English Native Speakers

Native English Teacher vs. Non-Native English Teacher: What are the differences?   Hello, Welcome, my name is Linda nice to see you. I’m a TEFL and TESOL professional at ITTT and I’ve been living and working in Asia since 2012-ish and I live in South Korea and I’ve been here for five and a half years. I also taught English in China and here in Korea as well and I also work for ITTT and we have a guest so to speak but also from ITTT but joining us for the first time my colleague Lisa. My name is Liza. I’m a TEFL and TESOL expert at ITTT as Linda and I’m also a former ESL teacher. I’ve been teaching online this year but before I worked in China as a lead teacher in a kindergarten so that was quite fun and I'll share my experience today. ## Where in China did you teach?...  [Read more]

Sun, 12 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences English Pronunciation Problems of Italian Native Speakers Teaching English pronunciation to students of other languages is always a big deal. English teachers from other countries may think that it is a topic to be skipped or only briefly introduced to students, but it is one of the most important subjects and it should be an integral part of an English course. As a matter of fact, the full understanding of a language and good communication actually depend, to a certain extent, on how correctly words are pronounced. Also, it is not only a matter of pronunciation but intonation. Every language has its own intonation and stress on words, so an English learner could find it difficult to get used to a new way of pronouncing words in...  [Read more]

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences English in Britain and in America British English versus American English are often discussed during the class, students frequently ask which one is the standard English to learn and would it cause any difficulties in communication. Both of them have differences and similarities, but individuals from the UK and the US can communicate without too much difficulty. Table of Contents What is Correct? The History of English Pronunciation Differences Spelling Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate JIN G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. What is Correct? Besides, there is no right...  [Read more]

Mon, 13 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Common Challenges in English for Japanese Native Speakers If you ever find yourself driving in French Canada, you will be stopped by stop signs that say 'arrêt', which is stopped in French. Almost all drivers in North America would know that this means stop because it's the same octagon red stop sign. In Japan it's very different, stop signs are triangular with Japanese script on them but, beneath the Japanese, you can find English subtitles which read 'stop'. In fact, if you travel anywhere in Japan, the majority of signs and announcements related to travel are offered in Japanese and English. English has been taught in Japanese schools since the American occupation after World War Two. However, according to an EF English...  [Read more]

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Common English Pronunciation Issues for Native Italian Speakers Proper pronunciation is essential to the understanding and communication of a language, and therefore it is an essential component of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Students of different nationalities and backgrounds will have different issues regarding English pronunciation depending on their native language. Their pronunciation issues often directly stem from the pronunciation of their native language because of differences between the two languages. This summative task will highlight the most common English pronunciation issues for Italian native speakers. Table of Contents The main problem that many Italian students have with their English...  [Read more]

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Struggles of the Chinese Native Speakers Learning English Most researchers agree that the learner's first language influences the pronunciation of the target language and is a significant factor in accounting for foreign accents. So-called interference or interference from the first language is likely to cause errors in aspiration, stress, and intonation in the target language. Table of Contents Phonetics Unusual Sounds Language Structure Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vesna A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Phonetics Some Chinese students tend to have...  [Read more]

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Alumni Experiences TEFL for Non-Native English Speakers - Is it possible? TEFL is an essential certificate for native and non-native English speakers who want to teach English abroad. TEFL stands for "Teaching English as a Foreign Language". It is believed that TEFL courses are merely a precondition to teaching English abroad, but actually, a TEFL will open a completely new world of education and travel. Table of Contents What is Teaching English as a Foreign Language? Non-native speakers have studied English in depth. Non-native English teachers understand what it's like to learn a second language. Bilingual or multilingual people are more open-minded. Non-native English teachers add their own cultural perspective to the classroom....  [Read more]

