The Language House

Free 35 hours On-line Business Course

2011-07-20T00:45:00.000-07:00

Due to an increasing demand for an on-line Teaching Business English program, The Language House is pleased to offer its newest program for free to its Fall TEFL graduates. Register for our September 2011 TEFL courses by August 1st and upon successful completion of the course, you will receive our 35 hours online Business English course absolutely free.

Take advantage of this offer and position yourself as a Business English teacher. Come and Join Us! G.G.

Believe What you Want to Believe

2011-07-02T01:33:00.000-07:00

Our beliefs are powerful drivers that cause us either to succeed or fail all depending on, of course, whether or not our beliefs are empowering or limiting. Any given situation can have an infinite number of interpretations. How is it that there could be 20 different witnesses to the exact same event and yet all 20 give different accounts as to what happen? Its how we choose to interpret the situation that gives us meaning. Often what directs our interpretations are our beliefs.

So whether or not you can or cannot do something all comes down to whether or not you believe you can do it. The next time there is something you'd like to accomplish but you find yourself holding back, ask yourself "why". If you think you can't accomplish something that you know you want, write down all the reasons why you think you can do it and all the reasons why you think you can't. Look at the list with all of the "can'ts" and see if you can spot all of those which are actually limiting beliefs. Things that you believe to be true that stop you from acting. Isolate those and ask yourself:

Where does this belief come from?
Who gave me this belief?
What is it costing me to continue believing this?

Use these questions to challenge your limiting beliefs with the aim of overcoming them. G.G.

Under Pressure Living Abroad

2011-06-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

So you've arrived to your country of choice and you've completed a TEFL Course..."now what?" you might be asking yourself. Its stressful to show up to a new country and just start looking for work as well as housing. While there is no way to avoid this, there are strategies to minimize stress.

First, before leaving home, develop a plan as to how long you will allow yourself to look for work and also have a back-up plan. Be flexible in your planning.

Second, again before leaving home, plan to allow yourself enough time to actually find work. While some people may find work immediately it could take others much longer. One or two weeks really isnt enough time these days outside of China. Allow about 4 to 6 weeks to find work and accordingly have enough money saved to do this.

Third, set a weekly schedule of things that you can do to advance towards your goal of finding a job abroad. This is key because 1, you will be more likely to see results (obviously) but 2, your stress level will diminish because you will feel that you are working towards your goal and you will feel in control of the process.

Fourth, network and befriend as many people as possible. Don't speak only to certain people because of what you think they can do for you. Befriend people with an open heart and a sincere desire to connect with others. When you do this you will find that new doors open up to you as well as opportunities that you never knew existed will now become available.

Lastly, remember don't give up and don't take the answer "NO" as defeat.

G.G.

Benefits from Joining The Language House TEFL Programs

2011-05-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

As The Language House is now enjoying its 6th year in operation, we've been asking ourselves how we can add more value to our TEFL course services in France, Italy, Morocco and Turkey. And the answer for us is to provide more tools and products to help our clients get started living abroad as efficiently as possible. So in the coming months, we will be launching several new products and tools that will enhance your quest of living abroad in the country of your choice.

Just a few added bonuses for attending our accredited 4 week TEFL program will include:

-The Language House Teaching English Abroad Guide

-Unlimited access to our updated ESL jobs website for graduates only

-A 10% discount off our 35 hours online Business English course to be released September 2011

-As always, Unlimited job support upon successfull completion of the program

- As always, Our course manual with all teaching techniques, grammar, phonology as well as everything you would need to teach anywhere in the world.

Come and Join Us!

G.G.

Is Morocco Safe?

2011-05-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Due to recent events in the Arab world as well as the recent terorist attack in Marrakesh, I have received many emails from people asking is Morroco safe enough to follow The Language House TEFL program in Marrakesh? The answer is yes. However, I concede that my opinion may not be as valued as the opinions of those who are currently taking the course or who have recently completed the course in Marrakesh. Therefore I have below feedback from a current trainee and a recent graduate of the program who can be contacted by request if desired.

Being that this is the first time that I have truly lived abroad and out of Virginia, there was some apprehension in me when moving to Marrakech especially with the ongoing unrest in the Arab world. That being said, it all vanished the first day I arrived in this beautiful city. In the past three weeks, I have experienced nothing but kindness, hospitality and eagerness to help. The concerns of safety have not once crossed my mind while exploring Marrakech, whether it has been the main tourist attractions or the more local neighborhoods.

