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How Mandarin Chinese Helps Me in Teaching English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Foreign language experience is complexed on so many different levels, it is a window into a different culture, often a different country and even a different paradigm of thinking. There is a multitude of language experiences people can have, each with their own intricacies and uniqueness. As a native English speaker from South Africa, living in China has provided me with extraordinary foreign language experience.
The Most Difficult Language
Benefits of Mandarin Experience
Do you want to teach English in China?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Marlan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Mandarin, the national language of... [Read more]
Problems for Learners of English in Mandarin Speaking China - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of teaching English as a foreign language online for a company called Education First. The format would normally be an internationally diverse group in an audio-only platform. During these sessions, I found that my students from China would have specific challenges in pronunciation that many of my European and Brazilian students would not. I recognized their tendency to add an "a" at the end of words that clearly ended in a consonant. Unfortunately, I was not educated enough in the specific challenges that Mandarin speakers faced in their attempt to learn English. I'm scheduled to begin teaching in China later this year, and it has become clear to me that I need to drill into the specific challenges faced... [Read more]
Tips on How to Speak English More Fluently - TEFL Blog
Hoàng Minh Huy
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In recent years, the number of people learning English has significantly increased due to its importance. It offers various benefits, such as career opportunities, financial stability, and studying abroad. English comprises four essential skills, with speaking being a crucial step in mastering any language. This article outlines strategies to speak English fluently like a native.
Leveraging Technological Advancements
Engaging with Native Speakers
Immersing in an English-Speaking Environment
Conclusion: Diverse Paths to English Mastery
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
First and foremost, technology's rapid advancement aids English... [Read more]
Speak - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
SPEAK promotes the emergence of communities where locals and newcomers meet to share their culture and develop meaningful bonds by providing a web platform for individuals to facilitate informal language learning environments and community events. From this simple service, SPEAK is fostering the creation of spaces where newcomers have the opportunity to share the value they bring and develop meaningful relationships with locals as equals, not feeling they are disempowered receivers as in most integration initiatives.
The informal environment and methodology used allow participants to learn with each other, while at the same time breaking barriers and creating meaningful relationships, creating a multicultural community where cultural heritage is cherished. This network has created... [Read more]
Can you teach English in Thailand without speaking Thai? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Absolutely, teaching English in Thailand doesn't necessitate fluency in Thai. In fact, most language schools in Thailand prefer that ESL instructors use only English in the classroom to promote full immersion, regardless of their Thai language proficiency.
Is there a need for English teachers in Thailand?
What are the requirements for teaching English in Thailand?
Thailand has seen a surge in demand for English teachers, driven by its expanding economy and an increasing eagerness among its population to master the language. As English education gains prominence, those with TEFL certifications generally find more lucrative opportunities. The shift towards long-term contracts has led schools to prioritize instructors willing to commit for extended periods, rather than brief stints. With... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Productive Receptive Skills/why Speak - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
So, we'll focus first of all on a speaking skills lesson and perhaps a starting point for this would be to ask a question which is: Why do we speak to each other? The reason that it's important to ask ourselves this question is that whatever answers there are to this should be present in our lessons. So, why do we speak to each other? Well, there are a multitude of answers to that but when you boil them all down to their essence, they probably actually come down to one or two things. We communicate to each other by speaking because of either a need. We need something. We want something or a desire to achieve something.
Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into... [Read more]
Go Fishing ESL Icebreaker Printable - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This is an easy classroom activity to encourage your ESL students to speak in English. All you have to do is cut out these fish with the questions to play.
To play, simply print out the sheet, cut out the fish and laminate them to make them more durable. If you want to be really creative, you can create a pond or a fishing area in your classroom where your students can “go fish.”
Another great idea would be to have the fish in a box or container and let students draw them out one at a time.
To make fishing rods, all you need is string, magnets, and dowel rods. Be sure to also attach some magnets on each fish and your students can start fishing!
Register now & get certified to teach english... [Read more]
Do you need to be bilingual to teach English? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
The straightforward answer is NO. Aspiring TEFL instructors often wonder about this, but the primary requirement is a profound mastery of English. While knowing the native language of your destination country can offer advantages in daily life and understanding cultural nuances, it is not a prerequisite for most employers. Your expertise in English will foster an immersive learning environment, encouraging students to actively engage with the language.
What will I need to teach English as a foreign language?
How will I teach English if I don't speak the local language?
What are the benefits of learning the local language?
How to learn another language while teaching English abroad
The prerequisites often differ based on the region and specific employer. Universally, a profound grasp of... [Read more]
Summer Holiday Board Game - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This is a fun conversation board game to speak about summer holidays with your ESL students.
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Living and Teaching English in China - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Habits & Customs
China is without a doubt the largest market in the world for teaching English as a foreign language. With over 300 million English learners across the country, including children, adults and business professionals, the variety of EFL positions in China is truly astounding. Here we share a wide range of information that you might find useful before you get on the plane. As well as a guide to teaching in China, you will also find tips on learning the local language, suggestions of things to see and do during your stay and plenty of insight into the local culture and customs.
