Older Teachers

How do I get a job teaching English in Cambodia? Cambodia is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most promising TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) destinations in Southeast Asia. Boasting a vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, it captivates an increasing number of foreign teachers who choose to call it home. The country's most renowned gem, Angkor Wat, stands as an extraordinary temple complex, offering awe-inspiring views and remarkable architecture that can occupy visitors for days. The growing demand for English teachers in Cambodia is fueled by the nation's increasing reliance on international tourism and trade, as well as its young population, with approximately 60% under the age of thirty. The country's low cost of living and minimal restrictions on teacher...  [Read more]

Are there any age limits for TEFL teaching? In the world of TEFL teaching, age isn't a limiting factor. While you must be at least 18 years old to enroll in our ITTT courses, there is no upper age limit. We have trained enthusiastic individuals across all age spectrums, from young adults to seniors. Regardless of age, if you are a native or near-native English speaker with a passion for learning and an openness to new experiences, you are perfectly poised for success in TEFL teaching. Table of Contents Can older teachers find jobs teaching English abroad? Are some regions better than others for older EFL teachers? How can I level the playing field as an older EFL teacher? Can older teachers find jobs teaching English abroad? Age isn't a barrier when it comes to TEFL teaching. While...  [Read more]

Is 30 too old to teach English abroad? In the modern era, career trajectories are no longer linear, with many branching out into varied professions at different life stages. Teaching English abroad has emerged as a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing career pivot. With the right qualifications, which can be quickly attained, opportunities in the TEFL world are vast and inclusive. The prerequisites mainly include a strong grasp of English and the zeal to make a meaningful impact. Age, in this context, is largely inconsequential. Whether you are 18, 30, or even older, teaching English overseas remains a viable and fulfilling option. To directly address the query: 30 is by no means too old to embark on this enriching journey. Table of Contents What's the typical age of an English...  [Read more]

Are there any age restrictions when teaching English in Asia? When it comes to teaching English in Asia, age can sometimes play a role. Typically, there are no strict age limits, with most countries only requiring teachers to be over 21. However, while many positions are open to younger individuals, seasoned educators can also find opportunities, leveraging their vast experience. It is essential to note that specific age preferences can vary by country, and while some regions may have age-related hiring biases, others value the maturity and wisdom that comes with age. Table of Contents How does the local retirement age affect English teachers in Asia? Are employers reluctant to hire more mature teachers in Asia? Is it true that Asian cultures have huge respect for older generations? Does...  [Read more]

Francesca Marchi I’m Francesca, an experienced teacher of ESL and Italian as a second language. I have been teaching for about 10 years now to different age groups, especially adults, in a country area in the north of Italy. I also worked as a language translator in a local company for 9 years. I adore everything that revolves around the English language and I’m proud of my ITTT TESOL certification as well as of my other qualifications and degrees. I really like traveling and the latest trips I have taken with my family are fabulous: for instance, we have completed the Kumano Kodo in Japan and the Way of St. James in Spain on foot so now we all are ‘Dual Pilgrims’(Dual Pilgrim » Enrico De Renoche & Erminia De Renoche …). We have also driven along America’s Mother Road,...  [Read more]

Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories Teaching English in Taiwan ✅ The Hidden Gem of Asia Christian Davey Destinations Alumni Experiences Are you interested in teaching English in Taiwan? ✅ Here's a first-hand report on what it's like to teach in one of Asia's best kept hidden gems! A Day in the Life of an ALT on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme Georgia Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Are you interested in teaching English in Japan? ✅ Here's what a day in the life of an ALT on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme looks like! How to Build Strong Reading Skills from Early Childhood Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on...  [Read more]

Are there any age restrictions when teaching English in Asia? Although TEFL qualified teachers are able to find work in a wide range of countries throughout Asia, there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of before you decide on a destination. In some countries a 4-year university degree is necessary and some will only allow native English speakers to teach in their schools. Another issue that is worth considering is your age as it can be a factor in some situations in Asia. How does the local retirement age affect English teachers in Asia? In some Asian countries there is a strict retirement age for local teachers that also applies to foreign EFL teachers working there. In popular teaching destinations such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, schools are unable to...  [Read more]

