What Is Tefl Certification

What is TEFL certification? TEFL certification is the qualification that new English language teachers require to be eligible to apply for most teaching jobs, no matter where they are located. However, as there are no official guidelines governing TEFL certification, it can be a difficult task sifting through the many options available. An internet search will bring up a wide array of courses with huge variations in study time and cost, making the choice even harder. Table of Contents How many study hours should I look for when researching TEFL certification? In-class TEFL certification Online TEFL certification Combined TEFL certification Other types of TEFL certification TEFL course packages How many study hours should I look for when researching TEFL certification? One simple...  [Read more]

What is TEFL / TESOL Certification online? Our online TEFL / TESOL courses offer a convenient pathway to acquiring your TEFL / TESOL certification. Designed for flexibility, these courses allow you to study at your own pace, from the comfort of your home. In addition to the fundamental TEFL / TESOL qualification, you have the option to pursue specialized or advanced certifications to enhance your experience and resume. Each online course is accompanied by the guidance of an experienced online tutor. Furthermore, participants benefit from lifelong teaching support and job guidance services. Table of Contents Are online TEFL / TESOL courses comparable to in-person courses? Will I receive a full TEFL / TESOL certificate with an online course? Who accredits ITTT online TEFL / TESOL course...  [Read more]

What is a realistic timeline for TEFL certification and then getting a job teaching English abroad or online? This depends on which course you choose and also on your personal learning style. For example, you have up to 6 months to complete a 120-hour online course but many students complete the course in just a few weeks. You can then begin looking for teaching jobs immediately after your course ends. Your lifetime job search guidance begins the day you enroll in your TEFL/TESOL course, so you can get the conversation started with your ITTT advisor whenever you’re ready. The lifetime job support also includes help with your resume and cover letter. Table of Contents Teaching Jobs Abroad Teaching English Online Jobs Can I get paid to teach English online during the coronavirus...  [Read more]

What is a realistic timeline for TEFL certification and then getting a job teaching English abroad or online? This depends on which course you choose and also on your personal learning style. For example, you have up to 6 months to complete a 120-hour online course but many students complete the course in just a few weeks. You can then begin looking for teaching jobs immediately after your course ends. Your lifetime job search guidance begins the day you enroll in your TEFL/TESOL course, so you can get the conversation started with your ITTT advisor whenever you’re ready. The lifetime job support also includes help with your resume and cover letter. Table of Contents Teaching Jobs Abroad Teaching English Online Jobs Can I get paid to teach English online during the coronavirus...  [Read more]

What is a realistic timeline for TEFL certification and then getting a job teaching English abroad or online? This depends on which course you choose and also on your personal learning style. For example, you have up to 6 months to complete a 120-hour online course but many students complete the course in just a few weeks. You can then begin looking for teaching jobs immediately after your course ends. Your lifetime job search guidance begins the day you enroll in your TEFL/TESOL course, so you can get the conversation started with your ITTT advisor whenever you’re ready. The lifetime job support also includes help with your resume and cover letter. Table of Contents Teaching Jobs Abroad Teaching English Online Jobs Can I get paid to teach English online during the coronavirus...  [Read more]

What is a realistic timeline for TEFL certification and then getting a job teaching English abroad or online? This depends on which course you choose and also on your personal learning style. For example, you have up to 6 months to complete a 120-hour online course but many students complete the course in just a few weeks. You can then begin looking for teaching jobs immediately after your course ends. Your lifetime job search guidance begins the day you enroll in your TEFL/TESOL course, so you can get the conversation started with your ITTT advisor whenever you’re ready. The lifetime job support also includes help with your resume and cover letter. Table of Contents Teaching Jobs Abroad Teaching English Online Jobs Can I get paid to teach English online during the coronavirus...  [Read more]

What is a realistic timeline for TEFL certification and then getting a job teaching English abroad or online? This depends on which course you choose and also on your personal learning style. For example, you have up to 6 months to complete a 120-hour online course but many students complete the course in just a few weeks. You can then begin looking for teaching jobs immediately after your course ends. Your lifetime job search guidance begins the day you enroll in your TEFL/TESOL course, so you can get the conversation started with your ITTT advisor whenever you’re ready. The lifetime job support also includes help with your resume and cover letter. Table of Contents Teaching Jobs Abroad Teaching English Online Jobs Can I get paid to teach English online during the coronavirus...  [Read more]