The people who live in Marrakech seem to embrace you and want only to talk and discuss the day. To ease my mind even more is the fact that you notice Police officers and security throughout the town and even the locals help look out for your safety with tips about where to go and how to avoid certain situations. I am incredibly happy that I did not let my apprehensions best me and convince me to stay in Virginia for this is an experience of a life time.

-James Charles

The Language House student

I feel as safe and secure today in Morocco and specifically Marrakesh, as I did when I first arrived in March or on any of my many past visits over the last five years. I am here in Marrakesh on my own and do not feel the least bit nervous. I am in the process of buying an apartment and will be living alternately here and back in America. That is how comfortable I feel here in Marrakesh.

I feel the recent incident at Argana is an isolated one and all though I did frequent the cafe, and I am frequently in the square, I do not feel any threat. Of course, I am alert to my surroundings but not out of fear, more out of just being aware of normal routines and rhythms of life. Moroccans can easily separate politics from the people, so they see the person for who they are before they see an American. I have felt nothing but friendliness and kindness from Moroccans. I do not speak French or Arabic so from taxi drivers to produce merchants to local shops, they all work a little harder to communicate with me. I have had a turn or two at charades to act out what I want, but we all enjoy a good laugh in the end, and they teach me the word for what I need and I teach the word in English.

Yes, I get questions from back home in California about why I would want to move to Morocco, especially with all the conflict in that part of the world. All I can say is I feel as safe and secure here as I do at home. There are peaceful protests, just like at home. Just like at home a few in the crowd can cause trouble for the masses. I have seen nothing here in Marrakesh to cause me concern or fear. I can appreciate people's concern when they see the news and read reports but unless you are here, it is hard to understand that overall it is a peaceful place. Respect the country, respect the culture and there should be no issues.

If anyone who was planning to come to Morocco is having second thoughts, I would invite them to drop me an email with their questions and concerns. I would be happy to chat with them.

Kathryn Hosler

Again, if you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at www.teflanguagehouse.com and we'll send you some recent graduate emails for contact.

G.G.

To Live Abroad Means to be Flexible

2011-05-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

So we will assume that one of the reasons that you left your home country is because you were looking for something different than what you are used to. If that's not the case and infact you are looking for your host country to provide you with a lifestyle that resembles that of your home country, you will most likely encounter problems as well as miss out on one of the best reasons for living abroad in the first place.

To live abroad happily, you must be flexible. We (expatriates) are uninvited guests. That doesn't mean unwelcomed but it does mean that we must be the ones who bend to the cultural demands of a given country. When we do that, you'll find that the results of your dealings with others will improve. To conform to these unspoken cultural rules, however, you must pay attention to what goes on around you and take an interest in others, especially the local people. If you are not going to take a serious interest in the culture,language and people of the country you're in, why bother living abroad? Being flexible and modifying your behavior instead of waiting for others to change for you is the single most important thing one can do to intergrate and enjoy their stay abroad as well as it could possibly make you a better person in the long run:) G.G.

Making Friends Abroad

2011-05-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

It's not always easy living abroad and when I say that, I mean, even after you have a place to live and a job. To really enjoy being abroad whether its for the short or long term, we need to be able to connect with people which is not always easy if there is a language or cultural barrier. Even though it may be a challenge, its possible. But, yes, it will require more work than if you were at home. When spending time abroad, everything requires more work and energy than it would at home in the beginning and making friends will be no different. Establishing yourself abroad requires more effort but once you've done that, your efforts become more cherished and memorable.

So to make friends abroad, the first thing we must do is reach out to others again and again. One of the best ways to do that is to immediately join groups or clubs that do the things that you are interested in doing. Even if you'll only be in town for a month, try to join anyway. Its rare that you'll be turned away if you express a genuine interest in the group.

Next, do a google search on language exchanges in the city. Most average size cities have something like this and its an excellent way to meet people who speak English as well as native speakers who enjoy meeting foreigners. Even if you meet people who you think you have nothing in common with, still keep them as friends as they have friends as well who may share your age, common interests etc.

