How To Make International Friends

Making friends while teaching English abroad is a common concern for many. Yet, once settled into their new surroundings, most teachers find forming connections easier than anticipated. In many teaching destinations, you are likely not the only foreign instructor, providing immediate camaraderie with peers. Moreover, the local community often embraces teachers warmly, eager to share their culture and help newcomers acclimate. Engaging with both fellow teachers and locals presents plenty of opportunities to build lasting friendships.Table of Contents Will I make friends with work colleagues when teaching English abroad? Will I make friends with the local people? How can I find like minded people in the local area? Can I get involved in local sports groups? Where do expats...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences My first language was French –-the language of my Cajun-born mother. She wanted to pass on her cultural heritage and therefore spoke to her first-born child, me, only in French. However, once I was put into kindergarten and was unable to communicate or understand any of my teachers or classmates, my parents reverted to English because they feared to set me back in school.Table of Contents Personal Experience Different Learning Modes Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Madeleine K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Despite understanding their fear, I did not appreciate my...  [Read more]

TEFL employers may prefer to hire couples or friends for teaching positions due to several reasons: Hiring couples or friends as TEFL teachers can have several advantages: Hiring couples or friends as TEFL teachers can present challenges due to potential complications that may arise from their personal relationships. Issues that may arise include: When couples or friends participate in a TEFL program, it can have both positive and negative impacts on the overall dynamic of the workplace. Here are some ways in which the presence of couples or friends in a TEFL program can affect the workplace dynamic:  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Native English speakers sometimes take the requirements of the language for granted. English is part of the European language family and most of its words come from Ancient Greek and Latin, which are common in other languages spoken in Europe. However, for students learning the language, English is very hard to learn. It is even more surprising the fact that other countries made English their second language, such as Singapore, Norway, Finland, and Denmark to name a few. In many parts of the world, English is spoken more fluently compared to American and British speakers. To give a few examples of how confusing, contradicting, and difficult English is, many foreign speakers learning the language always question: why does hamburger have no ham? Why is...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences I never thought I needed to take a test to teach English before doing the TEFL course. Graduating from an all American boarding school to doing my undergrad in Denver, Colorado and using my time off to teach English in India I did not think a test would benefit me in any way. It was not until I was required to attain a teaching certificate in the country of Thailand where I did my research and decided upon taking the TEFL. There are two main reasons as to why I think the TEFL would benefit anyone: 1. Time efficient and 2. Educational.Table of Contents Taking the TEFL course is time efficient. There are so many things I was able to learn from taking the TEFL course. The TEFL course is time efficient and has proven to be educational. Are you ready to...  [Read more]

Absolutely, many couples and friends venture abroad together to teach English. In fact, some schools may even hire them to teach at the same institution. However, before embarking on this journey together, it is essential to consider and plan for various aspects of living and working in a foreign country.Table of Contents Where can couples or friends teach English abroad together? Do TEFL employers tend to employ couples or friends? When is the best time for couples or friends to find work teaching English? If you plan to set off abroad with a friend or partner, it is vital that you choose a destination where you both have a good chance of finding employment. Although you might dream of working in a tropical beach resort with swaying palm trees and a laidback lifestyle, this...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker TEFL Information As the very essence of teaching English abroad involves leaving behind your friends and family and the social life you have been used to, it is inevitable that many newly qualified teachers have some concerns about making new friends once they head overseas. However, just like the many thousands of teachers who have gone before you, you will find that making the decision to leave home is actually the hard part and everything else will soon fall into place. To help set your mind at ease, we have put together 5 top tips for making new friends while teaching English abroad.Table of Contents 1. Get to Know Your New Colleagues 2. Meet-Up with Like Minded People 3. Join a Local Sports Group 4. Find out Where the Expats Hangout 5. Learn the Local Language Listen...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is a significant life choice, but it doesn't necessarily mean losing touch with loved ones. While distance can pose challenges, modern technology offers various communication tools, from video calls to instant messaging. Regardless of age or independence, maintaining regular contact with family and friends can alleviate concerns and share experiences. With a bit of effort and the right tools, staying connected is entirely feasible.Table of Contents Who should be responsible for maintaining contact while teaching overseas? How important is social media while teaching English abroad? Should I start a blog while teaching English abroad? What else can I do to maintain contact with home while teaching English abroad? While it is easy to make excuses and pass the buck,...  [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?Table of Contents Freedom Money Experiences Friends Loneliness Red Tape Discrimination The Job 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...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I firmly believe that as a non-English speaker it wouldn't hurt to make friends in the classroom. and besides, it would be very advantageous for both parties too. There is a lot of reason why an individual is hesitant to approach their classmate. He/she could be self-conscious, intimidated to engage because he/she is not confident in their English ability, they are afraid to approach just because they are too shy.Table of Contents Role of a Teacher Benefits Modern Technologies Challenge and Support Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Odessa M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. That's why...  [Read more]

