The Language House

How to Choose a TEFL/TESOL Course?

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:43:00 +0000

When looking on the net for possible TESOL/TEFL or CELTA programs, its overwhelming to see all the course providers out there. How does one decide which program to take?

Here are some guidelines;

1. Forget about programs in your home country and online courses as you really should take a program located in the region where you would like to live. For further details as to why I stand by this rule visit our section called "TESOL/TEFL/ESL Advice".

2. While, there is no doubt that CELTA is the oldest certificate of its kind, now more than ever TESOL/TEFL and CELTA are recognized around the world as certification for teaching English Abroad. How you choose which certificate is simple. The program formats are very similar...both provide observed teacher practice, teaching techniques, grammar and phonology components for example. However, the major difference lies in job assistance or rather lack there of. If you wish to have solid job support, advice for setting up in the country of your choice and job contacts, you should choose a TEFL/TESOL certificate program because this is the added feature to most TEFL/TESOL programs that CELTA does not provide.

3. Look for a program that is externally moderated by a non profit organization. External moderation ensures that the course you are taking answers to a neutral entity and follows international guidelines laid out by the British Council.

4. Even though you should take a course in the region where you want to live, you should be looking for a company that has a knowledge base which extends past one country. Look for a course that can really provide international job support, not just say the words.

5. Lastly, contact potential course providers and ask them what they will do to help ensure your success in finding a job. That is the whole point of taking the course, correct? Don't pay to take a course with any organization that cant provide you with details on their job assistance. Answering,"Oh well, once you have our certifcate, it will be easy to find work." is not a sufficient response.

At the Language House we focus on the Mediterranean region which includes France, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Turkey and their neighboring countries. The qualities that make us stand out from the rest are:

- We provide small class sizes for personalized attention.
- We are the only program that focuses on one select region which guarantees expertise on living and teaching in Mediterranean countries as well as our clients get insider advice from our local staff.
- Our teaching practice takes place in practicing English language schools as well as mainstream educating bodies (Real Time Teaching).
- We offer the unique ability to aid in finding work and lodging not only in the Mediterranean but internationally.
- We don't just provide a TESOL program, we provide the "how to" information to set up and live abroad as an English teacher.

Come and Join Us!

GG

Why Choose Montpellier France?

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:22:00 +0000

Montpellier is one of those special places in France that is cosmopolitan but maintains French traditions. Here we get about 300 days of sunshine and its perfectly located so that one is only about 20 mins from the sea and about 30 mins from the mountains. As its a university town, the cost of living remains stable as well as there is always something going on in the center of town.

The locals here are friendly and open to meeting people who come from other places. Montpellier is located in the department of Languedoc Rousillion which is a wine producing region. While the wines of Languedoc cant compete with those of Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Cotes du Rhone, there are some good wines to be found as well as there is almost always an excuse to have a wine tasting activity.

Outdoor activities are very popular in this region because of the diversity within the region. So its easy to go biking, hiking, river or sea kayaking, rock climbing and the list continues.

I can't say that Montpellier is a great place to visit for just the day but its the perfect place to pass some time and soak up the local culture, food, wine and of course, the sun.

GG

An Age Limit for Teaching Abroad?

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:56:00 +0000

There are several questions that I get asked by many individuals over 50;

1. Can I be accepted to your course if I am of a certain age?
2. Will I be the oldest person on your course?
3. Will I be able to find work if I'm over a certain age?

I want to take the time to say to everyone that in the world of TESOL/TEFL there is NO age limit. The Language House has no age limits for accepting individuals and because of that every course always has a wide range of age groups. The oldest trainee we had was 78 and the last time I spoke with her, she was teaching English in Senegal. Lastly but most importantly, one can find work teaching English abroad no matter what age as long as said person is healthy, responsible and of course has a TEFL/TESOL Certificate.

TEFL Online vs TEFL Full Time

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:47:00 +0000

What is the difference between TEFL on-line courses and TEFL 4 week, onsite courses? This is the magic question I get asked over and over again.

While I realize, given the economic situation, that taking an on-line course is tempting because of its dramatically low price it should still be avoided. Why is it so low in the first place? You get what you pay for.

I can't speak for Asia, however in Europe, Turkey and North Africa, English institutions that hire look for a certificate that provided "Observed Teacher Practice" no exceptions. On-line courses can't do that. But there are other reasons as well. Below are the advantages of taking the TESOL/TEFL Certificate (full- time, 4 week course)in the country/region of your choice.

1. You can get acclimated gradually in the country/culture while you still have a support system (training centres usually provide services such as airport pickup, arrange housing during the course, and provide local orientation). Its easier then, to extend housing or even find cheaper housing during the month you're taking the course inorder to remain after the course is finished

2. You can be sure your certificate will be recognized by local employers and the training centre can give you invaluable contacts and advice regarding reputable local
employers as well as those who pay the best.

