TEFL Healy

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   Homophones describes one of two or more words with the same pronunciation but different spellings and/or meanings (for example weak and week). English learners will sooner or later face homophones, so it's essential for the EFL teacher to be aware of homophones and how to teach them.   Homophones are words that have exactly the same sound (pronunciation) but different meanings and (usually) spelling. For example, the following two words have the same sound, but different meanings and spelling: hour (noun: 60 minutes) / our (possessive adjective: belonging to us) In the next example, the two words have the same sound and spelling, but different meanings: bear (noun: large, heavy animal with thick fur) bear...  [Read more]

One of the significant challenges of teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate is navigating through cultural differences and language barriers. Understanding and respecting the local customs, traditions, and communication styles are crucial for effective teaching. Moreover, language barriers can make it challenging to convey complex ideas or instructions, leading to misunderstandings between the teacher and students. It requires patience, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability to overcome these obstacles and create a conducive learning environment for all. Another challenge that TEFL teachers may face is classroom management and adapting teaching styles to suit the diverse needs of students. Managing a classroom with students from different cultural backgrounds and language...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas With the Gross Domestic Product growing at the rate of about 6.88% per year, Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, as well as the world. The increase in disposable income has made extra language sessions outside of school much more accessible to middle- and lower-class families. Similar to other Asian countries, exposure to western cultures through the internet has made English the most desirable language to learn in Vietnam. Listen to this blog post: Opportunities 1. English Learning and Educational System 2. Non-native Speaking Environment 3. EFL in Early Childhood Do you want to teach in Vietnam? Take a TEFL course to have a competitive advantage! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) can be a rewarding yet demanding profession. Burnout is a common issue among TEFL teachers, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Burnout can be caused by a variety of factors such as heavy workloads, challenging students, lack of resources, and a sense of isolation. It is essential for TEFL teachers to recognize the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to prevent it. To avoid burnout and stay motivated as a TEFL teacher, it is crucial to establish a healthy work-life balance. Setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life can help prevent feelings of overwhelm. Engaging students through interactive and creative...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, it's crucial to understand the concept of burnout and its potential impact on your well-being. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. In the context of teaching English as a foreign language, factors such as heavy workloads, challenging classroom dynamics, and cultural adjustment issues can contribute to burnout. Recognizing the signs of burnout, such as feeling constantly drained, irritable, or disengaged, is the first step towards addressing and preventing it. Maintaining motivation is essential for sustaining your passion and energy as a TEFL teacher. One effective strategy is to set realistic goals and celebrate small victories along the way. This can help you stay focused and inspired, even during...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences My biggest takeaway from my TEFL certification course with ITTT is the topic of learning techniques. Learning techniques vary depending on race, gender, age, cultural background , past experiences and several other variables of the students involved. I will describe my personal past experiences in regards to the subject at hand. Visual vs. Auditory Learners The Auditory Learner The Visual Learner Gender Culture Age Willing vs. Unwilling Students Are you ready to teach English abroad? Listen to this blog post Related Articles: I would like to take a moment to thank the ITTT staff for putting together this highly informative and enlightening TEFL program. It is well written, easy to understand and well organized for new and experienced ESL teachers...  [Read more]

  Teaching English in University Settings Qualifications Required for TEFL University Jobs Benefits of Teaching English in Universities Challenges of Teaching English in University Settings Developing Curriculum for University TEFL Courses Teaching Methods for University ESL Classes Importance of Cultural Sensitivity in University Teaching Advancement Opportunities in University TEFL Jobs Job Outlook for TEFL University Positions Resources for Finding TEFL University Jobs Teaching English in university settings can be a rewarding experience for TEFL professionals. Universities often offer opportunities for more advanced and specialized English language instruction to students who are preparing for academic or professional careers. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) provides...  [Read more]

