Top 5 Most Difficult Languages To Learn

Fri, 29 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Learning Difficulties Faced in ESL Settings Learning is always hard especially learning something new such as English learning. English is a different new language compared with Chinese, so when we are learning, definitely we will meet all kinds of difficulties in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Table of Contents Most beginners think listening is the most difficult part of English learning. Speaking can be improved dramatically from zero in a short time but it's quite difficult to speak accurately. For most Chinese people, English reading is not as difficult as listening or speaking. Writing is always the hardest part of English for Chinese students. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today!...  [Read more]

Mon, 20 May 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Why Exposure is Important when Learning a Second Language Unlike learning a first language, learning a second language is a task that can sometimes seem frustrating and at times even impossible. There are many reasons for this as learning a second language is very different than learning your mother tongue. Firstly, there are biological factors involved and the fact that normally children tend to assimilate things more easily than adults. Secondly, it is often harder to get the same level of exposure to the language than it is when learning a native language where repetition from parents etc. is constant. That is why when you sign up for an English class, or any other language for that matter, teachers will try to replicate that...  [Read more]

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How to Teach the Correct Pronunciation of L, R, V, and F Many students of English as a Second Language (ESL) find that, of the many struggles they have with the language, pronunciation is the most difficult to master. Table of Contents Working on Fluency Difficult Sounds: Part 1 How to Teach? Difficult Sounds: Part 2 How to Teach? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Listen to this blog post Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sophie M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Working on Fluency Pronunciation is an extremely important ability to have to sound more fluent in English. By gaining the knowledge and skill of...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore ITTT TEFL 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. Read my articles Teaching English in Russia - The Salary and Budget Guide | ITTT | TEFL Blog Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary Destinations Russia is an up-and-coming EFL destination with vacant positions all across this vast nation. If you are interested in joining the thousands of English teachers in the country, check out this guide on salary and budget for a teacher living in Russia. ESA Methodology - What Is It and Why Should You Use It in the Classroom? | ITTT | TEFL Blog Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas The ESA methodology of teaching is one of the most used modern teaching...  [Read more]

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences My Experience of Learning a Second Language as an American Second language acquisition in native English speakers from the United States is one aspect of American culture that is not widely discussed and seemingly overlooked in terms of its importance. Many factors contribute to the United States' largely monolingual culture despite have a "melting pot" of sorts with a population comprised of multiple ethnicities and nationalities. This culture of English speakers points to strong geographic features of its continental location and debatably its position in the world's economic index and political landscape. Table of Contents How language learning in Europe differs from America The difficulties for second language learners in America...  [Read more]

Mon, 13 May 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Motivation and the Language Learner - The Major Factors That Influence It Motivation is one of the most influential aspects of learning a new language. For all language learners motivation varies, but it is surely an essential part in achieving fluency within any given language. Motivation can be dependent upon age, language fluency (both first language and second language), affective filter (i.e. an individual's comfort level within a particular setting), and many other factors. Table of Contents How Age Can Influence Motivation How Language Fluency Can Influence Motivation How the Affective Filter Can Influence Motivation Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our...  [Read more]

Older Posts Building Confidence in Speaking English in a Non-Native Speaking Country Mary Blancaflor Alumni Experiences Remember that learning a language requires motivation, discipline, patience, and vision. If you don’t see where you are going with your target language early on then you are just wasting your time. It’s not a good practice to stop in the middle of something because you suddenly realized that it’s not worth it. Know your goal, set your mind to it so you will never get lost along the way. Don’t Make These Five Mistakes I Did in Trying to Teach English Online Margaret Paton TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Are you interested in teaching English online? Like you, I’m a new starter to this career of teaching English to non-native speakers, so I...  [Read more]

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Reading to Activate Second Language Skills The use of reading in the course of language acquisition is valuable and often underrated. Before undertaking a detailed explanation, I will first offer a general example to demonstrate the problem of teaching without it. Imagine you are teaching the word "ball" to an older student. You could ask them to say "ball, ball, ball" in a drilling manner. This can be inefficient and above all, boring for the student. But suppose that you do teach it enjoyably. How many words might they learn? Table of Contents Course Structure to Accept English Vocabulary Stephen Krashen Reference: As much as this practice is gaining ground around the world, two major drawbacks should be assessed. Do you want to...  [Read more]

