Why Does Halloween Exist

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Many non-native English speaking countries only require teachers to have a bachelor's degree, and it can be in any field. It can be a degree in anything at all, thus not having prepared the future teacher for their new job and life. Some other countries don't require a bachelor's degree at all. With the rise in demand for learning English as a second language has come the increased relevance and need for courses such as TEFL. I'm an example of someone who had no background in teaching, and I also didn't take a course before I dove in. I had to "fake it till I made it" and looking back, that was unfair to the students. Even if I wasn't breaking any laws and I was doing everything I could to do a good job, I could have gone in better prepared. That being...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a volunteer has become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking to make a difference and immerse themselves in diverse cultures. While opportunities abound globally, some top destinations include South America's remote communities, Asia's bustling cities, and Africa's rural schools. Each region offers a unique experience, from the rich histories of Cambodia and Peru to the vibrant traditions of Kenya and Colombia. Why should you teach English as a volunteer? Where can you volunteer? What do you mean by best? Here are some variations on the volunteering theme. Free volunteering Affordable volunteer program (starting from $180) Volunteer program with pay Paid volunteer programs Teaching English as a volunteer not only impacts communities in need but also...  [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 Alumni Experiences There are many important areas of English language teaching, including phonology and pronunciation, but how important are they? In this post, an ITTT graduate looks at these areas from his own experience in the classroom. Mark Crocker TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Many people think that simply speaking English is qualification enough for becoming an English teacher abroad. In this post, one of our course graduates explains why this is not the best approach for the teacher or...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! There are four words in each line - one of them doesn't fit!   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

  Moving down our list of parts of speech, we have our verbs. The first big difference between verbs that we need to look at is whether it's an action verb or a state verb. Our action verbs, as the name suggests, mean that we typically can see these things in action. We can see people working and we certainly see people going to various places. Now, we have our state verbs. These are basically indicating a state of being. Two examples would be "seem" and "have" or "own". We have a sentence such as "He seems angry." and "I own my house." You can't actually see the action happening, even though those words are used as verbs. A very big differentiation between the two here as well is, state verbs typically don't take the progressive or continuous form. That form is the verb "+ing". As I...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Even though native speakers claim that it's always possible to understand people speaking English regardless of their accent, sometimes it might be extremely difficult. My native language is Russian and I can tell for a fact that Russian and English are very different in multiple things – but right now I'd like to focus on pronunciation. All Sounds are Pronounced in Russian Several Sounds Do not Exist in Russian Long and Short Vowels Sound the Same for The Russians Do you want to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Viktoriia Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Russian learners of English tend to...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Alumni Experiences There are many reasons to undertake a TEFL course. Completing the 120-hour TEFL course allows you to expand your portfolio. The TEFL certification gives you an edge over other candidates when applying to certain jobs. "Having a TEFL certification affords me the luxury of living overseas in a foreign country." "A TEFL certificate can serve you well beyond just teaching English." "It may sound like a fairytale job that does not exist, but this reality is within reach with a TEFL." Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This is not just one more qualification that will help you stand out in a global marketplace. Most countries around the world recognize what the TEFL certification is, and the...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video two TEFL students talk about their experiences during their four week course in Corinth, Greece. Don't be worried if you have forgotten the rules of grammar. ITTT does not require prospective trainees to have an in depth knowledge of the terminology and structures of the English language. We will teach you this during the course thus providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful teacher. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Each student faces their difficulties when it comes to English pronunciation depending on their country of origin. This essay will focus on the pronunciation difficulties facing ESL students in France and will also propose some solutions to help students overcome these difficulties. French Sound System IPA Difficult Sounds The Dark /L/ Sound Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kerri M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The number of English vowel sounds greatly outnumbers those found in the French language. As such, French students will have to produce sounds that they have never produced before....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas It is important to know what is to be done when half of your class speaks a different language. And being a teacher of English, it is almost impossible to communicate with your students in more than one language at the same time especially when trying to communicate different ideas. This can be very confusing for the students and create disorder in the classroom. By teaching a linguistically diverse classroom the teacher may face some challenges along the way such as reading and writing as well as speaking and listening. However, there do exist some methods that can help the teacher make the learning process much more beneficial to the students. Group Work in Class Clear Rules Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: ...  [Read more]

Yes, being fluent in English is typically a requirement to get a job in TEFL. Fluency in English is crucial for teaching English as a foreign language, as it allows you to effectively communicate with your students, explain grammar rules, and provide language practice. While fluency requirements may vary depending on the employer and the specific position, a high level of proficiency is usually expected. Here are some reasons why fluency is essential in TEFL: Language requirements for TEFL jobs vary depending on the country and institution. Here are some common language requirements you may encounter: To secure TEFL employment, a high level of English proficiency is typically required. Prospective teachers need to demonstrate a strong command of the English language to effectively teach it...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations Alumni Experiences Korean learners of the English language face numerous challenges in acquiring the language on a proficient level, although English is introduced to children at an early age. English is incorporated into the primary school curriculum from the age of four, yet only a small minority master the language on a proficient conversational level. Unfortunately, the reasons seem to stem from cultural and social differences, the significant differences between the two languages; Korean and English, and the Korean Educational System is also a contributing factor. Listen to this blog post: Problems Relating to Cultural Differences Problems Relating to the Different Phonetic and Grammar Systems Problems with English Education in the Korean School System...  [Read more]