The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers Top 10 ESL Activities for Older English Learners Francesca Marchi TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Are you teaching English abroad or online to older students? ✅ Here are 10 ESL activities for older English learners for you to try. 5 Secrets How to Teach English Grammar to ESL Students Easily Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on how to teach English grammar to ESL students easily. ✅ Read this article to learn the key-points. Playing Games in an ESL Classroom Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on how to...  [Read more]

The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers How to Teach EFL Kindergarten Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts and experience on teaching EFL kindergarten ✅. If you want to start working with this age group, read this article to learn about it. What is a Beginner EFL Student and How Do You Teach Them? Mark Crocker Teaching Ideas Many first-time teachers, and some with more experience, consider that teaching beginner EFL students is the hardest form of EFL teaching. ✅ However, with the right approach to the preparation and delivery of your lessons, there is no reason why it should be any harder than teaching at any other level. Teaching English Online: ✅ A Survival Guide Mark...  [Read more]

Older Posts Contributing to the Classroom as an ALT in Japan Asia Ridley TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Are you interested in teaching English in Japan? Working as an Assistant Language Teacher in a Japanese school is a great way to get move to Japan. This article gives an in-depth look into the life as an ALT in Japan. Course Books and Materials: Dictionaries Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog we are going to consider the types and use of dictionaries. Which is the best dictionary for the different levels of student to use and what are some of the things we should and should not do with them? Course Books and Materials - Best Use of the Course Book Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas In this blog post, we...  [Read more]

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Types of Stories to Use for Teaching English to Different Groups of Students Stories serve to be entertaining and educational in most cultures. A nice bedtime story for young children becomes a ritual in a lot of families nowadays, it makes up a sweet memory for a lot of people. When the listener is interested in the story, even when there is no verbal communication between the storyteller and the listener, there is still a bond between them. Therefore, storytelling is such a powerful tool teacher could use. Storytelling could make the lesson more interesting and memorable. To build the bond between the students and the teacher during storytelling, the teacher has to make sure the attention of his/her audiences are fully attracted....  [Read more]

Desrine Francois Desrine Francois currently lives in Copenhagen, Denmark where she teaches conversational English. She has a M.A in English Literature and has taught middle school, and first-year college students. She has also worked as an editor. She is a member of an expat book club, whose members hail from five different continents. When she isn’t reading, she is either writing or traveling. Read my articles The Challenges of Teaching EFL to Older Adults | ITTT | TEFL Blog Desrine Francois TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching English as a foreign language to older adults students comes with its own unique set of challenges. These students are, more often than not, retirees whose professional lives are behind them. Unlike their younger counterparts, they...  [Read more]

Is 30 too old to teach English abroad? Gone are the days when individuals followed a linear path from school to university to a lifelong career. Today, it is common for people to explore multiple job opportunities across different fields throughout their working lives. When individuals reach a point where they crave change in their careers, teaching English online or abroad offers an ideal avenue to embark on a new and fulfilling path. Becoming an English teacher and acquiring the necessary qualifications can be accomplished relatively quickly. The jobs available after completing the training are diverse and open to nearly anyone. All that's required is a solid command of the English language and the determination to make a change. The best part is that age is almost irrelevant. As long...  [Read more]

Older Posts The World of the Fulbright Program for Teaching English Abroad Lulu Johnson Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences The Fulbright program is a great way to travel abroad and work as an English language teacher in an exciting new country. ✅ This article will go over what Fulbright is, their English teaching program, and how to apply to Fulbright in this blog post. Top 10 ESL Activities for Older English Learners Francesca Marchi TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Are you teaching English abroad or online to older students? ✅ Here are 10 ESL activities for older English learners for you to try. Q&A About TEFL/TESOL ✅ Ask us anything! Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Check out one of our...  [Read more]

