TEFL Healy

Zareena Younis Destinations Alumni Experiences In western society, continuous professional development (CPD) is part and parcel of most jobs where one will have to undertake regular training and have monthly meetings to see how one's work can be improved. There is the encouragement to develop your skills and certify yourself for better job satisfaction and promotion. Importance of CPD The Increasing need for CPD in the Middle East The benefit of CPD and how it can bridge the gap of education between the Middle East and Western society. Recommendations for educational establishments in the Middle East Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! However, in the Middle East, this is not so evident;...  [Read more]

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]

Date posted:2012-08-13 | Writer: Campus Brasil | Email: [email protected] This programme is aimed at students and professionals who are looking for practical experience abroad as an EFL teacher whilst also receiving a good living wage. The school we work with is one of the most traditional English Language schools in Brazil. It started over 75 years ago. It has 44 branches spread around the country and over 50.000 students. Although it is a traditional school, it also likes to keep up with the latest technological developments, having interactive white boards and multimedia centres. We offer contracts to teach 24 hours per week for either 1 semester or 1 year. Requirements» Minimum age: 20 years old »Previous experience as a teacher. »Participants must have...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it also comes with its challenges. Burnout is a common issue among TEFL teachers, often caused by a combination of factors such as heavy workloads, lack of support, and cultural adjustment issues. Burnout can manifest as feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. It is essential for TEFL teachers to recognize the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to prevent it. Staying motivated as a TEFL teacher is crucial for maintaining enthusiasm and effectiveness in the classroom. One effective way to stay motivated is to set clear goals for yourself and your students. By establishing achievable objectives, you can track your progress and stay focused on your teaching...  [Read more]

Zareena is a TEFL Instructor based in Sulimaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq. She enjoys motivating students in authentic ways and to inspire others to have optimism. Zareena Younis Destinations Alumni Experiences Nepotism, known as “wasta” in the workplace, is common in the Middle East, especially in the private sector. Personally, this area of common practice was unknown and unheard of to me as I come from a system of being recruited through the normal steps of applying for a job, being selected for an interview, and then being hired based on my experience knowledge, and skills. Zareena Younis Alumni Experiences Teachers in the Middle East are used to the traditional method of teaching, the teacher-centered approach, because this way is easier to manage the class, and it is what they...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Have young English learners in other countries faced the same problems as those who are in Vietnam? Some may appear alike but the others may occur differently. Personally, each individual may engage in varied private troubles. On a small scale of this little essay, it is advised to discuss three main objective factors that the majority of young learners may encounter. They are passive learning style, less communication practice yet heavy-grammar structure, and attitude towards education. Learning Style Grammar skills vs. Communication skills Attitude Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nguyen V. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [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]