3. A standard certificate for Europe is 120 hours on-site, including at least 6 hours of supervised practice teaching on real students (not peer trainees). Online programs aren't well-accepted by reputable employers.

4. Your "teacher practice" will be composed of native/local students which will be representative of those you’ll be working with when you start your job.

5. Finally, jobs in Europe and North Africa aren't normally found from abroad. You really need to be here with a cell phone and C.V.s in person to get interviews. There are rarely if ever exceptions to this.

Ultimately, if you want to live abroad, you have to come on over. So why not get started by taking a TESOL course in the country/region of your choice and take advantage of that time to make the transition. I know that showing up to a foreign country can be daunting but if you want something you've never had, you have to do some things you've never done.

Come and Join Us!

Spend Three Months in the South of France

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:59:00 +0000

Take advantage of a great opportunity to spend time in the south of France as a Language Assistant. This volunteer programme is a great opportunity to experience French lifestyle and improve your linguistic skills at a low cost. You live with a host family and in exchange for your own room and meals, you share your language with the host family for around 15 hours per week.

This programme has a focus on cultural exchange, it is designed for flexible people wishing to experience the French culture in depth. Participating implies sharing daily life with a French family, learning their language and culture and adopting it as their own for a period of time. At the same time, the participant will share his/her own language and culture with the members of the local family.

Graduates of our TESOL/TEFL or Language Training programs get a 20% discount off the placement fee. Come and Join Us!

Our New Location in Antalya, Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:30:00 +0000

The Language House will be opening a new location in Antalya, Turkey begining in 2010. Located along the Turquoise Coast, also known as the Turkish Riviera, Antalya offers beautiful beaches, a culturally rich history with a modern lifestyle.

You can wander the oldest section of town which appears virtually untouched even though its centuries old. Turkey's blend of European culture combined with the east makes for a highly satisfying journey which must not be missed. Enjoy Turkish hospitality, unforgettable cuisine and a thriving nightlife that never ends.

Due to Antalya's thriving economy as well as being a tourist destination, there is a big demand for English teaching jobs here and in the rest of the southern region.
We provide you with all the tools you need for finding work as an English teacher. You can also enjoy a low cost of living here during and after the course with housing starting as low as 300 euros per month.

Our latest location will be located in the center of town just by the clock tower with great view overlooking the sea. Why put off living in paradise any longer? Start off the new year 2010 with us along the Turkish Riviera. Come and Join Us!

Why Choose Genoa, Italy

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:20:00 +0000

If you are considering the move to Italy, you should consider Genoa. Unlike many other locations, Genoa is a very relaxed, friendly city that offers a lot to the people who live there.

Genoa is one of those precious gems that not many people have heard of but is a wonderful place to spend time in. Located in the region of Liguria, Genoa is an excellent base to explore the region as well as discover authenic northern Italian cuisine and culture. Because Genoa is not a highly touristic target, you'll find yourself in a very relaxed setting to see the sights and appreciate its beauty. Located on the coast, along the Italian Riviera, you can enjoy great seafood and partake in seaside activities.

Genoa is a port city and its Antico Port is one of the oldest in Europe. It has recently been revitalized and because of this there is always a lot of activity with plenty of things to see and do. You can't miss the city's long seafront promenade that goes all the way to the small fishing town of Bocadosse. The Genovese are very friendly and down to earth. Because of this its easy to make new friends.

From Genoa, its only a short train ride to beautiful seaside towns such as Portofino, Santa Marguerita and Cinque Terre. And these are only the most famous as there are many more. For big city action its easy enough to spend the weekend in Milan for great clubbing as well as shopping.

In relationship to other Italian cities, Genoa enjoys a much lower cost of living. As more people discover Genoa and the region, there is a growing demand for English teachers. There are many English language schools in and around Genoa, making it easy to secure an English teaching post.

Genoa is a wonderful liveable city and at the least should not be missed for a visit.

Easing into Living Abroad

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 18:50:00 +0000

One way to ease into living abroad, or more specifically into the country of your choice is to take language lessons for about one month or longer. There are a lot of great benefits...obviously it allows you to learn the local language spoken but there's much more than just that.

1. It's a non stressful way to see if living in this particular country is right for you. Visiting for one week as a tourist will not give you the same impressions as being there for two months trying to get simple tasks done and getting to know the people.

2. Its a way to determine which region within that country is right for you. If you come from a rather large country, you may think a country like France or Italy couldnt possible be very diverse but then you'd be wrong. From region to region there are noticable differences and in spending a couple of months in the country of your choice you have the space and time to explore and decide the right place for you.