SOURCE: www . opportunity-china . com/teaching-english-abroad-infographic/
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SOURCE: www . buffalotours . com/blog/infographic-a-guide-to-travel-china/
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Etiquette Asia ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Working as an English teacher in a foreign country is an excellent opportunity not only to teach students how to speak English but also to teach them about the culture of your home country. It is equally important for English teachers to take the time to learn about the particular social customs of their host countries. Whether you are in a meeting with your colleagues or are invited to a social event, there will be things that will undoubtedly be done differently than back home, sometime in quite bewilderingly different ways.
Learning the reasons behind the way these things are done will help you to understand why and as a result help you to have a more fulfilling experience in your host country and help you in the classroom. In many countries in Asia deference is shown to those with... [Read more]
Traveling Conversation Questions - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Here are various discussion topics about traveling to encourage your ESL students to speak.
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What is an ESL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
In the wake of globalization and a rising demand for English proficiency worldwide, ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers emerge as vital educators. They instruct English Language Learners (ELLs), individuals whose first language isn't English, aiming to elevate their spoken and written English fluency to specific standards.
How is an ESL teacher different from a foreign language teacher?
What age groups do ESL teachers work with?
Where do ESL teachers work?
How do I become an ESL teacher?
What are the benefits of being an ESL teacher?
How do I get my first job as an ESL teacher?
While both teach languages, ESL educators are specialized in teaching English to non-native speakers, often without sharing a common first language. Their teaching approach emphasizes repetition,... [Read more]
Last posts written by Hoàng Minh
HUY MINH HOANG is a 38-year-old English teacher from Vietnam who is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the language with children to help them become more confident learners. He has a variety of hobbies, but reading is his favorite as it improves his vocabulary and concentration, and opens up knowledge about the world, history, and literature. HUY MINH HOANG believes that reading is one of the most interesting indoor activities and he is dedicated to serving his students and their parents to the best of his ability.
Hoàng Minh Huy
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Dive into the transformative realm of English learning with technology. Uncover how AI revolutionizes fluency through personalized experiences and authentic conversations.
Hoàng Minh Huy
Destinations Alumni... [Read more]
The Essential Travel Guide to Greece - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: The Culture Trip
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Troubles Faced by Students from China When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
If you think of Chinese ESL students it is safe to assume that most teachers would immediately worry about how they should teach phonics to Mandarin speakers. It is also true that the media has portrayed the Chinese accent as one of the most challenging to understand or even get rid of.
Personal Experience
Phonetical Errors
Grammar Challenges
Problems Due to Geographical Origin of Students
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Graciela G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Usually, the first thing you will notice as an ESL teacher, speaking from experience, is the difficulty Chinese ESL students face... [Read more]
ESL Teaching To Young Learners - What are the Advantages? - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
Description: Teaching English as a foreign language in a kindergarten can be a dynamically different experience than teaching students in older age groups. Teaching in a kindergarten has advantages such as motivation, smiles, and the ability to learn the material in short bursts. It also has disadvantages, such as; short attention spans, diapers, and tantrums. Teaching young children can be extremely rewarding and extremely demanding.
Learning is fun for small children.
Children have a low attention span.
Misconceptions about teaching young learners
Do you want to teach English to young learners?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate William K.
Teaching Children between the ages of two and... [Read more]
Tefl Review From Jason - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
In this TEFL review, Jason speaks about the hands-on teaching experience during his four-week TEFL course in Hangzhou, China. During his training course, he was able to quickly improve his abilities to deliver fun and interactive lessons in a professional manner. He enjoyed working with local EFL students in our spacious classrooms at the training center. While lesson planning was challenging at first, Jason quickly learned what a good lesson should look like and managed to improve his lesson planning skills quickly and present valuable English lessons to his students. He is now ready to live and teach overseas.
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
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Tefl reviews - Tefl Review From Guilherme Efl - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
In this TESOL review video Guilherme speaks about his experience with ITTT. He recently took our 120-hour TESOL course with videos and tutor support to become an English teacher in Japan. He enjoyed the course and also thought that the tutor support was very helpful for completing the course.
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Tefl Review From Ben - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Ben speaks about the third week of his four-week TEFL/TESOL in-class course in Phuket, Thailand. He worked on various course assessments with his fellow trainees and also had the change to gain valuable teaching practice with local Thai students. He is eager to see what the rest of the course has in store for him and can’t wait to hold his TEFL/TESOL teaching certification in his hands. Once certified, he can apply for teaching English positions all around the world and live abroad.
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
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Tefl reviews - Tesol Review From Max - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
In this TESOL review video Max speaks about his experience taking a TEFL course with ITTT. He completed the 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course online and enjoyed the course very much. He enjoyed the materials received and thought that the course gave a very comprehensive approach to teaching English.