1. Overview of ITTT ESL Summer Camps in Brazil 2. Benefits of Participating in ITTT ESL Summer Camps 3. Activities and Curriculum Offered at ITTT ESL Summer Camps 4. How to Enroll in ITTT ESL Summer Camps Are you looking for an exciting and enriching experience this summer? Look no further than ITTT ESL Summer Camps in Brazil! Our camps offer a unique opportunity for students of all ages to immerse themselves in English language learning while enjoying fun activities and making new friends. With a focus on interactive learning and cultural exchange, ITTT ESL Summer Camps provide a memorable and educational experience for participants. One of the key advantages of attending ITTT ESL Summer Camps in Brazil is the opportunity to improve English language skills in a dynamic and immersive...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a fun multi-purpose worksheet to practice writing and speaking skills about a student's best friend.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

If you are just starting out on your TEFL journey you are sure to have many questions about the world of teaching English as a foreign language. Here we concentrate on everything related to our courses and getting TEFL certified, whether it is advice on which course would suit you best or information on how the course actually works, you should hopefully find the answers with the help of our FAQs. So, dive in and get your teaching adventure underway with ITTT. How long does a TEFL course take?    We offer a range of TEFL courses to suit different requirements and most do not have a set timetable. The exception is our in-class TEFL course that runs for a set four-week period. All our online courses can be completed at any pace up to a maximum of six months. Can...  [Read more]

If you are nearing the end of your TEFL certification course or you are already certified but have yet to start teaching, you will probably have a number of questions regarding English language teaching jobs. In our FAQs below we tackle a wide range of questions, from which countries offer the best options to how to go about landing a position in your country of choice. You will also find answers about job interviews, how to prepare your documentation, and a whole host of other job related info. What questions should I ask a TEFL employer?    To decide whether a job is right for you it is essential to get as much information as possible during the interview. You should be clear on areas such as salary, working hours, class size, student's age, and the...  [Read more]

Once you have completed your TEFL certification and started looking for potential English language teaching jobs, you will need to consider what visas and work permits you might require in order to start working in your favored location. In some countries it is very straightforward, while others might require you to jump through the odd hoop or two. Take a look at our FAQs below that cover the visa and document situation in some of the most popular overseas teaching destinations. Can I get a work visa to teach English in Germany?    While there are numerous opportunities for language teachers in towns and cities across Germany, it is not always easy for non-Europeans to secure a visa that allows them to stay long-term. However, it is certainly possible if you are...  [Read more]

Although for many people money is not the main driving force behind teaching English abroad, it is still an important part of the TEFL journey as your salary will often dictate what you can afford to do during your adventures and how much you can potentially save at the end of the month. In our FAQs below we look at the average salaries in all the most popular teaching destinations, as well as any typical perks and bonuses you can expect in different locations. How much can I earn teaching English abroad?    Regions such as the Middle East and Asia offer the potential to earn salaries as high as $5,000 USD per month. Other areas such as Europe and Latin America have less in the way of high paying jobs but are still popular due to the culture and lifestyle. Can I...  [Read more]

One very popular option when looking for a job teaching English abroad is to join a national recruitment scheme that places teachers into local schools. Several countries around the world have well-established programs that actively recruit teachers before they leave their home country. Another major benefit of this route into teaching is that your visas and work permits will be organized for you and accommodation and flights are often included. Check out our FAQs covering the various options below. What is the TAPIF Program for teaching English in France?    One of the most popular and convenient ways to secure a job teaching English abroad is to apply for a government recruitment program that places teachers into public schools. The TAPIF Program offers a great...  [Read more]

