Online Teacher Certification Courses

Which online TEFL course should I do? When selecting a TEFL course, it is best to narrow your focus to the courses that will give you the best chance to achieve your goals. What type of employment would you like to undertake? TEFL qualified teachers are employed in a range of roles. Most notably, teaching children in a school setting, teaching business English at a language center, working as a private tutor, or teaching English online. Are you set on one type of teaching role or are you open to different types of employment? Keeping your options open is a good approach, but it isn't for everyone. Understandably, some teachers limit their options to employment in a specific area or to the flexibility of online teaching jobs. If you wish to teach English via a virtual platform, it is...  [Read more]

How do I become a TEFL tutor? There are a number of EFL teaching scenarios that involve tutoring. The most obvious is that of one-to-one teaching. This can take place in a school, a language center, at a business or privately. Regardless of the teaching scenario, the route to becoming a TEFL tutor is basically the same as becoming a TEFL teacher. In general there are three ways to gain the certification required to become a TEFL tutor. They all involve a course with a minimum of 120 hours of training. Online TEFL certification This can be done from anywhere in the world with a computer and an internet connection. Typical 120-hour courses give you up to six months to complete the course, working at your own pace. These courses will cover the main aspects of EFL teaching, those being,...  [Read more]

Are TEFL courses accredited? Identifying a good TEFL course and a great course provider with sound graduate services is becoming increasingly difficult. One way to gain some perspective is to check the accreditation that a course possesses, as well as independent reviews of the course. Why are courses accredited? Almost every TEFL course provider has some form of external accreditation for their courses. Without external accreditation, the qualification and manner in which it was achieved could come under scrutiny when applying for jobs and work visas. After all, governments and schools want English teachers to be skilled and of significant benefit to their students. Who provides accreditation for TEFL courses? The provider of the accreditation should be an independent third party that is...  [Read more]

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Do people fail TEFL? If you have done your homework and are serious about becoming an EFL teacher, there is no reason why you should not successfully complete your TEFL course. However, our training courses do require a strong sense of time commitment. This means, if you do not complete all elements of the course in the required timeframe, you may fail the course. How does ITTT keep its TEFL course pass rate so high? We are very proud of our course pass rate of over 90%. Although it is possible to fail a TEFL course, the vast majority of our students finish their training and go on to become successful EFL teachers. As part of our promise to our teacher trainees, we make every effort to help each and every course taker to reach their full potential. Our one-of-a-kind combination of...  [Read more]

How much time off will I get when teaching English abroad? Whatever job we are doing and wherever we are doing it we all need some time off to recharge our batteries and to enjoy the country and culture in which we are living. Traveling around our host country during the holidays is a great way to get to know the people and to experience the local way of life in a way that most tourists can never do. Whether it is Diwali in Mumbai, Songkran in Bangkok, Ramadan in Dubai, or Christmas in Berlin, major holidays provide the perfect opportunity to really experience the local culture up close and personal. There is typically no better time to explore the music, dance, and cuisine of your new home than during one of the country’s most important cultural or religious festivals. In contrast to...  [Read more]

What does a TEFL course focus on? A TEFL certification is a key requirement for employers of English teachers globally, with most now demanding a minimum of a 120-hour certificate. You can attain this certification through two primary avenues: in-class and online TEFL courses. In-class TEFL courses As the name suggests, these courses require you to attend sessions at a location where English is taught as a foreign language, usually for about four weeks. Given the accommodation necessity, these courses tend to be pricier, but they usually incorporate a teaching practice segment that significantly aids real-world teaching preparation. Also read: Which country is best for a TEFL course? Online TEFL courses These courses offer flexibility, as they don't demand physical presence at any...  [Read more]

