Portland State University Tesol

Due to government restrictions or work visa requirements, there are several countries where English language teachers without a 4-year university degree might find it difficult to secure employment. However, the good news is there are still plenty of great opportunities for those without a degree if you are flexible and willing to go where the demand for your services is high. To increase your chances of landing a position in the country of your choice, it is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Although China has the largest market for TEFL qualified teachers in the world, the regulations for...  [Read more]

Portland is a vibrant city with a lot of interesting attractions and makes for the perfect place to start your TEFL/TESOL adventure. After classes and on weekends, you have plenty of time to check out some of the best sites, such as Washington Park, the Pioneer Courthouse Square, Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and Pittock Mansion. Sport enthusiasts should visit Providence Park to watch exciting soccer or baseball games. You will find some of the best mountains, forests and beaches on the West Coast right here in Oregon. They make for the perfect place for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, surfing and even whale watching. Oregon is an exciting state that offers a lot of things to see and do for its visitors. If you are looking for a place rich...  [Read more]

  Andra is from Indonesia and is studying for his master’s degree at a university in Malaysia. In this TEFL review, Andra tells us how he has been teaching English to primary and secondary school students for more than two years. Andra points out that students’ parents will have more confidence in their child’s teacher if he or she has a recognized teaching qualification and this is one of the reasons he decided to take the 120-hour online TEFL course with ITTT. 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...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, Rick from the United States tells us how he has recently completed the 120-hour TESOL course online from ITTT. Despite already working as an online English teacher, Rick found the course to be very informative and helped him to develop better strategies to deal with the language issues his students have. Whether Rick decides to carry on teaching online or to take his career abroad, his experience with ITTT has enabled him to offer better lessons to his English language students. 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...  [Read more]

  This TEFL review is from Will from the United States. After doing a lot of research, he decided that he wanted to follow a new career path in teaching English as a foreign language. Since a TEFL/TESOL course is one of the most common requirements for EFL employers worldwide, he decided to take our 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL certification course and enjoyed it a lot. Will chose the tutored version of the course and was able to ask a professional ITTT tutor any questions he might have during the course. After completing the course, he was also offered an additional 50-hour course for free and received excellent post-course services such as resume and interview preparation and access to job offers worldwide. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of...  [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]

  In this ITTT TESOL review Lenin from the United States talks about his experiences while completing the 120 hour online TESOL/TEFL certification course. 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 teaching a new language to learners is probably the most relevant and helpful unit for me so far. I already know what activities I can plan to do with my students to engage, have them study and activate their thinking next week. The possible...  [Read more]

  Roger from the United States took an online TEFL course with ITTT. In his TEFL review video Roger tells that since completing the course he has applied for a job with Disney teaching English in China and has so far proceeded to step two of the interview process. We wish Roger the best of luck with his new adventure. 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 gave a brief overview of the parts of speech. This unit covered 8 core grammar points...  [Read more]

  Fernando is originally from Buenos Aires but spent the past 12 years working in the United States. As he has now returned to Argentina, he wants to become an English teacher. In his TESOL review he shares his thoughts on the center in Buenos Aires. He learned a lot regarding teaching techniques and lesson planning. He is confident that he can now lead his own classroom and is excited to start working as an English 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. ...  [Read more]

  Have you ever considered completing an online TEFL/TESOL Certification course? Why not become one of the hundreds of people who each month do an online course with ITTT, just like Sacha from the United States. In this TESOL review video Sacha talks about her happy experience of studying the 120 hour tutor support course. She talks about how the course has given her a firm foundation on which to build her career as a successful English language teacher. 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...  [Read more]

There are many different methodologies for teaching a foreign language. Here at TEFL international, we are exposed to the ESA (engage-study-activate) method, put to use in the classroom in a total emersion context, which is quite effective, yet very different from the way that many of us have been exposed to learning a second language in our native countries. Second language study in school in the United States was always done with the ?Grammar translation? method, usually in a bilingual classroom, a different yet somewhat effective way to learn some languages. These are contrasting methods yet they seek the same result, to increase communication skills in a tongue you are not familiar with, and until you are exposed to the both of them it?s hard to say which is...  [Read more]

