What Do Visas Look Like

After earning your TESOL certification with ITTT and exploring English language teaching opportunities around the world, understanding visa and work permit requirements for your desired location becomes essential. While some countries have straightforward visa processes that are easy to understand, others might have more intricate requirements for you to navigate. Check out our FAQs below, which shed light on visa and documentation issues in many of the top international teaching destinations. Can I get a work visa to teach English in Germany?   Although Germany has plenty of opportunities for ESL teachers right across the country, it is typically quite difficult for non-European citizens to secure a work visa that allows them to live and work there long-term....  [Read more]

For the TESOL teacher the countries that comprise the bulk of the Middle East include Dubai and the rest of the UAE, Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen. As a region it has many stark contrasts. The oil-rich states, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, offer generous salaries, and very pleasant living facilities. At the other end of the scale Palestine, on account of its difficulties, attracts few TESOL teachers. Even within the oil-rich states one can find considerable contrast. For example, Qatar is engaged in a programme of rigorous westernisation - including the free availability of alcohol; however, in Saudi Arabia, one is dealing with very much more an Islamic state. In general TESOL teachers report of the region that the salaries...  [Read more]

venezuela is a country where the superlative is commonplace. It has a large landmass, the world’s third longest river, the world’s highest waterfall, and is home to the world’s longest snake, not to mention jaguars, and armadillos. It has great mineral wealth, in the form of oil, and this has led to a thriving economy, much trade with and investment from the US, and, thus, a great demand for English. Spanish is the official language; however, more than thirty native dialects survive. The population is twenty-seven millions, in a landmass of a shade over three-hundred and fifty thousand square miles. The country is ninety-six percent Roman Catholic. Quite unlike Europe, for those wishing to teach in a state or private school, there is not the requirement for a PGCE or an...  [Read more]

The downfall of Ceausescu in 1989 provided the catalyst for great change in this former communist state. However, the pace of change has not been nearly as fast as some of its neighbours and the western visitor cannot help but be stricken by how ‘different’ things are in this country. Nevertheless, the cost of living is very cheap, there are many medieval castles and villages to visit, excellent quality skiing and hiking are available, and the contrast between horse-drawn vehicles vying for space on the roads with yuppies talking on mobile phones whilst they drive flash cars is quite amusing. In addition to this some of the mountainous landscapes are haunting, breathtakingly beautiful, and right out of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A population of twenty-two millions fits into ninety one...  [Read more]

Since time immemorial Poland has stood as a gateway between East and West, and, hence, is a country of surprising contrasts. It has risen to meet the challenges presented by the fall of the communist party in 1990 with style and aplomb. The new Zloty has stabilized, and inflation is slowly spiralling down - less than ten percent at time of writing. The striking contrasts continue when one compares slick cities, with no shortage of ‘slickers’, to rural agricultural villages where horse-drawn vehicles are commonly in use. It remains a relatively cheap country to live in, but this won’t last forever. Polish people tend to be helpful, friendly and hospitable, and westerners are still something of a novelty. A population of thirty-eight millions fits comfortably into a landmass of...  [Read more]

Taiwan is a modern, industrialised megalopolis of big cities that benefit from booming trade with the US and other countries. Its thriving cities skirt glorious mountain ranges, and despite the hi-tech, developed aspect of the country there are still grass-skirted, indigenous tribes slightly at odds with this image. The official language is Mandarin, and twenty-three millions squeeze into an area of fourteen thousand square miles. Religions practiced include Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity. There is such a wealth of opportunity for TESOL teachers in Taiwan that it is hard to describe. For example English kindergartens are highly fashionable, and the trend for English goes from there up in the education system. In addition to this there are many corporations that need...  [Read more]

Mighty big place, Partner. As Ferdinand Braudel, the great French historian observed, ‘the land dictates the people’, and it is a good idea never to stray too far from this theme. If you want to know what ‘cold’ is then head up to Minneapolis, north of Toronto, in the mid winter. If you want to know what ‘hot and humid is’ then try Orlando in the height of the summer. If you transcribe a line from Los Angles to Miami and turn this into a road trip then the number of different peoples and environments you will encounter is immense. By all means there is a thin veneer of Americanism, and everywhere you will find both McDonalds, and the presence of the Federal Government; however, you shouldn’t let this take your eye off the ball of the fact that the people and environment of...  [Read more]

The Orange Revolution which saw free and fair elections finally bought to the Ukraine in 2004/5 has led to a great enthusiasm for change, and brought about a great sense of freedom. This is reflected in bold fashions and enthusiasm for partying and living the good life, where possible. The population of forty-eight millions fits snugly into a landmass of two hundred and thirty square miles. Ukrainian is the official language, but also Russian, Romanian, Polish and Hungarian are spoken. Religions observed include Ukrainian Orthodox, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic, Islam, Judaism and Protestantism. In other words, quite a mix. Since 1989 the transition to a market economy in what was the old Soviet Bloc has led to huge demand for English language skills. Everything...  [Read more]