How much can I earn teaching English online? This figure depends on a variety of factors including your qualifications, previous experience and the organization you work for. However, a typical hourly rate for online English teachers can range anywhere from $15 and $30. If, like most online teachers, you choose to work through an agency they will most likely take a cut of your pay as a fee for providing you with students and materials. The most popular teaching platforms for teaching English online include: Magic Ears: provides fun, interactive and efficient online English learning experiences to 4-12-year-old children in China. Magic Ears offers pay that is around 30% higher than the average and you can earn between $18 and $26 per hour. VIPKID: focuses on teaching children in Asia. All...  [Read more]

How long does the TEFL 120-hour course take? If you are a full-time student or employee, figuring out when you will fit a brand new 120-hour TEFL certification into your schedule can be difficult (especially if you are looking at completing it on-site overseas). The good news is that you can take as long as you want to get your TEFL certification. Structured on-site TEFL courses have start and end dates, so determining how long it will take to complete a TEFL course is as simple as determining the program dates. However, our 120-hour TEFL course can be completed entirely online, thus giving you all the flexibility you need to make it happen on your own terms. How fast can I complete a 120-hour TEFL course? As this course is self-paced, it really depends on your own personal learning style...  [Read more]

What is an ESL teacher? Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. How is an ESL teacher different for a foreign language teacher? ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This...  [Read more]

Why are TEFL teachers important? We can say in general terms that all teachers are important, English teachers among them. However, the requirement for specialist teachers who are able to teach English as a second or foreign language is particularly important. What makes specialist ESL teachers so necessary? Working knowledge vs Formal Knowledge Globalized industry has led to an explosion of the use of English as the lingua franca. This trend looks as though it will continue in the near future. Whilst English is a mainstream curriculum subject in many countries, teachers of English are not necessarily equipped to teach English as a second or foreign language. Teachers trained in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are therefore in great demand. Whilst it is generally true that...  [Read more]

How do I verify a TEFL certificate? For certain employers in certain countries you must be able to verify your TEFL certificate. This is often the case in countries like China or Vietnam, as well as when applying to work for some online teaching platforms. Why do I need to verify my TEFL certificate? In the past, the legal requirements for teaching English were somewhat ambiguous. When it came to hiring, many employers had their own set of rules. As a result, there was an influx of teachers who did not have an accredited TEFL certification or teaching experience. These days, many countries and employers are enforcing stricter regulations. In many cases employers must be able to verify your TEFL certificate online as part of these new regulations. This is to ensure that your certification...  [Read more]

Can I teach in China without a TEFL? The requirements for teaching English in China have changed frequently in recent years. They are also frequently misunderstood and the situation has become even more complicated due to COVID-19. So let's dive into it. What kind of visa do I need to teach English in China? The main requirement for teaching in China is a valid Z-Visa in your passport. This is the only type of visa that allows you to work in the country legally. This means that those who want to teach English in China must meet the Z visa requirements. What are the requirements to obtain a Z visa in China? To obtain a Z visa you must meet certain requirements, which range from nationality and age to qualifications and a few other crucial details. It is critical to understand that many of...  [Read more]

Where is the best place to teach English in Japan? Every year, Japan magnetically draws in thousands of foreign English teachers due to the widespread job availability across its towns and cities. Coupled with the comfortable average salary enabling a good standard of living and savings, and an unmatched cultural and social landscape, Japan makes an irresistible choice for many. However, choosing the exact region to make your home can be a bit of a challenge. The nation's cities brim with possibilities, and even the quieter areas offer a refreshing change from the typically frantic city life. While it is hard to go wrong with any choice in Japan, the following areas come highly recommended, considering the local job market and the experiences of our past course graduates. Tokyo...  [Read more]

Is there a level 6 TEFL course? At ITTT our course-level framework runs from level 3 to level 7. At level 6 we provide our 370-hour Diploma in TESOL course which is the highest level individual course you can complete with us. The Diploma in TESOL is a great option for first-time teachers who want to start their careers with a bang, as well as teachers who already have some classroom experience and are looking to move up the employment ladder. With a level 6 qualification on your portfolio you will have access to a wider range of teaching jobs, many of which could potentially include a higher rate of pay and greater responsibility than the majority of entry-level positions. Check out our course levels page for more information on our framework. How does the Diploma in TESOL course work?...  [Read more]

