Are Tesol Certificates Worth It

If you do a Google search for ESL teaching jobs, many that come up will include a TESOL certification of at least 100 hours among the criteria expected by the employer. This level of qualification is typically enough for first-time teachers to get on the job ladder in most countries around the world. If you then add a higher level qualification such as a Diploma in TESOL to your portfolio you will have even more options to choose from, including many management level positions. However, if you then go on to complete a Master’s in TESOL, there are very few jobs that will be off limits, including the highest paid jobs in the most sought after locations. At ITTT the highest level of qualification we currently provide is the Diploma in TESOL. However, we are more than happy to...  [Read more]

When it comes to choosing the best online TESOL certification course you need to consider all the main options, what you want the qualification for, and what you hope to achieve with it once certified. First we will look at all the main online course options. The different types of online courses are easily separated by the average number of hours they require to complete them. Weekend courses: These are often marketed as “taster courses” and are done mainly at weekends to give those who are already employed a chance to see what TESOL is about. Due to time constraints (they usually last about 10 hours in total) there is limited material covered in terms of teaching and learning, but they can be useful to help you decide if doing a full course would be worthwhile for you. Short...  [Read more]

If you have found a free course that you are interested in, it would be a good idea to run through a simple checklist of features of your chosen course, to help you decide if it is worth taking. 1) Is it an internationally recognized TESOL certificate? 2) Does it include a hardcopy of the certificate for work permit uses? 3) Is the TESOL course at least 120-hours of study? 4) Does the course cover teaching skills and language awareness? 5) Are you able to access continued job guidance and support? 6) Does the course lead to higher level qualifications in TESOL? For the best employment prospects, all of the above are very important. A number of other factors may not be immediately obvious, but these include; This is now a common form of marketing an educational product. The course...  [Read more]

When it comes to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certifications, there are several types available to individuals looking to pursue a career in teaching English as a foreign language. These certifications vary in terms of the content covered, the duration of the course, and the level of recognition they hold in the field of TEFL. Here are some of the most common types of TESOL certifications: 1. **TESOL Certificate**: A TESOL certificate is a basic certification that provides an introduction to the principles and practices of teaching English as a foreign language. This type of certification is typically suitable for individuals who are new to teaching and want to gain foundational knowledge and skills in TESOL. 2. **CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching...  [Read more]

Hong Kong is a traditional favorite with many teachers as it is a modern, vibrant place where English is commonly used and most Western style comforts are readily available. The downside of its popularity is that the competition for the best positions is generally very strong. To give yourself the best chance of success, there are a few things you should know. Although there have been government guidelines in place for many years regarding foreign teachers, these have only recently begun to be properly enforced. The result of this is that it is now very difficult for anyone without a university degree and two years teaching experience and/or a TESOL qualification to find a legitimate job. On top of these basic restrictions, each employer is free to set their own requirements for jobs...  [Read more]

A Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate does not have an expiration date. Once you have earned your TESOL certification, it is valid for a lifetime. This means that you can use your TESOL certificate to teach English as a foreign language (EFL) or English as a second language (ESL) in various countries and educational settings for as long as you wish. Having a TESOL certificate demonstrates that you have received training in teaching English to non-native speakers. It shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach English language learners. While the certificate itself does not expire, it is important to note that teaching requirements and regulations may vary from country to country and even from institution to...  [Read more]

Do you want to teach English, but are not sure if a TESOL certificate will be enough to get you where you want to go? The good news is, most countries do not require a teaching license to teach English, a TESOL certificate is usually enough. In some cases, a bachelor's degree might also be a requirement, but there are many places where this is not an issue. With a quality TESOL certificate from ITTT, you will be able to get ESL teaching jobs in most places around the world. While year-long training and a teaching license is typically required to become a standard teacher in most countries, it is incredibly easy to become a teacher for English as a foreign language in many countries around the world. With a TESOL certificate you can start a career in teaching English in many places,...  [Read more]

  Taking your TESOL course with ITTT in Peru means that you get to earn an internationally recognised teaching certificate on a fully accredited course in one of South America’s most interesting countries. During the course you will get to experience the history and culture of this fascinating country first hand and on completing the course you will have a highly regarded certificate qualifying you to teach English and you may well decide to stay on and teach in Peru. There is always something new to see and do in Peru, from the giant man-made lines and drawings of the Nazca Desert to the natural beauty of the Amazon. You can explore the many ruins of the Inca civilization that abound in the country including the awe inspiring Machu Picchu. Peru is also a great place for outdoor...  [Read more]

This is hard to estimate as it depends on many different factors, including your previous teaching history, relevant qualifications, and the platform you choose to work for. However, the usual hourly pay rate for online English teachers ranges from $15 to $30. It is also worth remembering that agencies that provide you with students and materials etc, may take a slice of your income in return for their services. Magic Ears: aimed at 4 to 12 year-old children across China, with a focus on fun and interactive experiences. Pay levels are up to 30% higher than the average at around $18 to $26 per hour. VIPKID: aimed at children of all ages right across Asia. Teachers must be US or Canadian citizens with a degree and a good internet connection. Lesson plans and materials are...  [Read more]

When looking for a teaching position, many teachers wonder if a 120-hour TESOL certificate is sufficient to teach in a classroom or online. It may appear that it is not enough time to become a competent teacher, but we assure you that it is possible. Most ESL employers and schools will require at least 120 hours of training before you can apply for teaching positions. Some employers may even require classroom experience in addition to the 120 hours of study. There are several TESOL courses that include this number of study hours as well as some level of classroom practice, making them ideal for jobs that require experience. A 120-hour TESOL course is a training program for English speakers who want to teach English abroad or online. The term "120 hours" refers to a 120-hour...  [Read more]

