Teaching English Articles

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 Jon ITTT Destinations Top Tips for Teaching in English-Speaking Countries Most people who want to earn a TEFL/TESOL certificate will be planning to teach English in a country that does not speak English as its first language. This is not surprising - the vast majority of jobs available for English teachers are bound to be in countries where the local population does not speak English. However, this does not mean there are no opportunities to teach English in your home country if you are a native English speaker. From working with newly arrived immigrants to teaching international students, there are plenty of jobs available for those who have the right to work in these countries. Table of Contents Finding jobs in the USA Teaching English in Canada There are plenty...  [Read more]

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 Jon ITTT TEFL Information 5 Questions about English for Specific Purposes While the majority of teaching jobs abroad require teachers to cover general English, or English for everyday use, some TEFL teachers may be required to teach English to students with a particular context in mind. This branch of English language teaching is called English for Specific Purposes or ESP. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: What is English for Specific Purposes? How does teaching ESP differ from teaching general English? What language level are ESP students? What age are ESP students? What resources are available to ESP teachers? Do you want to start teaching English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: What is English for Specific Purposes? English for...  [Read more]

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Top Tips For Teaching Business English Abroad In Japan What does it mean to teach Business English? And how does it differ from normal classroom-style English teaching? Many adult students choose to take English classes to help support their business and activities as well as to advance their careers. However, business English doesn't take place in just a classroom-style setting. There are "teacher dispatch" companies that offer several important key factors that set them apart from a traditional teaching school. Table of Contents Environment Clothing Body Language Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zachary B. Please note that this blog...  [Read more]

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 Jon ITTT Destinations Top Tips for Teaching English in Latin America Whether you are a newly qualified teacher or are simply looking to move on to a new country after teaching for some time, it is important to research the requirements for English teachers in your chosen destination. Finding out what qualifications are needed, whether you need a visa before arriving etc. in advance will help you to create a successful plan and avoid disappointment farther down the road. This article looks at the requirements needed for teaching in Latin America. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Latin America is a good destination if you don't have a degree Most countries in the region have similar visa requirements Opportunities exist for non-native speakers Prior...  [Read more]

Wed, 20 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What is it Like Teaching English in China? I've been teaching for almost two years in China as an English teacher. At first, I was only assigned to teach preschool children, due to the sudden leave of their last teacher. I was nervous and didn't know whether I would be able to teach them. They were very young and were absolute beginners. I had to teach letters with paired vocabularies every lesson. But as soon as I got to know them, all my worries disappeared. They were supportive and eager to learn. Table of Contents Beginning of the lesson Elementary school To be honest, teaching in China is not easy. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Business English as a Center of Teaching in the Globalized Reality One of the most important things to consider when teaching business English is what your students want out of the English lesson. When you talk about business English you aren't talking about teaching adults versus teaching children, these are business professionals that often work in international trade where English is the language of business. You're unlikely to go over the names of utensils in English in a business English class unless the students you're working with are looking to open a restaurant, and even then being able to coherently discuss how much it costs to open a restaurant and the operating costs of a restaurant are more important than them...  [Read more]

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why it is Important to Complete a TEFL Course People may think that taking a TEFL course is not necessary to be a good teacher. Along with that, TEFL courses cost both time and money, so, understandably, people question whether it is even worth it to take the course. Although many people have become successful teachers without taking a TEFL course, these courses can provide teachers and aspiring teachers tips for managing a class and creating a more efficient lesson plan. Also, when teaching English in a foreign country, knowledge of the English language is not the only thing someone needs to know; teachers need to be aware of a variety of issues that can arise when teaching in a foreign country. Notably, they need to consider how...  [Read more]

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences The Difference Between Teaching ESL and Teaching EFL In my experience, many teachers are not really sure about the difference between teaching ESL and teaching EFL in the classroom. In this post I will try to explain both situations and give some insight into each as they are actually quite distinct. Table of Contents The Basic Difference Potential Problems of Both Situations Typical Students of EFL and ESL The Importance of Speaking English in the Classroom Are you ready to teach English in an ESL or EFL classroom? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Amal S. The Basic Difference ESL refers to teaching English as a Second Language in a English-speaking country where the...  [Read more]