How do I get a TEFL certificate in Thailand? If you search for TEFL courses in Thailand on the internet you will find a selection of different providers offering a variety of TEFL courses throughout the country, but how do you know which is the best for you? ITTT is confident that our in-class courses are the best available in Thailand, having developed them over a number of years. Who are the TEFL course teacher trainers in Thailand? The quality of instruction provided is critical to the success of our in-person TEFL courses. We only hire trainers with a high level of teaching qualifications and several years of experience teaching in an international classroom environment at all of our centers. All of our teacher trainers are committed to assisting each trainee in reaching their full...  [Read more]

TESOL TEFL Reviews - Video Testimonial - Yatunde   Yatunde is working as an English teacher and just recently completed our 120-hour online TEFL certification course. She saw immediate improvements in her teaching skills and is now able to effectively teach her adult classes around the globe. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Check out ITTT's Blog Posts  [Read more]

How do Americans get a criminal background check for teaching English abroad? If you plan on teaching English abroad there is a good chance that you will require some kind of criminal background check when applying for jobs or a work visa. For example, U.S. citizens who apply for English teaching jobs in South Korea, one of the largest markets for foreign teachers, will need a background check in order to get an official work visa. Many other countries and individual schools also require a background check, so it is important to be aware of how to get one and how long it might take to process. The most common type of check requested by employers and immigration departments when dealing with American teachers is an FBI criminal background check, which is also known as an Identity History...  [Read more]

What not to do as an EFL teacher? Every teacher, particularly those starting their careers, inevitably stumbles upon some mistakes in the classroom. The key to improving as a teacher is recognizing these errors. In this article, we will examine some of the most common pitfalls new teachers encounter and how to steer clear of them as you grow in experience. Don’t talk too much One of the most frequent mistakes by novice teachers is monopolizing the conversation during lessons. Remember, students need ample opportunities to practice speaking the language, which fuels their progress. Limit your talking to essential instruction and steer clear of irrelevant chatter. Encourage students to read answers and provide peer feedback. Maximizing student talk time equates to maximizing their...  [Read more]

Do you need a TEFL to teach in Vietnam? Vietnam is one of several popular destinations in Southeast Asia for teaching English as a foreign language. Foreign English teachers have been in high demand in Vietnam in recent years and salaries have risen due to increased competition among schools looking to hire the best teachers. Teachers who have spent time in Vietnam unanimously agree that it is a wonderful place to live and work, so how do you go about finding out for yourself? What qualifications are required to teach English in Vietnam? To obtain a work permit to legally teach English in Vietnam you must be a native English speaker with a bachelor's degree. Many employers will also require a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours. Some jobs at the top of the pay scale will also require...  [Read more]

Who can do a TEFL course? Around the world there are always a huge number of EFL teaching jobs waiting to be filled which means there are potential opportunities for almost everyone. So what qualifications, background or characteristics do you require to take a TEFL course? How important is a student's attitude when taking a TEFL course? First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL teacher. How important are...  [Read more]

What sort of accommodation will I have during my in-class TEFL course? Once you have secured a place on one of our in-class TEFL certification courses you will receive extensive information regarding all aspects of the course, including accommodation. The course fee does not typically cover your accommodation, so you will need to factor the cost of housing for the four weeks of your training into your overall budget. Your options will vary from one location to the next, but you can rest assured that we only recommend accommodation providers that have been thoroughly checked for comfort and value for money. Details of our recommended options can be found on each individual course location page, however, below is a brief overview of the most common options available. Can I stay in a shared...  [Read more]