There are many different methodologies for teaching a foreign language. Here at TEFL international, we are exposed to the ESA (engage-study-activate) method, put to use in the classroom in a total emersion context, which is quite effective, yet very different from the way that many of us have been exposed to learning a second language in our native countries. Second language study in school in the United States was always done with the 'Grammar translation' method, usually in a bilingual classroom, a different yet somewhat effective way to learn some languages. These are contrasting methods yet they seek the same result, to increase communication skills in a tongue you are not familiar with, and until you are exposed to the both of them it's hard to say which is more...  [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]

This paper is concerned with teaching the productive skill of writing for students of non-native English speaking countries. This is an area that has all but been ignored in the past and somewhat over looked in the field of TESOL, as administrators, teachers and students seem to be more concerned and more focused on the speaking side of the productive skills. As more and more ESL students are seeking writing help at the college and university levels, the need becomes clear for better writing instruction in the ESL classroom. The ability to write well is not a naturally acquired skill, nor is it a linear process easily fit into some pre-taught format. Writing must be taught as a set of practices in a formal instructional setting and must be practiced. Good writing ...  [Read more]

There are many ways to teach a class. Each teacher has his/her own style of going about it. Although the level of importance of each part that contributes to the whole of a class is important, I believe one of the most relevant parts of a class in building rapport with the students. Building rapport doesn't only ensure a smoother classroom experience but also improve the quality of lessons all together.Many institutions have put building or establishing rapport as part of their teacher handbooks. This, often considered a very insignificant part that many teachers do without, is something that they believe to be of the greatest importance. Colleges like the American University: School of Education believe that building rapport goes hand in hand with the fact that teachers 'must...  [Read more]

This paper is concerned with teaching the productive skill of writing for students of non-native English speaking countries. This is an area that has all but been ignored in the past and somewhat over looked in the field of TESOL, as administrators, teachers and students seem to be more concerned and more focused on the speaking side of the productive skills.As more and more ESL students are seeking writing help at the college and university levels, the need becomes clear for better writing instruction in the ESL classroom. The ability to write well is not a naturally acquired skill, nor is it a linear process easily fit into some pre-taught format. Writing must be taught as a set of practices in a formal instructional setting and must be practiced. Good writing involves composing...  [Read more]

If you are looking for a destination with lush nature and stunning scenery in America, come and visit Wisconsin. Even though the state is nicknamed “America’s Dairyland”, there is far more to see in Wisconsin than just farmland. However, it is worth noting that the state is America’s largest producer of dairy product and also produces the best cheese in the country. Take a closer look and you will find that Wisconsin offers lush nature, including big forests, lakes, and even waterfalls. Due to its location at the Great Lakes, Wisconsin is a major destination for water sports enthusiasts, but you can also find plenty of trails for hiking and biking. Join our TEFL/TESOL course in Wisconsin and spend four exciting weeks in the state. The coast of Lake Superior in Wisconsin is a major...  [Read more]

What can be said about incredible New York City that hasn’t already been said? Immerse yourself in New York City for five minutes, and you’ll see why it’s like no other place on earth. Only here will you find all of America’s attributes - the diversity, the culture, and the style - intensified in such an intriguing way. And only here will you experience those sublime moments that New York City is famous for. If you're a first-time visitor, come and see the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, Staten Island Ferry, Brooklyn Bridge and all our other world-famous attractions. If you've been here before, there's always another neighborhood to explore, another restaurant to try, another Broadway show or museum to...  [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]

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]

  John is currently teaching in Seoul, South Korea in a local school and at his home. John completed the TESOL course with ITTT. In this TESOL review video, John tells us what he gained from taking the course. The knowledge he gained from the course has already helped to improve his lessons and he is getting positive feedback from his students. John runs all of his own classes and is responsible for creating and choosing the materials for his classes as well as planning the lessons. Having completed this TESOL course, John is now considering taking further courses including a TESOL diploma and possibly a master’s in TESOL. 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...  [Read more]

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]