Are there any age limits for TEFL teaching? The good news is there is no real age restrictions on who can take a TEFL course and then go on to teach English abroad. At ITTT we do require you to be at least 18 years old to enroll on our courses but there are certainly no upper age limits. Over the years we have successfully trained people of all ages, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers as English language teachers. As long as you are a native or near-native English speaker who is keen to learn new skills and is open to new ideas, then your age should be no barrier to your success. Can older teachers find jobs teaching English abroad? Although a large number of new TEFL graduates are in their 20s, it doesn't mean they are always the most sought after by employers. Yes,...  [Read more]

The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers Teachers & Learners – Language Levels of Learners Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas There are five general levels used to describe ESL students. In this blog post, we will outline the levels and discuss what characteristics the learners within those levels have. Nightly Reading Homework: Best Practices in 6 Steps Ahmed Taha Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas This blog post explains what the teacher can do and what parents and other caregivers can do to ensure that this assignment is truly beneficial to the child's development as a reader. The Challenges of Teaching EFL to Older Adults Desrine Francois TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching English as a foreign language to older adults...  [Read more]

Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories A Patchwork Example Lesson Plan For Teaching Productive and Receptive Skills Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their example patchwork lesson plan to teach productive and receptive ESL skills. ✅ Read this article to learn the key-points. How to Choose Lesson Materials for Cross-Classroom TEFL Teaching Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on how to choose ESL materials to teach various classrooms. ✅ Read this article to learn the key-points. How Is it to Teach ESL at Schools: ✅ A TEFL Teacher's Experience Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information...  [Read more]

Archives for February 2022 Coursebooks and Materials - Authentic and Created Materials Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, we will consider the classification of ESL materials into, authentic and created. We will then look at some of the major advantages and disadvantages of using each of them in the ESL classroom. The Three Main Types of High Schools in Japan Etienne Van Rooyen TEFL Information Alumni Experiences There are three types of senior high schools in Japan. Each senior high school (grades 10, 11, and 12) has a different purpose and students attend it. Understanding this helps us learn how English language learning in Japan is differently yet similars each school. With this knowledge, as an Assistant Language...  [Read more]

The World Of TEFL and TESOL Explained Teachers & Learners – Language Levels of Learners Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas There are five general levels used to describe ESL students. In this blog post, we will outline the levels and discuss what characteristics the learners within those levels have. How to Get into Teaching English as a Foreign Language Charli HelloGrads TEFL Information Do you want to use your skills and knowledge to educate others? Do you feel that you could connect with young people and change their lives? If so, maybe teaching is the career for you. The Challenges of Teaching EFL to Older Adults Desrine Francois TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching English as a foreign language to older adults students...  [Read more]

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 Desrine Francois TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas The Challenges of Teaching EFL to Older Adults Teaching English as a foreign language to older adults students comes with its own unique set of challenges. These students are, more often than not, retirees whose professional lives are behind them. Unlike their younger counterparts, they do not need to learn English for educational or professional purposes. So what impels these older adults to attend EFL classes? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of having them as students? Table of Contents Motivation for attending EFL classes Personal growth The classroom as a social forum Continued intellectual stimulation Advantages and Disadvantages of teaching EFL to speakers of English Advantages:...  [Read more]

Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories The Three Main Types of High Schools in Japan Etienne Van Rooyen TEFL Information Alumni Experiences There are three types of senior high schools in Japan. Each senior high school (grades 10, 11, and 12) has a different purpose and students attend it. Understanding this helps us learn how English language learning in Japan is differently yet similars each school. With this knowledge, as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) you can adapt your lessons plans, materials and style to fit your school/s. Nightly Reading Homework: Best Practices in 6 Steps Ahmed Taha Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas This blog post explains what the teacher can do and what parents and other caregivers can do to ensure that this assignment is truly beneficial...  [Read more]

