Do Teachers Get Health Insurance

Having adequate health insurance is clearly an important issue wherever you are living and working around the world. Whether health insurance is covered by your employer or not is something that varies from one situation to the next so it is important to confirm this whenever you are interviewed for a teaching position. Here we take a brief look at health insurance within the ESL teaching world. In most of the big ESL job markets across Asia such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam, health insurance is typically included in a teaching contract. In most cases the cost will be fully covered by the employer, although a small sum might be deducted from your salary in certain situations. In other less developed markets, health insurance is less likely to be...  [Read more]

Our TESOL course in Germany takes place in the remarkable city of Leipzig. Goethe once described Leipzig as, “A little Paris that educates its people.” So, whilst taking your course here, you will also be able to enjoy the café culture in the arcades that surround the centre of Leipzig. Leipzig offers visitors a fantastic blend of cultures. You can enjoy world-class classical music at the Gewandhaus concert hall and at the Opera on one night, while on another you can enjoy electronic music in the clubs in the “Südvorstadt” area of the city. In Leipzig there is a thriving counter culture scene and Europe’s biggest Wave and Gothic festival is held here each May. If you are interested in getting out and about and exploring further afield, then the most popular destinations are the...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad continues to grow in popularity and salaries are on the rise in many parts of the world. Your potential for earning big salaries depends on several factors including your level of qualifications, previous teaching experience and the region or country where you choose to work. When evaluating the salary offered by any particular teaching job it is important to consider both the figure itself and the cost of living in the specific country where you will be living. A monthly income of $1000 in Peru would be enough to provide a very comfortable lifestyle, while the same amount in a major city such as Rome would probably not be sufficient to provide the kind of lifestyle you were hoping for. Any additional benefits included in your contract are also worth...  [Read more]

Although a large percentage of ESL jobs are filled following face-to-face interviews, there are many countries where it is common practice for schools to recruit teachers from within their home country. This scenario can be a very convenient option for teachers without any previous experience and anyone who is new to international travel. All contact is usually done via email, with the actual interview taking place via phone or webcam. One big benefit of getting a job in advance is it usually means the employer will take care of the paperwork such as visas and work permits. In many cases they will also provide free or subsidized airfares, health insurance and accommodation. The one main downside of this recruitment method is the time it can take to complete the whole process. You...  [Read more]

Although it is not particularly unusual for teachers with children to head overseas to live and work, there are several important things to carefully consider before you decide if it is the right option for your family. Wherever you live in the world, bringing up children is typically an expensive undertaking. With that in mind, you need to make sure that teaching English abroad is financially viable for you before deciding to leave home. Teacher?s salaries vary greatly from one country to the next so where you decide to teach can have a huge impact on your prospects. Popular regions such as Europe and Latin America have plenty of job opportunities, but most teachers would find it hard to earn enough to support children in these areas. In contrast, Asian countries such as China,...  [Read more]

Spanish language schools often prefer to employ teachers from within the EU to avoid the hassle of applying for a work permit. Despite this, thousands of non-EU citizens still head to Spain every year to work as ESL teachers. A large proportion of these enter the country on a standard tourist visa and work illegally without a work permit. Although illegal, this practice is very common and rarely causes any problems for the teacher. However, one alternative for non-EU citizens to consider is to apply for a student visa which also allows you to legally teach a set number of hours each week. To get the process underway you need to visit a Spanish Embassy at least three months before your planned departure date. At the embassy you can pick up an application form, verify the exact...  [Read more]

As 90% of the population of the United Arab Emirates is made up of expatriates from all over the world, it provides a great environment for English language teaching. Demand for foreign teachers is very high in major centers such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, as salaries are famously high, competition for jobs can often be very strong. If you are new to teaching and have little or no classroom experience, you are unlikely to get employed in the UAE. For those who are successful, you can expect to live a very comfortable lifestyle during your stay. You will find a wide variety of employers across the country, all of which should pay a competitive salary of between 9,000 AED (currently $2,500 US) and 20,000 AED ($5,500 US) per month. The exact figure will depend on the employer,...  [Read more]

Located at southern most point of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet, the city of Cape Town is one of most multicultural cities in the world. With the magnificent Table Mountain dominating the landscape and areas of outstanding natural beauty surrounding the city, Cape Town has plenty to offer visitors from all over the world. Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and is known as “the Mother City”. It has a long history dating back to the fifteenth century when Portuguese explorers first noted the region where Cape Town now lies. Visitors to the city can discover its history and immerse themselves in South African culture. The city has a well-developed urban center and is surrounded by natural beauty providing a great mix of city life and relaxing nature. Cape...  [Read more]

The Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) program began in 2010 as a way to promote foreign language skills and increase ties with the global community. Sponsored by the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science, the TLG program looks to recruit native English, French and German speakers to work as volunteers in public schools across the country. Although language teaching within a school environment is the main goal of the scheme, it also has a strong focus on cultural exchange. The TLG program is aimed at all native speakers of English, French and German who are motivated to make a positive difference to young lives in an unfamiliar environment. Applicants will work alongside a local teacher in primary level schools on a one academic year contract. An average week includes 30 hours...  [Read more]