Najwa Sabih Destinations Alumni Experiences Are you interested in teaching English in Turkey? Read this blog post written by an ITTT course graduate about her experience teaching English in Turkey. Shirin Sophy Destinations Alumni Experiences Are you interested in teaching English in Thailand? ITTT TEFL course graduate Shirin moved to Thailand to teach English and shares her experience in this blog post article. Hadassah Roberts Destinations TEFL Information We are all human. Let’s face it. Arguments, miscommunications, and considerations are inevitable. Here are some great tips how you as an English teacher can deal with contentions with your co-workers. Zareena Younis Destinations Alumni Experiences Nepotism, known as “wasta” in the workplace, is common in the...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The word 'drilling' in education refers to a teaching technique in which the teacher creates a certain pattern or structure to be practiced repeatedly by the students, for them to ultimately develop a system where they may identify and use the pattern or structure independently. Drilling as a technique has been put to use in teaching almost all subjects, but its efficacy has been particularly acknowledged in the field of language teaching, for training students in both pronunciation as well as grammar. However, just as it has been lauded for being a foolproof system of making students 'practice' a language, drilling has also been criticized for being a mechanical and largely monotonous process of memorization, followed by reproduction that is often...  [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]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences I am pursuing TEFL certification as part of an effort to work in a leadership position in an organization that provides English language training, as well as other technical programs of instructions, throughout the country of Afghanistan. This post addresses some of the specific problems faced by the Afghan English language students and some lessons from this TEFL training course which might help to address and overcome some of those problems. Most Common Problems Solutions to Help The Students Are you ready to start teaching English abroad? Listen to this blog post Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certificate graduate Stephen G. Some of the key problems facing Afghan English language students are among those identified in this TEFL...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The origin of many non-native English speakers can be recognized by their accents. For instance, Indians, French, and German people are easily identified by their accent. However, there are accents that are not easily recognizable, and one of them is the Brazilian accent. We can recognize Brazilians while he or she speaks English by 6 mistakes in the pronunciation that only Brazilians make. Listen to this blog post: Additional Sounds Sound Replacement Say as it is Written Difficult Sounds Do you want to teach English abroad? Right Choice! Take a TEFL course. Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Monica D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. First, one thing...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Learning English as a foreign language can sometimes become overwhelming. When people seek to learn English, their reasons can vary immensely. It could be because they want to travel to an English-speaking country, or it is possible that they are interested in English literature, or maybe it's their job requirement. In any case, their time in the class is important to them. Besides lots of expectations, there are also many inhibitions to overcome, and little time. Games are the most powerful tool to help release pressure, boost motivation and create a fun, friendly, positive learning environment. Games are very effective to increase confidence. Games can be used to practice target vocabulary and grammar. Games bring students together. Are you ready to...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In my experience tutoring students in English as a foreign language, the most overlooked learning points were undoubtedly phonetics, phonology, and their connection to pronunciation. Occasionally, there would be a few students who specifically asked for materials that would allow them to perfect or improve their English accent. Some students even requested to receive tutoring in different accents such as the Australian accent. No matter what the request was, it became clear to me over time that the missing link when teaching pronunciation was its connection to phonology and phonetics. From this point on, I became incredibly interested in this topic. My Course Research Accent vs. Low Level of Education Solving Anticipated Problems in the Beginning Do you...  [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 Teaching Ideas Drilling is a teaching method used by teachers, teaching languages or other subjects, all over the world. Generally, drilling involves the teacher saying or modeling something to the class and the students repeating it. There are many ways of using the drilling method. Some teachers may use it sparingly in class while others may use the method so often it becomes the main way their students acquire new information. Balance My Experience Variety of Activities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Erin D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I believe when it comes to utilizing the drilling method in the...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary TEFL Information Do you want to live abroad and experience a new culture? Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity for university students to do just that - but it's not the only way! Many students are eager to head overseas to study at a foreign university because they think if they don't they will miss out and never have another chance of living in a foreign country. This is simply not true. The worldwide demand for qualified English teachers is through the roof giving everyone who wants to teach abroad the opportunity to find a position. Here are 5 reasons why teaching abroad is better than studying abroad. You Will Make Money You Will Get International Work Experience You Will Live Like a Local You Can Stay as Long as You Want You Will Make a...  [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 After spending five years in China as an ESL teacher, corporate trainer and university lecturer I would like to share a few of the most common problems for Chinese learners and ways for teachers to overcome them. I will focus on problems regarding cultural differences, pronunciation and first language interference. Social challenges Pronunciation First language influence Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Michal W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Despite China's opening to the outside world in recent decades, it is still a very closed society with only anecdotal knowledge of Western culture (by...  [Read more]

1. Challenges in English Education 2. Opportunities for Improvement 3. Strategies for Enhancing English Education 4. Conclusion English education in South Korea has long been a topic of discussion due to its significant impact on the country's global competitiveness. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, proficiency in English has become a prerequisite for success in various fields. However, South Korea faces several challenges in providing quality English education to its citizens. One of the primary challenges in English education in South Korea is the heavy reliance on traditional teaching methods that focus on rote memorization and grammar drills. This approach often leads to a lack of practical language skills and inhibits students' ability to communicate effectively in...  [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]