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When One Teaches, Two Learn - An English Teacher in Korea Shares Her Story I decided to write about the subject I'm an expert in, my personal teaching experience. The focus will be on what I've gained from the last nine years as an EFL instructor. I'll begin by telling you about my first teaching position in rural South Korea. Next, I'll share my experience taking the TEFL course. Finally, I'll discuss my efforts to become an independent online English instructor. I hope my experience can provide some insight into some of the many options for EFL teachers. Table of Contents Teaching English in South Korea English education is everything in South Korea. Taking the next steps towards a career in teaching English Are you ready to teach...  [Read more]

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 Anna Domiczek Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Top Tips for Using TPR in Preschool ESL Teaching Total Physical Response is a very successful teaching method that can be used for both children and adults, particularly for beginner and lower-level learners. This English teaching approach, developed by Dr. James Asher, has been applied for almost thirty years. Asher's language learning method is built around the coordination of speech and action, and its purpose is to teach language through physical activity. Table of Contents Is TPR Beneficial in Online ESL Teaching? How Can TPR be Used in Teaching ESL to Young Learners? Simon Says TPR Storytelling TPR Songs Scavenger Hunt Challenge Charades Pronunciation Conclusion Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?...  [Read more]

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Alumni Experience: Passionate Teaching in China My personal experience being an ESL teacher in China. Does the content of TEFL, YouTube, LinkedIn and Blog's have more prowess over a newly graduated university student with passion? Let us not forget, most training institutes are businesses first and education institutions second with advertising portraying the latter as their priority. Table of Contents Benefits of teaching Teaching with passion and a willingness to self-learn Teachers' Responsibilities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Troy D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of...  [Read more]

Sat, 17 Aug 2019 Jon ITTT Destinations What do You Need to Teach English in Europe? Opportunities abound for the TEFL teacher in Europe and it is a popular destination for many upon completing their TEFL certification. Teachers with a specialist certificate in teaching business English will do well in countries such as France and Germany, but there are plenty of teaching jobs to be found across the whole region. The requirements for English teachers in Europe vary from country to country and this article aims to highlight the differences and similarities between them. Table of Contents Can you teach there if you are from outside the EU? What qualifications are needed? Do you need to be a native speaker? Are you ready to start teaching English abroad? Related Articles: ## Listen to...  [Read more]

Sun, 10 Jun 2018 Katie and Jake from Untold Wanderlust TEFL Information Two Traveling Teachers Share What It's Like Teaching English Abroad as a Couple Teaching English abroad is a thrilling and self-fulfilling job, not to mention the benefits it has upon your students. However, leaving the comforts of your hometown can be quite a difficult thing to do but luckily teaching as a couple helps iron-out those small worries before leaving. Here I have put together an article of my experience of teaching abroad as part of a couple. Table of Contents Life Before Becoming a TEFL Teacher Where We Decided to Teach The Pros of Teaching as a Couple Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles Life Before Becoming a TEFL Teacher It was never my aspiration to become an ESL teacher....  [Read more]

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 Jon ITTT TEFL Information Great ESP and EAP Course Books and Where to Find Them What are ESP and EAP? English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is an area of English language teaching and learning that encompasses business English and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) as well as courses that teach English needed for specific jobs and industries. As a qualified TEFL teacher you will likely teach ESP in some form and in this post I'll look at course books aimed at teaching English to those in certain professions such as finance, law, tourism, medicine and aviation as well as books used for teaching EAP. EAP focuses on the language and skills needed for students to study in English at university level. As with other English teaching, EAP deals with reading, writing,...  [Read more]

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences 4 Things To Keep in Mind When Teaching EFL in a Kindergarten As a kindergarten teacher working in China I have a lot of experience dealing with students, fellow teachers; Chinese and foreign, management and parents. Table of Contents Potential problems you might face in a Chinese kindergarten You can call on other foreign teachers for advice and support Getting to know your students will help you teach them Parents like to be involved Start your journey as an English teacher in China today! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post A few years ago I came to China to learn Chinese. To pay for my living expenses I started teaching young learners. Pretty soon I got a full-time job in a kindergarten and I fell in love with the work and I...  [Read more]