Fri, 29 May 2020 Gökhan Yilmaz Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas 5 Common Problems for Arab Learners When Studying English This topic is very dear to my heart as I have been an English teacher in Arab countries for a long time. Therefore, I am writing this article as someone who has experience in learning both Arabic and English. In my observation, most of these difficulties either have to do with the students' native language (Arabic) or their cultural backgrounds. Here are the 5 most common problems for Arab learners when studying English. Table of Contents The Arabic Language Writing is Important Grammatical Differences Pronunciation Issues Reasons for learning English Related Articles: The Arabic Language As Arabic is written from right to left, English looks very strange to...  [Read more]

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Most Common Problems for English Learners in Spanish-Speaking Colombia For this assignment, I decided to research problems experienced by Colombian students learning English. I will be teaching English in Colombia and thought this subject would benefit me. My findings more generally reflect the difficulties of Spanish-speaking learners. The paper outlines the top ten difficulties for Spanish-speakers learning English (vocabulary, spelling/pronunciation, subject-verb-agreement, verb tense, dialects, subject omission, pronunciation, stress, slang, and literal translations) based on CCJK (2019). Where possible I relate this information to my experiences/examples and units in the TEFL course. Table of Contents Vocabulary difficulties...  [Read more]

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 Mark Crocker TEFL Information TEFL Breakdown - What Subjects Will Your TEFL Course Cover? Whether you choose an online format or an in-class option for your TEFL certification course, the overall goal is to provide you with all the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective teacher in your post-course classroom. But what exactly are the skills and knowledge you will learn? While the exact content may vary from course to course, here we break down some of the general topics that you are likely to study. Table of Contents The Role of the Teacher Classroom Management Lesson Planning Teaching Strategies Pronunciation Testing Listen to this blog post Now that you know what a TEFL course involves, what are you waiting for? Related Articles: Also Read: Online or...  [Read more]

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information 10 Tips to Help You Enjoy Your TEFL Course People have different reasons for taking a TEFL course, but everyone that embarks on the journey surely wants to succeed. It can be a challenging experience, but should also be enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting too stressed during the time you spend on the course. Although they're mainly geared towards on-site courses, many of the points apply to working online too. Table of Contents 1. Don't appear to be too serious 2. Accept mistakes – we're not robots 3. Follow your trainer's advice 4. Give yourself free time, but not too much! 5. Dedicate the time 6. Be positive and enthusiastic 7. Show interest in others – help each other- everyone benefits that way 8....  [Read more]

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences The Most Common Problems Students in Russia Face When Learning English It is not a secret for anyone that native speakers of any language always easily identify "non-native" when they hear at least a few words spoken by them. Often native speakers are able to fairly accurately determine the country from which the person came, based on his pronunciation. This happens due to the fact that it is common for all of us to use the sounds of our native language in the pronunciation of words of a foreign language, as well as to use articulation models we know from childhood the position of the organs of speech (lips, tongue, etc.). Table of Contents The "Russian mistakes" Muting voiced consonants in the endings. Replacing long vowels with short...  [Read more]

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Top Reasons to Teach Vocabulary to ESL Students According to David Crystal (1941), 'Vocabulary is a matter of word-building as well as word-using.' While this may be true and speaks to the fundamental usage of vocabulary in any language, vocabulary can also be seen as world-building. Vocabulary is 'the body of words used in a particular language' (Google, 2019). While the aforementioned clearly identify why it is important to teach vocabulary, this essay will try to explore it a bit further. Table of Contents Main Language Tool Vocabulary and Communication Vocabulary in Real Life Situations Common Vocabulary Teaching Techniques Do you want to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by...  [Read more]

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 Linda Dunsmore Destinations The 12 Most Affordable Countries For Teaching English Abroad Many thousands of people every year embark on their adventure of teaching English in a foreign country around the world. The options are almost limitless but which are the most affordable countries for teaching English abroad? Table of Contents 1. Argentina 2. Cambodia 3. China 4. Czech Republic 5. Ecuador 6. Laos 7. Mexico 8. Nepal 9. Peru 10. Philippines 11. Thailand 12. Vietnam Listen to this blog post Are you ready to start a new career teaching English overseas? Related Articles: 1. Argentina If Latin America interests you Argentina is among the top destinations for teaching English as a foreign language in the region. The country has a high demand for qualified English...  [Read more]

