Overseas Background Check

For Americans planning to teach English abroad, obtaining a criminal background check is often a critical part of the job or visa application process. Countries like South Korea, a major hub for foreign English teachers, mandate this check for securing an official work visa. Likewise, various nations and schools have similar prerequisites. Typically, the most frequently sought-after background check for American teachers is the FBI's Identity History Summary Check. Although locally-sourced checks are also accepted, the FBI's version is more universally recognized but may have longer processing times. Also read: What is the EPIK program for teaching English in South Korea? What is an FBI criminal background check? Can I get an FBI criminal background check abroad? Once you are in your...  [Read more]

Absolutely, a valid passport is essential to teach English abroad. Before traveling: Being well-prepared can make your teaching journey smoother. How do I apply for a new passport (or gain an extension to an existing one) in the U.S.A? How do I apply for a new passport (or gain an extension to an existing one) in the UK? How do I apply for a new passport (or gain an extension to an existing one) in Canada? How do I apply for a new passport (or gain an extension to an existing one) in Australia? How do I apply for a new passport (or gain an extension to an existing one) in New Zealand? How do I apply for a new passport (or gain an extension to an existing one) in other countries? From within the U.S. you can apply via the State Department's web page. From outside the country you...  [Read more]

Linda is a passionate traveler and English teacher exploring the world one country at a time. After studying Mandarin Chinese, she moved to Guangzhou, China, to pursue an internship at a German online marketing company. She loved it so much that she decided to move back to China after finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Management in California. After working in online marketing for a while, she got into English teaching. Teaching English overseas has enabled her to experience life in different countries and fund her passion for travel. She taught English in China for a year and also during my her year in South Korea. She’s been living in South Korea since 2015 and returned to working in online marketing and teaching online in 2016 remotely. On her Website, she shares her tips and...  [Read more]

Your journey starts here. A career in teaching English abroad is achievable for anyone who has a good knowledge and use of English in addition to a TEFL or TESOL qualification. Before you start your training it is important that you have some knowledge of what teaching English abroad entails and what options are available for you to get there. Here we will look at those options and the requirements needed to achieve them. First and foremost you should choose a course which suits the type of work you hope to undertake and is recognized in the country or countries you hope to teach. All ITTT courses are suitable for teaching English overseas in a variety of settings. The typical minimum qualification requirement for employment is a course covering 100-120 hours of study. This can be done...  [Read more]

Benefits of obtaining TEFL / TESOL Certification. Obtaining TEFL / TESOL certification can pave the way for embarking on a journey to teach English overseas or online. An ever-growing number of individuals worldwide are eager to enhance their English proficiency. Thus, venturing into teaching English overseas or online without a degree shouldn't pose significant obstacles. In numerous countries across the world there's a demand for English teachers, even if you do not have a degree. Non-native speakers might also find opportunities, especially with strong TOEFL or IELTS scores. For those pursuing English teaching positions without a degree, a high-quality TEFL / TESOL certificate is crucial. Look for a program with a minimum of 120 hours of coursework. Additionally, having relevant...  [Read more]

Undoubtedly, taking a TEFL certification course before heading overseas to teach offers distinct advantages. Completing your TEFL training in your home country ensures you are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge before diving into a foreign teaching environment. By doing so, you not only increase your employability but also approach potential teaching roles with confidence. When overseas schools interview, they often seek candidates familiar with TEFL methodologies, and having your certification in hand can provide a competitive edge. Can I get an EFL teaching job before I leave home? Should I keep my options open if I'm not sure where I want to teach? Is it cheaper to take a TEFL course in my home country? Can I take an in-class TEFL course in the U.S? Absolutely! Many...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker TEFL Information Alumni Experiences English has quickly become the leading language of the world. Whether we like it or not, most countries have chosen English as the language of business and international interaction, and because of this, many are pushing their people to learn English as a second language. To help guide this initiative, many businesses, schools, and private households are hiring native English-speakers to teach English to those wishing to learn. While learning directly from a native speaker is the ideal way to learn a new language, unfortunately, it is common for many English speakers to go abroad and hope to be able to teach effectively with no prior teacher training. The Benefits of a TEFL Certification The Importance of Learning the ESA Method Knowing...  [Read more]

