How To Learn About Different Cultures

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

Should we teach culture in the EFL classroom? Absolutely. Language is deeply intertwined with culture, serving as its vocal representation. While mastering vocabulary and grammar is crucial, to fully understand the essence of English, EFL students should immerse themselves in the culture of English-speaking nations. This entails exploring cultural facets like music, films, literature, culinary traditions, and even fashion. Incorporating cultural elements not only enriches EFL lessons but also resonates with students, making the learning process more engaging and comprehensive. Table of Contents Use authentic materials Compare two cultures Introduce live native speakers Use food as a tool Use songs as a tool Use Online Resources Use authentic materials Authentic materials can be anything...  [Read more]

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom Sensitivity as a Center for Successful Learning Experience When teaching a class of students of different ages, genders, religions, and cultures, a teacher must take each of these things into consideration to be sure that all of the students feel that they are being provided with a safe learning environment. Of each of these, one of the most commonly discussed topics that teachers need to be aware of is cultural sensitivity. Table of Contents Awareness To-Do List Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rachel O. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Awareness There are many...  [Read more]

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 Minh Huy Hoang Destinations Tips for EFL Teachers Coming to Teach English in Vietnam For an expat in Vietnam, the vast majority of work opportunities are tied to teaching English. These also happen to be among the best-paid jobs in the country. English is big business and teaching the language is a great way for an expat to earn a living in Vietnam. For those looking to do just that, here are some valuable tips. Table of Contents Learning About Vietnamese Culture Understanding Local Differences The Vietnamese Learning Method Are you ready to teach English in Vietnam? Related Articles: Learning About Vietnamese Culture First of all, you have to learn briefly about the culture of the country to be able to integrate. Here I would like to speak briefly about the...  [Read more]

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why Cultural Awareness is Important for Teachers Even in picking on what books and materials to aid the lesson, from authentic to created, cultural awareness should always be part of the consideration. The cultural background of the students should be first studied and researched, as this will play a significant role in the learning process. Even though many students may have been exposed to cultural exchange programs, personal interactions, and awareness through social media, we still differ in cultural needs. Table of Contents The Power of First Impression Attitude Towards Various Contexts How to Learn about a New Culture Faster Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our...  [Read more]

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why and How to Acquire Cultural Competency in the ESL Classroom I am a South African who has worked in South Korea for more than eight years and one of the most important tools as an ESL teacher from a whole different nationality and culture has been the knowledge and awareness of cultural sensitivity in the classroom. When I meet a new ESL teacher and they ask me for advice this is usually the first thing I recommend: become an expert in the culture. It helps you meet the needs of your students and it creates a comfortable environment in which your students want to learn. In this essay we will look at what is culture, strategies for culture learning and how to assess your level of cultural competence. Table of Contents Firstly let's...  [Read more]

Provider TEFL Online Check out tefl tesol about Provider TEFL Online and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts G.B. - Australia said: Cultural sensitivity in the classroomWithin any classroom, but perhaps more importantly in an ESL classroom, there is a heightened need for classes to be taught with cultural sensitivity and with a lack of bias, prejudice or discrimination. If the teacher is aware and diligent in applying strategies to minimise the risk of offense or misunderstanding, there will be an increased potential for the student?s learning, and comfort within the classroom. As...  [Read more]

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching ESL Classes vs. EFL Classes Programs in English as a second language (ESL) generally take place in countries where English is the dominant or official language. People participating in an ESL program likely immigrated to an English-speaking country from a non-English speaking county and so are learning English as a language to be used in their everyday lives. In contrast, programs in English as a foreign language (EFL) generally take place in countries where English is not the official or dominant language. People participating in an EFL program are likely still in their home country and may or may not ever use English outside of the EFL classroom. This fundamental difference between the two types of programs can lead to...  [Read more]

Prices Accelerated TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Prices Accelerated TEFL and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts E.M. - Philippines said: Cultural Sensitivity in the ClassroomIf I were to choose one word that basically sums up what the world is experiencing today, it would be globalization. The advent of the Digital Age brought about the emergence of a "global village" characterized by faster markets, a more continuous transfer of technologies and capabilities, a freer movement of people and goods, and quicker real-time exchange of information - making borders and territories...  [Read more]

Fastest TEFL Lessons Check out tefl tesol about Fastest TEFL Lessons and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts C.B. - Australia said: Promoting cultural sensitivity in an ESL classroomAn ESL classroom is perhaps one of the most culturally diverse learning environments. Cultural diversity involves more than different languages. Learners from different cultures have different ways to think, to act, to react and to express themselves. How can a teacher promote cultural diversity in an ESL classroom and ensure a respectful environment allowing students from different cultural background to...  [Read more]

College Complete TEFL Check out tefl tesol about College Complete TEFL and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts Y.T. - Japan said: Cultural Sensitivity in the ClassroomCultural sensitivity in the classroom is one of the biggest factors in deciding the class' openess towards cultural differences, and whether the class can operate on an equal basis in a class of multicultural students. This issue is becoming more important as the globalization continues to spread, and students are more likely than ever to share a class with those of different countries and cultures in this world of...  [Read more]