Teaching English online is becoming more popular every year due to the convenience of working from home and the flexibility you often have with setting your own work hours. However, it can sometimes be hard to navigate your way towards the right job as there are so many online platforms and there are new ones popping up all the time. A quick browse through our FAQs below should help answer your questions about teaching English online and steer you towards the right path to suit your preferences. Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English online?    Although it is possible to teach English online without any formal qualifications, it is definitely recommended that you complete a TEFL course before you get started as many online teaching platforms require...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This lucky 4-leaf clover worksheet is a great way to get to know your students better. Have them write a sentence about their wishes for their family, the world, a friend, and themselves and share their wishes with the class.   Use this lucky 4-leaf clover to get to know your students better. As they write a sentence about their wishes for their family, the world, a friend, and themselves, you'll be surprised about how much you learn about them.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Kavinna Batra Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Interactive education is all about teaching students in a way that engages them directly in their learning process. There are numerous ways of building an engagement like this. Most of the time, it is byTable of Contents Think, pair, and share Brainstorming Buzz session Exit slips Misconception check Circle the questions Ask the winner Pair-share-repeat Teacher and student Wisdom from another Are you ready to teach English? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! You inspire the students to be involved in class participation, think independently, and use their minds, leading to a longer memory retention. The students' awareness grows, but their interest, strength, expertise, team spirit, and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Generally, anything planned well in advance comes out much better and well organized as compared to something that is just done anyhow in any manner without any planning. As a teacher, it is important to know what you want to teach, why you want to teach and most importantly how you intend to teach. All these questions can only be answered when Lesson planning is done.Table of Contents Teaching Goal Students' Age Lesson Stages Learners' Level Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Lucia F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In trying to answer the questions raised above it is clear that the...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Teaching Ideas Speaking and writing are the two productive skills taught in the classroom. Although they both are developed in different ways, they are used to measure the communication competence that the students have. However, most of the times teachers and students cannot get the most out of these productive skills. Let´s take a look at techniques from experience that can help us develop these skills efficiently with students.Table of Contents For Rapport Building To Get to Know Students To Give a Feedback Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Diana M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Writing and...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a fun ESL worksheet where students can make their own pizza and add their favorite ingredients.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

To create a compelling online teaching demo, it is crucial to exhibit both your expertise and personality. To guide your efforts, here is a step-by-step breakdown:  Table of Contents Make sure you have a clear plan Keep things as simple as possible Practice, practice, practice Remember to smile! Having a clear plan is a straightforward rule that should apply to every lesson you ever deliver in the classroom, whether online or in-class. When preparing your demo lesson you might be given a specific topic and a level of language learner, or you might be left to decide for yourself. Either way, having a prearranged plan in place will help ensure everything goes smoothly. A fully detailed lesson plan is not necessarily needed, but a structure needs to be put in place that allows you to...  [Read more]

Yes, you can make a long-term career out of TEFL by pursuing further qualifications, gaining experience, and specializing in certain areas of English language teaching. Expanding on the topic: To advance in a TEFL career, consider the following steps: Long-term TEFL teachers have excellent job prospects due to the high demand for English language instruction worldwide. Here are some key points to consider: Skills that are important for building a successful career in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) include:  [Read more]

Before we answer this question we will first look at the three most common routes towards TEFL qualifications. A TEFL qualification is usually a prerequisite when looking for TEFL employment of any kind. These are: 1) Online courses: a 120-hour TEFL certificate course is the entry level qualification for most jobs. This type of course is conducted 100% online. 2) In-class courses: this type of course is conducted 100% in-class at a location somewhere in the world. Typically these courses also involve teaching practice. 3) Combined courses: this type of course is conducted by a combination of online study followed by a short in-class attendance to complete teaching practice. Table of Contents Three most common working options What other roles can TEFL teachers move into? School...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I would like to start by first explaining what means to teach, which by a vague definition is to cause the student to learn and acquire the knowledge that is taught in the classroom to meet all the objectives that are previously set by the institution and by the teacher. In other words, the process of teaching is formulated and organized in such a psychological and educational way for both the learner and the teacher to be able to attain some prearranged goals.Table of Contents Teaching Profession Teacher's Uniqueness Are there Good Teachers? English as a Subject Learning Types Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alexandra R. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Online learning has expanded rapidly to meet increasing demand over the past decade and appears to be continuing to grow. This change is unlikely to be reversed despite future conditions changing. This being the case, we should consider that online ESL teaching will probably be the dominant teaching approach in the future and remain a good employment opportunity for many years to come.Table of Contents Working for a company Freelancing Profile marketplace Pros Cons Conclusion Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Over the last two decades, the ESL industry has gone through major changes. From the days of a backpacker's...  [Read more]

The growing global demand for English language skills has made teaching English abroad a viable and financially rewarding career for many English speakers. Salaries can vary based on location, qualifications, and institution type, yet they are generally competitive enough to afford a comfortable lifestyle. In certain high-demand countries, ESL teachers can earn between $2,000 and $5,000 per month, which clearly demonstrates the feasibility of making a living through TEFL jobs internationally.Table of Contents Consider these factors when considering potential TEFL salaries: How much money can I make teaching English in Asia? What can I expect to earn when teaching English in the Middle East? What can I expect to earn when teaching English in Europe? What can I expect to earn when teaching...  [Read more]

Yes, it is possible to make a living by teaching English online. Online English teaching has become a popular and viable option for many language educators. Here are some key points to consider: Teaching English online as a full-time job offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive career choice for many educators. Some of the advantages include: To teach English online as a career, you will typically need the following qualifications: To start teaching English online and earn a sustainable income, follow these steps:  [Read more]