3. Its an opportunity to get to know the locals and exchange ideas. This is a time to see how much you really connect with the people who live in your target country. And if you can enjoy a life in their country...can you make friends?

4. Its a great opportunity to "case the place" as it were and scope out housing options and more importantly price ranges. You can also get advice from people living there how to find affordable and comfortable housing. Chatting on the net is often not enough. You have to see for yourself.

5. Its a great opportunity to check out the employment scene and research wages. While you're there, you can also make note of the cost of living...is it a comfortable fit?

Now more than ever the cost of language lessons has become more affordable. Visit us at www.languageholidayabroad.com to find the language program thats right for you.

Financing Your Trip Abroad

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:10:00 +0000

Despite the challenges that these economic times pose, it is still possible to find ways to finance that long term trip abroad. However it does require that you do some research. Goabroad has an excellent page on potential resources which is provided in the link that can help you.

You can also plan to work your way along your travels. One of the best ways to do this is to teach English. Whether you work for a private English Language school and/or work for yourself giving private lessons, having the skill of teaching will aid you every step of the way.

A Positive Side to the Financial Crisis?

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:15:00 +0000

Now more than ever, people are cutting back on travel due to current financial woes. However, if you've been wanting to travel in Europe, now and in the near future is probably the best time. Airfares are lower than ever before but ,more importantly, the euro is seriously falling against the dollar...a rather shocking development for anyone who must work in exchange rates regularly. 100 euros now equals 125 dollars and the euro is continuing to fall. In France and Italy, as people are rather pessimistic about the financial future, there are now more sales and discount opportunities than ever. The tourism industry is already hurting so this is definitely a time to take advantage of the situation.

How does this affect trends for teaching English? Often when there is a recession, people look to continuing education to hone their skills and make themselves more competitive in the job market. Therefore demand for English teachers should remain stable during these difficult times.

How to Open a Bank Account in France

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:37:00 +0000

Here is my advice for opening a bank account in France. While we will hear a lot of different stories of people getting or not getting an account, if you follow these steps you should be successful.

Typically the most important thing you need is an address in France. It doesnt have to even be your home per se, it can be in care a friend for example. But even then its still possible to do it but it will take more work.

1. Don't walk into banks in person. They have screeners who will most likely tell you, its not possible however, they are'nt the ones who make the real decisions in a given bank now are they. Always call first and ask to make an appointment with someone who specializes in foriegn accounts. Credit Agricole is a good bank that wants foriegn clients.

2. Once you've made the appointment, if you have a French address, any address in France will do, it shouldnt be a problem. If you don't have this, its still possible especially if you're planning to deposit a significant amount of money and you mention you are planning to invest in France, buy a home etc.

3. If you arent planning to deposit a good deal of money and have no French address, you only have one option left; say that you travel in France often on business and you need to regularly make and receive bank transfers between you and your company. That could be a way in and you could use your foriegn address.

If one bank says no, just try a different branch.

Non- Native vs. Native English Teacher

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:16:00 +0000

Often, I am asked, "Is it possible for a non-native English speaker, who speaks English well, to teach English?" First off, the answer is YES. World-wide, the majority of English teachers are non-natives. While I will admit that a lot of schools/a lot of regions in the world are ideally looking for native English speakers as teachers, they do often hire non-natives. This is due to the fact that there are simply not enough native English speakers in supply to meet the demand for English learners around the world.

The question is not, "Is it possible for a non-native speaker to teach English?" the question is "Where are the best places/regions for non-natives to find a job teaching English?" I'll start with the parts of the world where I think it would be most difficult.

1. Japan, Korea and Taiwan are not possible because in order to get a working visa to teach English in these countries you must hold a native- English speaking passport. Conversely, if you happen to have the native tongue of a language that is in demand in these countries, you can teach that language. So, if you are French, for example, you can get a job/visa to teach French.

2. Native English speaking countries could be very difficult. There is a decent supply of Native English speakers. However, I would'nt say impossible simply because in the England and the U.S.,at least, there is a huge need for ESL teachers but not enough nationals interested in taking the posts. So while I deem them difficult, its definitely possible. You'd most likely have to look for jobs teaching asylum seekers and such.

3. University work could be difficult as well seeing as they often have a lot of pesky requirements and are usually not desperate for new teachers.

Now, lets get to where I think it is possible;

1. Your home country. Even if you come from a country where job ads call for native speakers, chances are they are not getting enough to meet the demand. As a national, you will be desirable because visas and paperwork are not an issue.

2. Any big city in any country (that I didn't mention as difficult) where there is a demand for English that can't be met. I'll give a few examples;

In France, in many regions, they will only take native English speakers. However, in Paris, Toulouse or Marseille, they can't find enough native English speakers so I have graduates who work in these cities who are non- natives.