Lastly, have fun and enter this endeavor with a light heart. You decided to spend time abroad most likely to broaden your horizons and meet new people? So immerse yourself in that idea and embrace it. What do you have to lose? G.G.

Plan to Live Abroad

2011-04-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

So imagine that you've decided to live abroad and you have enrolled on a TEFL program..that's a great start especially if you've enrolled on a course that's located in the country where you'd like to live. But that's not enough. What happens when the course is finished? Then what will you do? Before you leave home spend some time researching the country that you'll be heading to. Maybe take a language course so that you'll have at least some basic knowledge of the language. Connect with others who are either planning to do the same thing as you or who are already doing it and find out their perspective of things.

Develop a plan of action for what you will do first, second, third etc. and save up as much money as possible before leaving home. Try to imagine potential things that could go wrong and think of the solutions before they occur.

I realize that one of the reasons why people decide to live abroad is to have a freer lifestyle that is more spontaneous so the act of planning sort of detracts from that idea. However, if you want to accomplish a major project such as moving to a different country, you should plan ahead if only to avoid wasting time and money. Once you've got a job and a place to live then you can begin to explore a life of more spontaneity. G.G.

Spend the Summer in the South of France

2011-03-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

Summertime is just around the corner and what better way to work on your tan and your teaching skills than to spend it in the South of France. Our centers in Montpellier, Nice and Cannes are filling up quickly so if you are planning on joining us, don't put the decision off too much longer.

Enrolling on a summer session not only allows you to spend your weekends in St Tropez, Monaco, Aix en Provence or just relaxing on the beach but will also poise you perfectly for securing ESL posts in September. There is also the possibility of English camp work in July and August upon registering with us.

Come and Join Us!

G.G.

How Long will it Take to get an ESL Job Abroad?

2011-02-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

If I had a nickel for everytime I've been asked this question...The answer? Well, it depends on the country and region. Of the regions where there is a demand for teaching English, the Mediterranean countries often do not offer instant gratification. But that's only in comparision with countries such as China, U.A.E. and South east Asia where one can get a job in a matter of days.

Despite the economic crisis, ESL teachers are finding positions in France, Italy, Morocco and the rest of region in a timely manner. I'll admit that after each TEFL course we give, some people find work right away, as in a matter of days and others do not find work for several weeks. I don't have a solid answer as to why but I can say that there seems to be some consistent themes;

1. Personality and Positivity often prevail. Those who succeed in securing work weren't necessarily the best during their TEFL course but clearly were able to communicate their ideas well in an interview. And you must be positive in believing that you can find work. If you beleive that you won't find a job, you're probably right.

2.Timing should also be considered. Looking for work in July and August really arent the best times to look for work as everyone goes on vacation. Late September/October, January and March/April are the best times to look for work.

3. Persistance is the key to anything in life and finding work abroad is no different. If you give up after two weeks of looking, you probably won't succeed. Imagine, even if you were to change cities in your home country and look for work, wouldn't you allow more than two weeks to find a suitable job?

4. Money dovetails onto persistance as you need to have a money cushion saved in the first place to allow you the time necessary to find work.

5. Lastly, you really need a TEFL certificate to be competitive. I know this wasnt the case a few years ago but times are changing as more and more people are certified to teach ESL. On line courses just dont cut it but then again they never did.

Now more than ever before, English language teachers are in demand just about everywhere but be prepared to do a little work.

G.G.

English Teaching Experience:Required or Not?

2011-02-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

The question comes up often; You've completed your TEFL certificate course but you have little or no teaching experience. Is it realistic to expect to find an ESL teaching post? Yes. Consider this, even if a given company is asking for a minimum of 2 years of teaching experience, its possible that they won't find people who have that much experience. The average life expectancy of an ESL teacher is often about 2-3 years. ESL teachers travel and teach for a few years and then go back to their home countries. Therefore, if you have less than the experience required but everyone else applying is the same as you, the playing field is now leveled.

If you have no teaching experience, the best thing to do, really, is to take an on-site TEFL course with has a minimum of 120 hours of classroom content and at least 6-8hours of observed teaching practice. With just that alone, your odds of finding a job increase exponentially. You can also include your teacher practice training as teaching experience on your CV/Resume. Forget about online courses as its not enough to get a job as most employers do not recognize on-line courses.

