TESOL - FAQs

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 and TEFL?   TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TESOL is typically more common in North America and TEFL is more common in the UK, although these two acronyms are very often used interchangeably. Read more

Do I need a TESOL certificate to teach abroad?   While it is possible to find teaching jobs abroad without any qualifications, your chances of finding a good quality job are greatly enhanced by completing a TESOL course. In many countries it is an official requirement and where it is not many employers will just assume you lack the skills necessary to be a good teacher. Read more

What is an ESL teacher?   ESL teacher is a phrase that can be used to describe a variety of scenarios as this field of education covers a broad spectrum of environments and students. However, whatever the specific scenario, the common purpose of all ESL teachers is to teach non-native speakers to speak and write the English language. Read more

Do TESOL teachers need a second language?   Although having some understanding of the local language might be a bonus when teaching English overseas, it has very little bearing on your ability to be an effective teacher. All ITTT TESOL certification courses are based on the idea that the teacher and students only use English in the classroom. Read more

Are there any age limits for TESOL teaching?   One of the great things about teaching English abroad is that it is available to virtually all age groups. Whether you are 21 or 61, if you are open to new ideas and keen to pass on your knowledge in a classroom environment, your age should not stand in your way of success. Read more

Do I need a degree to teach English abroad?   Although some countries require teachers to have a degree in order to obtain the required work visa or permit, there are as many others that have no such restrictions. The bottom line is, you do not need a degree to teach English abroad. Read more

Do TESOL Certificates Expire?   TESOL certificates do not expire, they are valid for life. For as long as you pursue a career as an English language teacher, you can use your certificate as proof that you have completed a training course that covered a range of relevant topics including English grammar, lesson planning and classroom management. Read more

Can I teach English abroad without any teaching experience?   Some employers around the world only take on teachers with previous classroom experience, however, as demand is so high in many areas first time teachers still have plenty of options open to them. As long as you have completed a TESOL course you should have little problem getting your teaching career started. Read more

Can I learn a foreign language while teaching English abroad?   One of the many benefits of teaching English abroad is the opportunity to learn another language. The simple fact that you are surrounded by a new language on a daily basis will not only help you to learn it more quickly, but also help you to settle into your new environment. Read more

Is it safe for single women to teach English abroad?   As long as you do plenty of research before departure and use some common sense once you arrive, there is no reason why anyone should have any problems with personal safety while teaching English abroad. This applies whatever your gender. Read more

Can I teach English abroad if I have children?   Yes, many people with children happily teach English abroad in countries around the world. However, it is essential that you do plenty of research in advance to make sure you choose a destination that is right for both you and your family. Read more

How will I make friends while teaching English abroad?   For anyone heading overseas to teach English for the first time, it is perfectly normal to initially feel a little homesick. However, most people quickly find their feet and develop a network of friends and co-workers from the local community and other countries. Read more

What is the difference between TEFL, TESOL and CELTA?   Even the quickest bit of research into teaching English abroad will introduce you to the acronyms TEFL, TESOL and CELTA. Basically, these are three versions of the qualification that most employers expect teachers to possess when applying for jobs in schools or language centers around the world. Read more

Are TESOL teachers in demand?   Every year the number of people learning English as a second language around the world grows considerably and this trend shows no signs of changing in the coming years. Due to this continuous growth the demand for TESOL qualified teachers remains high in most parts of the world. Read more

Is TESOL a good career choice?   Many people consider that teaching English abroad is something that young people do for a short period of time before heading home to start a normal life and career. While this is true for some people, many others actually turn it into a long-term career. Read more

Do qualified teachers need a TESOL certification?   Every year hundreds of fully qualified teachers head overseas to teach English as a foreign/second language and they are often surprised to find that many of the top jobs require teachers to possess a TESOL qualification. The truth is there are very real differences between teaching in your home country and teaching abroad which is why a TESOL certification is generally required. Read more

Are there any age restrictions when teaching English in Asia?   

Although it is the most popular region for TESOL qualified teachers, there are some countries in Asia that have certain restrictions that might limit where you can live and work. One area that is sometimes restricted is the age of a teacher.

What should I pack for teaching English abroad?   