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Motivating All Groups of Students In my experience of teaching in an institution in South Korea, I have found one of the most vital elements to my students succeeding, is to establish a positive and comfortable environment in my classroom. To do so, it is essential that my students be highly motivated. In the following paragraphs, my aim is to show why motivating students is so important and to give examples of some of the most effective ways to do so. Table of Contents Teacher's Nightmare My Experience Reward System Motivating Older Learners Motivating Falling Behind Students Are you ready to teach different groups of ESL students? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Is it easier to teach English to children or adults? Deciding whether it is easier to teach English to children or adults is subjective. Children are naturally curious, but their attention spans can be short, necessitating dynamic and engaging methods. Adults, on the other hand, often learn with a clear purpose and are self-motivated, yet they might require a deeper understanding of technical aspects like grammar. Both age groups present distinct challenges and benefits, and the ease of teaching hinges on the educator's adaptability to each group's unique needs and learning styles. Table of Contents Motivation and classroom management Lesson content Games and activities Student expectations Getting students to talk in English Teacher/student relationships Motivation and classroom...  [Read more]

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 Francesca Marchi Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching English to Older Students: ✅ The Pros and Cons What do you imagine there may be behind a group of old learners? Well, whatever comes to your mind, I can tell you it sounds like having an extended family that warms you up and makes you feel at home. Older students could be like loving grand-parents, great-uncles or great-aunts, and apart from relatives, caring neighbors and dearest friends. Actually, you may find out they are active pensioners, retired teachers or scholars, culture lovers, as well as humble workers without school-leaving certificates and, above all, passionate people and happy learners: these are senior students. In the following lines, I'm going to share my classroom experience with you....  [Read more]

The World Of TEFL and TESOL Explained Would You Rather Teach One-to-One or a Group? Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on teaching ESL one-to-one or a group. ✅ Read this article to learn the key-points. A Patchwork Example Lesson Plan For Teaching Productive and Receptive Skills Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their example patchwork lesson plan to teach productive and receptive ESL skills. ✅ Read this article to learn the key-points. How to Choose Lesson Materials for Cross-Classroom TEFL Teaching Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this...  [Read more]

Is it easier to teach English to children or adults? Is there an inherently simpler age group to teach English? The straightforward answer is no. Anyone who has navigated through varying classroom environments understands the stark differences between teaching adults and young learners. Each age group has their unique motives for being in the classroom, the levels of motivation and discipline fluctuate considerably, and even the learning styles can greatly differ. These disparities demand a teaching style that is specifically tailored to each group's needs. Let's delve into some of these key differences. Also read: What are the best books for teaching ESL? Motivation and classroom management When engaging with young learners, it is essential to keep them intrigued and motivated,...  [Read more]

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Issues Japanese Learners Face When Learning English Through my experience as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan, there have been numerous difficulties and challenges my students face in learning the English language. My students are primarily between the ages of 5 and 15. These challenges involve the pronunciation difficulties the students face coming from Japanese pronunciation, as well as the methodology of teaching English in Japan They may not apply to all of Japan but are definitely prominent issues within my area. Table of Contents Pronunciation The Problem of Making Mistakes Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate James W....  [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]

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences 3 Key Strategies for Teaching Young Learners As the world becomes increasingly globalized, EFL programs are nearing ubiquity. A substantial portion of EFL participants are young learners. Although there is a lot of crossover between techniques used for young learners and those used older children or adults, there are certainly strategies that can be employed to get the most out of a classroom of young learners. Table of Contents Use the first lesson to get to know your students! Use your students' names wisely! Never put a student on the spot! Are you ready to take a TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kara C. Use the first lesson to get to know your...  [Read more]

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 Francesca Marchi TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Top 10 ESL Activities for Older English Learners From my experience, when you deal with older ESL learners, you have to take into account the fact that they do not want to look bad while practicing their English skills. Actually, activities and exercises should make them feel at ease and confident in their learning, as well as satisfied with the goals achieved so far. It goes without saying that the teaching techniques that include a direct confrontation between an adult student and the teacher or a classmate as a judge of their performance should be avoided so as not to make them feel uncomfortable. Here are a few ideas for you to try. Table of Contents 1) Personal Questions and Answers 2)...  [Read more]