The global demand for English language teachers presents vast opportunities. Here is a step-by-step guide to embarking on this journey: While a degree and prior teaching experience isn't always mandatory, comprehensive research and careful planning are crucial to navigating and thriving in the international teaching arena. Is it difficult to teach English in another country? How do I go about becoming an English teacher in another country? Enroll in a TEFL certification course and become a TEFL certified teacher Do I need to decide where to teach before taking a TEFL course? How do I find a teaching job after completing my TEFL course? Embarking on an international teaching journey can indeed have its hurdles, especially when adapting to new cultural contexts. However, a TEFL...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Budget and Salary Many English language teachers working overseas need to send home a portion of their monthly salary to pay off outstanding obligations, such as a student loan or a property mortgage. However, with so many money transfer options available, how do you know which is the right method to suit your personal circumstances? Taking into consideration factors such as transfer fees, exchange rates, and transfer time, we have put together the following guide to help you make the right decision. Banks Western Union MoneyGram Xoom (by PayPal) OFX TransferWise Points to Consider Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: The first option you might want to consider is using a standard bank. In many countries, international bank...  [Read more]

If you're contemplating TEFL /TESOL certification , you're likely curious about the prerequisites for teaching English overseas or online. Factors such as the type of TEFL / TESOL certification needed, educational background, teaching experience, and whether you're a native or non-native English speaker are pivotal. Generally, there are only two requirements: Being a Native or near Native English speaker and a TEFL / TESOL certificate. In some countries a third requirement is a Degree. TEFL / TESOL certification is often a fundamental requirement for teaching English overseas. Employers will often expect to see that you have completed a 120-hour TEFL / TESOL certificate course . Some employers may also seek specialized certifications, such as a course that additionally includes: Why get a...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Can I teach English abroad without any teaching experience? How do I teach English without knowing my student's language? How will a TEFL certificate help me in the classroom? Do I need a degree to teach English abroad? Where do you need a degree to teach English abroad? Why do TEFL employers require a degree in some areas? How can I improve my TEFL job...  [Read more]

  As well as offering a wide choice of high-quality TEFL courses, we also believe in providing excellent value for money. To ensure the world of teaching English abroad is open to people from all walks of life, we offer TEFL certification courses to suit all budgets. From our 60-hour introductory course to our 250-hour Diploma in TESOL, you should find a course that is affordable and suitable for your future employment plans. By keeping the cost of our courses as low as possible we hope to give everyone the chance to achieve their dreams of a career in English teaching. We also offer further value to our trainees by giving away free additional courses when you sign up for one of our most popular options. Many of our courses come with a free specialized course in teaching young...  [Read more]

While some countries mandate a degree for specific teaching roles, numerous opportunities exist for those without one. Flexibility in job types and conditions can pave the way. A prominent qualification that many employers globally seek is the TEFL certificate. Possessing a 120-hour TEFL certification enhances your employability, and further specialization can boost your prospects. Key areas of specialization include: In essence, while a degree is beneficial, a TEFL certificate opens doors to diverse teaching opportunities worldwide. Where can I teach EFL without a university degree? Latin America Asia Europe Highlight on Spain Finally, consider internship programs or volunteering There are two main areas where you can find work without a degree. Firstly you can teach online. Many online...  [Read more]

  ITTT's online TEFL/TESOL courses are designed to help anyone thinking of teaching English overseas. On them you will learn teaching methodologies, important parts of English grammar and ideas of how to teach this grammar to your students. This video looks at one idea for the future continuous tense. For this activity students are each given a planner filled with different activities on different dates. The planners are rigged so that there is only one day when the students are both free. They have to interview each other to find out which day they are both free. To find out more about how you can become qualified and suitably prepared for teaching English overseas click the link above. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL...  [Read more]

  This ITTT video examines the negative structure of the Present Simple tense. The positive and questions forms are covered in other videos. Negative: subject + auxiliary verb 'do' + not + base form of the verb I/You/We/They do not teach. He /She/It does not teach. It is always important to teach the contracted forms i.e. do not - don't, does - doesn't. In the negative form the auxiliary verb (also called the helping verb) doesn't has the s so the main verb doesn't need an s -- for example, He doesn't teach. ITTT's teaching courses equip graduates with the qualification and skills necessary to obtain teaching positions globally. Our graduates are in high demand because of the professional level of training and learning acquired on our courses. As a result of this our graduates are...  [Read more]