Lastly, just having prior work experience helps as it demonstrates that you are responsible and can in fact hold a job. Look at your past jobs and think of times when you had to teach someone something, for example orienting a new intern or training new staff. Those are things that could be put under job duties on your CV/Resume that demonstrate that you have prior experience teaching. Many job skills are often transferable from one profession to another.

G.G.

English Language Assistant Program in Turkey

2011-01-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

The Language House is pleased to offer Volunteer English Language Teaching posts in Antalya, Turkey to its TEFL graduates from any TLH location. Under the Ministry of National Education, the teaching projects take place either in state schools or private English language schools in and around the city center. The English teaching projects include lesson planning, preparing visual materials and utilizing internet resources. Each volunteer will have a supervising teacher to help them. The duration is from 2 to 36 weeks. Projects are available year round. Contact us for more information at info@teflanguagehouse.com Come and Join Us! G.G.

Teaching Business English Courses

2011-01-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

As ESL teaching is becoming more and more in demand, the same can be true for Business English classes. As the European Union must now, more than ever, work together, the demand for effective English speaking skills has never been more crucial.

While a TEFL certificate is key to teaching English abroad, to really excel in the competitive world of Business English, an ESL teacher could ultimately use a certificate in Teaching Business English inorder to acquire a solid client list.

The Language House is delighted to offer its one week Teaching Business English (T.B.E) program in Montpellier, France. Visit our website for all course dates and fees. You can also combine our T.B.E. course with French lessons or Life Abroad Coaching seminars.

G.G.

Deciding in Which Country to Live and Work

2010-12-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

Deciding which country you'd like to live and work in can potentially be a difficult task. However, if you want to work as an English teacher abroad, there are some hints that may help. Here are some guidelines to consider;

1. Select from the countries where there is at least a resonable demand for English teachers. However, don't make assumptions until you've done some research. For example, assuming that there would only be a big demand for English teachers in non- native English speaking countries is incorrect. The U.K. and the U.S. are in desperate need of English(ESL) teachers as a lot of foreigners arrive seeking work.

The biggest demands can be found in Asia but right now, the demand has increased exponentially and most parts of the world offer ESL posts.

2. Ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by living abroad in a given country as well as what you hope to contribute.

3. Consider the wage vs quality of life from region to region. While some countries will pay a lot of money, such as the United Arab Emirates, the cultural experience may not be as intense and as enriching as lets say southern Europe where you would have the opportunity to have real relationships with the locals but would gain much less income.

4. While it sounds superficial, climate is an important factor when considering whats best for you. I don't necessarily suggest that you should decide on a location because the climate is similar to what you're used to but be aware that in any part of the world, climate dictates culture, cuisine and general social norms. Its fine to chose a climatic region different from what you're used to as long as you are prepared to accept/embrace the new climate.

5. Research cultural and societal norms of the given region as this can also dictate how well you intergrate and enjoy your new host country.

G.G.

ESL Teaching in Antalya, Turkey

2010-10-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

For some time Turkey has had a voracious demand for English teachers but its mostly been in Istanbul. Now, the demand has spread to the south. So along with more options for jobs, there are also beautiful beaches, an authentic fortified ancient city, friendly and hospitable locals as well as good nightlife. Antalya sits along the coast and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine with hot summers and mild winters.

Most ESL jobs can be found either in private English language schools or in universities. While its best to just show up and look for work, some universities will hire upon having only a phone interview.

I just returned from Antalya a couple of weeks ago and I still ask myself, why this beautiful city along the sea hasn't been discovered yet by native English speakers.

Come join us and have a look. G.G.

Your Communication Needs while Travelling in the Mediterranean

2010-10-02T00:54:00.000-07:00

Now more than ever, its easier and easier to travel abroad and keep in touch. While taking a TEFL Course, you will definitely want to be connected in order to find English teaching jobs upon completion of the course.

However, you still need to be careful of which service you choose. For example, I hear that in the United States, you can buy an "international" phone before you actually leave the States. Don't do it. Its easy enough and ridiculously cheap enough to buy an inexpensive pay as you go phone once in Europe or even North Africa. When you leave you can either sell it to someone else or keep it as a souvenir.

