interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and tesol is usually preferred in 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...  [Read more]

TEFL courses are designed to give you all the skills and knowledge you need to start a new career teaching English as a foreign language. Once you have completed a TEFL course and received your TEFL certificate you will be able to apply for a wide range of jobs in countries across the world. Before you choose a TEFL course you should be fully aware of all the course options available to ensure you make the right choice to suit your future plans. Deciding which TEFL course suits your individual learning style, your current situation and your future plans can be difficult as there is no standard length of training or a fixed syllabus that providers have to adhere to. The best advice we can give is don?t simply choose the cheapest or the first option you come across as it may not be...  [Read more]