In the run up to your departure date for teaching English abroad you are certain to have many things to think about, including what you need to pack and what is best left at home.

Will I lose touch with family and friends while teaching English abroad?   

Most people who decide to teach English abroad will have a few initial concerns before they set off and one of these is often about staying in contact with the people you care about back home. To ensure you maintain important relationships while you are away, there are a few things you should consider.

Is TESOL worth it?   

There are various opinions about the value of continuing education, which leads some people to question whether a TESOL qualification is really worth it. We believe it is because in the modern world it is no longer enough just to speak English fluently if you want to be an ESL teacher.

What makes a great TESOL teacher?   

If you want to be fondly remembered by your ESL students as a truly great teacher, there are a range of skills you will need to develop. Among the most important are communication, patience, confidence, organization, and a real passion for everything you do in the classroom.

What are TESOL accreditation bodies?   

There are many TESOL providers and to check if they are widely trusted, you should look at the official bodies that accredit their courses. Usually, courses reviewed by a third party institution guarantee a high standard of academic and professional materials.

What qualifications do I need to be a TESOL teacher?   

You must obtain certain qualifications if you want to teach English at home, abroad or online. A TESOL certificate with at least 100 hours of study is one of these. Teachers' requirements vary by country, but a TESOL certificate is almost always required.

What level of English is required for TESOL?   

There is no getting away from the fact that some countries restrict work visas to native English speakers only. While this may be unfair to the large number of fluent English speakers with a distinguished record in the classroom, there is no need to despair as there is a wide choice of other great destinations out there.

What is the difference between ESL and ELL?   

Many people get the two terms ESL and ELL mixed up. In a nutshell, ESL stands for English as a Second Language, and ELL stands for English Language Learner. ESL refers to the course or class, and ELL refers to the student.

How long does it take to get a TESOL certificate?   

It is hard to say how long a TESOL course will take as there are so many different options available. However, regardless of the course you choose, the length of study will usually come down to your own level of motivation and how much spare time you have to study.

Is getting a TESOL hard?   

Are you concerned that a TESOL course will be too challenging? There is no need to worry as our courses start with the basic knowledge and build up toward the end. Each unit builds on the previous one, so if you thoroughly study the content of each unit, you should have no problems.

What does ESL mean?   

There are so many people learning English around the world that it is estimated that for every person who speaks English as a first language, five people are learning it as a second language. This is where ESL comes in, but what exactly is ESL, and what does it stand for?

Is TESOL and TEFL the same?   

These two acronyms are typically used interchangeably. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. You will find that TESOL is more common in North America and TEFL is more common in the UK.

Why should I study TESOL?   

The reason why people decide to take a TESOL course is simply because it is what you require when applying for most English teaching jobs. Every individual has their own motivations for teaching, whether it is to make a major life change or just to earn extra dollars during a gap year.

Is TESOL internationally recognized?   

No training course is worth much without international accreditation and recognition. All TESOL courses offered by ITTT are externally validated and accredited to fit international standards. They are also recognized by employers around the world.

Is grammar knowledge important when teaching English?   

There has always been some debate around this question. Teachers who are strong on grammar often think it is very important, while those with less knowledge might disagree. However, as publishers make millions of dollars each year from the sale of grammar books, it is fair to assume that there is some truth involved.

How many hours do ESL teachers teach?   

This is not easy to answer as there are many variable factors, such as the type of job, the country you are in, and the age of your students. Before you sign up for any teaching position we recommend you do plenty of research so you know where you stand from the start.

What are the best books for ESL teaching?   

There are many different options when it comes to ESL resource books and these generally fall into three categories: book series, general teaching theory, and activity books. There is no single answer to which is the best book for ESL teaching as it depends on the individual situation of each teacher and school.

Is ESL teaching easy?   

Before embarking on a new journey of ESL teaching in a faraway country, there are a couple of things to consider. What country should you teach in? Where is the demand for teachers? What type of students suit you best? These are all things you need to think about before teaching ESL.

How to teach ESOL   

There are two major learning areas when teaching ESOL. Teaching skills, which enable you to operate an efficient classroom and subject knowledge, which is to impart the rules of the English language structure. We will look at both these areas.

What are TESOL standards?   