Visiting Colombia’s capital, Bogotá is a truly unique experience. Located high in the magnificent Andes Mountains at a breathtaking 2,640 meters, Bogotá is one of the highest capitals in the world, it is also home to Colombians from all over the country. Visitors to Bogotá are never short of anything to do during their time in the city. Whether it’s experiencing the local culture in the old downtown area, or exploring the city’s outskirts to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife, there is always something to do. Bogotá is a haven for foodies with quality restaurants dotted about the place. History buffs will enjoy the old houses, churches and convents dating back 300 hundred years. Bogotá also has numerous parks where you can exercise and be entertained by...  [Read more]

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In Egypt one can stand in cities that have been populated by civilisations for millennia. The pharaonic civilization goes back five thousand years, this was followed by the Greek invasion, spearheaded by Alexander the Great, and later it was regarded as one of the richest provinces of the Roman empire, and breadbasket to Rome itself. Then came the Muslim invasion, the influence of which was only interrupted by the Napoleonic empire, and then the French ‘second empire’, followed by a relatively brief period of British administration. Hence history abounds, but the traveller to Egypt can get a great deal more in terms of present-day culture, food, and the hubbub of the souks and bazaars. A truly fascinating place to spend some time. Egypt’s three hundred and ninety thousand square...  [Read more]

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Don’t be put off by the fact that bolivia is one of the poorest Latin American nations. The Andean and Amazonian landscapes offer a breath-taking experience in themselves. In addition to which, there is an interesting class system at play composed of the upper classes - those of Spanish decent; the middle classes - those of mixed race; and the native Bolivians. The interplay between culture and topography make for a fascinating travel and work experience. Spanish is the lingua franca; however, Aymara - a composite of Spanish and native dialects is also, intriguingly, an official language. The population is a shade under nine millions, and ninety-five percent of those profession religious faith are Roman Catholic, with a smattering of Evangelical Methodism. In a continent where baseball...  [Read more]

There are a number of new republics - former members of the USSR - that are worthy of the TESOL teacher’s consideration. Kazakhstan, offers wide-open spaces, endless steppe, and world famous horse sausage. Azerbaijan, intriguingly, was once a major stop over on the great silk route, and sports medieval minarets and high-quality carpets. Uzbekistan has many architectural splendours and some of the oldest towns in the world, and again many stopovers on the silk route. Georgia, described variously as a part of Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East - depending upon whose geography you go with - obviously has an incredible array of cultures, and a striking contrast between the old and the new - not to mention fantastic food. Belarus is for the nature lover, and those who enjoy the great...  [Read more]

Whilst Spanish is the official language, there are not less than sixty-five indigenous languages. The forty-three million people fit comfortably into a little over a million square miles. The principal religion is Roman Catholic with the remainder of the Episcopal and Jewish faith. In a continent where baseball and US television is enormously popular, there is considerable enthusiasm for learning English. However, it is ‘American’ English that has most currency and is most sought after, not ‘English’ English. The distinction is noted by locals, bringing considerable advantage to Canadian and North American candidates. Nevertheless, there are many opportunities and, as ever, persistence pays dividends. Those actively looking for work will find it, and be rewarded by the experience...  [Read more]

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Indonesia has placed the turmoil of the nineties firmly in the past. The currency has now stabilized, and once again Indonesia is a hot destination for TESOL teachers. The archipelago is a world of contrast. Rapidly evolving big cities, stand in stark contrast to the seldom travelled, unspoilt, tropical wilderness. Home to a wealth of cultures, the colors, smells, and the people all make for a kaleidoscope experience. A population of two-hundred and thirty four millions fit into a landmass of seven-hundred and forty thousand square miles. Indonesian is the official language, with Javanese, Sudanese and English spoken by a minority, though one shouldn’t expect English to be widely spoken outside of the big cities. It is a predominantly Muslim country, with a minority of Hindi devotees,...  [Read more]

Japan can present the traveller with a bewildering combination of culture, manners, beauty, architecture and personalities. Whether one goes to Fuji San - mount Fuji, to admire it’s serene beauty, or one parties all night long in Roppongi - the nightclub district of Tokyo, one is constantly taken aback and presented with the unexpected. At times a shade frustrating, such as when you are on a train so crowded that you go three stops past the one you wanted because you cannot move. Hence, the ‘gaijin’, or foreigner learns to laugh about these things and accepts them as a part of life. A population of one-hundred and twenty seven millions is jammed into a landmass of one-hundred and forty five square miles. Indeed, the population density in the big cities is amazing. The official...  [Read more]

In a continent where baseball and US television is enormously popular, there is considerable enthusiasm for learning English. However, it is American English that has most currency and is most sought after, not British English. The distinction is noted by locals, bringing considerable advantage to Canadian and American candidates. Nevertheless, there are many opportunities and, as ever, persistence pays dividends. Those actively looking for work will find it, and be rewarded by the experience of teaching some of the most enthusiastic, fun-loving students on the planet. In addition to this, America is seen as corporate Big Brother. Its influence and presence is pervasive. Quite unlike Europe, for those wishing to teach in a state or private school, a TESOL qualification is more than...  [Read more]