For internet, if WIFI isn't secure enough for you, most countries in the region also sell pay as you go internet USB sticks with the same principle. The Mediterranean countries are highly adaptive when it comes to communicating so save your money and wait until you arrive. G.G.

English Teaching Jobs

2010-09-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

While taking your TEFL program, though it may be added work, you should be actively searching for an English teaching job. Don't wait until the end of your course to start looking. A good TEFL program should provide all of the tools to get started. A TESOL/TEFL Course's Job Program should include;

■ Advice for obtaining appropriate visas and contact information for relevant agencies to assist you.
■ Advice on preparing a CV/Resume and cover letter.
■ An open question and answer segment where trainees can get the information they need to get started on their job search.
■ Each trainee should receive individual and personalized guidance about setting up in the country of their choice from a staff member.
■ Trainees should be informed of what to expect in a job interview.
■ Lists of contacts of English language schools should be provided for the desired region.

While TEFL programs in the western world cannot realistically guarantee jobs after completion of the course, you should have the tools you need to get started. But remember, its ultimately up to you to take those tools and go after the job.

G.G.

A Good Side Effect to Taking a TEFL Course in Classroom

2010-08-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

One great thing about taking a TEFL Course in the country where you want to work, which isnt really addressed, is that during the course, you get to meet interesting people. Yes, of course, you'll have your fellow trainees but I'm refering to the people you will teach during teacher practice.

As every accredited TEFL program must provide teacher practice, most often your students are natives of the country where you want to live and they are, infact, proud of their culture and history. It is an awesome environment to meet such people and learn more about your desired country from "real" people as opposed to magazines or stereotypes. It's a unique situation to see how different we are from each other as well as share our opinions of the world, our world.

What an opportunity! G.G.

ESL Job Support

2010-07-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

TEFL Nice - Cannes

2010-07-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand for its TEFL program in Nice, The Language House now has an annex location in Cannes. Cannes is a 40 minute train ride from Nice and is near all the beauty that is the French Riviera. Right now the demand for ESL teachers is increasing rapidly in the PACA (Provence Alpes Maritimes Cote d'Azur) region. Between the university system and Sophia Antipolis, The Language House graduates are finding work soon after the course finishes. The next biggest hiring time is late September/October so come and join us just in time for interviewing. What's stopping you from living the life you've always wanted in the South of France?

Best Hiring Times for ESL Teachers

2010-06-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

The best hiring times for English teachers looking for work in Mediterranean countries is towards the end of September. Often English language schools must wait to see how many students sign up after summer vacation before they commit to hiring teachers. The next hiring period which is more modest is in January. The second largest is in March/April. As September is approaching, the best time in the near future to take a TEFL course would be logically, August and September. Right now, we are offering some special deals to get you on the right track for success as an English teacher abroad. Come and Join Us!

G.G.

Nice, France TEFL Certificate

2010-06-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

There are some great reasons to come to Nice, France to get TEFL Certified and start teaching English.

1. The demand for English teaching in this region is increasing rapidly. This is the case for the university system as well as private English language schools and Sophia Antipolis, a major office park near Nice.

2. There is an even higher demand for Business English where an English teacher can earn more money.

3. While Nice is touristic, its touristic for a reason. Nice and the rest of the Cote d'Azur is drop dead gorgeous. From the sea to the mountains (yes mountains) there are endless things to see and do. From wine tasting to hiking to water sports to fantastic nightlife. Nice has it all.

4. Nice is in close proximity to other beautiful cities and regions where one can visit. Places such as Cannes, Monte Carlo, Grasse, St Paul de Vence, Eze Village and St Tropez. Not mention the fact that Nice's international airport makes it easy to reach from just about anywhere.

5. Our trainers at the Nice center are able to provide job advice and assistance for all areas in the Mediterranean so even if you're not planning to stay in Nice, you can still be set on the right path to finding the English teaching post you want in the Mediterranean country you want. You also have access to our graduate- only website which provides updated information on finding jobs all over the Mediterranean.

6. No matter where your travels may take you after the course, our center also provides language instruction in French, Italian (Nice is very close to the Italian border), Spanish and Arabic. This training can take place either before or after the TEFL Course.

7. Our course provides invaluable teaching practice with local students which ensures success when attaining your English teaching post abroad.