Findings in many of the past studies do indeed suggest that small- sized classes are indeed more effective that larger classes. The benefits of smaller classes are endless, but what about those instructors that have no choice in the matter' Many scholars have come up with strategies in order to help those that are presented with the larger class and want to make it a success. Along these lines, many feel that it isn't always the size of the class, it is the quality. Students at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have expressed their opinion that the instructor has more of an impact on the quality of the class than the size itself (oic.id.ucsb.edu/). And in order to make the classroom a quality learning environment, many individuals, including...  [Read more]

The British Council estimates there are 1.55 billion English language learners around the world, and at least 10.2 million English teachers. www.theguardian.com/education/2013/nov/07/tefl-for-british-language-learners A fair proportion of these learners will be taught in language schools and through private lessons, including online teaching. There do not appear to be any official figures as to the number of TEFL and TESOL training centers worldwide, but it would be a fair guess to say they number in the thousands. Most countries in the world control education through government regulation and oversight. This is also true of private education provision. This means that each country’s government tends to make the rules and regulations concerning the training standards required of ESL...  [Read more]

Findings in many of the past studies do indeed suggest that small- sized classes are indeed more effective that larger classes. The benefits of smaller classes are endless, but what about those instructors that have no choice in the matter? Many scholars have come up with strategies in order to help those that are presented with the larger class and want to make it a success. Along these lines, many feel that it isn?t always the size of the class, it is the quality. Students at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have expressed their opinion that the instructor has more of an impact on the quality of the class than the size itself (oic.id.ucsb.edu/). And in order to make the classroom a quality learning environment, many individuals,...  [Read more]

If you plan on heading to Europe to teach English it is important that you are aware of the regulations regarding visas and work permits in your chosen destination. The visa situation varies from one country to the next and may also depend on your own nationality. Because of this, we recommend that you visit the relevant embassy website to get the most up to date information before you make any final travel plans. As Spain is a member of the European Union, teachers from other EU member states do not need a visa to live and work legally in Spain. However, you will still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number on arrival in the country. The application process should be straightforward and you can usually expect your employer to help you through it. For non-EU citizens,...  [Read more]

When it comes to ranking educational qualifications by their difficulty level, many countries have their own ranking system. For example, there are 9 different levels that courses can be classed as within the UK. Level 1: GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G Level 2: GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C Level 3: A level Level 4: Certificate of higher education (Cert HE) Level 5: Diploma of higher education (Dip HE) Level 6: Degree with honors - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons Level 7: Master’s degree, for example Master of Science (MSc) Level 8: Doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil) Depending on which National Qualification Framework (NQF) you are referencing, you may...  [Read more]

Indianapolis also features several interesting historic sites all over the city and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor and leisure activities. Moreover, Indianapolis boasts a thrilling culinary scene with many restaurants and bars. If you come here to take your TEFL/TESOL course, you will not get bored. Most visitors coming to Indianapolis visit a variety of attractions. There are certain tourist hotspots you shouldn’t miss when in the city. White River State Park, Benjamin Harrison House, Indiana State Museum or the Indianapolis Zoo are among the most visited places. The city of Indianapolis is located in the state of Indiana and is a popular destination for American and international visitors. It features a great collection of manmade and natural attractions, as it is close to...  [Read more]

  Alesheia completed her TEFL certificate course online with ITTT. In this TEFL review video, Alesheia tells us that although she studied TESOL as a minor at university, research showed that the majority of jobs required a specific TEFL certificate. She found the course to be a good refresher of her previous TESOL studies at university and it also taught her a number of new things such as classroom management and lesson planning. Alesheia recommends ITTT to new and experienced teachers looking to earn a recognized TEFL certificate. 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,...  [Read more]

Music is everywhere. It's playing at the mall. It's playing in the car, in the restaurants, at home. It's accessible, and crosses all social, racial, and linguistic lines. As such, it is an excellent recourse for teachers of English as a foreign language. It is particularly good for teachers who are using the ESA method of teaching, because songs fit the lesson plan for every stage of teaching. Music in the classroom is widely supported by a worldwide network of teachers as well as numerous studies showing their worth as a teaching device. Getting students to break down their social inhibitors getting them involved in the class lesson is one of the challenges facing language teachers, particularly when said students are culturally encouraged to be reticent, or when they are...  [Read more]