Demand for TESOL qualified teachers in Hungary has grown steadily since the country joined the EU in 2004. Today there are a large number of jobs available across a diverse range of employers. Although many employers are keen on native English speakers, there are also plenty of opportunities for non-native speakers who have a good standard of language skills. Big cities such as Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc, Szolnok, and Szeged are where the majority of jobs are located. Monthly salaries in Hungary range from $700 to $900, although teachers at college or university level might be able to earn significantly more. Classroom time averages around 20 to 25 hours per week, which provides enough free time for many teachers to take on a few private students to bump up their income. In many...  [Read more]

Vietnam is enjoying a boom in the ESL teaching sector thanks to government efforts to improve English language proficiency across the country. Jobs are widespread in the big cities and some of the most popular beach resort areas. Another reason for its increased popularity is a relaxed approach to life that is in stark contrast to many of the more traditional teaching destinations in Asia such as South Korea, China, and Japan. With so much to offer, Vietnam is currently one of the fastest growing destinations in the world for teaching English abroad. First time teachers in Vietnam can expect to earn in the region of $1,000 per month. If you have some experience and high level qualifications you should be able to earn up to $2,000 per month. Some teachers prefer to work on a freelance...  [Read more]

Although violence and drug related crime have dominated the headlines in Colombia in the past, the country is now changing dramatically. Peace has largely returned to the streets and the tourism industry is thriving as people flock to enjoy the country?s many attractions. Colombia is an exotic and exciting place to teach English, but just make sure you get there before the whole world finds out. Although the average salary of between $700 and $1,000 per month is not particularly high, teachers can still live well in Colombia due to the relatively low cost of living. The best salaries are usually found in private schools which also typically provide extra benefits such as housing assistance and health insurance. The average hourly rate for private tutoring is around $12 to $25,...  [Read more]

When it comes to English teaching careers, most of our ESL teachers take the plunge for life-changing experiences, personal growth, embracing new cultures, and giving back to local communities. However, you can also get paid well to teach English abroad and many of our graduates go on to earn a decent living. Just keep in mind that a high salary isn't the only financial variable to consider when determining how much ESL teachers make. Other factors to consider include the local cost of living, extra benefits, and saving opportunities. The salary for teaching English abroad varies, but you can expect to make a good living. Your salary will be determined by your position, qualifications, and the country in which you teach. Teachers in high-paying countries can earn anywhere from $2,000...  [Read more]

If you have discussed teaching English abroad with friends and family, it is likely that you have heard remarks such as ?that sounds like fun, but what will you do when you get back?? Unfortunately, teaching English as a foreign/second language is seen by some as not really a ?proper job?, just something that young people do for a bit of adventure before settling down to a real job. Although many ESL teachers do only teach in the short term and some are only in it for fun, there are many others who take it seriously and go on to enjoy a long and lucrative career as an English language teacher. YES, you can certainly choose to make a long-term career out of teaching English. Most people?s TESOL journey begins with the idea of seeing a bit of the world while earning some money in the...  [Read more]

The simple answer to this question is YES, it is now common for TESOL qualified teachers to work exclusively online while traveling from place to place or while spending an extended time in one location. Internet download speeds continue to increase in most countries around the world, including many that you might think are off limits. There are also plenty of different employers targeting the online teaching market, with more starting up on a regular basis. With countless potential employers and no shortage of possible destinations, there has never been a better time to leave your stale nine to five behind. However, which countries offer the best visas for a long-term stay. Visa length: Up to 60 days Bali has long been a popular tourist hotspot and a stop on the backpacker trail,...  [Read more]

Located the country’s eastern region, Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, is its biggest city with around two and a half million people calling it home. It is also the most populated city in Central Asia. Tashkent became the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan when the country became independent in 1991. Uzbekistan’s long and interesting history can be witnessed in the fascinating architecture of Tashkent. The exhibition halls and metro stations, in particular, are very good examples to look out for. If you want to experience real local life in Tashkent, then you should pay a visit to one of the many local markets, which are thriving social centers for the local inhabitants. Uzbek cuisine consists mainly of bread and noodles with mutton being a staple part of the diet due to the...  [Read more]

Mexico is one of the leading travel destinations in the world. What makes Mexico so appealing for travel? The food, the people, the culture, the natural beauty and so much more. Mexico offers its visitors a taste of every possible landscape that you can imagine, from sandy dune deserts to snow pine forests or buzzing cities to majestic beaches… you name it and Mexico’s got it. If sightseeing is your thing when you explore then take your pick; Mexico has Mayan and Aztec pyramids like Templo Mayor or Calakmul, colonial jewels like Museo de Bellas Artes and Castillo de Chapultepec. Mexico’s past is not all that glorious, but its future is brighter than ever. Impressive urban developments throughout the country place it as one of the most important economies in the world. Puerto Vallarta...  [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]

Gran Canaria is simply the best place to earn a TESOL certificate if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, awe inspiring scenery and a high-quality TESOL course. Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Islands located just 62 miles from the coast of Morocco. Gran Canaria has so much to offer visitors that you will never find yourself wanting for something to do. The island’s beaches are of course a major attraction and you can find plenty to entertain yourself here surfing, body boarding or simply chilling out and sunbathing. Windsurfing is popular at Pozo Izquierdo where the world cup is held every year while the hundreds of dive sites allow you to experience unique life under the waves. Other ways to relax on your time off from earning your TESOL certificate include exploring the sand...  [Read more]