What should I know about TEFL interviews and contracts? Job interviews are notorious for causing anxiety, but if you know what to expect and you prepare accordingly you should find they are not as bad as you are expecting. The essential nature of any interview is to show that you are confident in your teaching ability, keen to get started, and able to fit into the existing workforce. By doing some research and planning in advance, you should be able to demonstrate all of this and land the job on the spot. How do I prepare for an interview for teaching English abroad? The worldwide market for teaching English abroad covers dozens of countries and many types of employer. In some situations it is normal to complete the recruitment process before leaving home, including an interview...  [Read more]

Live Session December 4, 2020: Native English Teacher vs. Non-Native English Teacher   In this live session, native English-speaking teacher Linda from the United States and non-native English-speaking teacher Liza from Russia discuss the differences between native and non-native teachers, TEFL/TESOL course options, misconceptions, and career options. #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]

Do I need a TEFL certificate to work for VIPKid? Until recently, VIPKid was a leading platform for online teaching to young learners. But as of July 2021, changes to Chinese law have prohibited the promotion of English lessons taught by instructors outside China to Chinese students. In essence, to teach Chinese children online, you now need to be physically located in China, not abroad. This law change significantly impacted VIPKid’s operations, reducing their previously prominent position in this teaching environment. Can I still work for VIPKid? Despite these legal changes in China, VIPKid has continued to offer lessons to adult students in China from abroad, as the new laws do not affect this. They have also introduced a new global service targeting young learners worldwide. However,...  [Read more]

What skills do TEFL teachers need? Throughout our educational journey, we have all encountered a mix of highly competent teachers as well as those who leave room for improvement. Exceptional teachers effortlessly engage and inspire students, creating a vibrant learning environment. Such proficiency often comes from experience, allowing teachers to hone their skills and develop effective strategies. Yet, certain inherent skills tend to characterize successful teachers, regardless of their years in the profession. Excellent communication skills Good teachers need to be great communicators. They typically enjoy social interactions, bring an energetic and positive demeanor to the classroom, and maintain an optimistic outlook regardless of challenges. Such a positive and dynamic approach...  [Read more]

How do I become a great English teacher? Throughout our schooling, we have likely encountered several teachers who, despite their profession, seemed mismatched for the role. Some might have resorted to strict penalties for minor mistakes, others may have been tediously boring or simply failed to heed their students' feedback. Nonetheless, we usually also recall those teachers who positively impacted our learning journey. So, what makes these educators stand out? We believe that a combination of certain traits and skills contribute to a teacher being remembered for the right reasons. By incorporating these characteristics, you are likely to be remembered as an exceptional English teacher by your future students. Communication Of all the qualities listed, communication arguably tops the...  [Read more]

Does TEFL look good on a resume? Teaching English in any environment offers a wide variety of benefits that will enhance your future career, whatever path you choose to follow. If your English teaching experience also included an extended period living and working outside of your home country, then this will certainly look very appealing on your resume when applying for other jobs further down the line. In the modern age where every job seems to have a huge number of applicants and everyone seems to have a degree or other high-end qualifications, being able to add an overseas teaching adventure to your application could well be the difference between securing an interview and being put at the bottom of the pile. So what are the major benefits that teaching English abroad adds to your...  [Read more]

What is the Schengen Area in Europe and how does it affect TEFL teachers? If you plan on teaching English in Europe you might have come across something known as the Schengen Area. This area is currently comprised of 26 countries with a combined population of over 400 million people. The area was set up in 1985 with the intention of removing border controls to make moving between countries hassle free. The Schengen Area should not be confused with the European Union which is a separate institution. Before its creation you would have to show your passport at every border to receive an entry stamp, while now anyone including TEFL teachers can move freely from one country to another without any restrictions. How long can I stay in the Schengen Area? Essentially, by entering a country that is...  [Read more]

Where can I join a TEFL placement program in Europe? If you want to teach English in Europe you will find that most jobs are secured following a face to face interview. If you would like to have a teaching job organised before you leave home, a government placement program might be a good option for you. The following are the most popular programs of their kind in Europe. What is the TAPIF Program for teaching English in France? The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who meet the necessary criteria, the...  [Read more]