Companies Internet TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Companies Internet TEFL and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts B. A. - Japan said: Building Confidence in StudentsHelping build confidence in students is a vital part of the EFL teacher?s role in the classroom. A confident student is more likely to be motivated, willing to try, inquisitive and ultimately successful in learning. There are many factors which can influence an individual?s confidence. The role of the teacher is to be aware of these factors and create and environment for the learner where these factors are minimized if...  [Read more]

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences My Foreign Language Experience and Why I Want to be TEFL/TESOL Certified As someone of mixed heritage, I have always had an interest in learning about cultures other than the one I live in America. My father is Colombian and my mother is American, so growing up I felt obliged to learn more about the Colombian background I was fairly unfamiliar with. Table of Contents First-Language Background Interest in Foreign Cultures Work Abroad English Teaching Plan Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Catherine P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. First-Language Background I never...  [Read more]

Sat, 25 May 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching ESL vs. EFL - What’s the difference? ESL is English which is usually taught to students in an English speaking country. EFL is English which is taught to students in a foreign, non-English speaking country. As it is true of many European countries, where is common to learn to speak more than one foreign language. For these reasons ESL is typically the term used in the United States, an English-speaking nation, whereas EFL is more often the term of choice in countries where English is not the native language. Table of Contents What's ESL? What's EFL? Teaching ESL versus teaching EFL ESL Students Need... 1. Hands-on English lessons suitable for their immediate needs. 2. Explicit cultural instruction. 3....  [Read more]

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Is it Difficult to Teach Children Online? Most would say it's an almost impossible task, one that requires a lot of patience and repetition. How are you supposed to keep their interest? How do you communicate to them efficiently despite not being physically present? Teaching children may not be an easy task, however, I believe it would be a most rewarding one. Teaching online is something that I have been keen on and would like to venture into after completing this course. We are moving into a digital world where we will all soon be connected over the internet. This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to reach and enrich the lives of children globally. Table of Contents Is it a good choice? Cultural exchange Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Mon, 11 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Learning with Diversity One of the main things to keep in mind at all times as a TEFL teacher is the concept of cultural sensitivity. As a TEFL teacher, many possible scenarios may come up as culturally inappropriate for the country that one may be teaching in at the time. It is important to develop a thorough understanding of how to prepare oneself beforehand as well as the importance behind that understanding of the difference in cultural beliefs and norms. There are many benefits to showing an attitude of acceptance and respect for the cultures. This issue needs to be addressed from all angles to secure a healthy relationship with the students. Table of Contents Reasons to be culturally sensitive Benefits of cultural diversity...  [Read more]

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 3 Practical Ways to Be Culturally Sensitive Cultural sensitivity derives from the differences among different cultures throughout the world. In the context of English teaching, teachers who move to another country must seriously consider the cultural pattern in the targeted country or region. Table of Contents 1. Learn about a new culture 2. Control your actions 3. Consider socio-political environment Are you ready to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Eleana V. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. 1. Learn about a new culture Cultural diversity is by default a very interesting topic and...  [Read more]

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Necessity of Translation for the English Language Learners A language is a particular form of communicating information, feelings, or ideas. Words and speech change depending on the country, area, or social group. The language belongs to the Culture 's Universe and Culture is undoubtedly evolutionary. So does language. Thus, when one has to put in touch people with different mother tongue, from different countries, different age, etc. They have to take into consideration they will put in touch different cultures. In order to get this communication successful for teaching or learning a new language, it is important that teachers and students understand what these differences are. Table of Contents Historical Features of...  [Read more]

Additional TEFL Centers Check out tefl tesol about Additional TEFL Centers and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts A.A. - Japan said: English as a global language As the 21st century unfolds, the rapid rise of globalization and information has spread throughout the world significantly and continues to do so. One of the fantastic aspects of this is that language which is one of,if not the most important medium to communicate has become the prime mode to which information is distributed across the globe. Due to the rapid global expansion of languages and businesses, English has grown...  [Read more]

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Reading Books in Early Childhood Stories are an important part of any culture, English speaking or not. They can be oral or written and can showcase how culture works and their history. Whether old traditional stories or new popular current stories, the tales we share with young children can shape their developing ideas and values. Table of Contents How can you and your students benefit from storytelling? Stories in language learning Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rochelle L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. How can you and your students benefit from storytelling? When...  [Read more]

Where is EFL taught? Within the world of English language teaching there are many acronyms used to describe what type of teaching is involved in any particular scenario. EFL is one of the more common ones you will come across and it stands for English as a Foreign Language. You will find EFL is most commonly used when describing the teaching or learning of English in a non-English speaking country, such as Spain, Japan, or Mexico. What’s the difference between EFL and ESL? It is very common for either of these acronyms to be used when talking about any situation where a student is learning English, however, there is a technical difference between the two. As previously mentioned, EFL is when the student is learning English in a non-English speaking environment, for example, a Japanese...  [Read more]