Tefl Tesol Podcasts Welcome to The TEFL and TESOL Podcast by ITTT! Here you will find a collection of all our available episodes in one place. Episodes cover a variety of topics that are related to TEFL, TESOL, and teaching English abroad or online. We regularly add new episodes. This podcast is perfect for anyone interested in teaching English abroad or online and getting TEFL or TESOL certified. Our podcast episodes range from TEFL and TESOL Q&As to interviews with exciting guests, inducing ITTT graduates, ESL recruiters, and other TEFL experts in the EFL industry. Download the episodes on your mobile device or listen to them directly on your laptop! 10 Alternative TEFL Destinations for an Off-the-Beaten-Path Teaching Experience 10 Alternative TEFL Destinations for an...  [Read more]

Do you need to be bilingual to teach English? Many potential TEFL trainees come to us and ask whether they need to speak another language in order to teach English overseas or online. The good news is the answer is most definitely NO, you do not need to have any language skills other than a thorough understanding of the English language. Obviously, if you do speak the native language of the country you intend to live and work in it can be a real help in many ways, but it is not normally required by the employer. What will I need to teach English as a foreign language? The specific requirements for teaching English abroad or online will vary depending on the country and the individual employer. In all cases a thorough understanding of the mechanics of English will be required. On top of...  [Read more]

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas The Benefits of Having Good Rapport with Students It is important to establish rapport with students within a classroom for a variety of reasons, it builds trust between students and teacher, insights confidence in students and allows for a fun learning environment. All aspects of teaching require a teacher to have some sort of rapport with students. Students will retain more information and do better in classes when the teacher is engaged and shows love for their job as well as an interest in their students. Most students will not learn well from a teacher who comes to class, does not greet the students let alone knows their names and just reads through the lesson without showing any interest whatsoever. It is far more beneficial for a...  [Read more]

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What Are The Qualities that Make ESL Teachers Good? I would like to start by first explaining what means to teach, which by a vague definition is to cause the student to learn and acquire the knowledge that is taught in the classroom to meet all the objectives that are previously set by the institution and by the teacher. In other words, the process of teaching is formulated and organized in such a psychological and educational way for both the learner and the teacher to be able to attain some prearranged goals. Table of Contents Teaching Profession Teacher's Uniqueness Are there Good Teachers? English as a Subject Learning Types Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our...  [Read more]

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 Mark Crocker TEFL Information Where to go next with your TEFL Career? ✅ For many people the TEFL adventure is a short-term plan that offers a convenient way out of a boring job, a means to travel to dream destinations, or simply the next step on life's journey. Once they have completed their TEFL certification course many new teachers head off abroad to their chosen countries and use their teaching qualification as a way to earn a good living while they are away. After one or two years a large percentage of these teachers decide the time is right to head home to their families and careers. However, this scenario is not the case for every TEFL qualified teacher. Table of Contents Specialized English language teacher Teaching materials developer Examiner or test...  [Read more]

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences What is Rapport and How Does It Affect the Dynamics of an EFL Classroom? Rapport in this context is the relationship between the students and the teacher, and among the student group within a classroom environment. Why is having rapport within a classroom important? Because without a friendly connection among the participants there is a real danger of disruption to the learning process. Table of Contents The Two-Way Road of Respect Finding the Right Balance The Three Common Scenarios of Classroom Rapport A Brief Example of How to Establish Rapport in a New Classroom Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Juri N. The Two-Way Road of...  [Read more]

Thu, 23 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 3 Reasons We Can’t Learn Languages Without Grammar Admittedly, learning grammar may not be the most appealing part when learning a new language. It usually connects with conjugations, tenses and in some languages, the position of the verbs, for example, German. Grammar itself can cause a huge problem for both the teacher and students to carry out the language class smoothly. People might argue that unconscious imitation is the best approach to learning a language since it is the most natural way. I would like to say this is the idealist method. Truth speaking, not many students are able to enjoy the bilingual or even multi-lingual background. Moreover, even with the mother tongue, people will encounter grammar courses in...  [Read more]