What is a realistic timeline for TEFL certification and then getting a job teaching English abroad or online? This depends on which course you choose and also on your personal learning style. For example, you have up to 6 months to complete a 120-hour online course but many students complete the course in just a few weeks. You can then begin looking for teaching jobs immediately after your course ends. Your lifetime job search guidance begins the day you enroll in your TEFL/TESOL course, so you can get the conversation started with your ITTT advisor whenever you’re ready. The lifetime job support also includes help with your resume and cover letter. Table of Contents Teaching Jobs Abroad Teaching English Online Jobs Can I get paid to teach English online during the coronavirus...  [Read more]

What is a realistic timeline for TEFL certification and then getting a job teaching English abroad or online? This depends on which course you choose and also on your personal learning style. For example, you have up to 6 months to complete a 120-hour online course but many students complete the course in just a few weeks. You can then begin looking for teaching jobs immediately after your course ends. Your lifetime job search guidance begins the day you enroll in your TEFL/TESOL course, so you can get the conversation started with your ITTT advisor whenever you’re ready. The lifetime job support also includes help with your resume and cover letter. Table of Contents Teaching Jobs Abroad Teaching English Online Jobs Can I get paid to teach English online during the coronavirus...  [Read more]

What is a realistic timeline for TEFL certification and then getting a job teaching English abroad or online? This depends on which course you choose and also on your personal learning style. For example, you have up to 6 months to complete a 120-hour online course but many students complete the course in just a few weeks. You can then begin looking for teaching jobs immediately after your course ends. Your lifetime job search guidance begins the day you enroll in your TEFL/TESOL course, so you can get the conversation started with your ITTT advisor whenever you’re ready. The lifetime job support also includes help with your resume and cover letter. Table of Contents Teaching Jobs Abroad Teaching English Online Jobs Can I get paid to teach English online during the coronavirus...  [Read more]

What does a TEFL course focus on? A TEFL certification is a key requirement for employers of English teachers globally, with most now demanding a minimum of a 120-hour certificate. You can attain this certification through two primary avenues: in-class and online TEFL courses. In-class TEFL courses As the name suggests, these courses require you to attend sessions at a location where English is taught as a foreign language, usually for about four weeks. Given the accommodation necessity, these courses tend to be pricier, but they usually incorporate a teaching practice segment that significantly aids real-world teaching preparation. Also read: Which country is best for a TEFL course? Online TEFL courses These courses offer flexibility, as they don't demand physical presence at any...  [Read more]

What are TEFL acronyms? Acronyms are an essential tool used in all professions and technical writing. They are powerful tools to reduce word content. However without knowing what the acronym stands for, they can form a barrier to understanding. In the ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching world there is certainly no shortage of acronyms. Here we look at a few and one in particular, TEFL. Some useful teaching acronyms are: ELT: English Language Teaching. This is a general term for teaching English and applies to the teaching of English to both native and non-native English speakers. ELL: English Language Learner. This is a general term for anyone learning English and applies to learners of English who are native or non-native English speakers. ESL: English as a Second Language: This...  [Read more]

Is a free TEFL certificate legit? We can start with two sayings: 1) These is no such thing as a free lunch And 2) You get what you pay for With these two things in mind let us explore what free TEFL certificates are available and the problems that may be associated with them. Marketing tool: The course is free but you pay for certification This is becoming more common with online courses in all subjects across the curriculum. You are able to take a course for free (or at a minimal cost) but there is no certificate issued with the course. You are then offered certificate options from a PDF emailed version to full hard copy certificate with postage. When you add the certification cost you find it is similar to buying a regular course which has the certificate and regular postage already...  [Read more]

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Lesson Planning: What is it and Why is it Necessary? Planning, planning, planning! Many things in life need to be properly planned, be it a summer holiday or a work presentation. It can be a plan that is formally written down or it can be a plan that you simply keep in your mind. Having some kind of structure in place before doing activities will help put you at ease because you know what to do next and what to expect. Planning will also make you more productive as there will be no ‘guessing’ time, you will know what to do and when to do it. Taking the time to plan your lessons will almost certainly save you time in the long run. Table of Contents What is a Lesson Plan? Constructing a Lesson Plan Added...  [Read more]

What should I pack for teaching English abroad? In the run up to your departure overseas to teach English there will inevitably be plenty of things to organise. You will probably have one or two leaving parties to attend and you might have to clear out your old apartment and office space. Even if you only have to pack a bag in preparation for your trip, you will still need to consider exactly what you will and won’t need to take with you. Should I invest in a good quality camera? 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]

