Alternative Route To Teaching

TESOL certification courses typically come in three different formats: In-class courses, online courses, and combined (hybrid) courses. Each of these options has its pluses and minuses, but they all lead towards the same goal of gaining the qualification you need to secure English language teaching jobs in countries all over the world. Below we take a look at all three study options so you can pick the right one to suit your personal learning style and your individual life situation. An in-class TESOL course offers a traditional route towards a teaching qualification, with most options in this category operating as full-time study over a four-week period at a dedicated training center. This study option has several benefits that you will not find with other methods of study....  [Read more]

France, like many other countries in the region, can often be a difficult place for non-EU citizens to find teaching jobs. Employers often prefer to hire teachers with an EU passport, rather than go through the difficult process of applying for a work permit. One popular alternative route for non-EU teachers is to apply for a student visa as these allow you to work for a set number of hours each week. Although the legal amount of teaching hours is limited with a student visa, many teachers also take on a few private students in their free time to top up their income. Applications for a student visa should be made in your country at least four weeks prior to your departure date. Required documents include a passport that is valid for at least six months after you plan to leave France...  [Read more]

As there is no specific standardization when it comes to TESOL qualifications, it is up to each individual provider to decide how much to charge for each of their courses. If you go online and search for TESOL courses you will find there are many short-format options that are available for as little as US$50 or even less. However, before you sign up for a course you should ask yourself two very important questions. Will the certification you receive be seen as sufficient by employers in the country or region where you want to teach? Will the course provide you with enough preparation for everything you will face once you step into your first real classroom? The best advice here is to never choose a TESOL course based on its price alone. The course content and its reputation with...  [Read more]

Once you have completed your TESOL certification you will be ready to start applying for jobs all over the world, or just those close to home. However, while most course graduates end up in mainstream classroom teaching jobs, many others find themselves in less common positions. Below we look at some of the more common options beyond standard classroom teaching. Once you have gained some experience you may consider moving to a managerial role. Examples would be Head of English or Director of Studies. Your teaching time would often be minimal in these roles as you will be overseeing the whole department. If your TESOL course involved a tutor then you may have been able to ask them about their experience. Typically an online TESOL trainer will, depending upon the company they are...  [Read more]

As it is the largest country in Latin America, it is no surprise that Brazil offers plenty of potential for TESOL qualified teachers. Due to a fast growing tourist industry and a booming economy, Brazil has a strong demand for ESL teachers in many areas. For teachers, the country has many attractions including a warm climate, stunning landscapes, exotic wildlife, a colorful social scene, and some of the best beaches in the world. The relaxed way of life is more likely to attract foreign teachers to Brazil than the average monthly salary of around $800 to $1,500. Although you are not likely to be able to save a great deal of your income, teachers should still earn enough to live a comfortable life away from the classroom. In general, teachers in Brazil are more often paid by the hour...  [Read more]

France receives more foreign visitors than any other nation in the world and many of these come to teach English. Thousands of ESL teachers come to France each year to experience the history, culture, fashion, and cuisine. If you want to join them, have a read through the following guide to teaching English in France. As you will find in most of Western Europe, employers of foreign teachers in France generally expect their employees to have completed a TESOL certification course. Anyone who arrives without one is likely to struggle in what is a very competitive job market, where the majority of those applying will be TESOL certified. If you are successful in applying for the government-run teaching assistant recruitment program known as TAPIF, you will have everything arranged...  [Read more]

  Japan has been a popular destination amongst English language teachers for many years due to its widespread job opportunities, good salaries and fascinating culture. Whilst there are other countries in the region where the cost of living may be lower and the wages a little higher, nowhere provides such an incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions as you will find in this extraordinary country. If you are looking for excitement and adventure, look no further than Japan. In order to work legally you will need to be eligible for a work visa. The good news is the criteria is not as tough as many other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The only other qualifications you need are a fluency in the English language, a professional approach...  [Read more]

If you have finished a training course and are now TESOL qualified, you are probably ready to start sending out job applications to all the vacant positions you like the look of. For each application you will need to send your CV/resume and an all important cover letter to go with it. The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce yourself, to demonstrate your enthusiasm, and to outline why you think you are the best candidate for the job on offer. So when it comes to writing a cover letter for your TESOL job applications, what points do you need to consider? It is typical human nature to take the quick and easy route of using the same cover letter for every job application. However, you are likely to have better results if you tailor your letters to suit each individual job. The...  [Read more]

ITTT is dedicated to assisting you throughout your TESOL training and to providing you with a means of support during your ensuing teaching career. If you have any questions regarding our courses, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section below. Our TESOL FAQs should be able to answer most of your questions, but if you have any other queries do not hesitate to contact us by submitting them using the form at the bottom of this page. What does TESOL mean?   The acronym TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The term is commonly used when referring to certification courses that provide the skills necessary to teach the English language to non-native speakers in your own country or abroad. Read more What is the difference between TESOL...  [Read more]