TEFL Tips
Expand Your Circle of FriendsDiversify your influences - by teaching abroad, you will be able to interact not only with natives of the country you are in, but English teachers from all over the globe.... [Read on]
Self-Starters Wanted
English teachers have an enormous amount of flexibility with how they teach their classes. Design the programs you want to use and see how your efforts are rewarded in the classroom.... [Read on]
Enjoy Working For Yourself?
As a certified English teacher, you will have more opportunities to teach private English lessons. Set your own schedule!... [Read on]
Creative Types Wanted
There is lots of room for creativity in teaching English. You get to come up with new ideas and implement them!... [Read on]
Love Variety?
When you're teaching English, no day will be the same. There are constantly new challenges to face.... [Read on]
Embark on a Career With Growth Opportunities
If you are passionate enough about teaching English, you can get a Master's degree and even learn how to teach other teachers!... [Read on]
In-Demand All Over the World
With a TEFL certificate, you can teach all over the world. It's a skill you can use in numerous different places.... [Read on]
Learn Another Language
By teaching English abroad, you have the opportunity to learn the language of your chosen country.... [Read on]
Go Abroad With an Organization or Solo?
China-based English teacher Christina Nelson says, "For my first time teaching abroad, I found going with an established organization the best way to go. They had a support system and institutional knowledge that really helped out. But the next time... [Read on]
More Fun Than 9-5
From Jo, an English teacher based in China, "Teaching English is great, you can work so few hours and still have time to get out and see the place. Much better than a 9-5 job."... [Read on]
Teaching English in China
China-based English teacher Jo says, "Standard practice in China is to provide free accomodation with western style bathrooms. Be aware this differs greatly from school to school, place to place. Try to have your utilities included in your accomodation as... [Read on]
Take the Good With the Bad
From English teacher Jo: "Teaching can be both good and bad, take the good with the bad. I've enjoyed every minute here and have made great friends and really broken into the community. Something which would have been very difficult... [Read on]
Relax More
Overseas, the everyday pace of life is much slower and great for internal relaxation.... [Read on]
Open Your Eyes
By living and working overseas, there is an opportunity to take off the blinders and see life from other people's perspectives.... [Read on]
Work With Youth
Teaching English to younger students and working with youth can give you a newly-found zest for life.... [Read on]
Make a New Start
Teaching overseas, you have an opportunity to leave your past behind and create an entirely new life.... [Read on]
Empathy and Compassion
When you teach English abroad, empathy and compassion become front and centre, both in everyday life and teaching.... [Read on]
Suggested Teacher Requirements
TEFL Teacher Kevin Duffy lists three things teachers must have: the ability to "dumb down your language", patience, and open to new experiences.... [Read on]
Certificate or No?
Spain-based TEFL teacher Kevin Duffy says, "If you want to teach in Spain or Italy, you are going to need the certificate most of the time. I imagine in other places (Central and South America especially) you can get along... [Read on]
Go Somewhere Fun
Kevin Duffy recommends going somewhere fun to teach. Teachers usually have an odd time schedule and lots of leisure time, so make sure you're in a place where you can enjoy it.... [Read on]
Insider Tip: Classes to Avoid
TEFL teacher Kevin Duffy says, "Avoid classes with kids, at least in Spain. Most of the kids here are forced to take English by their parents. Most don't want to learn and as a result are not the best students.... [Read on]
Relax and Enjoy
Although you do need to study, don't take classes (and yourself) too seriously. As one teacher says, "It doesn't seem like the teaching academies do, so don't make yourself crazy."... [Read on]
Learn a New Skill
By learning how to teach English, you will gain a valuable skill that you can use for the rest of your life.... [Read on]
Travel Longer
By working abroad, you will be able to travel much longer because you will be earning an income.... [Read on]
Learn More Ceremonies
By becoming a part of local life, you will often be invited to cultural events unavailable to tourists like weddings and funerals.... [Read on]
Immerse Yourself in Culture
By teaching and living abroad, you can be completely immersed in the culture - much more so than a tourist.... [Read on]
Make Contacts
You can make valuable contacts teaching English - many people start out as English teachers and then move to other careers.... [Read on]
Improve the Lives of Others
By teaching English overseas, you can help people improve the lives of your students.... [Read on]
Meet More Locals
By teaching English overseas, you meet locals in a much more realistic setting than normal tourists.... [Read on]
Consider Teaching In...
Asia isn't the only place to teach English - there are also a considerable number of jobs available in Eastern Europe. Russia, Hungary and the Czech Republic are other in-demand areas.... [Read on]
It Pays to Be Certified
Although you can teach English abroad without certification, your options will be greatly diminished. More and more schools are requiring certification before they will consider a candidate. Those with certifications garner higher wages as well.... [Read on]
High Turnover Rate
As many people turn to teaching English as a way to live and work abroad temporarily, there is a high rate of turnover. As a result, there are constantly jobs becoming available.... [Read on]
Not For Everyone
Teaching English isn't for everyone - those with limited patience, vacation time, or English skills may find more enjoyment in an overseas holiday than a job abroad.... [Read on]
Types of English?
That's right - there are a number of types of English that can choose to focus on. These areas include Technical English, Medical English, Business English, etc. and are designed for use in their corresponding fields.... [Read on]
Study, Study, Study!