In any big city in China, there is a demand for English that will never be met. Again, even if they are advertising for native English speakers, chances are they are not finding enough so apply anyway.

In the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the same rules apply. You should still send out your C.V. to job ads requesting natives as they probably are'nt getting enough applicants.

Of course after saying all this, your dream of teaching English is not going to fly unless you have a TESOL/TEFL or CELTA certification. Certification legitimizes your efforts.

Our New TESOL/TEFL Program in Italy

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:54:00 +0000

Due to the voracious demand for English teaching jobs in Northern Italy. We have just opened a new school based in Genoa Italy. Genoa is a port city that is only a few hours from the Italian/French border along what is known as the Italian Riviera. Not far from the bustling metropolis of Milan and the smaller romantic towns of Cinque Terre, Portofino and Santa Margarita, Genoa makes the perfect location for a training center and a strategic base for finding jobs all over Northern Italy.

The Language House helps its graduates secure jobs all over Italy with special emphasis in the north seeing as the demand is so great. Come and join us!

Taking a TESOL Course at Home vs. Abroad

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:42:00 +0000

Often, I am asked which is better... To take a teacher training program in my native home country where it is usually less expensive as opposed to taking the course in the country where I ultimately want to work. The answer is simple.

No matter which country you prefer or which provider appeals to you and no matter whether its TESOL, CELTA or Trinity, always, always take the course in the country where you would like to work. I'll explain why... Lets focus on Europe for a moment seeing as there are more challenges to find employment;

Europe is a region where many teachers would like to work and travel therefore there is a decent amount of competition for jobs. This means that you would definitely need a certificate. This is best done in the country where you want to start as there are many of advantages.

1. You can get acclimated gradually in the country/culture while you still have a support system (training centres usually provide services such as airport pickup, arrange housing during the course, and provide local orientation).

2. You can be sure your certificate will be recognized by local employers and the training centre can give you invaluable contacts and advice regarding reputable local
employers as well as those who pay the best.

3. A standard certificate for Europe is 120 hours on-site, including at least 6 hours of supervised practice teaching on real students (not peer trainees). Online programs aren't well-accepted by reputable employers.

4. Your "teacher practice" will be composed of native/local students which will be representative of those you’ll be working with when you start your job.

5. Finally, jobs in Europe aren't normally found from abroad. You really need to be here with a cell phone and C.V.s in person to get interviews. There are rarely if ever exceptions to this.

Study Arabic in Morocco

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sun, 04 May 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Obviously, the best way to acquire any language is to study it in the country where it is spoken. However, in the case of studying Arabic in Morocco, this is no easy task. There exists Modern Standard Arabic which is spoken/understood throughout the Arabic world and Colloquial Arabic which is different in many Arabic countries and is not like Modern Standard. Morocco falls under the category of having a colloquial dialect. So the challenge for the student coming to Morocco is to decide which should be studied first. Below is a brief overview of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (CMA)which might help in making a decision.

While both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (CMA) are largely derived from the same basic source (so-called "Classical Arabic"), they are in many ways two distinct languages. MSA is the language of the news media, written correspondence, official documents, literature and formal speeches. As strange as it might sound, MSA is not a language spoken fluently by the majority of Moroccans (or Arabs, for that matter).

Though few educated Moroccans have difficulty reading Arabic and understanding Arabic news broadcasts, few of them feel truly confident in using it as a means of oral communication. To further complicate matters for ALIF students wishing to practice their MSA outside of class, many Moroccan professionals have been educated in France or in a French mold, so that in discussing more intellectual or technical topics they may have difficulty expressing themselves without turning to French.

It is not uncommon for a foreign student trying to make conversation with a Moroccan in MSA to be answered in French. Obviously, if you don't know French or (wisely) pretend not to know it, the Moroccan in question will be forced to struggle to express himself or herself in as correct a variety of MSA as he/she can muster.

Students of MSA should not have unrealistic expectations about chatting in literary Arabic with the corner grocer - whose native language may well be Berber anyway! It bears pointing out that for most Moroccans MSA spoken in day to day situations has an almost comical quality about it, comparable perhaps to the effect of speaking Shakespearean English with a small-town grocer.

Concerning the local dialect, this is much easier to practice outside the classroom. However, even when initiating a conversation in CMA, a student may get a response in French from a Moroccan. This may be due to their not believing their ears and having an automatic reaction of conversing in French with foreigners, or it may be due to your own lack of mastery of the dialect. Persistence pays off in such situations and a pretended or real ignorance of French often opens the door to fruitful conversational practice.

