The Solo Female Travel Network

Finding a balance between teaching English as a foreign language (TESOL) and traveling can be a rewarding experience for both you and your students. As a TESOL teacher, you have the flexibility to work in different countries and immerse yourself in new cultures while still pursuing your passion for education. Here are some tips on how to balance TESOL teaching with travel: 1. **Plan Ahead**: Before embarking on your travel adventures, make sure to plan your teaching commitments accordingly. Communicate with your employers or language schools about your travel plans in advance so they can help you arrange your teaching schedule. 2. **Online Teaching**: Consider teaching English online while you travel. This allows you to work from anywhere with an internet connection and provides you with...  [Read more]

Yes, TESOL teachers can work in cultural exchange programs. Cultural exchange programs offer a unique opportunity for TESOL teachers to not only teach English but also to immerse themselves in a different culture, learn a new language, and gain valuable teaching experience. One of the main advantages of working in cultural exchange programs is the opportunity to interact with students from diverse backgrounds. This can enrich the teaching experience by providing teachers with a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. It can also help teachers develop their intercultural communication skills, which are essential for teaching English as a foreign language. In addition to teaching English, TESOL teachers in cultural exchange programs may also be involved in organizing...  [Read more]

If you have had enough of the usual day-to-day work schedule and are keen to see as much of the world as possible, then maybe you should think about teaching English online. This form of ESL teaching allows you to teach from anywhere with a good internet connection, which means you have no obligation to stay in one place for more than the time it takes to teach your lessons for that day. It will also give you a decent income which you can use to fund your transport, accommodation, and other expenses involved when traveling. This is not that easy to answer as every online teaching platform has its own set of criteria that teachers have to meet. Some companies will require one or more of the following, while some require none of them: If you don’t have a degree, don’t panic, as...  [Read more]

The list of potential teaching destinations for 2022/23 is long and exciting, with something to suit all preferences. The most important factor when choosing where to teach will vary from one person to the next as we all have different priorities. The most important factor for some is the salary on offer, while others are drawn by cultural attractions or even nightlife. We should also acknowledge the ever increasing popularity of teaching English online that has become even more prominent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the possible options have pros and cons, so take a minute to read through this brief guide to the most common TESOL destinations. The simple answer to this common question is Asia. The Asian continent is vast in size and diversity and it is also home...  [Read more]

Your initial application should be completed on ITTT's own Internet application form. As part of our pre-screening process, applicants are requested to submit an account of their personal history and background and of their motives for joining the course, as well as their future aspirations. If for any reason you wish to subsequently cancel your place on the course after your deposit or full fees (i.e. deposit plus balance) have been paid, ITTT/TEFL International cannot provide any refund except for exceptional circumstances. The course organiser's decision is final. In any case, the deposit is non-refundable. The main reason for this is that the staffing for the course and accommodation have fixed costs which have to be paid for in advance and based on a specific number of course members...  [Read more]

How much you can make as an online English teacher is dependent on several factors, such as your level of teaching qualifications, your previous teaching experience, and the individual platform that you work for. Although some online ESL teachers work on a freelance basis, most work through some type of agency and these typically pay an hourly rate of anything between $15 and $30 on average. It is worth remembering that many of these agencies will take a cut of your income in return for providing you with students and teaching materials. How much you actually work when teaching English online is generally up to you. Most employers are happy for you to decide your number of working hours and even the times you are online. Because of this flexibility, most online ESL teachers can...  [Read more]

If you go online and search for free TESOL courses you will be confronted by a confusing array of results. You will find several free course options on offer and many more that are suspiciously cheap. Your initial reaction might be that these options seem like a great deal and you can save some of your hard earned cash to put towards your upcoming teaching adventure, rather than spend it on your TESOL qualification. However, we would recommend you think about a few things before you sign up for any of these so-called ‘great deals’. One common feature of free or suspiciously cheap TESOL courses is that they often do not come with any form of certification included. Once complete, you are then offered various certification options at any extra cost. These options might be a PDF...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to consider your health before making such a commitment. While having health issues doesn't necessarily disqualify you from teaching abroad, there are several factors to take into account to ensure a smooth and successful experience. First and foremost, it's crucial to assess the nature and severity of your health issues. Some conditions may not pose a significant barrier to teaching abroad, especially if they are well-managed with medication or treatment. However, certain health concerns may require regular medical attention or access to specific healthcare facilities that may not be readily available in all countries. Before embarking on a teaching adventure abroad, consider consulting with your healthcare provider...  [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]

How to Land the Perfect Job and Change your Life Forever Here, you will find everything you need to know about TEFL recruitment companies for teaching English abroad, including a list of our trusted recruiters with whom we have worked for several years. If you are a TEFL recruiter and would like to work with us, please contact us via email ([email protected]). The Advantages of Using a TEFL Recruitment Company Choosing a TEFL recruitment company for finding a teaching job is a popular option for many teachers. Recruiters specialized in the EFL market overseas have the professional know-how and network to connect teachers with suitable schools and companies. On top of that, recruiters know the local job market in their specialized region and know exactly what type of teacher is sought...  [Read more]