Which countries have a growing demand for EFL teachers? For each of five countries in each region we will consider factors such as a general statement of opportunity in the region, monthly salary in US$ equivalent and finally a typical current job posting from the region. It is important to view salaries in the context of a typical citizen’s average income. What may appear to be a low salary may in fact put you in a high income bracket (and vice-versa!) All figures were correct at the time of writing but are subject to change. Asia There is a vast range of opportunity from high income first world countries like Japan and South Korea, to less-developed countries throughout the region. Salaries and conditions therefore vary due to those constraints. Typical job posting 11 schools...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Liza is a translator, freelancer and ESL teacher from Russia. She had been teaching in a Chinese bilingual school for more than two years and recently moved to Thiland to run her blog about teaching and freelance job. Read my articles What is the Role of a Good Teacher? | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In this article, our TEFL graduate shares their point of view on a good teacher's personal qualities. Reasons for a Lack of Confidence in English Students from China | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This blog post contains information on the reasons why Chinese students may have a lack of confidence. Should a TEFL Certification be Mandatory for Teachers? | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information In...  [Read more]

How to teach TEFL online One area within the English teaching (ESL) market that has increased dramatically over recent years is that of teaching English online. Although many of the ideas used in traditional classroom teaching are transferable to online teaching, there are some specifics you should be aware of before embarking on this method of teaching. What does teaching English online mean? Usually the teaching of English (ESL) takes place in a school or language center. Students attend the location and have regular lessons from their teachers. However, there has always been a need, in very remote locations for example, for teaching to be done in one area and delivered to another. The advent of the world-wide-web and connectivity through phones, computers and the like has greatly...  [Read more]

What can I do with a TEFL degree? First we will look at the different levels of study currently available and how they relate to the world of TEFL qualifications. Taking the UK as an example, there are nine qualification levels; examples of actual UK qualifications at each level are given below: Entry level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7 Level 8 From the above, we can see that a degree in TEFL/TESOL is at level 6 and is therefore a very high level of study in the English teaching world. A few examples of such Level 6 courses are shown below: https://www.bachelorstudies.com/BA-English-Language-Linguistics-and-TESOL/United-Kingdom/York-St-John-University/ https://www.bachelorstudies.com/Bachelor-of-Arts-in-TESOL/USA/Great-Northern-University/...  [Read more]

What are the TEFL levels? If you have already done some research into TEFL courses you might have noticed that they are usually given a level that places it somewhere on the hierarchy of available courses. This type of organization makes it much easier for teachers to compare different courses and to choose the best options to suit their own situation. However, the first thing to make clear about TEFL course levels is that there is not just one framework, as many countries and individual teaching organizations have developed their own versions. Despite this, the vast majority of frameworks are designed using the same type of criteria, which means that most are very similar in design. Although each framework might vary slightly, most are constructed based on the type of study, the hours...  [Read more]

Will I get health insurance when teaching English abroad? Wherever you are teaching in the world, having adequate health insurance is obviously a very important issue. Whether it is provided by the employer or is entirely your own responsibility varies from one situation to the next so it is vital that you confirm health insurance details whenever you are interviewed for a teaching position. The following is a brief overview of health insurance around the ESL teaching world. Will I get health insurance when teaching English in Asia? The Asian continent is home to some of the world's largest and most popular ESL job markets. Health insurance is typically provided for most teachers working in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam. In many cases health...  [Read more]

How do I find a job teaching English in Spain? Spain has long been one of the top destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. Thousands of teachers from all over the world head to Spain every year drawn by the promise of a relaxed lifestyle, a beautiful coastline dotted with sandy beaches, and the opportunity to learn Spanish while living in a modern, international city such as Madrid or Barcelona. If Spain is your number one choice, take a look at the following tips that could help you on your way. What are the basic requirements for teaching English in Spain? If you are serious about living and working as an ESL teacher in Spain, the first thing you will need to do is complete a TEFL certification course. Without a TEFL certificate you will find it difficult to secure a well...  [Read more]