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Challenges of the French Native Speakers in English Learning Several surveys, such as EF (Education First), have shown that France has the worst English level in the European Union. We shall explain, firstly, why French students have problems in learning English and what these problems are. Then, secondly, we shall share solutions to these problems. Table of Contents Origin of Typical Difficulties Global Status of French Lack of Exposure to English Academical Importance Common Vocabulary Tenses Pronunciation Lesson Ideas Ways to Engage Grammar and Vocabulary Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mohamed S. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Wed, 22 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Pronunciation Errors Russian Native Speakers Make in English Even though native speakers claim that it's always possible to understand people speaking English regardless of their accent, sometimes it might be extremely difficult. My native language is Russian and I can tell for a fact that Russian and English are very different in multiple things – but right now I'd like to focus on pronunciation. Table of Contents All Sounds are Pronounced in Russian Several Sounds Do not Exist in Russian Long and Short Vowels Sound the Same for The Russians Do you want to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Viktoriia Z. Please note that this blog...  [Read more]

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Typical Problems Faced by Thai Native Speakers in English Currently living in Bangkok, Thailand, I am teaching English to Primary Six students and I am in a supposed international context. Juggling a body of students who are not entirely international and largely Thai can at times be like pulling teeth. Table of Contents Losing Motivation Grammar Confusion Fear of Leaving a Comfort Zone Lack of Proper Resources Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kavitha S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Losing Motivation The students are generally driven at first but soon lack motivation...  [Read more]

Mon, 13 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences English Learning Problems For Chinese Native Speakers and Solutions Most teachers come to China to teach English with only a general idea about Chinese culture and language which they should have to deal with as soon as they arrive in China. The reason I chose this topic is that I am fluent in Chinese and have experienced Chinese culture in all its facets for over than seven years. But let's not beat around the bush and get down to the nitty-gritty. Table of Contents Shyness/lack of confidence: Grammar issues: Pronunciation issues: Th: /s/ instead of /th/ V: /w/ instead of /v/ (mostly with southern Chinese) Lt: /t/ instead of /lt/ Intonation: Lack of learning structure: Do you want to teach English in China? Related Articles: ...  [Read more]

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Common Difficulties in Teaching English to Native Mandarin Speakers Learning a second language can be difficult, and this is especially true when the learners L1 and their target language are completely different in structure, sound, and tones. An English as a second language student who speaks French, German, or any other European language will have an easier task than one who speaks a language that is not of European origins. One such language is Mandarin Chinese. Table of Contents State of The Problem The Chinese Language Structure Tenses Sentence Structure Do you want to teach English in China? Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ashley L. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Evaluation and Testing of Chinese Native Speakers Learning English The issue of testing and/or evaluation is an important topic in general, however, it is of personal import to me because I currently work as a full-time ESL teacher in China, over half of who are pre-school and kindergarten age. In China, children begin primary school (first grade), at age seven, plus they have three years of mandatory kindergarten, which begins at age four. English is not taught in Chinese public schools until primary school (grade three), and then, for only forty minutes, three times per week. For these reasons, the average Chinese child is not formally taught English until they are nine years old, and even then, for only three hours per week. Table...  [Read more]

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching English as a Non-Native Speaker Can a non-native speaking English be a TEFL teacher? Generally, employers will consider candidates from Us, Canada, England, and Australia for their hiring position. Therefore this may imply some difficulty to who is trying to establish a career teaching path. The answer to the question is YES! Table of Contents Benefits Second Language Experience Native vs. Non-Native Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Angela S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Benefits Despite all the difficulty, a non-native may encounter, the knowledge and...  [Read more]

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What is Challenging in English Pronunciation for Japanese Native Speakers? What's the most difficult part of learning a new language? Is it writing? Perhaps it's the reading or memorizing new vocabulary? Well for some it's speaking the new language, specifically when it comes to pronunciation. Every language has its unique ways or pronouncing their vowels and constants as well as how they form their sentence structure. Especially this write up will focus on Japanese English as a Second Language (ESL) students and the difficulties they face while learning English and its pronunciation. Table of Contents Japanese Writing Teaching Approach Pronunciation Differences Further Steps Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL...  [Read more]

