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TEFL Alumni Interview with Kennethia de Waldt - TEFL Blog
Fri, 25 Sep 2020 Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences TEFL Reviews & TESOL Reviews
TEFL Alumni Interview with Kennethia de Waldt
For ITTT, our community of students and alumni is the most important to us. That's why we'd love to share what our course grads have to say! This will not only have others make a better decision in whether TEFL/TESOL is for them, but it will also help the ITTT community grow bigger and stronger!
Table of Contents
1. What's your name?
2. Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
3. Which ITTT course(s) did you take?
4. Why did you take a TEFL/TESOL course from ITTT?
5. What was your favorite part about the course?
6. You've finished your TEFL/TESOL course - now what? What are your plans and goals?
7. What's your no. 1 tip for other TEFL/TESOL course... [Read more]
When is the best time to use songs in a classroom for young learners? - TEFL Blog
Wed, 08 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
When is the best time to use songs in a classroom for young learners?
I was an English teacher in Japan for over three and a half years. In that time, I gained a lot of experience teaching young learners. My students were aged from two to fourteen. As I taught these students, I learned a lot about how songs can be used effectively in the classroom. Songs can be used to teach sentence structure, routines, vocabulary, and help aid the understanding of instructions in the classroom.
Table of Contents
Learning path
Young children
Lesson flow
Transitions
School kids
Teenagers
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Listen to this blog post
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Megan B.
Learning... [Read more]
The Importance of Games When Learning English as a Foreign Language at Primary School - TEFL Blog
Wed, 04 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The Importance of Games When Learning English as a Foreign Language at Primary School
Games activity in the foreign language lesson is one of the basic ways of learning English at primary school.
Table of Contents
What is a game?
Game concepts contain qualifications like:
Typically, they require the student's ability to know the subject.
Lexical games
Grammar games
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Özden G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
What is a game?
The game - one of the most important means of education of children. Lessons from the use of games are an effective... [Read more]
How do Americans get a criminal background check for teaching English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
How do Americans get a criminal background check for teaching English abroad?
For Americans planning to teach English abroad, obtaining a criminal background check is often a critical part of the job or visa application process. Countries like South Korea, a major hub for foreign English teachers, mandate this check for securing an official work visa. Likewise, various nations and schools have similar prerequisites. Typically, the most frequently sought-after background check for American teachers is the FBI's Identity History Summary Check. Although locally-sourced checks are also accepted, the FBI's version is more universally recognized but may have longer processing times.
Also read: What is the EPIK program for teaching English in South Korea?
Table of Contents
What is an FBI... [Read more]
Christmas/Winter ESL Writing - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Christmas/Winter ESL Writing
This is a fun ESL writing exercise about Christmas/winter. Students take a look at the picture and describe what they see.
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Productive and Receptive Skills - Speaking Activities - TEFL Blog
Wed, 27 Apr 2022 Federico Riva
TEFL Information
Productive and Receptive Skills - Speaking Activities
In this blog post, we will consider three different categories of speaking activity. For each we look at where each individual type is used and then look at some general ideas for delivering any of the three types of activity.
Table of Contents
Watch the video about this topic
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Watch the video about this topic
Speaking activities will come in many different forms but we can generalize them into three basic types.
Controlled activities tend to be used in the study phase and here the teacher will be helping the students in terms of what they need... [Read more]
How do Americans get a criminal background check for teaching English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
Live Session: The Top Hiring Seasons for Teaching English Abroad - TEFL Blog
Mon, 26 Apr 2021 Federico Riva
Destinations TEFL Information
Live Session: The Top Hiring Seasons for Teaching English Abroad
oday's exciting topic is the top hiring seasons for teaching English abroad. We're going to go over different countries on different continents and what their hiring seasons are, so when's the best time to go job hunting. Also there will be some tips for job hunting in those places as sometimes you need to get hired in advance when you're still in your home country and you can do online interviews, but in some countries you need to apply in person. So we're going to talk about that as well.
Table of Contents
Watch the live session here
The top hiring seasons for teaching English abroad
Tiana has a question. Are there any specific job websites you'd recommend... [Read more]
How do you motivate TEFL students? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
How do you motivate TEFL students?