At the same time, it should be remembered that CMA has many (Arabized) French loan words and that Moroccans frequently intersperse their speech in CMA with additional vocabulary, phrases and expressions from French, even when speaking to each other. Students should be aware of the limitations inherent in studying CMA, since sooner or later (usually after 3 six week sessions) they reach a plateau in their ability to discuss more intellectual topics (economics, religion, etc.) beyond which they can only proceed by studying MSA from which vocabulary and phraseology are drawn.

Without formally studying MSA they will never gain an adequate ability to comprehend news broadcasts or read newspapers. Students should also understand the typical Moroccan attitude towards CMA: it is not regarded as a “language” in the formal sense of the word and Moroccans may be quite bewildered by the fact that you are studying it formally. For them, only MSA is a written language with formal rules and conventions. They may express astonishment if they see you studying from a CMA course book, and even make remarks suggesting that CMA is not "real" Arabic.

Finally, students of CMA should accept the fact that their hard-earned knowledge of CMA will be of very little value beyond the confines of North Africa. To illustrate this point, it should suffice to note that the common every day words for "bread", "want", "need" and "go" are totally different in CMA and the Egyptian dialect. Concerning the latter, Cairene colloquial Arabic is passively understood by many Moroccans thanks to the diffusion of Egyptian made films on Moroccan television.

Let us help you organize Arabic lessons in Morocco. Visit www.teflanguagehouse.com

Teach English this Summer in Morocco

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:42:00 +0000

Morocco has a very good demand for English at the moment as well as a low cost of living. For new ESL teachers, a good way to get experience is by teaching in English camps. The Language House is now offering this opportunity to its graduates. Upon completion of our TESOL course you can have paid work arranged for the months of June and July. Our English camps are based in Marrakesh, one of the most exciting cities in Morocco.

We still have space available on our TESOL Course program in Montpellier for the month of May. Come and join us by visiting our site for more details at www.teflanguagehouse.com or by contacting Gyl Johnson at gb@tesolhouse.com.

How does The Language House Help its Graduates?

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:39:00 +0000

We often get asked what The Language House does to help its graduates find jobs. Its a good question seeing as many providers may offer a completely exhausting course program however at the end of the four weeks, there is little or no support to actually find a job abroad. Isn't this the whole point of the TESOL/TEFL course in the first place?

Realistically, most programs(especially outside of China and South-east Asia) cannot guarantee a full-time job after the course as it is up to the graduate to sell him/herself. However, there is a lot that can be done to support graduates and guarantee their success.

The Language House focuses mainly on finding jobs for their graduates in the Mediterranean countries of France, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey. Our support includes interviewing techniques, resume help, English language school contacts in above mentioned countries and strategy meetings for setting up in a new country. Along with optional language lessons in French, Spanish, Italian and Arabic after every course, our graduates are poised for finding a teaching job overseas.

Tips before Heading to Morocco

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:31:00 +0000

For those of you planning to go to Morocco for a visit or longer, I have provided some information that should be helpful. As well as I hope this will motivate you to discover more about Morocco.

1. Some Basics

Respecting the Culture of Morocco is the best way to avoid unpleasant situations and misunderstandings. I’d like to call this piece “For best results…"

Tipping in Morocco is expected for just about any service rendered. As a rule of thumb leave 10% in restaurants however for other services such carrying your bags, five to ten dirham is sufficient. A special note, if you plan to take photos of the locals, you should definitely ask first. And it is possible that you will be asked for a tip as well.

While Alcohol is mostly easily attainable; don’t assume that all bars and restaurants will serve it. As Islam forbids alcohol consumption, there is a certain level of restriction. The best places to look are supermarkets where you can buy beer and wine as well as expensive restaurants or those catering to foreigners.

Ramadan is a month long period where from dusk to dawn, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex. Every year the dates change as Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. In the evenings, families get together and have a big feast. How this affects you is restaurants open for meals/drinks may be hard to come by during this period.

Women Travelers should plan to cover up especially if traveling without a man. Bear in mind that legs and shoulders are considered private body parts in Morocco and really both men and women should keep these areas covered. Long sleeved tops that don’t show cleavage and pants or long skirts will help you a great deal. Yes, of course while you can wear whatever you want, know that you will receive a lot of unwanted attention. You will be treated how you are dressed, therefore if you would like to be treated with respect, dress modestly. When approached with unwanted advances/ offers always politely decline. While I suggest you be assertive and mean it, using profane language or yelling will only make the situation worse.

Mosques and holy places are forbidden to non Muslims. The exceptions are Hassan II in Casablanca, Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum in Meknes.