Teaching English pronunciation is a crucial aspect of language learning as it enhances communication skills and comprehension. Proper pronunciation ensures that students can be understood by native speakers, leading to more effective interactions in both academic and professional settings. Furthermore, mastering pronunciation helps students gain confidence in speaking English, ultimately improving their overall language proficiency. There are several effective techniques that TEFL teachers can employ to teach English pronunciation. One popular method is the use of minimal pairs, which are pairs of words that differ by only one sound, such as "ship" and "sheep." By contrasting these words, students can practice distinguishing between similar sounds and improve their pronunciation. Another...  [Read more]

Comparing TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA certifications is essential when embarking on a journey in English language teaching. Each certification caters to different teaching demographics and career goals. TEFL is ideal for teaching children and adults, while CELTA focuses on adult learners. TESOL encompasses both demographics, offering a balanced approach. Understanding the Acronyms. TEFL vs. TESOL: Deciphering the differences. What Does a TEFL Certification provide? What does TESOL Certification provide? Choosing Between TEFL and TESOL. TEFL vs. CELTA: Examining Variances The Worth of a CELTA Certification Making the Right Choice Video Testimonials. TEFL stands for 'Teaching English as a Foreign Language,' TESOL for 'Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages,' and CELTA for 'Certificate...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Stefania F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Teaching English pronunciation to students of other languages is always a big deal. One of the biggest challenges when teaching English to Italians is its phonetics. I personally witnessed pronunciation difficulties when I taught English in Italy in high school last year. Apart from Italian students, I also taught a small group of French, Latin-American, and Arabic migrants, recently arrived in Italy. Not only did they have a low level of Italian, but they were also beginners in English. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: English teachers from...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas To effectively teach it is widely considered important that a plan is in place before commencing a lesson. This essay will provide evidence for this statement. First, the structure of a lesson plan and its effects will be examined and then contrasted with teaching by improvisation and its effects before presenting a final cost-benefit summary. Preparation technique Points to remember Advantages for teachers Advantages for students The dark side of freestyle Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Christopher B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Lesson planning simply refers to the practice of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Most researchers agree that the learner's first language influences the pronunciation of the target language and is a significant factor in accounting for foreign accents. So-called interference or interference from the first language is likely to cause errors in aspiration, stress, and intonation in the target language. Phonetics Unusual Sounds Language Structure Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vesna A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Some Chinese students tend to have difficulty with English sounds because they are deeply influenced by similar Chinese sounds. However, they are very...  [Read more]

TEFL teachers hold a unique and vital role in global education. While all educators contribute immensely, TEFL teachers address the specific challenges of teaching English as a second or foreign language. Their specialized training equips them to effectively teach in environments where English isn't the primary language, helping learners overcome linguistic barriers and bridging cultural divides. Their importance stems from their ability to foster communication and understanding in our increasingly interconnected world. Working knowledge vs Formal Knowledge What are the training options to become a TEFL teacher? Types of employment Summary Globalized industry has led to an explosion of the use of English as the lingua franca. This trend looks as though it will continue in the near future....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Having recently moved to Spain with the full intention of completing a TEFL course and making a new life outside of the UK, whilst studying how to teach English, at the same time as learning Spanish so that I can communicate reasonably, it is this juxtaposition between this my English competence that has underlined for me just how difficult it can be for anybody to learn a new language, having been humbled by the gaps in my knowledge. My Experience in Germany So in what ways does formal differ from informal English? Reasons for Informal Speech Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Justin S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas When students learn English as a second language, there are two types of skills that they work towards obtaining proficiency of: receptive and productive skills. As an EFL teacher, you need to understand how to incorporate the learning of these skills into your lessons - and this guide will help you with that. Listen to this blog post: Receptive Skills Definition Motivations for the Students Challenges for the Students Planning Your Lessons Considering the Motivations and Challenges Great Resources for Teaching Receptive Skills Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our ITTT graduate Leah B. Within the category of receptive...  [Read more]

TEFL stands for 'Teaching English as a Foreign Language.' Beyond its definition, TEFL also denotes training courses that English language instructors undergo and the certification they earn upon finishing. Completing a TEFL course equips individuals with the necessary skills to teach English effectively across the globe. What qualification do I need to teach EFL? How do TEFL courses differ? Which TEFL course provides the most comprehensive training? Is an online TEFL course sufficient for teaching English abroad? What will I gain from my TEFL course? To teach EFL, the most widely recognized qualification is the TEFL certificate. Given the absence of a uniform standard for TEFL certification, numerous courses exist, each varying in duration, cost, and content. When choosing,...  [Read more]