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences 3 Key Points to Consider When Teaching English to Young Learners Teaching English to young learners is quite different from teaching English to adults in many ways. One of the differences is that young learners do not learn the language in a conscious process, mostly they acquire the language. For young learners, it can be said that it is easier for them to acquire and learn English as long as they are exposed to the language. Since learning languages differs from age to age, teaching styles and strategies also change accordingly. As English teachers, we have different approaches, methods, techniques, and tools which gravitate towards different needs and levels of young learners. So, as English teachers, we should address those needs....  [Read more]

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences My Amazing Personal Teaching Experience My teaching experience started back in 1988 where I was working for a company called Bryco Windows. They are a UPVC window and door manufacturer where my position was Sales Trainer. My job was to teach new staff and train them to understand the sales process and how to close the sale. This was a hard job to do as a salesman as the sales people got a lot of knock backs (no sale). Part of my job as sales trainer was to keep them motivated. Sometimes this got very hard with some sales people and many people left. The employee turnover was very high as not many people actually could master it. I worked there for four years in this position and met some really good people who did very well. Table of...  [Read more]

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 Elaheh Rezvani Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas How Online Education Bridges Learning Gaps Nothing can undoubtedly match the experience of face-to-face classrooms. An offline or physical set of an educational platform is an indispensable part of a student's life since it is essential for their growth in all aspects. However, the potentiality of technology in education also plays an equally important part. Virtual or online learning represents a set of new learning opportunities. Technology gives this opportunity to teachers and students to enjoy more enchantment in lesson plans and provides a multi-dimensional chance to the classrooms. Table of Contents What are the positive features? What are the capabilities of online learning? Conclusion Are you ready to teach...  [Read more]

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 Jon ITTT Destinations Top Tips for Teaching English without a Degree One question many people considering becoming a TEFL teacher ask is whether it is possible to teach English abroad without a university degree. The answer to this question is simply, yes. While there certainly are some countries and individual schools that do require TEFL teachers to have a degree, in the vast majority of countries it is not a requirement by governments or employers. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Europe is an ideal destination for those without degrees Volunteering in Africa is a great way to gain experience Teaching in the Middle East will require a degree most of the time Latin America offers plenty of opportunities Emerging markets in Asia are worthwhile...  [Read more]

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 Jon ITTT Teaching Ideas 6 Awesome Sources for English Teaching Resources No matter where in the world you are teaching or how well equipped your school is, at some point every teacher needs to find additional resources to enhance their classes. Below are some of the ways that TEFL teachers can find extra ideas and materials for their lessons. Table of Contents School resource libraries are a great place to start The internet is your friend when looking for teaching ideas English course books are a great resource Teaching resource books will help you make quality lessons Don't forget your fellow teachers You can always create your own Listen to this blog post Are you ready to start teaching abroad? Related Articles: School resource libraries are a great place to...  [Read more]

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences What’s it Like Teaching EFL in a Kindergarten in Vietnam? Today I will be discussing teaching EFL in a kindergarten class in Vietnam. The main 3 points I will be talking about are the culture, school support and parent assistance. Just to give you some background, my name is Melanie and I am from Ohio, USA. I have over 10 years experience in the classroom. I started as a substitute teacher in Nevada and then decided to move abroad to Vietnam in 2013. Vietnam is where I had my first EFL experience of teaching kindergarten. Table of Contents Children are Motivated to Succeed Memories of My First Day The Importance of Practicing at Home The Benefits for Teachers and Students are Huge Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related...  [Read more]

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences The 3 Most Important Things I Learned as an EFL Teacher in Korea Looking back at my teaching life, I'm very proud of the teaching experiences I've had. Even though my teaching experiences are limited to one culture, Korea, still they are all very special and unique in their own ways. I started my journey as an EFL teacher a couple of years ago, thinking that I could learn other languages myself. I thought that I would move from place to place, possibly different countries, and learn different languages and get various teaching experiences in different settings. However, it turned out to be Korea only. I could soak up Korean culture and learn the language more easily because of my origin. The more time I spent teaching, the more I got to...  [Read more]