Founded in 2007, our Surabaya location brings our internationally recognized tesol course to “The Ring of Fire”. We are located to the east of the beautiful island of Java and surrounded on all sides by stunning scenery and world renowned beaches. For a chance to take your course in a real part of paradise, Surabaya is the ideal location for you. If the jaw-dropping scenery is not enough, you can bask in the vast array of cultural activities available, or take part in the exciting nightlife and water sports available. The indonesian cuisine is delicious, and you can sit and enjoy this in the company of the warm local people. With many teaching opportunities nearby, Surabaya has everything you want for a fulfilling and rewarding TESOL experience. Perhaps the main reason TESOL teachers...  [Read more]

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. The culture is warm, friendly and genuine. There is a big expat community out there, so you’re in a new and exciting culture but also engaging with many different cultures through the expat network as well. The travel opportunities are wonderful, either around Thailand itself or to neighboring countries. AND the food is delicious and fresh! Hua Hin is a beautiful city on the beach in central Thailand, approximately two and a half hours away from Bangkok. The area has some amazing beaches, mountains, viewpoints, temples, night markets, water parks, and dining experiences for you to choose from and enjoy at any time of the year. Hua Hin itself features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, plenty of waterside seafood restaurants, a lively night market...  [Read more]

Our tesol course in Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to begin your teaching career in Vietnam and South East Asia. Our TESOL course is very highly regarded and there will be plenty of opportunities to find teaching work when you are finished. Vietnam is a rapidly developing country and as it has become more economically liberal, the demand for learning English has grown dramatically. The Vietnam War of the ‘60s and early ‘70s has tarred Vietnam’s image somewhat, however this is being put right by the amazing beauty of the country, its fascinating culture and friendly locals. These factors, combined with rapid development and modernization of the country, means that more and more visitors are choosing to visit Vietnam. The rapid economic growth has not been at the expense of the...  [Read more]

We take great pride in presenting our popular in-class TESOL certification course across a range of international locations. This mode of instruction enjoys significant popularity for its inherent benefits. Specifically, many students find face-to-face engagement with experienced teacher trainers to be more impactful than navigating course content on their own. ITTT's in-class TESOL courses are structured to last four weeks, generally requiring attendance from Monday to Friday. Each day is packed with a variety of input sessions, and some days feature hands-on teaching practice. Weekends are usually set aside for leisure, offering you the opportunity to discover the local area, socialize with classmates, or simply relax and recharge for the week ahead. One of the standout advantages of...  [Read more]

If you crave adventure and a lifestyle that’s out of the ordinary, Phnom Penh, Cambodia is the perfect location to launch your ‘teach English abroad’ journey. The transformation of Cambodia over the past three decades from a country characterised by occupation and trouble, to a Southeast Asian powerhouse, is phenomenal. There’s an insatiable demand for English language skills in Cambodia - and a chronic shortage of TEFL qualified people to teach English. What does this mean for people just like you? Simple! It means opportunities galore. Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and the nation’s international gateway. With a population of around 2.5 million people and a relatively confined central business district, it has a noticeably slower pace of life than you’ll find in...  [Read more]

There’s only a handful of cities in the world that truly deserve ‘must visit’ status and Hanoi is certainly one of them. While most people can only dream about a fleeting trip to Hanoi – if they’re lucky – ‘living like a local’ and working as EFL teacher in this magnificent city is a realistic proposition for anyone with a sense of adventure. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city and the seat of government. It’s noticeably smaller than Ho Chi Minh City in the south, but the pace of life is similarly frenetic. While Ho Chi Minh City is often referred to as Vietnam’s ‘engine room’, Hanoi is more of a ‘grand old lady’. It’s tough to pin down what makes Hanoi such a special place. Is it because there’s history, culture and art on display in seemingly every street...  [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]

  In this video Linda explains the differences between "assure", "insure" and "ensure". They not only sound similar, but those three words also make an outcome sure but they are in no way interchangeable. "Assure" is used to speak out a promise or say something with confidence, for example "I assure you that he is a great lawyer". "Ensure" is used to make something certain, such as here: "Please ensure that you will be home at five o'clock today"."Insure" means to protect an object against risk by buying an insurance policy from an insurance company, like here: "I insure my television because it was expensive". Once you have realized the three different meanings and usages, there is no way you'll confuse them again. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one...  [Read more]

Nestled in the heart of Mexico, Guadalajara (the second largest city in Mexico) enchants visitors with its rich cultural heritage and dynamic atmosphere. From the towering Guadalajara Cathedral to the savory delights of birria and tortas ahogadas, the city offers a diverse tapestry of experiences. Mariachi music reverberates through its streets, embodying its status as the birthplace of this iconic genre. Tranquil retreats like Parque Metropolitano contrast with the lively energy of markets such as Mercado Libertad. As a gateway to natural wonders like the Tequila landscape, Guadalajara warmly welcomes visitors with its friendly locals and vibrant neighborhoods, including the globally recognized Colonia Americana, that was named the "coolest neighborhood in the world to visit" by Time Out...  [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]