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching Monolingual vs. Multilingual Groups: What You Need To Know A multilingual class is a class where the learners speak a variety of first languages. A monolingual class is a class where all the learners speak the same first language. I have been working in international school setting for over 13 years. The classes are multilingual classes where students come from different cultures and English is the common language for them to communicate with their teachers and classmates. Table of Contents Common Difficulties Common Culture Exposure to English Mother Tongue Are you ready to take a TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post By contrast, English classes in local schools and universities in China...  [Read more]

Where is EFL taught? EFL, standing for English as a Foreign Language, predominantly refers to the instruction of English in non-English speaking countries. This encompasses many popular countries for teaching such as Spain, Japan, Mexico, and numerous others. In these settings, learners engage with English even though it is not the dominant language of their environment. While EFL can also denote courses in English-speaking nations, its primary context is the teaching or learning of English where it isn't the native language. Table of Contents What's the difference between EFL and ESL? What's the difference between teaching EFL and teaching ESL? What's the difference between EFL and ESL? It is very common for either of these acronyms to be used when talking about any situation where a...  [Read more]

Mon, 18 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Best English Teacher’s Personal Qualities Teaching is not an easy profession, to begin with. Furthermore, teaching English as a foreign language adds even more complications and considerations. Many different qualities contribute to the aptitude of an English teacher. For starters, one must have the aptitude for the language itself. English, like all other languages, is a difficult and complex language. To teach a language properly, the teacher must have a certain level of fluency in that language. Although this may seem obvious, it is an important requirement because teaching a student incorrectly is almost worse than not teaching them anything at all. Therefore, fluency in English is an important enough characteristic that I...  [Read more]

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Consciousness on Classroom Sensitivity Cultural sensitivity is important to bear in mind as we all face situations daily: whether in our working environment or on a personal level. Within the Western English speaking world, we can see that there is the presence of a dominant culture (such as European American, or Western Culture) and a secondary culture (such as African, Chinese, or Eastern European culture). It is always important to bear in mind that while the English language may be widespread over the globe, the differences in culture even between people living within the same country has a profound effect on how interactions take place. In the environment of the classroom, the same examples can be seen. Whether the students...  [Read more]

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why is it Valuable to Incorporate Music and Songs into Your Teaching? Enjoying music is an essential part of the human experience, so it follows that incorporating the use of songs in the classroom can be an enriching part of an English learner's journey. Songs and music can be used in a variety of EFL classrooms, across all cultures, levels of learning, and ages. The benefits of incorporating music in English language study vary from simple vocabulary learning to discover themes about cultures different than the student's own. Table of Contents For Younger Students For Older Groups Building Vocabulary and Learning Grammar Intuitively Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by...  [Read more]

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Reasons Why Incorporating Music and Songs is Valuable for ESL Students Enjoying music is an essential part of the human experience, so it follows that incorporating the use of songs in the classroom can be an enriching part of an English learner's journey. Songs and music can be used in a variety of EFL classrooms, across all cultures, levels of learning, and ages. The benefits of incorporating music in English language study vary from simple vocabulary learning to discover themes about cultures different than the student's own. Table of Contents Students' Age Atmosphere Conceptual Learning Vocabulary Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why I took the ITTT TEFL course? Understanding the importance of teaching the English language. The last 10 years the world have witnessed an increase in teaching English as a 2nd language, as we witness a shift in structural teaching to commutative and learning center approach, This new approach in teaching ESL to recognize the importance of ESL to the student, they suggest teaching methods and teaching techniques that help learner acquire the language in anxiety reduce environment. Table of Contents Understanding the importance of teaching the English language. Why I am here The course and unites My expectation My goals. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by...  [Read more]

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas One More Point of View on the Importance of Stories for English Learning in Early Childhood Early childhood is the period from 0-8 years old, it is a time of remarkable growth with brain development at its peak. During this stage, children are highly influenced by the environment and the people that surround them. We can say further that Early childhood education is a branch of education that relates to the teaching of children from birth to the age of eight, therefore covering infancy, kindergarten and the early school years up to grades 3. So how does storytelling come in? Well, storytelling does a lot here because this stage is very crucial to a child's early physical, socio-emotional, cognitive and linguistic development. Table...  [Read more]

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Cultural Sensitivity in the Classroom – Focus on Teaching English To Non-Native Speakers Today's classroom is a global entity and unless appropriately addressed, issues of cultural diversity have the potential to severely diminish the success of even the most dedicated teachers and promising students. In order to promote an atmosphere that enables all students to be successful in learning English in the ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom, it is critical that each student feels safe, respected and appreciated. In today's diverse and multi-cultural climate, this sensitivity has never been more important. Table of Contents Creating An Environment To Promote Cultural Sensitivity Showing interest in your...  [Read more]