2. Shopping in the Souks

Often I come across travelers who are experiencing, what I call, misunderstandings, when shopping in the souks and I think this often comes from ignorance of culture on both sides. Yes, that of the traveler as well as that of the native. First and foremost, even amongst each other, Moroccans haggle, or rather, negotiate for all most everything they need or want. Therefore it is only natural that they will expect you to do the same. Before buying anything, have a look around, find out what others spent on a particular item and then give it a shot. Know the absolute most you are prepared to spend and be prepared to leave if you’re not happy with the final price. Do accept mint tea in the spirit in which it is given and discuss price with a light heart. If the shopkeeper lets you walk away without lowering his offer, he was most likely giving you a fair price.

No matter which souks in the country you visit, I would suggest you go without a guide even in Fes which is considered to be one of the more intricate souks. It really does add to the experience. However, understand that by wandering around guideless, you will attract many kindhearted Moroccans offering you their services as a guide. My best advice to minimize this is to get there early at about 9 am. Not all shops will be open so you’ll have an easier time orienting yourself as well as few guides and would be guides are out yet. Also when asked, if you need a guide, mention that you have been in the city of choice for two or three days and you already had a guide. If you find yourself hopelessly lost and are ready to get out of the labyrinth, you can always get a young person to show you the way out for a small fee.

3. Recommended Places to Visit

Where you decide to go depends on the type of experience you are looking for. However, I would suggest for the first time visitor to Morocco/North Africa, to visit some if not all of the Imperial cities which include Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes and Fes. While it is most likely that if you arrive by plane you will arrive in Casablanca, I don’t think you should stay there too long. Unlike the other cities I have mentioned, Casablanca is not an artisan center, therefore many cultural aspects are lost to the visitor who is staying for just a visit as well as there are few remnants of traditional Morocco. That said, if you do happen to find yourself there even for only the afternoon, I suggest you visit Hassan II Mosque, the world’s third largest mosque.

As for the other four cities I mentioned, each provides a different atmosphere and are good introductions to the country for the newcomer and are mostly set up to receive foreign visitors. Each offers specialty crafts unique to the region as well as they are good bases for off the beaten path travel. Every city has its specialties; Rabat, for its embroidery and carpets, Meknes, for its wood carvings, metal inlay and mosaics, Fez, most famous for its leatherwork and famous blue pottery and Marrakesh for its leatherwork as well as spices and Berber carpets. And I have barely scratched the surface of what can be found.

4. Getting Around

One of the best choices for getting around Morocco is by train. It’s inexpensive and mostly comfortable. The only real difference between first class and second is that sometimes second class has no air-con. You can view accurate train schedules at www.oncf.ma

Even less expensive than the train is bus travel which is well connected but for longer journeys you risk a high level of discomfort as there is often not much legroom. You can also opt for taking a Grand Taxi from one city to the next but know that unless you’re a big group willing to pay for the entire taxi, you wait until the driver fills the taxi with six people. And also, the taxi does not necessarily leave you in the center of town; it’s usually on the outskirts.

5. Expenses and Safety

ATMS are plentiful and secure in large and medium/small cities. Now there are even bank machines that will except banknotes in dollars, euros and sterling and return the conversion equivalent to you in dirham in a matter of minutes.

Concerning safety as compared to many other countries where I have traveled, I see Morocco as relatively safe country as long as one uses some common sense. For example, outside of the main squares and populated areas don’t walk alone at night. Always keep the majority of your money/credit cards under your clothing in the form of a money belt and when in especially crowded areas pay extra attention to your belongings, such as a camera etc.

Always avoid people offering to take you to a hotel, shop or restaurant. They usually are getting a kickback for bringing you there so you will be charged more than if you showed up on your own. As well as offers for a city tour especially if you don’t know where they intend to take you. As a rule of thumb, either tell people that this is your second visit to Morocco or that you have been in the said city for several days already so you know your way around.

With all this said I find Morocco to be both a fascinating but culturally demanding country for the visitor. Therefore, to allow yourself to enjoy Morocco to its fullest, I strongly suggest you bend to the demands of this country’s customs and consider the points I have given as “For best results…”

Recent Testimonials

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:30:00 +0000

Hear what recent graduates have to say about the course.

How Difficult is it, really, to Find a Teaching Job in France?

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 12:28:00 +0000

As of late, I am being asked this question a lot. So let's have a look at the facts...

Yes, it's true that France in general is grappling with a high unemployment rate. This situation is not much different from it's neighbors such as Spain, Germany and Italy. This fact alone is not really a good indicator of job-finding success in ESL positions as the demand within this field does not fluctuate with the employment rate. Rather, ESL jobs are dependent on the demand for English in a given country. That said, in comparision with its neighbors forementioned and many other countries, there is a lower demand for English in France.