  The three words lightening, lightning and lighting are easily confused by English learners and even native speakers. Let's take a look at the differences. Lightening is the present participle of the verb to lighten describing the action of making something less heavy. A good example would be "I was lightening the load on my horse because it was exhausted." Lightning refers to a streak of static electricity through the sky usually accompanied by thunder, as here "I was struck by lightning while playing golf in a storm." Lighting is the arrangement of light especially in photography. A suitable example for this would be "The photo was dull because the lighting wasn't good enough". Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL...  [Read more]

While many aspiring English teachers naturally lean towards urban centers for the sheer volume of job opportunities and bustling city life, there is a distinct allure to teaching in smaller towns. If you sign up for programs like South Korea's EPIK or France's TAPIF, your placement location may be predetermined. However, for those with the freedom to choose, the benefits of small-town teaching can be substantial and rewarding. Here is why teaching English in a less urbanized setting might be the right fit for you: Less pollution and noise Less traffic on the roads Seeing students and families outside of class Unusual traditions Learn about the town and community Many of today's global cities are grappling with significant air pollution, a concern for many, including English teachers....  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Explore the challenges and strategies in teaching English language sounds and pronunciation across different age groups.It's widely known that students of various age groups exhibit varying learning capacities. Despite these differences and regardless of background or origin, learners of English (referred to as L2) often struggle with speaking and listening due to the language's heavy reliance on auditory comprehension. This article delves into the importance of addressing these pronunciation challenges, especially in the context of teaching English as a second language. Understanding Age-Related Differences Young Learners: Nurturing the Phonetic Foundation Navigating the Teenage Years: 12-18 Age Group Engaging Adult Learners: The...  [Read more]

Whether you have joined an online teaching platform or have chosen a solo path, one of your first tasks will be to construct an ideal online classroom setting. While some may envisage teaching from a hammock in their backyard while donned in beachwear, the actual scenario tends to be quite different. To retain existing students and attract new ones, it is essential that your online classroom strikes the perfect chord. Thankfully, achieving this isn't too challenging, and we are here to guide you with some valuable tips. Choosing a teaching space Having the right equipment The importance of the back wall The importance of props The virtual classroom The image of the teacher The most critical aspect when picking your teaching location is that it should be quiet and devoid of possible...  [Read more]

As the demand for English skills rises globally, certain destinations stand out for their ease of transitioning for TEFL teachers. Based on factors such as job availability, straightforward visa processes, favorable income-to-cost of living ratios, and local hospitality, countries in various regions emerge as top picks. Notably, South Korea leads the pack, with other countries such as Colombia, Germany, Morocco, and the UAE, all scoring highly. South Korea Germany Colombia Morocco The United Arab Emirates South Korea is a favorite destination for TEFL certified teachers, primarily due to the myriad of job opportunities and competitive salaries. The typical teacher's wage ranges between $2000 and $2500 per month, and the cost of living is affordable. Additional perks often included in your...  [Read more]