The standards for TESOL can relate to three general areas. Firstly, we have the ideas of accreditation and moderation; these two terms are often misunderstood. Secondly, standards may refer to the types of certificates that are issued. Finally, there are standard types of courses.

Do you need a degree for TESOL?   

TESOL is a popular choice as it is open to anyone who has a good standard of English. Regardless of your background, age, or work experience, native and non-native speakers have an excellent chance of finding a teaching position. However, one question that is often asked is "Do I need a degree for TESOL?"

How do ESL students learn best?   

As with many aspects of education, there is some debate around the best method for teaching English to non-native speakers. At ITTT we have been training new teachers for many years and we are fully committed to the ESA method as we know it brings the very best results for ESL students.

How do I become a great ESL teacher?   

To become an ESL teacher you typically need to have excellent English skills and a TESOL qualification. To become a great ESL teacher will require additional skills including patience, adaptability, confidence, and great communication. A good quality TESOL course should help you with most of these things.

Which is better, TESOL or CELTA?   

If you have done some amount of research on teaching English abroad or online you will probably have come across these two acronyms: TESOL and CELTA. Put simply, TESOL and CELTA are both respected teaching qualifications that will allow you to work in countries all over the world.

What is the difference between TESOL and IELTS?   

These two acronyms refer to very different things. TESOL is the name given to training courses and their resulting certification that people take in order to work as English language teachers. IELTS is an English language test that is used by employers and immigration departments to gauge a person’s English ability.

Why is TESOL important?   

By completing a TESOL course you will be in a position to apply for teaching jobs in a wide variety of countries worldwide. While this promises plenty of adventure, it also allows you to pass on the English knowledge your students need to improve their job, study, and general life prospects.

Which countries accept TESOL?   

A TESOL certification is required for most ESL teaching jobs that offer good pay and comfortable working conditions, no matter where in the world you would like to live and work. Once qualified you will be eligible to apply for teaching jobs in almost every country where ESL jobs exist.

Where is TESOL accepted?   

The certificate in TESOL is an introductory level qualification which allows the holder to apply for teaching positions worldwide and therefore enter into the world of ESL teaching. Here we explain what the certification can be used for, as well as some of the restrictions imposed by governments and individual schools.

What qualities does an educator need to teach ESL?   

If you want to teach English you will need to possess a few important qualities. As progress can sometimes be slow, patience is certainly one of the most important. To provide great lessons you will also need to be well organized and ready to adapt when things don’t go to plan.

What is the benefit of TESOL?   

There are several benefits to TESOL depending on your perspective. For anyone who would like to teach English online or overseas it is the basic qualification that is expected by most good employers. For English language students the real benefit is knowing that their teacher is suitably qualified for the job at hand.

How do I become ESL certified?   

The acronym ESL stands for English as a Second Language. If you want to join the tens of thousands of teachers who are qualified to teach ESL in any country they choose, you will need to complete a TESOL certification course with an internationally recognized course provider such as ITTT.

Which is better, TESOL or TEFL?   

If you want to teach English to non-native speakers, either overseas or online, you will need to complete a teacher training course that results in a TESOL or TEFL certificate. You can choose one or the other as they are identical courses that result in the same qualification.

What are the different types of ESOL programs?   

ESOL is English to Speakers of Other Languages; hence we get the acronym TESOL which is the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages. There are different types of ESOL learners, however, and each of these require their own style of teaching. Here we will look at the major types of ESOL programs.

What is an ESOL curriculum?   

In most areas of the ESOL teaching world there are five recognized levels of students. These are discussed here and for each level an example of the type of syllabus content is given. It is important to note that English language levels are cumulative, so that each level includes all the levels below it.

Why choose to take a TESOL Course?   

There are many reasons why people undertake a TESOL course, beyond the most obvious, that it is generally a requirement for teaching English abroad. Here we take a look at some of the most common reasons and expand on ways that a TESOL certificate can be used.

What is the purpose of TESOL?   

Why is a TESOL course an important part of gaining employment as an ESL teacher? What can you expect from a TESOL course and how do you go about finding a job once you have your certificate? We look at all these questions and more.

What is ESL?   