This situation is gradually changing right before our eyes as now there are certain regions/cities that are developing a strong demand for English, especially Business English. Cities where one can most easily find a teaching job are, Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Nice(including the region surrounding Nice)Toulouse comes in somewhere behind these.

The issue for cities like Paris and Lyon is that they are big and the cost of living is high. This brings with it the problems of finding decent affordable housing as well as the "mentality" of living a large metropolis.

For those of you, looking for jobs in smaller cities especially in the south, there are still jobs available however it will take a little more time and energy to find the position right for you. On the flip side, you will enjoy the more relaxed attitude in the smaller cities, lower prices, more choice in affordable housing options and a bit more helpful population of French people.

Bear in mind that when I say "small city" I am not refering to towns, little villages or hamlets. While these places embody the spirit of the French lifestyle, if the goal is to find a job, these are the places to be avoided. There is just not enough demand to sustain language schools.

As far as salary, expect to make between 1,200 and 1,600 euros per month if you have a contract position. Compared to other contries, the start up here takes a bit longer but once settled things here fall into place and you can begin to enjoy life in France. For more on this subject see our post,"How to Teach English in France" under the same category.

ESL Job Hunt in Morocco

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:54:00 +0000

Long are the days of Morocco being solely a Francophone country. With Marrakech alone, having the goal of ten million tourists visiting by 2010, now more than ever English is in high demand and this is not limited to Marrakech.

Before starting out, be sure to obtain a TEFL/TESOL Certificate which is required for securing a job. Visit our site for more information on certification. Once you've successfully completed your certification, finding well-paid work should not be difficult in cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Fes. However, it is strongly suggested that you come to Morocco to find the right job for you. Often by email, we, ESL teachers, are given great promises before we come only to find upon arrival that they are far from true. Doing your job search on site helps distinguish fact from fiction as well as getting a feel for the country and the culture.

To start, you can locate schools in a given city, by looking at the on-line yellow pages or esl job search engines. You can either send a resume and cover letter beforehand to arrange interviews or show up, visit schools and arrange interviews then. What's most important is do not accept any post without visiting the school first and talking to at least one or two of the teachers who work there.

Below is a list of reputable schools we found;

Casablanca
American Academy www.americanacademy-casablanca.org
American Language Center casablanca.aca.org.ma
Amideast Morocco www.amideast.org/morocco
British Center www.etudiant.ma/british_lang.htm
British Council Morocco www.britishcouncil.org/morocco
Business and Professional English Center - BPEC www.bpec-english.com
Calliope www.calliope.ma
Casablanca American School www.cas.ac.ma
George Washington Academy www.gwa.ac.ma
Lingua plus www.linguaplus.ac.ma
Pigier Maroc www.maroc.pigier.com

Fes
American Language Institute
Amicitia American School of Fes americanschoolfes.org

Ifrane
Al Akhawayn University aui.ma

Marrakesh
American Language Center marrakesh.aca.org.ma

Rabat
American Language Center www.alcrabat.org
Amideast Morocco www.amideast.org/offices/morocco
British Council Morocco www.britishcouncil.org/morocco
International Language Lab Center www.languagelabcenter.blogspot.com
Language Lab www.languagelab.ma
Proformation www.proformation.fr
Rabat American School www.ras.edu.ac.ma

Safi
Lingua plus www.linguaplus.ac.ma

Tangier
English College of Tangier Chams School www.englishcollege.ma
The American School of Tangier www.as-t.org

Tetouan
English Language Institute of Tetouan www.elitetouan.net

Is a TESOL/TEFL Course Right for You?

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:35:00 +0000

As most people already know The TESOL(Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) Certificate is designed to allow native English speakers to travel to different parts of the world (where English is in demand) and teach English. The biggest benefit is you can travel and see the world and earn money along the way to support this travel lust. All of this is essentially true however what I have defined above is not for everyone. Or more specifically, not for everyone's goals.

Who is this Certifcate for?

Native or Near Native English speakers 21 or over in good health

I use the age of 21 because in many countries, a university degree is required for being issued a work visa. However this is not the case for all countries. Although it may require you to work a bit harder in some countries to find a job.

There is no age limit as long as the person in question is in good physical and mental condition. Almost every course, we get a few people over fifty which adds to the quality of the course.

People who want to live in a country other than their own

The TESOL Certificate really is designed to teach in a non-native English speaking country. That said, due to the lack of ESOL teachers in the United States and England, it is possible to find an ESL position in your home country provided you agree to continue your education in the field. I do have former expatriate friends who have returned home and found positions without much difficulty.

People who are able to spend at least one year in a given country and teach English

The idea of travelling the world and teaching English conjures up romantic images for many people. They imagine themselves as free spirits who are in one country one day and who could end up in a completely different part of the world the next.