  Do you want to start a new career teaching English abroad but are concerned that you lack experience and qualifications, or are simply too old? Don't be. As far as we are concerned, the international market for TEFL qualified teachers is so vast that there are plenty of great opportunities out there for everyone. Previous teaching experience is certainly not an issue as the vast majority of people teaching English overseas have never worked in a classroom before they took up their existing post. Equally, having a degree is also not essential to your potential success in the field of English language teaching. While there are a few countries where government restrictions mean that only degree holders are eligible for jobs, there are far more that have no such regulations. Many...  [Read more]

All you really need to teach English abroad is a strong desire to try something new and a teaching qualification that will show potential employers that you have undergone some level of teacher training. The internationally recognised qualification in this situation is a TEFL certificate and these courses typically have few set requirements. What level of English is required to take a TEFL course? What age limits are there with TEFL courses? What educational background do I need to take a TEFL course? Do English language teachers need to be bilingual? Do qualified teachers still need to complete a TEFL course? Do I need to know a lot about grammar to teach English abroad? Having a good level of English comprehension is the most obvious requirement for taking a TEFL certification...  [Read more]

  This teaching idea for the past perfect involves matching pictures of historical events with the appropriate sentence and describing what had just happened in the picture using the past perfect tense. For example: A picture of the Titanic would be matched with the sentence "hit an iceberg" and the student should say "It had just hit an iceberg". As the trainer notes in the video; the scenarios in this activity are western centric. When teaching English overseas it is important to bear in mind how you can adapt your activities to make them more suitable or more interesting to your students. Learning about the local culture and history can make your lessons more relevant to your students and therefore more engaging. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one...  [Read more]

  The future perfect continuous is not used a lot in everyday English usage. However, it does come up in when your EFL students get more advanced and if you plan to teach English overseas it is important to have an understanding of the less frequently used tenses. As the future perfect continuous is not often used it can be a struggle to think up teaching ideas for it. The trainer in this video shows us one idea that can be used for the tense. For this activity the students conduct a survey to find out how long someone will have been doing something by a certain point in the future. For example: Student A: How long will you have been learning English by the end of next month? Student B: I will have been learning English for three years. To find a course that will help you to teach...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is a significant life choice, but it doesn't necessarily mean losing touch with loved ones. While distance can pose challenges, modern technology offers various communication tools, from video calls to instant messaging. Regardless of age or independence, maintaining regular contact with family and friends can alleviate concerns and share experiences. With a bit of effort and the right tools, staying connected is entirely feasible. Who should be responsible for maintaining contact while teaching overseas? How important is social media while teaching English abroad? Should I start a blog while teaching English abroad? What else can I do to maintain contact with home while teaching English abroad? While it is easy to make excuses and pass the buck, it ultimately is...  [Read more]

The majority of people who complete a TEFL certification course will head overseas to live and work in schools and language centers across the world. However, the job hunting process and securing work permits etc can require a range of different documents that varies from one job to the next. To ensure the whole process runs smoothly, you should make sure you have everything you might need as far in advance as possible. What basic documents are needed for teaching English abroad? What documents will I need when applying for English teaching jobs? What additional documents might be required for teaching English abroad? How do I apply for a new passport (or gain an extension to an existing one) in the U.S.A? How do I apply for a new passport (or gain an extension to an existing one) in...  [Read more]

When choosing between TEFL and CELTA, it is essential to understand their specific strengths: In essence, while both certifications are valuable, the choice between TEFL and CELTA largely depends on your target teaching audience and career goals. What does TEFL mean? What does CELTA mean? Which is better, TEFL or CELTA? What if a course doesn't meet this criteria? Does the location of the course affect its quality? TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, broadly encompasses any training or certification aimed at individuals who wish to teach English, whether locally, abroad, or online. It does not denote a specific course or certification. Upon researching, you will find countless TEFL course providers offering a variety of courses differing in duration, cost, and quality....  [Read more]

While certified teachers possess the fundamental skills to educate, acquiring a TEFL certification significantly enhances their ability to teach English abroad. Many qualified teachers opt for TEFL certification to address the distinct challenges of teaching English as a foreign language. Whether you are a newly qualified teacher seeking international classroom experience or a seasoned educator wanting to explore new cultures, a TEFL certification makes your CV/resume stand out, offering an edge in securing premier teaching roles worldwide. Do qualified teachers need a TEFL certificate? What are the benefits of having a TEFL certificate? Will a TEFL certificate get my CV/resume to the top of the pile? In many cases, qualified teachers do need a TEFL certificate. While searching for jobs...  [Read more]