One common misconception about teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate is that only native English speakers can do it effectively. While being a native English speaker can be an advantage, it is not a strict requirement in many countries. Non-native English speakers who are fluent in English and hold a TEFL certification can also find opportunities to teach English abroad. In fact, their understanding of the language learning process and empathy towards English language learners can be beneficial in the classroom. Another misconception is that obtaining a TEFL certification automatically leads to a high-paying job. While having a TEFL certification can make you more competitive in the job market and potentially lead to better opportunities, it does not guarantee a high salary. The...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Budget and Salary TEFL Information Welcome, I'm Linda from ITTT, and we are doing a live Q&A session today, so let me just check if this is working. Is anybody here if you're here, if you can see me if you can hear me. Please, leave a comment. That would be great so that I know that you are here. And, please, let me know where you guys are tuning in from? I would be super interested to see where you are tuning in from. I'm in South Korea. I'm about an hour and a half outside of Seoul, like in the middle of South Korea in a city called Cheongju. It's not that big. It is quite big, but it's not pretty well known, but um, I've been here for five and a half years already. Watch the live session here So, Marilyn is asking, do you need a bachelor's degree to obtain a TESOL...  [Read more]

  The two most common usages for the present continuous tense as it relates to speaking about things in the present. We have actions in progress at the time of speaking, specifically right when it's being said. So I can say ?I am teaching right now.? However, we also have actions in progress around the time of speaking. ?I'm reading a good book.? Now, of course I'm not reading a book just now but I started reading a book in the past I am reading it perhaps today sometime and I'll finish reading the book at some point in the future. Again, I'm not doing it just now but around the time of speaking. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas English is a unique and fluid language, its usage changing rapidly throughout surprisingly short periods, throughout different socioeconomic groups, and across different regions. Therefore, it is widely understood that proper English and spoken English have different rules, importantly including the use of popular slang terms and idioms. This means that when someone is learning to communicate with native English speakers, they must learn expressions that will provide a certain context. Casual Occasions Possible Pitfalls The Flexibility of the Language Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Remington T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Moving abroad to teach English has become a widely popular career path for many people of all ages and backgrounds around the world. A quick Internet search reveals a seemingly endless array of job offers for TEFL certified teachers. But how can you make sure that the advertised job is legit? This article shows you exactly what scams to look out for when looking for TEFL jobs. What do scammers want from TEFL teachers? Scam Number 1: Using the name of a well-known school Scam Number 2: Requiring upfront payments Scam Number 3: Getting hired without an interview Scam Number 4: Not allowing you to speak with current teachers Don't get discouraged! Listen to the blog post Are you Ready to Live and Teach English Abroad? While the individual motives can be...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences It is not a secret that pronouncing English sounds easily and correctly is a big challenge for non-native speakers. Of course, the complexity of English pronunciation consists not only of particular sounds but also of several other aspects such as intonation, stress, rhythm, and timing. I would like to analyze one of the biggest and most obvious pronunciation problems for Ukrainian speakers of English which, in my opinion, is sound differences and the way of pronouncing sounds. Sound System Articulation Aspiration Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hanna H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are a number...  [Read more]

hello hello hello anybody here anybody's here welcome i'm linda from itt and we are doing a live q a session today so let me just check if this is working is anybody here if you're here if you can see me if you can hear me please leave a comment that would be great so that i know that you are here and please let me know where you guys are tuning in from i would be super interested to know where are you tuning in from i'm in south korea i'm about an hour and a half outside of seoul sort of like in the middle of south korea in a city called chongju it's not that big it is quite big but it's not pretty well known but um yeah i've been here for five and a half years already so oh hello some people are here great hi welcome welcome where are you guys please let me know so yeah i've been in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Speaking like a native speaker is always expected from learners. However, they encounter many factors that prevent their success. Therefore, as an English teacher, I want to explore some common difficulties that Vietnamese students face when they learn to pronounce English so that I can teach effectively and help them communicate more confidently. Problem with vowels Problems with consonants Word stress, sentence stress Intonation and word connection Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Thuong L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Four major features can cause problems for them. Firstly, the...  [Read more]

The UK, being an English-speaking nation, produces a considerable number of TEFL certified teachers who find employment in various countries worldwide. However, due to the high cost of living, many opt for online TEFL training or pursue it in a foreign center, where operational costs are lower and there is a high demand for qualified instructors. Interestingly, most first-time UK teachers usually venture overseas for initial job opportunities as experienced teachers returning from abroad typically secure the available positions within the UK. How much does an in-class TEFL course cost in the UK? Should I look overseas for my TEFL course? What about taking a TEFL course online? Does ITTT offer in-class TEFL courses in the UK? Economic circumstances have led to a reduction in the...  [Read more]