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why Non-Native English Speakers Can be Good TEFL Teachers As a Belgian born citizen, I was brought up with different languages. Belgium is officially a trilingual country: French, Dutch, and German are all official languages. Dutch is my mother tongue, I have been learning French since primary school. Later, in high school, German and English were added to my curriculum and in college, I extended my language skills by taking a Spanish course. This means I have been studying foreign languages since primary school until my university degree when I was 25 years old. This made me decide to write on the following topic: why non-native English speakers can be good TEFL teachers. Table of Contents Teaching qualities important for...  [Read more]

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 Mark Crocker Destinations The Best Places for Non-Native English Speakers to Teach English Abroad Although it is true that there are some countries where employers will only consider native English speaking ESL teachers, either due to government restrictions or simply personal preference, there are still plenty of great opportunities across the world for non-native English speakers. In this article, we look at the best teaching destinations for people who are not from one of the countries generally consider to be native English speaking. Typically, these countries are Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the USA. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Where to Teach English in Asia Teaching in Thailand Teaching in Cambodia Teaching...  [Read more]

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Top Tip for Non-native English Speakers to Improve Their English Skills For both non-native and native English speakers, continuous development of language skills remains invaluable. Let's explore practical approaches to enhance your English proficiency: Table of Contents Listening to real-life English Immersive Language Apps Virtual Language Exchanges Formal learning Summary Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Listening to real-life English To refine your English skills, immerse yourself in engaging content available on platforms like YouTube, offering channels related to interests such as woodworking, gardening, or...  [Read more]

Can non-native English speakers take a TEFL course? Absolutely YES! Large numbers of non-native English speakers complete our TEFL courses each year and go on to have successful careers teaching English either in their home country or further afield. In order to successfully complete the course you will need to demonstrate a high standard of English, but it is certainly not a barrier that will stop you from becoming a fully qualified EFL teacher. Are there any advantages to being a non-native English language teacher? In many cases being a non-native English speaker can actually be an advantage in the classroom as you have already been through the same experience that your students are currently facing. This can help to build a good rapport between the students and the teacher as they...  [Read more]

Can non-native English speakers take a TEFL course? Definitely! Numerous non-native English speakers enroll in and successfully complete our TEFL courses annually. These graduates often embark on rewarding teaching careers both domestically and abroad. While a proficient command of English is required to ace the course, being a non-native speaker isn't a hindrance. In fact, it provides a unique perspective, making you a valuable asset in the EFL teaching world. Table of Contents Are there any advantages to being a non-native English language teacher? Where do non-native English language teachers teach? Are there any advantages to being a non-native English language teacher? Non-native English teachers bring several unique advantages to the classroom. Firstly, having undergone the...  [Read more]

The Best Places for Non-Native English Speakers to Teach English Abroad   Discover the top destinations where non-native English speakers can thrive as English teachers. Gain insights into teaching opportunities, qualification requirements, and tips for maximizing employability. Learn how to overcome language barriers and build confidence in the classroom. Whether you're an aspiring educator or seeking a rewarding career change, this webinar is your gateway to a world of possibilities! Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: https://bit.ly/37gs5vO What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: https://bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: https://bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want:...  [Read more]

Wed, 12 May 2021 Federico Riva TEFL Information Where to teach English Online: Best Websites to Teach on for Both Native and Non-Native Speakers Hello everybody, Liza here and I'm super glad to welcome you to today's session. I'm excited that it didn't take long after the previous one and by the way if you didn't see the previous live stream I strongly recommend you do because last week we discussed teaching in China. I know that many people are interested in going abroad to teach and to discover new cultures. So if you want to know a little bit more about it feel free to check it out. Today we are going to talk about a slightly different approach to teaching which is online teaching. Today's session will take approximately 45 minutes. First we'll cover some of the teaching modes in...  [Read more]

Wed, 30 May 2018 Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information 4 Striking Advantages for Non-Native English Teachers in the TEFL Classroom "Teaching English abroad is impossible for non-native English speakers!" - This is a statement we often hear as teacher trainers around the world but it's a huge misconception. Actually, the ratio of non-native to native English teachers around the world has sharply increased to 4 to 1 in recent years. This goes to show that the global EFL teaching market has undergone a large shift in hiring preference. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Most non-native speakers have studied English in depth and detail Non-native English teachers understand what it's like to learn a second language - they've done it too! Non-native English speaking teachers are...  [Read more]