Absolutely, age shouldn't be a barrier to pursuing a career in teaching English abroad, even if you are over 50. While many TEFL opportunities target younger demographics, individuals over 50 often bring a wealth of life experience and maturity to the classroom. These attributes can be invaluable in the teaching profession. Not only does teaching abroad offer a chance to explore new cultures and environments, but it also provides an avenue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students. So, if you are in your 50s or beyond and yearn for adventure combined with purpose, teaching English abroad might be the perfect next chapter. Can people over 50 really teach English abroad? South Korea Thailand Mexico Ecuador Czech Republic The short and simple answer to this common question is...  [Read more]

While mastering the English language is one thing, imparting that knowledge is another. English, with its intricate grammar rules, unique pronunciations, and varied spellings, can be challenging to teach. However, teaching English as a foreign language can be a rewarding experience, offering travel opportunities and immense job satisfaction. Proper preparation and understanding of the language's nuances are crucial before embarking on this teaching journey. Where are TEFL qualified teachers in demand? Asia Latin America The Middle East Europe What skills and qualifications do you need? If you want to start your teaching career in a positive fashion it is important to understand the TEFL job market and to head to where the demand is especially high. As a newly-qualified teacher you are...  [Read more]

Yes, you can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in TEFL/TESOL. While a standard 120-hour TEFL certification may suffice for many entry-level overseas or online teaching positions, advancing in the field often requires higher qualifications. As the industry evolves, those aspiring for leadership roles or higher salaries in the EFL sector should consider a Bachelor's Degree in TESOL to meet the heightened standards and expectations. Does ITTT offer a Bachelor's Degree? How does the course work? How much does the B.Ed TESOL cost? ITTT does not operate its own degree course, but we are able to recommend a good option. The Bachelor of Education in TESOL (B.Ed TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education offers a very convenient and affordable way to gain a high-end, internationally...  [Read more]

When teaching English abroad, health insurance coverage can vary. In some cases, employers provide it, while in others, teachers may need to secure it independently. It is essential to clarify health insurance provisions during job interviews to ensure you are adequately protected. The specifics of health coverage often depend on the country and the school's policies. Here is a deeper look into health insurance considerations for ESL teachers globally. Will I get health insurance when teaching English in Asia? Will I get health insurance when teaching English in Europe? Will I get health insurance when teaching English in the Middle East? Will I get health insurance when teaching English in Latin America? How do I purchase health insurance for teaching English abroad? In Asia, many...  [Read more]

Attire expectations vary widely based on the school's policies: Pro Tip: To avoid confusion, inquire about the dress code during the job interview. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to err on the side of professionalism on your first day, adjusting as you gauge the school's culture. What should I wear for a TEFL job interview? What about tattoos and piercings? What about facial hair? Which countries have specific expectations when it comes to appearance? When preparing for a TEFL job interview, attire plays a pivotal role in making a strong first impression: In essence, prioritize a professional appearance throughout the TEFL job application and interview process to boost your prospects. Also read: What questions should I ask a TEFL employer? Although tattoos and piercings have become more...  [Read more]

English teachers abroad commonly send their earnings back to their home countries for obligations like student loans, mortgages, or family support. The process can be complex, with considerations such as transfer fees, fluctuating exchange rates, and varying transaction times. Common methods include bank transfers, online payment services, and money transfer companies, each with their own pros and cons. It is vital to compare the costs, efficiency, and security of these options to choose the most suitable method for international money transfers. What are the pros and cons of using a local bank? What are the pros and cons of using Xoom? What are the pros and cons of using OFX? What are the pros and cons of using Western Union? What are the pros and cons of using MoneyGram? What are the...  [Read more]

No, while having a degree can provide more opportunities, it is not an absolute requirement. Many language schools are open to hiring individuals solely based on their passion and capability to teach. With a proper TEFL certification, even those without a formal degree can successfully teach English abroad and fulfill their aspirations in the field. Why do certain TEFL positions require a degree? How can I find a TEFL job without a degree? Where can I teach English without a degree? Europe Asia South and Central America North Africa and the Middle East While possessing inherent teaching qualities such as passion, commitment, and rapport with students are invaluable, certain TEFL positions do require a degree. This necessity is often not based on the presumption that a degree ensures...  [Read more]