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 Kayla Hill Destinations TEFL Information NET Scheme for Teaching English in Hong Kong – How it Works and How to Apply So, you're interested in teaching English in Hong Kong? Although there are many avenues in which to do this, one particular program that is unique to Hong Kong is the Native English Teacher (NET) Scheme. I've just started my fourth consecutive year teaching in a local school in the New Territories in Hong Kong, and the scheme has definitely provided me with plenty of opportunities. Table of Contents History of the NET Scheme Duties of a NET How to Apply for the NET Scheme in Hong Kong Remuneration Package Attractive Rewards Common Challenges a NET Faces The NET Community What are you waiting for? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads...  [Read more]

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Classroom Management - What is it and how do I implement it? Many texts on this subject begin primarily by defining the term 'classroom management'. I equally think it is not out of place to begin a discussion on classroom management from the same perspective. Classroom management refers to the variety of skills employed by which teachers and schools to curtail disruptive behavior of learners so as to create a congenial environment for teaching and learning. It is the case from the definition that the classroom setting may not always be as well-ordered and peaceful for teaching and learning as it should be and may require certain organizational skills and the ability to create of a friendly and disciplined atmosphere in order for...  [Read more]

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Motivating Students in the Everyday Classroom "Student motivation" is affected by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors" (Reeve, 1996). It is part of a teacher's job to boost student's interests for knowledge and understanding, knowing as intrinsic motivation. The real problem for the teachers is: how to keep students motivated in an everyday classroom? The recommendations are as follows. Table of Contents Being enthusiastic Positive Classroom atmosphere Fun activities and materials Properly feedback and evaluation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Minxin Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Advantages and Disadvantages of English being a Global Language English is the language of the modern world. All people around the world know the importance of the English language in our life, because we need it in our work and sometimes when we meet other people from other cultures, maybe they are not from Britain or America but we almost think they are talking English. Table of Contents Other Languages Advantages of using English as a global language Disadvantages of using English as a global language Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Doaa E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Setting Up an English Course in Vietnam - a Graduate’s Story I worked as an Emirates Airlines flight attendant for over 6 years. In order to be accepted you need to pass multiple group exercises, a written exam and a two person interview. There are always over a thousand applicants but they only accept a very small number. Two years ago I left the company and moved to Vietnam where I noticed a great interest in younger people wanting to become flight attendants, but many were fearful of the Open Day, a two day process of interviews and exercises because they were not sure if their level of English was good enough. It didn't take long for me and two friends, who had also worked for the same airline, to decide to put together an 8 day...  [Read more]

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 Ramon Perez Teaching Ideas Top Tips For Creating An EFL Lesson Plan For Young Learners With each passing day, we learn something new. We build upon the previously attained knowledge and expand our understanding of various subjects. As teachers, we have the responsibility of expanding our students' knowledge and abilities. As much as we would like to provide fun and innovative ways to present the information, it can be difficult to keep it fresh on a daily basis. Table of Contents WHAT IS A LESSON PLAN? WHAT WHEN HOW WHERE WHY WHAT DOES A LESSON PLAN CONSIST OF? WARM-UP REVIEW NEW SUBJECT GAME WORKSHEET FINAL TIPS Now you're ready! Remember, be creative and make it your own. Related Articles: There are many factors to take into consideration when teaching a new...  [Read more]

Accreditation Which TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Accreditation Which TEFL and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts T.G. - United Kingdom said: Online tefl courses vs onsite TEFL courses1. Abstract This article is written for the partial fulfilment of 120 hours tesol Certificate online course. While commencing with the introduction of the TEFL, this article takes a form of a report which presents arguments to analyse features and advantages/disadvantages of online and onsite courses finally followed by a conclusion. 2. Introduction TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign...  [Read more]

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 Prachi and Morgan from AlienEating Destinations Alumni Experiences Teaching English in South Korea - Should You Teach in the Countryside or City? Teaching. It's frustrating, exhausting, and a whole lot of kid wrangling. Table of Contents City Teaching Rural Teaching Related Articles: It's also rewarding, eye-opening and will give you more patience than you ever thought possible. I had no idea how much went into this job. One day when I'm in Forbes 30 Under 30, I'm going to personally send a tower of Ferrero Rocher to every teacher in the world. This job is a huge responsibility and it's more difficult than I ever imagined. I urge everyone to dip a toe into the teaching world at least once. I've taught English in South Korea for two years now in both the open...  [Read more]