How do I get a job teaching English in Cambodia? Cambodia is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most promising TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) destinations in Southeast Asia. Boasting a vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, it captivates an increasing number of foreign teachers who choose to call it home. The country's most renowned gem, Angkor Wat, stands as an extraordinary temple complex, offering awe-inspiring views and remarkable architecture that can occupy visitors for days. The growing demand for English teachers in Cambodia is fueled by the nation's increasing reliance on international tourism and trade, as well as its young population, with approximately 60% under the age of thirty. The country's low cost of living and minimal restrictions on teacher...  [Read more]

Can I send money back home while teaching English abroad? It is very common for teachers working overseas to send money back home for a variety of different reasons, such as student loan repayments, to pay a mortgage on a property, or simply to help out family members. Unfortunately, it is not always a straightforward process as there are several factors to consider, including transfer fees, exchange rates, and the actual time each method takes to complete. Below we take a look at some of the most common options. What are the pros and cons of using a local bank? Banks can offer a reliable option for transferring your money, although this largely depends on where you are in the world. If you are teaching English in a popular location such as Japan or South Korea, banks are often a good...  [Read more]

What is the Schengen Area in Europe and how does it affect TEFL teachers? If you plan on teaching English in Europe you might have come across something known as the Schengen Area. This area is currently comprised of 26 countries with a combined population of over 400 million people. The area was set up in 1985 with the intention of removing border controls to make moving between countries hassle free. The Schengen Area should not be confused with the European Union which is a separate institution. Before its creation you would have to show your passport at every border to receive an entry stamp, while now anyone including TEFL teachers can move freely from one country to another without any restrictions. How long can I stay in the Schengen Area? Essentially, by entering a country that is...  [Read more]

How do I become a TEFL tutor? There are a number of EFL teaching scenarios that involve tutoring. The most obvious is that of one-to-one teaching. This can take place in a school, a language center, at a business or privately. Regardless of the teaching scenario, the route to becoming a TEFL tutor is basically the same as becoming a TEFL teacher. In general there are three ways to gain the certification required to become a TEFL tutor. They all involve a course with a minimum of 120 hours of training. Online TEFL certification This can be done from anywhere in the world with a computer and an internet connection. Typical 120-hour courses give you up to six months to complete the course, working at your own pace. These courses will cover the main aspects of EFL teaching, those being,...  [Read more]

How many levels are there in EFL? When researching teacher training courses it can be difficult to compare the many options available, which is why EFL course levels can be a great help. All TEFL courses can be put into certain levels that reflect their content and the level of qualification you will receive at the end of the training. This organization of courses can be a real benefit when it comes to choosing the right type of course to suit your individual situation. However, it is also important to know that there is not a single ranking system that is adopted by the whole EFL world. May individual countries and teaching organizations have their own set of course levels. Despite this, most systems are developed using similar criteria such as the type of study involved, the number of...  [Read more]

What is a TEFL course? More and more employers now expect their English teachers to have a minimum of a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Gaining a TEFL certificate shows your commitment to the profession and gives you an introductory preparation to the knowledge and skills needed to teach English. Types of TEFL course There are three main routes to a 120-hour TEFL certification. Course content There are two main areas covered in a TEFL course, 1) Teaching skills 2) Language awareness A good TEFL course will give you a solid grounding in the basics of the English language. You will learn how English grammar works and how you can explain it. Topics covered will typically include; Depending on which type of course you undertake, onsite, combined or online, the topics presented throughout the...  [Read more]

Which TEFL course should I take? Although you are free to sign up for any course that catches your eye, there is one thing you should always bear in mind: the minimum qualification required by most ESL employers worldwide is a 120-hour TEFL certificate course. The good news for our trainees is that there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved with ITTT. Travel to learn or stay at home? The first distinction in TEFL course type depends upon whether you want to travel to a training center to complete your studies or stay at home. If you wish to travel, then an ‘onsite’ course is best for you. Should you wish to complete your training at home then an ‘online’ course is best. What are onsite TEFL courses like? The four-week 120-hour TEFL certification course can be...  [Read more]

Is a level 3 TEFL enough to teach English? As the generally accepted minimum standard for mainstream teaching jobs is a level 4 qualification, a level 3 certificate alone would not be considered enough to teach English. However, before you make any decisions on which course to take it is best to be fully informed about the different course levels available. Once you have digested all the information below regarding course levels you should be ready to pick the right one to suit your current situation and your future plans. What are the different levels of TEFL certification? One important factor regarding TEFL course levels is that there are many different frameworks out there for ranking them. Many countries, regions, organizations, and course providers have their own system for ranking...  [Read more]