Preparing to teach English abroad requires thoughtful packing. Essential items include: Before departure, streamline your belongings, focusing on items directly related to your teaching role and adapting to your new environment. Should I invest in a good quality camera? What clothes should I take when teaching English abroad? Will I need a raincoat when teaching English abroad? What shoes will I need when teaching English abroad? What other things should I consider when packing? Although mobile phones now have improved cameras built in, taking a separate, high-quality camera is certainly recommended. Mobile phones are only as good as the battery that runs them and these can be short lived when using the camera extensively. Bear in mind that many of the places you might visit could be...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What's the most difficult part of learning a new language? Is it writing? Perhaps it's the reading or memorizing new vocabulary? Well for some it's speaking the new language, specifically when it comes to pronunciation. Every language has its unique ways or pronouncing their vowels and constants as well as how they form their sentence structure. Especially this write up will focus on Japanese English as a Second Language (ESL) students and the difficulties they face while learning English and its pronunciation. Japanese Writing Teaching Approach Pronunciation Differences Further Steps 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...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Studying and learning standard English grammar is an experience that most native speakers must also do. Furthermore, even after learning grammar in an English education system, many native speakers still make grammatical errors in their everyday conversations, and especially so when writing formal documents. Is clarity is over norms and rules? Is focusing on mistakes effective? Variations Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Natalie F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. However, grammatical errors such as saying, "I and my friend went to that movie," instead of "my friend and I," are still socially...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Several surveys, such as EF (Education First), have shown that France has the worst English level in the European Union. We shall explain, firstly, why French students have problems in learning English and what these problems are. Then, secondly, we shall share solutions to these problems. Origin of Typical Difficulties Global Status of French Lack of Exposure to English Academical Importance Common Vocabulary Tenses Pronunciation Lesson Ideas Ways to Engage Grammar and Vocabulary Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mohamed S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Indeed, the difficulties that French...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas When students hear 'vocabulary', they may expect to hear the word 'list' next. More often than not, we associate the word 'list' with 'boring'! We think of 2 daunting columns of black letters on white paper: one with the native language and one with the target language. But it doesn't have to be that way, and for teaching young learners, it cannot be that way. Certainly, teaching vocabulary will involve lists that help learners to receive language methodically and thoroughly. But what a teacher does with the vocabulary lists can be creative and fun and, most of all, memorable! Using Visuals - Loads of Them! Teaching Vocabulary Using the ESA Methodology Acting Out Verbs Teaching Adjectives Using Opposites Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Destinations The utterly unique character of Japan has fascinated people from all over the world throughout history and this is still very true today. Nowhere else quite captures the imagination like Japan, with its individual blend of East Asian culture and high-tech modernity. Its popularity among foreign teachers is also enhanced by the strong demand for TEFL qualified professionals in all of its major cities, as well as many smaller towns across the country. Although competition for the top jobs can sometimes be tough, the promise of living and working in one of the world's most fascinating countries continues to draw many thousands of teachers every year. If you would like to join them, take a look at our pick of the top 5 places to teach English in Japan. 1. Tokyo 2....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Type in "teaching grammar effectively" into Google and the reader will be confronted with pages and pages of advice/frameworks/theories on how to effectively teach grammar. 8 Do's and Dont's for Effective Grammar Instruction 8 things to avoid Alternative Approach Theory Explanations Examples Exercises Supplementing the coursebook Carry-over 7 tips for effective grammar instruction Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Most of the content does acknowledge that there is no "golden rule" for effective grammar teaching before imparting their particular key rules or areas that should be incorporated into teaching grammar. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Joe S. Please note that this blog post might...  [Read more]

There is no other place quite like new york City and our TEFL course there combines the professionalism of our training staff with the heart pounding excitement of one of the largest metropolitan neighbourhoods on Earth. New York City’s attractions speak for themselves: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, the Metropolitan Museum of Natural History, the list goes on and on and on. If you like the theatre, you will love Broadway. If you are keen on sports, why not visit Madison Square Garden? Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. The city’s incredible diversity, rich culture and impeccable style will delight even the biggest sceptics. Our centre is conveniently located...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification is a qualification that enables individuals to teach English to non-native speakers. It equips teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English in a foreign language setting. TEFL certification programs vary in length and intensity, but generally, they cover teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment. Additionally, TEFL certification often includes practical teaching experience, which is essential for gaining confidence in the classroom. While TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certifications are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two. TEFL is typically more...  [Read more]