English language teaching uses many different acronyms to describe various teaching and learning scenarios. ESL stands for English as a Second Language which covers situations where people are learning English in an English speaking country.

What is the difference between EFL and ESL?   

Anyone who is familiar with English language teaching will have come across these two acronyms, although they might not be aware of their actual meanings. While they are routinely used interchangeably, ESL and EFL technically refer to whether the teaching occurs in an English speaking country or a non-English speaking country.

What not to do as an ESL teacher?   

In many cases it takes time to find your feet as an ESL teacher as we all have to learn the best ways to get the results we want in the classroom. However, there are several things that teachers commonly do from the start of their careers that can hold them back.

What does TESOL stand for?   

The TESOL acronym stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is one of many acronyms used within the teaching profession and here will have a look at a few of the more common ones and what they actually mean.

Where can I get free ESL lesson plans?   

Lesson planning is a vital part of an ESL teacher's job, particularly in the early stages of their career. A lesson plan provides a solid structure that can be followed to ensure the lesson flows from one activity to the next and that the ultimate aims of the lesson are met.

Which is the best age group to teach English?   

If you are studying a TESOL course you will want to know which age group suits you best to ensure you apply for the right type of teaching jobs. Some teachers prefer the energy that can be generated in a young learners class, while others prefer the calmer surrounds of an adult class.

Why study TESOL?   

Here we will consider five reasons for taking a TESOL course. These include ideas focused on traveling abroad and giving something back to society. Other ideas center on the fact that this is a highly desirable qualification to earn a living now and for transferring into other jobs in the future.

Is it easier to teach English to children or adults?   

In most parts of the world English language teaching can involve different age groups, but which is considered the easiest to teach? There isn’t really a simple answer to this as all age groups present different challenges and some teachers are better suited to certain groups than others.

How do you deal with misbehaving ESL students?   

If you only teach ESL to adults you should have relatively few problems with discipline in the classroom, while those who teach young learners typically have more issues to deal with. However, a few simple strategies can make a big difference in this area of classroom management.

How do you motivate ESL students?   

When learning a new language, motivation is highly important. Young learners are often up for anything as long as it is fun. Adult learners are usually motivated by a particular end goal. In contrast, teenage learners can sometimes need a bit of help from the teacher to get the best results.

What are the 4 skills in ESL?   

When teaching English as a second language there are four main skills that need to be covered in roughly the same amount. Speaking and writing are known as the productive skills as they require actual output of language, while reading and listening are known as the receptive skills.

What skills do ESL teachers need?   

If you plan on teaching English overseas or online there are a range of personal skills that can make the difference between success and failure. As a teacher you will need to be organized, flexible, patient, and prepared to put in the necessary effort when planning your lessons.

What is the best method for teaching ESL?   

Over the years there have been many attempts to improve upon the teaching methodology of English as a second language. Some attempts have been more successful than others. Here we outline some of the more enduring methods and give a brief description of some of the teaching situations where they may be most applicable.

How do I make a good ESL lesson plan?   

There are many factors that go into creating good lesson plans. The first thing to be aware of is why we plan lessons in the first place. Here we will look at the reasons why, which will inform what a good plan will involve. Finally we will make some general recommendations for your lesson plans.

What are the most common concerns for first time ESL teachers?   

If you are newly TESOL qualified you are certain to have many questions regarding what lies in store with your first teaching job. Here we look at some of the most common concerns first-time teachers have and some simple ways to address them in the classroom.

What is English for Specific Purposes?   

There are many different types of ESL courses and one of those is English for Specific Purposes. ESP classes are designed for students who need to learn specific language that is used in their everyday job. Examples of ESP courses are English for Aviation, English for Hospitality, and English for Tourism.

How do you teach ESL one-to-one?   

Most teachers are used to teaching classes, be they large or small. Teaching one-to-one brings with it a unique set of challenges which you need to be aware of, particularly in the planning phase, if your lessons are to be effective. Here we will consider some of those challenges.

How to stay safe while teaching English abroad?   

While the vast majority of people who teach English abroad have a safe and enjoyable time, there are always potential dangers waiting to catch you out. However, by following a few simple tips you can reduce any hazards to a minimum and get on with the serious business of having fun in your new surroundings.