To motivate TEFL students, understanding their age group and unique challenges is crucial. Young learners often respond with enthusiasm to fun activities, while adults are typically self-motivated, attending classes with clear objectives. However, teenagers present a distinct challenge. Due to heightened self-awareness, they might hesitate to participate out of fear of mistakes or peer judgment. To enhance motivation in teens, implement strategies that boost their confidence, incorporate relatable content, and create a supportive classroom environment that encourages participation and reduces fear of errors.
Table of Contents
Use plenty of pop culture
Use a little competition
Play to their strengths
Use pen pals to encourage writing skills
Only use age... [Read more]
Living and Teaching English in Laos - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Habits & Customs
Living and Teaching English in Laos - Habits, Customs & Curiosities
As one of the smaller and less travelled countries in Southeast Asia, Laos is a great choice of destination for anyone who is looking for adventure away from the mass tourism that is found in some other countries in the region. Those who do visit Laos will find a warm and friendly country that has a huge amount to offer in terms of culture, cuisine, exotic wildlife and stunning natural scenery. Although the country is relatively poor in relation to some of its neighbors and well paid teaching jobs are not wide spread, you will still find plenty of opportunities to gain valuable classroom experience.
Travel Tips for Laos
SOURCE: foursquare . com/v/luang-prabang-city/4cb7e3eb43ec6dcb9f299131
Register now & get... [Read more]
Days of the Week Template - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
Days of the Week Template
This is a cute template to use when learning and ordering the days of the week.
Are you interested in teaching English as a foreign language?
Get your TEFL certificate with ITTT.
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
Check out ITTT's Blog Posts
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The Challenges of Teaching Behind a Mask (and Some Possible Solutions) - TEFL Blog
Tue, 23 Feb 2021 Regan McAllister
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
The Challenges of Teaching Behind a Mask (and Some Possible Solutions)
The pandemic has caused many changes in our daily lives. While I'm lucky to still have the opportunity to teach ESL in person, doing so with face masks has proved to be slightly more challenging.
Table of Contents
Challenge #1 - Delayed Comprehension
Challenge #2 - Mis-Pronunciation
Challenge #3 - Lack of Emotional Cues
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Face masks. A year ago, the thought of society operating with face masks seemed like some sort of ominous movie plot. Apocalyptic almost. Yet now they are on the same level as our phone or... [Read more]
When to Use Capital Letters - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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When to Use Capital Letters
Knowing when and when not to capitalize is an important part of writing correct English. Most students quickly learn that you always capitalize the first letter of a new sentence, but what are the other rules?
Although mistakes with capitalization do not generally have a big affect on the readability of your written English, it is important to get it right when writing formally for work or study purposes. Fortunately, the most common rules above are quite clear and straightforward to learn. Below are a few more capitalization rules you should be aware of.
Capitalize family relationships when used as proper nouns.
Capitalize “Uncle Brian,” and “Grandma Betty”. Do not use capitals... [Read more]
When to apply for TEFL jobs? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
When to apply for TEFL jobs?
For aspiring TEFL teachers, job opportunities abound throughout the year. Nevertheless, maximizing your options means being attuned to peak hiring seasons specific to your desired country. Generally, it is advisable to initiate your job search and application process a minimum of three months prior to your anticipated start date. This buffer allows ample time for tasks like submitting applications, attending interviews, and securing essential documentation like visas and work permits.
Table of Contents
What are hiring seasons for teaching English abroad?
Peak hiring season in Europe
Peak hiring season in Latin America
Peak hiring season in Asia
Peak hiring season in the Middle East
What are hiring seasons for teaching English abroad?
For those eager to teach... [Read more]
Last posts written by Mark from: 24
Mark Crocker ITTT TEFL
After leaving the UK to travel in the mid-1990s, Mark has to date visited over 50 countries across six continents. After completing a TEFL course in Phuket, Thailand, he decided to make it his base and has since worked as an online TEFL trainer and a freelance writer.
Read my articles
Seven Effective Ways to Motivate Students in a Diverse Classroom | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Are you looking for tips on how to motivate your English language students? In this post, a TEFL course graduate provides some great ideas for motivating students in a modern, diverse classroom.
Why Exposure is Important when Learning a Second Language | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences
There are many factors that can impact on... [Read more]
When to apply for TEFL jobs? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
When to apply for TEFL jobs?
When looking for English teaching jobs overseas you will find plenty of options at any time of the year. However, to give yourself the widest choice of opportunities it is important to be aware of any times of the year that are considered peak hiring seasons in the country that you are interested in. Wherever you dream of living and working it is best to start applying for jobs at least three months before your intended start date to give enough time to make all the necessary arrangements, such as sending in applications, interviewing, applying for entry visas and work permits, etc.
