Careers in TESOL

Overcoming self-doubt as a non-native English teacher

Teachers and teacher trainers, native speakers and non-native speakers alike, although having some of the best qualifications around, still have the odd stumble and doubt their language ability. Doubts can arise with vocabulary, grammar or pronunciation. I've noticed this happens more with non-native speakers like myself. I hold a… All categories, Teaching skills, Careers in TESOL

Expat guide to living and teaching English in China

Have you considered living and teaching English in China? What things would you need to consider before you decide to pack up your life and move to the most populous country in the world? The first thing you need to decide is where you would like to live. China is a vast country and is as diverse as Europe, in terms of terrain, cuisine and… All categories, Careers in TESOL

Alternative Careers in TESOL

If you’re thinking of taking an initial teacher training course, such as a Trinity Cert TESOL or a Cambridge CELTA, the obvious choice of career is to work as a teacher. There is much talk about whether or not experience within the TEFL industry is a springboard into other careers, and indeed during my years in the industry I have… All categories, Careers in TESOL

Breaking the Myths between Native & Non Native English Teachers

Native English-speaking teachers are often seen as a premium product, being there’s an assumption they are masters of the language both grammatically and phonologically. This belief leads some employers to deem that native English speakers (NET) are best suited to teach ESL learners. As a result, prospective non-native speakers… All categories, Careers in TESOL

Teach English in China: finding the right position for you

China has grown into a fascinating, diverse, challenging and ultimately rewarding place to be an English teacher (though of course this depends on the situation where you find yourself when you get to the school you are working with). The range of education groups, schools, kindergartens, university departments… where English Language Education (… All categories, Careers in TESOL

Top 10 reasons to teach English in Hong Kong

Working as a TEFL / TESOL teacher in Hong Kong is one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever have. In Asia, Hong Kong is often overshadowed by other teaching destinations such as Thailand, China, Japan and Korea. This blog aims to highlight why Hong Kong should be number one on your list. 10. Results happen fast One of the most… All categories, Careers in TESOL

Top TEFL teaching destinations

You may be considering giving up your 9-5 and taking a year (or more) out to teach abroad. You might have also completed an initial certificate in TESOL or a CELTA and be contemplating your next step. It can be quite overwhelming trying to decide what your next step should be. The world is so large that it can sometimes seem like the… All categories, Careers in TESOL

Unqualified EFL teachers are doing themselves and their students an injustice

With so much global demand for English teachers, and with such a broad range of different TEFL, TESOL and TESL certificates out there, it can be difficult to decide how, or even whether to get qualified before signing up for an English teaching job. Any teacher who has done a 120-hour, face-to-face course will tell… All categories, Certificate courses, Careers in TESOL, Teaching skills

Phonics, phonetics or phonology? What’s the difference?

Informed pronunciation teaching is a challenge for new and experienced teachers. It involves a minefield of technical knowledge, confusion over accents and varieties of English, and when related to reading, involves a lot of fighting against the horrible spelling rules that English has held onto over the centuries. To get things straight, it is… All categories, Certificate courses, Teaching skills, Careers in TESOL

Why the English Language Teaching industry needs a #MeToo campaign

Not long ago, I stumbled across a game that went viral on Facebook, which most language teachers will know as ‘Two truths and a lie’. For anyone who doesn’t know this game, you tell 2 truths about yourself and make up one lie. The person that you are playing with needs to decide which ones are the truths and which one is the lie, for example you… All categories, TESOL Masters, Careers in TESOL

All I want for Christmas is a Christmas tree: ESL Christmas activities in Asia

Teaching in Asia is full of surprises. One of the most surprising things is how many students write “Christmas tree” at the top of their Christmas wish list. This helped me understand just how different our cultures are from East to West. Even though Christmas may not be celebrated at home in many parts of Asia, young learners still have a huge… All categories, Careers in TESOL

Breaking the myths around communicative language teaching

Nowadays, English is an international language and used throughout the world. The ever increasing need to develop one’s communicative competence is often something learners struggle to do. Outdated methods and a focus on grammatical proficiency tend to inhibit improvement. Though grammar is a significant aspect of language learning it… All categories, Careers in TESOL, Teaching skills