Is 30 too old to teach English abroad?   

Absolutely not! People of all ages, from 18 to 60 plus, are currently teaching English in countries worldwide. As long as you have an excellent grasp of the English language your age should not be a factor when taking a TESOL course or when applying for ESL teaching jobs.

What are the main differences between American and British English?   

Although British and American English are the same language they have several differences that you need to be aware of when teaching ESL. Students and teachers can get confused by different vocabulary and grammar issues, but if taught correctly these differences can easily be overcome.

How long do TESOL certificates last?   

Academic credentials earned through International TEFL and TESOL Training are lifelong qualifications and don't necessitate any future renewals. Upon completion of ITTT courses, all graduates receive an embossed certificate sent through registered mail, in addition to a PDF version delivered via email.

What are TESOL acronyms?   

The teaching profession is renowned for its abundant use of abbreviations, and the field of English instruction is no different, featuring terms like ELL, ELT, TEFL, and TESOL. What are the meanings behind these abbreviations and why are they crucial? Specifically, what does TESOL teaching entail?

What should I teach English beginners?   

Are you teaching English to beginners and not sure where to start? While educating absolute novices can seem intimidating, adhering to some simple strategies can transform your new learners into proficient English language pupils in no time.

Can TESOL be a career?   

Teaching English can certainly evolve into a sustained career, depending on your aspirations. Some people spend one or two years gaining experience in a foreign culture, while others extend their stay for even longer. Many others decide that their new home is where they want to stay on a permanent basis.

How do I verify a TESOL certificate?   

Occasionally, employers and participants of TESOL courses need to authenticate a TESOL certificate to confirm that the teacher has genuinely earned and completed it. The process of validating a TESOL certificate from ITTT is simple and requires just a few steps.

Can I teach English with just a TESOL certificate?   

ESL teaching is remarkable for its diversity of practitioners, encompassing various ages, ethnicities, levels of teaching experience, and qualifications. Teachers with only a TESOL certificate will have plenty of opportunities to secure ESL roles. Let's explore how to go about it.

Should we teach culture in the ESL classroom?   

Every language evolves a unique vocabulary to reflect its specific cultural priorities and thorough immersion in all aspects of a culture is crucial for mastering a new language. As ESL teachers, we possess the ideal medium to facilitate such a comprehensive exposure.

Do you need to be bilingual to teach English?   

Many TESOL trainees ask this question, and the response is straightforward: No, knowing other languages isn't necessary to teach English abroad. Typically, English teaching employs the immersion method, where English is the sole language utilized in the classroom.

Can I teach English abroad in my gap year?   

Opting for a gap year, whether it's after high school or university, before starting your first job, or at any other life stage, is a very popular choice. While some can afford to travel without financial worries, many people utilize TESOL as a means to supplement their income during their journey.

Is there discrimination in TESOL?   

Despite the general open-mindedness within the TESOL teaching community, there can be instances where some employers may show biases. There exists a possibility of facing discrimination based on factors such as ethnicity, age, first language, and physical appearance when seeking employment in certain parts of the world.

Where are the cheapest places to teach TESOL?   

Embarking on a journey to teach English abroad entails upfront expenses such as TESOL certification, travel to your selected location, and initial living costs until your first paycheck arrives. However, certain destinations provide a less expensive daily living experience. So, which of these countries stand out for their lower-than-average living costs?

What are the pros and cons of TESOL?   

Embarking on a journey to teach English abroad can provide unparalleled opportunities for travel and building lasting friendships. However, it is important to understand that it demands significant commitment and effort, and living in a foreign country can present its own challenges at times.

Do accents matter when teaching English abroad?   

Every English teacher, irrespective of their origin, teaches with some level of an inherent accent, although the strength of these accents can vary significantly. However, by ensuring clear articulation, your unique accent should pose no problems in an ESL teaching environment.

How is teaching business English different from general English?   

While a substantial portion of English lessons globally revolve around general, conversational topics, there are also niche areas that present unique opportunities for certain ESL teachers. Among these specializations, teaching business English has emerged as a common and popular choice across various countries.

What are the most common TESOL scams?   