Where to teach English Online: Best Websites to Teach on for Both Native and Non-Native Speakers   In this live session, Liza will tell about several platforms to teach on as a native or non-native TEFL teacher. #TEFL#BestTEFL #TeachEnglishOnline Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: https://bit.ly/37gs5vO What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: https://bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: https://bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want: https://bit.ly/3ltqEPL Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Check out ITTT's Blog Posts  [Read more]

Where to teach english online: Best Websites to Teach on for Both Native and Non-Native Speakers 04/14/2021 hello everybody so lisa's here and i'm super glad to um welcome you to today's session i'm excited that um it didn't take long uh after the previous one and by the way if you didn't see uh the previous lifestyle i strongly recommend you to do that because um last week we discussed uh teaching in china and i know that many people are interested in going abroad to teach and to discover new cultures so if you want uh to know a little bit more about it um just feel free to check out the previous life and today we are actually going to talk about a slightly different approach to teaching which is online teaching uh it is also super valuable and uh today's session uh will will take...  [Read more]

Where to teach English Online: Best Websites to Teach on for Both Native and Non-Native Speakers   Hello everybody, Liza here and I'm super glad to welcome you to today's session. I'm excited that it didn't take long after the previous one and by the way if you didn't see the previous live stream I strongly recommend you do because last week we discussed teaching in China. I know that many people are interested in going abroad to teach and to discover new cultures. So if you want to know a little bit more about it feel free to check it out. Today we are going to talk about a slightly different approach to teaching which is online teaching. Today's session will take approximately 45 minutes. First we'll cover some of the teaching modes in online teaching because there are actually a...  [Read more]

Fri, 08 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Difficulties of Learning English as a Native Japanese Speaker Learning another language is one of the most powerful tools for connecting people around the world from different cultures. Opening an immeasurable amount of opportunities, learning English has many benefits including but not limited to expanding career options, exercising another part of the brain, and improving the ease of traveling to a foreign country. However, particularly for natives of Eastern countries, learning English may be very difficult due to the exoticism of sounds, writing, pronunciation, and structure. While Japan is unique in a sense, having a booming influence of Western culture after World War II, native Japanese learners face difficulties in...  [Read more]

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Top Tips for Teaching English as a Non-Native Speaker Hello! Liza is here and if you are guys getting on this stream, let me know if you hear and see me. Table of Contents Watch the live session here I'm specialized in general English, and I often work with young learners as well. From my perspective, TEFL certification is a significant first step to obtain before looking for a position in a real classroom or even online because it gives you a gist of teaching in general. So if you are interested in teaching English, don't forget about the many opportunities you have for your self-development and your teaching skills development. So if you are willing to take a TEFL course or if you know anyone...  [Read more]

Native English Speakers Wanted to Teach TEFL in Costa Rica Date posted:2008-08-25 | Writer: Berlitz Costa Rica | Email: [email protected] We are currently looking for TEFL qualified native English speakers with some teaching experience for positions in the Greater Metropolitan area of San Jose. Applicants must be outgoing, customer oriented and dynamic. Business knowledge a plus. If you want to work in a multinational environment and live in the nature-blessed country, we look forward to receiving your application. Full-time and Part-time positions available (Monday to Friday and Saturday morning), College degree a plus. Bilingual applicants (English + any other language) are desirable. Working Visa required, center will help and guide through the process. Visas are granted without...  [Read more]

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Common Problems for Italian Learners of English In my past, I have lived in many different countries and language environments. I have come to learn that the best way to gain an understanding of a new language is to be absorbed in it. In countries where English is widely spoken as a foreign language (Scandinavian countries for example), learning the language of the country can be much more difficult. It is uncomfortable not being able to express oneself, so English offers a cane of comfort, but also a disservice. Unless one goes through this part of the learning process where speaking is hard for you and maybe even for your listener, fluency can never be achieved. Table of Contents Personal Experience Structure of the Italian...  [Read more]