There are a few reasons why we think taking a TESOL course is more than worth it. Firstly, many employers all over the world now require their job applicants to be TESOL certified in order to qualify for their vacant positions, as they rightly believe that some form of training is required in order to give the students the best chance of reaching their goals. It is also increasingly common for whole countries to require potential teachers to hold a TESOL qualification to be eligible for an official work visa. Without a recognized qualification in these countries you will have no chance of securing a job legally. The other main reason why we recommend all teachers get TESOL certified is so they learn all the essential skills and knowledge needed to plan and deliver quality lessons...  [Read more]

These days, working online is a common occurrence in many walks of life and English language teaching is no exception. Opportunities for teaching in a virtual classroom are varied and accessible to people all over the world via a wide range of service providers. These online platforms offer the chance to teach English to international students without having to leave your own home. Teachers looking to take advantage of the huge demand in online English lessons can choose to set up their own business which allows you to be entirely independent and free to decide on your own lesson fees and working hours. However, you will probably need to set up your own website and it can take a considerable amount of time to find enough regular students to make a good living. For most people...  [Read more]

The Southeast Asia region continues to boom in terms of demand for foreign ESL teachers and Vietnam is no exception. In recent times the salaries being offered have begun to improve as schools look to attract more teachers to the country. Within just a few years, Vietnam is likely to become one of the most popular teaching destinations in the region. Official work permits for teachers in Vietnam are restricted to native English speakers who have a bachelor?s degree. It is also common for individual employers to insist on teachers having a TESOL certificate of at least 120-hours duration. Classroom experience might also be required when applying for jobs at the very top end of the pay scale, although these are small in number. Often you can bypass this requirement if you conduct a...  [Read more]

Only a few years ago a reasonable proportion of ESL employers still preferred their job applicants to possess an in-class TESOL course rather than an online equivalent. However, that number has grown less and less in recent times as the prevalence of online training has increased dramatically and many employers find it increasingly hard to fill their vacant positions. These days it is not only convenient and affordable to complete an online TESOL certificate course, it is also well worth it as your qualification will be welcomed by the vast majority of potential employers in most parts of the TESOL world. While online TESOL courses have become widely accepted by employers in recent years it is still important that you choose the right course to give you the best chance of securing...  [Read more]

  The bottom line is that the worldwide market for TESOL qualified teachers is huge, which means there are always plenty of opportunities out there for everyone, regardless of their nationality or native language. In some areas the number of vacant jobs is so high that you even get to choose from a number of different options. With all this in mind, it should come as no surprise that non-native English speakers with a TESOL qualification generally have little trouble finding a suitable job in many countries. It is also worth noting that we traditionally have more non-native English speakers than native speakers enrolling on our courses. As long as you have a good standard of English and a high-quality TESOL certificate, there is nothing stopping you from becoming a successful ESL...  [Read more]

If you have never taught a class of students before, it is worth taking a few moments to imagine your first lesson as an English teacher to a class of 30 students, none of whom are English speakers. Here are some fundamental questions to ask yourself before you start. If, at this very early stage of thinking about this process, you are imagining yourself to be totally out of your depth, this is a good thing, as you are probably being honest with yourself and you are probably right. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is not as easy as it may first appear. Being a native speaker of English does not qualify you to teach it. A TESOL course will give you a solid grounding into the areas of the English language that are commonly taught and an introduction to teaching...  [Read more]

Teaching in the Middle East is often considered to be centered on countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, however, Oman is among those countries that are starting to challenge this outlook. The country is home to many attractions including a huge amount of pristine coastline, a wide expanse of desert, and rugged mountains. It is also considered to have a more laid-back atmosphere than some of its neighbors. Fully qualified teachers with a teaching licence can expect to earn around $2,000 to $3,000 per month in Oman. TESOL qualified teachers typically start on $1,000 to $2,000 per month, although this will vary depending on the employer and your previous experience. As these figures are tax-free and many jobs also include free housing, it is possible for most teachers to...  [Read more]

For many ESL teachers a standard-level course such as the 120-hour TESOL certification course from ITTT is the only official teaching qualification they ever take. This level of certification will allow you to apply for a wide range of teaching jobs in countries worldwide. Some teachers also add one or more specialized TESOL qualifications to their portfolio in order to further their own understanding and to add more options to their job search. The next step up is an advanced-level certificate such as the Diploma in TESOL that takes an in-depth look at the theory side of teaching. Finally, teachers who want to rise to the very top of the ESL industry often sign up for university-level courses such as a Degree or even a Master’s in TESOL. Depending on the country you are in, there...  [Read more]

Every year tens of thousands of people from all over the world and from all different backgrounds choose to sign up for a TESOL certification course, and each one has their own personal reasons for doing so. Many are looking to change their whole life direction and intend to use English teaching as their new path, while for many others it offers a great way to earn some cash while traveling the world. For every one person that takes the leap there are many others who are still weighing up their options. If this applies to you, here are some of the most common reasons why we think it is time you made the move into TESOL. No matter what your job or career path, it is common to hit a point where it all becomes mundane and repetitive. What better way to make a change to the humdrum than...  [Read more]

When considering whether a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is worth the investment, several factors should be taken into account. Here are some key points to consider before making a decision: 1. **Career Opportunities:** One of the primary benefits of obtaining a TESOL certification is the increased job prospects it can offer. Many schools and language institutes around the world require their English teachers to have a TESOL qualification. By having this certification, you may have access to a wider range of job opportunities both in your home country and abroad. 2. **Professional Development:** A TESOL certification is not just about gaining employment; it also provides you with essential skills and knowledge to be an effective English language...  [Read more]