Most people who are involved in hiring TESOL-certified teachers are trustworthy and dependable, yet there are still a small number who are looking to take advantage. This article explores common TESOL scams and provides strategies to sidestep them.

Which English should be taught in the ESL classroom?   

The term "teaching English" often overlooks the existence of various English dialects. In this context, we will delve into two prominent types - American and British English, examining the key differences in spelling, grammar, pronunciation, and other aspects.

What do TESOL teachers wear?   

Prior to embarking on your international teaching journey at a school or language center, understanding the required dress code is crucial. Some institutions may require formal attire like a shirt and tie, while others might find casual clothing like jeans and a t-shirt acceptable.

What are the Five Student Levels in ESL Teaching?   

Here we look at one of the more common classifications for grading the English Language level of ESL students. It is important to note that the levels are ‘additive’ meaning that level 2 assumes full understanding of level 1, as well as all the statements in level 2, etc.

How can ESL teachers develop their careers?   

After completing your TESOL certification you will want to gain as much experience as possible to advance your career. A large part of this will be ongoing professional development. Here we look at areas which should be addressed to give a balanced portfolio of skills which are useful to employers.

What are the educational theories behind different ESL teaching methods?   

Educational theories play a pivotal role in shaping ESL teaching methods, as they provide a foundation for understanding how individuals learn and develop language skills. Here we will look into the diverse educational theories that underpin various ESL teaching approaches, highlighting their key principles and implications for classroom practice.

What ESL teaching methods actually work with young learners?   

When teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to young learners, it's essential to employ methods that are engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate. Many teaching methodologies have been applied to young learners' classes over the decades and it has been found that some work far better than others.

What is second language acquisition (SLA)?   

Second language acquisition is the name given to an educational theory of how we acquire a second language. It is similar to the way we pick-up our native language and is often contrasted with the term ‘language learning’, which is a formal process of instruction in a language.

Do I need to know about English grammar to be an ESL teacher?   

There are two fundamental aspects to being an ESL teacher. One is the ability to plan and deliver coherent lessons using a variety of teaching skills. The other is to possess the language knowledge required to impart the syllabus required by the various English levels being taught.

Which external exams might I have to prepare my ESL students for?   

A large part of ESL teaching is dedicated to students who want to take some form of examination, such as the Cambridge exam suite, TOEFL, or IELTS. Here we will give an overview of the most common exams you may be required to cover in your ESL teaching.

How can you teach English to people who don’t know any English?   

Due to the ubiquitous nature of the English language through music, film and social media, it is increasingly unlikely that you will encounter ESL students with absolutely zero knowledge of English. However, for real starters you must apply some simple rules.

What are the differences between teaching monolingual and multilingual classes?   

Within the teaching of English as a second language (ESL) there are several classifications of learner scenarios. You have probably heard of graded classes versus mixed ability classes as an example. Another major classification is monolingual versus multilingual classes.

How do you build and maintain rapport in an ESL classroom?   

Here we will consider some techniques to help build and maintain rapport in the classroom. Rapport is one of the most important aspects of classroom management. We should think about what we can do to build rapport and how we are going to maintain it over time.

How do you maintain discipline in the ESL classroom?   

Discipline in the classroom is an important aspect of the overall rapport you build with your classes. In this post we will look at some of the major factors that can affect how our classes behave and how to set up and maintain a disciplined environment.

Which dictionary should I use with my ESL students?   

In this post we are going to consider the types and use of dictionaries. Which is the best dictionary for the different levels of students and what are some of the activities we should use them for, and just as importantly what should we not do with them?

How do you use visual aids in ESL teaching?   

Visual aids have always been a part of teaching methodology because they obviously work and aid the teaching process. There are a number of benefits of using visual aids for both the students and the teacher when teaching ESL.

What will I have to teach my ESL students?   

There are a wide variety of teaching jobs in the ESL market that need a range of different skills. Here we will look at some of the different teaching scenarios available and what skills you would cover when teaching them, ranging from kindergarten to teaching university students.

How do you teach ESL business English?   

One of the major types of teaching available to ESL teachers is teaching English to business people. It is important to appreciate that you are teaching English, not business. The people you teach already know their business; it is your job to help them operate in a business setting using the English language.