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Tefl reviews - Tesol Review From Albrecht - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
In this TESOL review, our recent course graduate Albrecht speaks about this experience taking the 120-hour course. Albrecht is from Germany but aims to teach English abroad in the future. He is currently volunteer teaching to refugees and loves the rewarding experience. He just completed the 120-hour TEFL online course and he was pleased with the flexibility of studying at his own pace.
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Pronunciation Challenges Students Face in China - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Every learner of a foreign language may face pronunciation problems now and then. Languages that belong to one language group have more in common in phonics and are usually easier to learn to pronounce correctly. But such languages as English and Chinese are so different, that Chinese learners (and I bet English speaking learners of Chinese too) often have many difficulties in pronunciation.
State of the problem
Common pronunciation errors
How to correct pronunciation problems
Learn how to teach pronunciation effectively!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Evgeniya S.
I have been working in China as a teacher for more than six months now. When I arrived in this country, I hardly knew... [Read more]
The Necessity of Slang and Idioms in ESL Studies - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Language is an organism that changes as the people using it changes. No living language sounds as it did 1,000 years ago, nor does any use all the same words that were used within it 100 years ago. Just as it is a very different experience to live in a body than it is to study one, so is it powerful for students of a foreign language to be invited to live in a language rather than only learn about it. The endless auditory phenomena of English, such as the "hootin' and tootin'" interjections of Appalachian people or the booming discourse of an African-American preacher, cannot be understood by other peoples unless they are exposed to the context these phenomena were nurtured in. Students of English must, therefore, be given the opportunity to enjoy... [Read more]
British English vs American English. Which is Better? - TEFL Blog
Jon ITTT
Alumni Experiences
As more and more countries place a growing importance on its people to learn English as a secondary language, for work purposes or for general use, there is a growing debate about which is the better English to learn - British English or American English.
Both versions are essentially the same
Prioritise teaching "Good English"
Certain students may need specific versions of English
Points to consider when choosing a version to teach
Exploring the differences can be an interesting lesson
Don't get obsessed with minor differences
Are you excited to teach English abroad?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Max E.
The argument stems from the growing influence of America in the modern world. British... [Read more]
Latin Americans have a unique attitude for learning English and living life to the full. Jobs are plentiful in this region for our TEFL graduates. - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Whether you are a newly qualified teacher or are simply looking to move on to a new country after teaching for some time, it is important to research the requirements for English teachers in your chosen destination. Finding out what qualifications are needed, whether you need a visa before arriving etc. in advance will help you to create a successful plan and avoid disappointment farther down the road. This infographic looks at the requirements needed for teaching in Latin America.
With regard to qualifications the majority of countries in the region will require at least a TEFL certificate. While preferred, a degree is not always necessary in most Latin American countries making it a great destination for those who have not completed a university degree. One exception is Costa Rica... [Read more]
How Important is the Difference Between American English and British English for EFL Learners? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This summative essay will exam the importance of teaching the differences between American English and British English for EFL learners. I will examine the intention behind teaching these differences, and when these teachings should be applied, and to what effect and purpose. This essay will focus primarily on the problems of pronunciation and spelling, which are the two main differences. I am a British citizen, born and raised in London, England, and currently teach at a public high school in Tokyo.
Spelling
Challenges for Beginners and Intermediate Learners
What do Students Think?
Grammar
Interesting Experience for Adults
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate... [Read more]
Can I learn a foreign language while teaching English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Certainly! Teaching English abroad uniquely positions you for rapid foreign language acquisition. Immersion in a new culture, surrounded by native speakers daily, is one of the most effective methods to grasp a language. As an English teacher abroad, every interaction - from daily errands to classroom engagements - becomes an invaluable opportunity to hone your linguistic abilities.
What are the benefits of learning a foreign language when teaching English abroad?
Can I learn Chinese while teaching English abroad?
Can I learn Arabic while teaching English abroad?
Can I learn Spanish while teaching English abroad?
Can I learn French while teaching English abroad?
What other languages can I learn while teaching English abroad?
Embracing a foreign language while teaching English... [Read more]
How is teaching business English different from general English? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Business English and General English serve distinct purposes and audiences:
In essence, while General English provides foundational language skills, Business English hones in on the nuanced communication needs of the business realm.
Business English classes
What's the difference between business English and general English?
Business English resources
Business English is a unique area of teaching that comes under the banner of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). Business English courses are designed for employees of any type of company who need to communicate using English in the workplace. Business English classes can cover a range of areas including:
A business English course often includes employees from all levels of a particular company, from salespeople and receptionists, to... [Read more]
English as a Global Language: What Motivates Students to Learn English? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
As an international study major in college, I learned that the United Nations, a non-governmental organization, officially recognizes six world languages: every meeting, written document, and speech are translated into these languages. English is one of them. It is spoken and written by billions of people around the world. Having traveled in eight countries myself, I was surprised to have seen how commonplace it was for countries to translate directional signs in both the official language and in English. A student's mastery of the English language, or in any language, can be a difficult journey to venture. Therefore, this essay will explore what factors may motivate a student to learn English.
English for adults
Ways to learn
English for young... [Read more]