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences The Exciting Future of Learning English Online The eLearning industry has hailed online courses as 'the future of education'. This is evidenced by the rising popularity of digital learning platforms. In the US alone, more than six million higher education students enrolled in online courses last year(1). Forecasts now suggest that revenues from the eLearning industry could reach $325 billion by 2025(2). For students, there are many benefits including the convenience of being able to study from any location, the flexibility to choose when they attend class and the ability to set the pace of their own learning. But eLearning poses great challenges for both students and teachers. This essay will examine some of the key advantages and main...  [Read more]

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Teaching Business English Teaching "Business English" is an interesting context for an English teacher. A lot of teachers are concerned about teaching in this context because they think that they need detailed knowledge or experience about business. Even though a knowledge of business is useful, it is not the number one skill or ability a teacher should have. On the contrary, there is nothing to fear as essentially you are still an English teacher and your students (clients) often have the business knowledge they need, but can just not express themselves in English. So it is all about adapting and taking your normal teaching approach from the general English class, and making it work in the business...  [Read more]

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences What You Need To Know When Teaching Beginner Students From the 60-year-old successful businessman who has never studied English to the third grader who is learning it for the first time in a school setting, each student has their own motivation and background. Their unique experiences will dictate what they bring to the table and be a factor in their success or difficulty in learning English. Understanding what brought the learners to the classroom, will help a teacher tailor the lessons to be most beneficial to her students. This includes understanding their culture to a certain extent, specifically as it relates to faux pas or misunderstandings that could arise in the classroom setting. Table of Contents Defining the Difficulties...  [Read more]

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences A Summary of All English Tenses for ESL Teachers and Learners The tense system of English is probably one of the most daunting areas for many speakers of other languages. Multiple tenses should be taught through explaining strict grammar rules while allowing the students to practice proper structure, as well as evaluating themselves with quizzes and examples. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: 1. The Past Tenses 1) Simple Past Tense 2) Past Continuous Tense 3) Past Perfect Tense 4) Past Perfect Continuous Tense 2. The Present Tenses 1) Simple Present Tense 2) Present Continuous Tense 3) Present Perfect Tense 4) Present Perfect Continuous Tense 3. The Future Tense 1) Simple Future Tense 2) Future Continuous Tense 3) Future...  [Read more]

Mon, 16 May 2022 Shirin Sophy Destinations Alumni Experiences Teaching English in Thailand - An EFL Teacher Shares Her Story Before moving to Thailand in November 2021 while it almost appeared not just impossible but somehow foolish to leave your amiable country behind and travel 5,479 km to an exotic far-flung destination on a plane full of self-willed international passengers when the pandemic was still going strong, I had no clear idea about the fascinating country I was visiting and life-altering changes I was about to experience. Table of Contents Life in Thailand The Locals Thai Weather Teacher Accommodation Food Life expenses Thai Culture Conclusion Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! As a result of the first fierce waves of...  [Read more]

Sat, 03 Aug 2019 Jon ITTT Destinations 6 Facts about Teaching English in China Teaching English in China is as popular as ever and is one of the best places to put your TEFL certificate to use. In 2014, 7.26 million students graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees and the numbers were expected to rise in 2015. There are over 30,000 organizations or companies offering private English classes, with the Chinese market having nearly doubled in size in the last five years and is now worth around $3.1 billion. Table of Contents Money in China is good for English teachers Head away from the famous cities to save money China is increasingly diverse in its metropolitan areas There is an excellent transport network The country is ideally situated for exploring the wider region Chinese...  [Read more]

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences How Teaching English In Brazil Inspired Me To Take My TEFL and Pursue A Teaching Career In 2016, I was given the amazing opportunity to teach English in the beautiful country of Brazil. In my first few weeks there, I learned how to teach by observing a professional instructor at the English language school and then practicing in front of my new colleagues. These were my first steps into the world of teaching. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our ITTT graduate Kyler J. During my first month at the English school in Brazil, I learned as much about the culture of Brazil and the students who lived there as I did about being a teacher. When I...  [Read more]

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas English Impact on The ESL Students' Future Career Perspectives English is one of the topmost spoken languages globally, along with languages such as Spanish and Mandarin. Just as being an EFL teacher can open many opportunities throughout the world for teachers, learning English as a foreign language can significantly impact students and help them gain access to new avenues in their careers. Table of Contents Benefits of Speaking English as a Second Language Bilingual Education Opportunities and Benefits Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]