What are hiring seasons for teaching English abroad?
Hiring seasons are when a large number of teaching jobs become available at one particular time, due to the start of a new... [Read more]
Chopstick Etiquette in Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
Chopstick Etiquette in Japan
SOURCE: tg . tripadvisor . jp/news/graphic/chopsticksmanners/
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
Check out ITTT's Blog Posts
[Read more]
What is TEFL level 7? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
What is TEFL level 7?
TEFL Level 7 represents one of the pinnacle qualifications in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Equivalent to a master's degree, a Level 7 TEFL qualification, like the esteemed DELTA, stands out distinctly from other TEFL courses. It is an ideal choice for those aspiring to establish their own language institutions or train upcoming TEFL educators. While entry-level TEFL courses may suffice for some teaching roles, a Level 7 qualification opens doors to advanced opportunities and is recognized globally for its rigor and comprehensive training.
Check out our course levels page for more details.
Table of Contents
What is a level 7 TEFL qualification?
What do you get with the 550-hour Expert Package?
Who is eligible for a level 7 TEFL course?
What is... [Read more]
Feeling Comfortable Making Mistakes Can Really Help a Student’s Language Learning - TEFL Blog
Wed, 29 May 2019 Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Feeling Comfortable Making Mistakes Can Really Help a Student’s Language Learning
It is inevitable that everyone will make mistakes when trying something new for the first time. Because there is no way to avoid them, mistakes should be accepted, treated as normal, and even encouraged. It is always better to make some mistakes in the attempt than not to try at all, and this is particularly true when learning a new language.
Table of Contents
My Own Foreign Language Experience
Translating This Environment to the Classroom
Dealing With Mistakes
Practice Makes Perfect
Are you ready to teach English abroad?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Catherine L.... [Read more]
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans?
For educators in the TEFL field, having a structured lesson plan is a key to successful teaching. While some prefer crafting their own, others benefit from readily available online resources. Leveraging free online resources not only saves time but also offers insights into diverse teaching strategies. If you are looking for free TEFL lesson plans, there are numerous online platforms worth exploring. Here is a curated list of recommended sites where you can access these invaluable resources:
Table of Contents
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans?
UsingEnglish.com
TEFL.NET
The British Council
Lanternfish ESL
ThoughtCo
BusyTeacher
English Is a Piece of Cake
The Internet TESL Journal
iSLCollective
Online English Expert
Off2Class
Where can I get free... [Read more]
Will I lose touch with family and friends while teaching English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Will I lose touch with family and friends while teaching English abroad?
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... [Read more]
School Meetings: What are they about? - TEFL Blog
Mon, 06 Sep 2021 Anna Bondar
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
School Meetings: What are they about?
I've had to attend numerous meetings throughout my career, and it wasn't always a pleasant experience. I'd often get bored, start looking around or doodling.
Table of Contents
School meetings
Types of meetings
1) Meeting for local staff in their home language.
2) English teachers meeting
3) Training (inner session)
4) Training (out session)
5) Additional
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Today, I want to discuss which meetings are the best to attend to ensure one's personal growth, development, and usefulness.
School meetings
Each educational institution or organization has staff... [Read more]
Last posts written by Carrie
Carrie Kellenberger Reach To Teach Recruiting
Carrie Kellenberger is Co-President of Reach To Teach Recruiting. She is a former ESL teacher, ESL curriculum textbook writer, and has written numerous books and articles for teachers who are interested in teaching abroad. Carrie moved to China in 2003 before moving to Taiwan in 2006 where she now lives with her husband in Taipei. She has been working in the recruiting industry since 2010 and has placed hundreds of happy teachers in positions all around the world. Carrie has been blogging since 2007. To read more about her adventures in Asia, visit her blog My Several Worlds (www.myseveralworlds.com).
Read my articles
Top Reasons to Choose a Recruiter When Finding a Job Teaching English Abroad | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Carrie Kellenberger
Visa... [Read more]
The best countries to Teach ESL When You're 50+ - TEFL Blog
Wed, 25 Jul 2018 Linda Dunsmore
Destinations TEFL Information
The Best Countries to Teach ESL When You're 50+
The international EFL market is increasingly looking towards hiring seniors. This means it's a now-or-never chance for many people of 50 and older around the world to change their lives completely. Take a TEFL course in an exotic location (or at home online) and start your teaching career abroad.
Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
Teaching in the Czech Republic
Teaching in Ecuador
Teaching in Malaysia
Teaching in Mexico
Teaching in South Korea
Teaching in Thailand
Seniors—Teaching English abroad is your new calling!
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
Yes—You can teach English abroad when you're 50's+... [Read more]
The best countries to Teach ESL When You're 50+ - TEFL Blog
Wed, 25 Jul 2018 Linda Dunsmore
Destinations TEFL Information
The Best Countries to Teach ESL When You're 50+
The international EFL market is increasingly looking towards hiring seniors. This means it's a now-or-never chance for many people of 50 and older around the world to change their lives completely. Take a TEFL course in an exotic location (or at home online) and start your teaching career abroad.
Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
Teaching in the Czech Republic
Teaching in Ecuador
Teaching in Malaysia
Teaching in Mexico
Teaching in South Korea
Teaching in Thailand
Seniors—Teaching English abroad is your new calling!
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
Yes—You can teach English abroad when you're 50's+... [Read more]
What Should One Think About When Creating Teaching Material? - TEFL Blog
Tue, 07 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
What Should One Think About When Creating Teaching Material?
All people are susceptible to boredom and confusion. Either of these or their combination can lead to frustration. Once frustrated, a learner will find it exponentially more difficult to grasp or retain new information. The student's mind will be elsewhere, unmotivated and uninterested. Therefore, an instructor should make it a priority that each and every student can not only understand the created material but be interested in it as well.
Table of Contents
Materials for learners with different interests
Teaching materials for younger learners
Teaching materials depending on the topic
Where to find useful materials?
Are you ready to teach English abroad?
Related... [Read more]
The Importance of Being a Reader for Learning Languages - TEFL Blog
Thu, 25 Feb 2021 Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
The Importance of Being a Reader for Learning Languages
We live in a community where we can have everything we desire with one click, with one single device, on one single screen, we can see the infinitive things the whole world has to offer, and we do not even need to stand up from our sofa to get whatever we want. We live in a world that makes us believe that what we have is never enough; we are always seeking what is not in our house, what is not in our bag, what is not in our garden; human beings are so overwhelmed with a constant creation of any imaginable thing, there is such an overproduction that not even in a thousand years we would be able to benefit and make a true usage of everything... [Read more]
The Most Common Problems Students in Laos Face When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Mon, 01 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
The Most Common Problems Students in Laos Face When Learning English
Learning a second language is never easy but the problems that each learner faces are not all the same. Sometimes the grammar of your first language is completely different from your second language. There might be sounds you do not know how to make because your first language does not have them. You might have limited access to fluent speakers of the language you are learning. All of these are true for Lao learners trying to acquire English as a second language.
Table of Contents
"Teaching students new vocabulary and how to pronounce it requires patience and creativity."
"Spoken and written grammar are huge hurdles."
"The Lao writing system is completely different... [Read more]
Why Learning Grammar is Essential - TEFL Blog
Fri, 17 Jan 2020 Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
Why Learning Grammar is Essential
Some may conclude that the correct usage of English grammar only matters to teachers and have no real relevance in day to day life. We have to conclude that this is incorrect because grammar, disregarding the country or the language, is the infrastructure of communication. For instance, in the simplest of examples, when a message is delivered with the correct usage of grammar, it is much more understandable and precise to comprehend the intent and meaning of that message.
Table of Contents
Knowing proper grammar use is key
Grammar in writing
Grammar to cultivate habits
Improving grammar at its best
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by... [Read more]
Which TEFL / TESOL course should I choose? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Which TEFL / TESOL course should I choose?
TEFL / TESOL course options.
Table of Contents
TEFL / TESOL certification at home or abroad.
What are in-class TEFL / TESOL courses like?
What are online TEFL / TESOL courses like?
ITTT TEFL / TESOL course options:
Video Testimonials.
TEFL / TESOL certification at home or abroad.
Your choice between in-class and online TEFL / TESOL courses hinges on whether you prefer to travel to a training center or study from home. Opting for in-class overseas training means attending classes at a physical location, while online courses offer the flexibility to learn remotely.
What are in-class TEFL / TESOL courses like?
An in-class 120-hour TEFL / TESOL certification course spans four weeks and can be completed at various locations worldwide. It encompasses... [Read more]