Just because you paid to take the course, it doesn't mean you'll end up with a stamped piece of paper in your hand. You DO need to pass class assignments, lessons and exams in order to receive your certification.... [Read on]
Backgrounds Don't Matter
English teachers come from varied backgrounds - you are not required to have any prior teaching experience or background in education to receive a TEFL certificate. English-speakers from all professions are welcomed.... [Read on]
Second Language Not Required
Knowledge of a second language, specifically, the language spoken where you will be teaching, is not required. Chances are, you'll pick up a few phrases here and there, but remember, your students are the ones who are paying to learn... [Read on]
No Degree? No Problem!
Although high school graduation or equivalent is required, you don't need a university degree to enroll in TEFL program.... [Read on]
Make Extra Money Teaching on the Side
Looking for more cash? China-based teacher Christina Nelson says, "Once you actually get to the country you're teaching in, you'll probably have tons of opportunities to make extra money as a tutor or by working a few hours at other... [Read on]
Don't Be Book Heavy
You're there for a reason - don't rely on the book to do the teaching for you. Think up fun and creative ways to help your students learn the English language.... [Read on]
How Long Can I Teach?
There is no set amount of time that people spend teaching. Although most plan on invest 1-3 years, we've met people who've spent as little as 6 weeks to those who have been at it for a dozen years! Some... [Read on]
Used Advanced Degrees For High Teaching Placement
English teacher Christina Nelson encourages those with advanced degrees to apply too, "Anyone with an advanced degree (master's, PhD) in anything has a good shot at a sweet university job. At major, well-known universities in China, if you had an... [Read on]
ESL versus EFL
ESL stands for English as a Second Language while EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language. When people are learning English in an English-speaking country like the United States, ESL is used. EFL refers to people learning English in... [Read on]
Easy Job?
Teaching English is not all fun and games - there are lesson plans to be prepared, unruly students to deal with and paying 'customers' to be taught. Most teachers spend 1-3 years in the workplace after receiving certification.... [Read on]
In-Class Experience
When searching for a TEFL program that is right for you, look for a program that offers in-class teaching time. That way, you know what you're doing before you step foot in the front of a classroom.... [Read on]
Program Proximity
Look for a program near the country you want to teach - you'll have lower moving costs, an easier job search and you will be more familiar with the area before you start teaching.... [Read on]
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Advice
Other teachers are your best source of advice - don't be afraid to ask them for insider tips, lesson plans and helpful hints.... [Read on]
Lacking Teaching Experience?
You may know that you never set foot in the front of a classroom before your certification, but your students don't know that. Think about how you would feel if you were paying for a class and your teacher had... [Read on]
Stay Professional
Even though you may think of your teaching career as just the easiest way for you to live and work abroad, it is still something you should take pride in. Dress professionally, prepare good lesson plans and never speak of... [Read on]
Speak to Everyone in Class
You know how when you're travelling and you meet a group of people and spend most of your time speaking to the most fluent English speaker? Don't do that in the classroom. You'll leave good, promising, hardworking students behind.... [Read on]
Speaking in a Classroom
First and foremost, speak slowly and plainly. Think about how difficult it was to understand your teacher in high school and promise yourself you will not be that confusing, show-off person, and speak in a way that encourages your students.... [Read on]
Career Change Without University Costs
TEFL is a career change that costs a lot less than going back to university. It's a great way to combine travel, exploring and learning a new skill.... [Read on]
TEFL on a Resume
TEFL looks great on a resume. Teachers impress employers with their willingness to explore new challenges and depth of cultural understanding that comes with living in a foreign country.... [Read on]
Free Application
Unlike other programs that lock you in once you apply, our application process is free and does not obligate you in any way. We give you time to make up your mind.... [Read on]
Earn Cash on the Road
As a certified TEFL teacher, your opportunities for employment are vast in both the legalized, formal sector and under-the-table options. Teaching English is a great way to pick up some cash when you're strapped on the road.... [Read on]
South Korea and Thailand Opportunities
South Korea and Thailand offer numerous employment opportunities for English teachers. Both countries are host to TEFL certification programs.... [Read on]
Native Skills Required
You must have a native or near-native command of the English language in order to participate in TEFL programs. This is to ensure that students will be taught correctly.... [Read on]
TEFL: Not Just for Backpackers
Teaching English isn't just for backpackers: retirees, people looking for a career change or break and those who wish to pursue English as a Second Language (ESL) degrees are also popular candidates for TEFL programs.... [Read on]
Program Locations Around the World
BootsnAll offers more than a dozen program locations across the world, ensuring that there’s a program near where you want to teach.... [Read on]
Master's Degree in TESOL
Did you know you can get a Master's Degree in TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)? If you’re already a teacher and you're interested in learning more and adding on to your credentials, this program may be... [Read on]
High Pay for Teaching English
Not all teaching English positions are low paying. Japan's Jet program offers teachers a salary of approximately $34,000 U.S. a year.... [Read on]
Double Check Your Paperwork
Even though English jobs may be plentiful in some areas of the world, teachers still need to get proper visas. Make sure that you have a work visa or one that enables you to teach. If you cannot get one... [Read on]