While a lot of that is true, know that teaching contracts are typically one year, sometimes two. Yes contracts can be broken but if you are some one who chronically leaves after a few months, you'll find it increasingly difficult to get the next job. Yes, contracts cramp our inner free sprit but understand that there are few countries that offer short term work (3-4 months)that pays. Plan to commit to at least a year in one place.

People who want an ESL teaching position to support only themselves and maybe one other person

We do not join the ESL biz to become rich or to support an entire family by ourselves. We do it to spend a long time outside of our home country. That said no matter which country we look at, ESL teachers are well-paid as is proportionate to the standard of living in the host country. It is enough to live comfortably on for one person, maybe two, assuming the second person is not too demanding.

People who just want to teach a little English and travel, that's all

If you are looking to climb a corporate ladder, rest assured there isn't one in the ESL jungle. Well, let's just say it's a short one. What this means is, don't take an ESL position expecting promotions, significant pay raises and title positions. You will be hired as a teacher and after a few years you will still be a teacher. Yes, its possible to rise to head teacher and get a little more money. It is possible to get more trainning and make attempts at being a director of studies but that is about it along the direct line from English teacher.

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Thu, 17 May 2007 07:58:00 +0000

Join our Network of ESL Teachers Abroad

Visa Information for non-EU People who Want to Work in France

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Mon, 14 May 2007 19:16:00 +0000

Filing Application for a Long- Stay Visa
For a period of longer than three months

Where to Apply for a Visa from Abroad?

USA

Consulat General de France
New York
http://www.consulfrance-new-york.org

934 Fifth Avenue
New York NY 10021

1-212-606-3600
1-212-606-3688

Consulat General de France
Atlanta
http://www.consulfrance-atlanta.org

3475 Piemont Road, NE
Suite 1840
Atlanta, GA 30305

1-404-495-1660

Consulat General de France
Boston

http://www.consulfrance-boston.org

Park Square Building
31 Saint James Avenue
Suite 750
Boston, MA 02116

1-617-542-7735

Consulat General de France
Chicago

http://www.consulfrance-chicago.org

737 North Michigan Ave.
Suite 2020
Chicago, Il 60611-2694

1-312-787-5359
1-312-787-7889

Consulat General de France
Houston

http://www.consulfrance-houston.org

777 Post Oak Boulevard
Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056

1-713-572-2911

Consulat General de France
New Orleans
http://www.consulfrance-neworleans.org

Amoco Building
1340 Poydras Street
Suite 1710
New Orleans LA 70112

1-504-523-5772

Consulat General de France
Los Angeles
http://www.consulfrance-losangeles.org

10990 Wiltshire Boulevard,Suite 300
Los Angeles, California

1-310-235-3250
1-310-235-3200

Consulat General de France
Miami

http://www.consulfrance-miami.org

1, Biscayne Tower- suite 1710
2 south Biscayne Boulevard
Miami FL 33131

1-305-372-9798

Consulat General de France
San Francisco

http://www.consulfrance-sanfrancisco.org

540 Bush Street
San Francisco CA 94108

1-415-616-4910
1-415-397-4330

Consulat General de France
Washington

http://www.consulfrance-washington.org

4101 Reservoir Road N.W.
Washington D.C. 20007

1-202-944-6200

Australia

Ambasade de France
Canberra

http://www.ambafrance-au.org

6 Perth Avenue
Yarralumla- ACT 2600

61-02-62-16-01-00

Consulat General de France
Sydney
http://www.france.net.au

Level 26- Saint Martin's Tower
31 Market Street
Sydney, NSW 2000

61-02-92-61-57-79

Embracing Language without Language Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (The Language House) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 17:02:00 +0000

So you've found yourself in your country of choice but you don't exactly speak the language. I've been there and still am. I've already suggested the "Language Exchange". This post, I'm going to talk about the "Act of Participation". Another great way to acquire the language needed is to do something you already enjoy or something you want to learn in a group setting.(It has to be with native speakers:)

I strongly suggest joining clubs that do things that you already have an interest in or something that is connected with the culture of the country of choice. When choosing a club, be sure to choose something that is not too physical. For example, I take Capoiera( a brasillian self-defense art form), it's very physical so we don't actually speak often when we do it, at least not in complete sentences. Therefore, it's great for my body but not for my French.

However, I also belong to a wine club. While the folks there are a little stuffy, there is nothing to do but talk and well of course drink wine. So great for my French but, in the long run, probably bad for my body.(We drink A LOT of wine in one night)

No matter what type of groups you join, all are good for meeting new people, making new friends and networking(making friends with the friends of the people you meet in your club). It can't hurt... well it should'nt anyway.