If you crave adventure and a lifestyle that’s out of the ordinary, Phnom Penh, Cambodia is the perfect location to launch your ‘teach English abroad’ journey. The transformation of Cambodia over the past three decades from a country characterised by occupation and trouble, to a Southeast Asian powerhouse, is phenomenal. There’s an insatiable demand for English language skills in Cambodia - and a chronic shortage of TEFL qualified people to teach English. What does this mean for people just like you? Simple! It means opportunities galore. Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and the nation’s international gateway. With a population of around 2.5 million people and a relatively confined central business district, it has a noticeably slower pace of life than you’ll find in...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and TEFLQ (Teach English as a Foreign Language to Quality Standards) certification programs differ primarily in their content. TEFL courses focus on providing educators with the necessary skills to teach English effectively to non-native speakers. These programs cover topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, grammar instruction, and teaching methodologies. On the other hand, TEFLQ programs go a step further by incorporating quality assurance standards into the curriculum. This includes topics like continuous professional development, reflective practice, and adherence to specific quality benchmarks in teaching. When it comes to the requirements for obtaining TEFL versus TEFLQ certification, there are notable differences. TEFL...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences TEFL Reviews & TESOL Reviews In this TEFL review video, Regan from the US shares her experience of taking a TEFL course with ITTT. Regan is teaching English in Northern Japan and decided to take a TEFL course in order to have more knowledge on how to structure her lessons. She found that the course was very helpful and the online format allowed her to study at her own pace while working full time. Federico Riva Alumni Experiences TEFL Reviews & TESOL Reviews In this TEFL review video, Elleda from the US shares her experience of taking three TEFL courses with ITTT. Elleda felt that she learned a ton of new skills and is now equipped with the right knowledge to succeed in any classroom - abroad or online. She would 100% recommend ITTT for...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences TEFL Reviews & TESOL Reviews 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! Federico Riva Alumni Experiences TEFL Reviews & TESOL Reviews 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! Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences TEFL Reviews &...  [Read more]

Yes, you can take a specialized TEFL course without prior TEFL certification. These courses are designed to provide more in-depth knowledge and training in specific areas of English language teaching beyond the foundational TEFL certification. Here are some key points to consider: Specialized TEFL courses are typically intended for teachers who already hold a basic TEFL certification and want to further develop their skills in a specific area such as Young Learners, Business English, or Teaching Exam Preparation. These courses delve deeper into specialized teaching methodologies, materials, and approaches relevant to the chosen specialization, allowing teachers to enhance their expertise in a particular area of English language teaching. While prior TEFL certification is not always a...  [Read more]

Linda is a passionate traveler, language learner and TEFL teacher. After spending some time teaching in China, she moved to Korea in 2015. She now calls South Korea her home. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on why you should complete a TEFL course. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on why the use of video technology in teacher training is important. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by a recent TEFL course graduate who shares their thoughts on songs in the classroom. Linda Dunsmore Visa and Legal With thousands of UK citizens teaching English as a foreign language abroad the question how Brexit will affect their...  [Read more]

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. Mark Crocker TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Teaching online offers a great deal of freedom and flexibility that many teachers find refreshing in comparison to a regular in-class job. ✅ However, it can also be a tough environment to work in if you approach it in the wrong way. Take a look at these simple tips for maintaining motivation when teaching English online.Are you teaching English online and finding it difficult to stay motivated? Take a look at our simple tips to help you stay at the top of your game. Mark...  [Read more]

Communications Manager for GOTefl & SA-Recruitment GroupBorn and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Kim spends her time creating content and traveling Asia. She finds her inspiration in the food trucks and off-track attractions around the world in the hopes she can bring those experiences to life for others. Kimberley Dale Visa and Legal TEFL Information Signing any contract can be daunting. However, we have compiled a checklist for you to keep with you as you read through your contract. Kimberley Dale Visa and Legal TEFL Information Are you looking to work as an English teacher abroad and travel the world? Here is our guide to writing a TEFL resume that will get you hired!  [Read more]

Jon ITTT TEFL Information This ITTT TEFL article looks at 6 other jobs available to qualified TEFL teachers in the industry around the world. Jon ITTT Destinations This ITTT TEFL article looks at the rules of etiquette in 4 different countries in Asia. Jon ITTT Destinations This ITTT TEFL article looks at the rules of etiquette in 4 different countries in the Middle East. Jon ITTT TEFL Information This ITTT TEFL article answers 6 questions about what is needed when you want to teach English as a foreign language abroad. Jon ITTT TEFL Information This ITTT TEFL article takes you through the 6 steps involved in completing a TEFL course and find a job a an English teacher abroad. Jon ITTT Teaching Ideas This ITTT TEFL article looks at 10 activities you can use in...  [Read more]