8. The Nice center is located in the center of Nice and accomodations are always near the school so you won't miss out on local festivals, activities, nightlife and of course an easy walk to the beach.

9. The locals or rather the "Nicois" are very down to earth and friendly which makes time spent outside of classes enjoyable.

10. As Nice benefits from a microclimate, no matter when you decide to take the course, the weather will be mild, there will be sun and,of course, the sea will always be a beautiful azur blue.

So what's stopping you from coming over to do the TEFL Course in Nice, France?

Come and join us!

GG

TEFL Jobs in Europe

2010-05-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Despite the economic crisis, there is a steady recovery in the ESL jobs sector. Combine that with the fall of the euro against the pound and the dollar and you have good conditions for arriving to Europe and finding an English teaching job.

If your ideal location is the Mediterranean, southern France and Italy have an increasing demand for English teachers with no signs of reaching a plateau. The best plan of attack is to get TEFL Certified in the region/country where you'd like to live and stay on afterwards to look for work. September is the best time to look for ESL jobs in this part of the world so taking a July or August course is ideal in order to hit the ground running.

Visit our site at www.teflanguagehouse.com to discover all of our available services to get started on your dream of living abroad.

GG

Preparing for Your Move Abroad

2010-05-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

So you feel ready to move abroad. Now what? Before you quit your job and show up in your desired country, consider a few essentials that will help you with a smooth move abroad.

1. Save, save and save some more. Consider this, even if you moved just to a different region of your home country, it would cost money would'nt it? So why think that moving to a different country would be any different? You will need money for many different start up costs when you arrive to the country of your choice. Save as much money as possible before you quit your day job.

2. Do the research on the country where you want to live. Find out the job market, cost of living, housing options and overall economic climate.

3. If you are a native or near native English speaker, take a TEFL Course in the country of your choice. That gives you time to take a close look at the region where you want to live and get job advice. Its also a great time to network.

4. Re vamp your CV before you arrive so you can hit the ground running once you arrive.

5. In almost all parts of the world, there's no longer a need to close your bank account in your home country. Anywhere you travel you should be able to access your money. Never carry a large wad of cash on you.

6. Try to pack light. Moving abroad means being flexible and you never know what opportunity may arise. In most parts of the world you can buy most things that you may need. And for those things you can't find....well, its time to adapt.

7. Lastly, travel with an open mind. If you are in search of a replica of home then you've misled yourself. The idea of travel is to find and appreciate the differences amongst us, amongst countries and cultures.

Why should Degreed Teachers take the TEFL Certificate Course?

2010-03-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

I often get emails from experienced teachers, who have teaching degrees in the U.S. or England, who ask if its really necessary for them to become TEFL Certified.

While I think its very rational to assume that if one has a teaching degree and often substantial teaching experience then those qualifications/ experiences should be sufficient to find work as an ESL teacher, that is often not the case when planning to teach abroad.

So my response is yes, although unfair, you still need a TEFL Certificate and here's why;

1. Many countries do not recognize foreign degrees. Therefore, any degree acheived outside of the country of your choice is not considered even if it's relevant to the job you are applying for.

2. Even if you are an experienced teacher, teaching English to people who DON'T speak English provides challenges that even the most qualified teacher has not encountered before.

3. While the TESOL course is first and foremost designed to teach English speakers how to teach English in non-native English speaking countries, it is also a great opportunity to learn about the culture of the country. Subjects such as intergrating, cultural differences and challenges living abroad are discussed. Items relating to culture should not be ignored when considering living and working abroad and a good TEFL course provides this as well.

4. ESL is different from other subjects even if one has taught English to foreigners in their home country. In an English speaking country, students are of all nationalities as opposed to a country like France or Italy where almost all the students share the same first language. The methods are different.

Finally, in almost every course, I have at least one experienced teacher on the program and usually they are the ones who are the most excited about the new techniques and fresh ideas they've learned. There's always room to learn more. G.G.

What to Expect on a TEFL Course

2010-03-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Its hard to know what exactly one can expect on any given TEFL course around the world. Will there be a lot of work? Will I have time to have some fun on the weekends? How much homework will there be? Consider this, if you have never taught English and the goal is to start work as an ESL teacher right after the course then, yes, its safe to assume that there should be a reasonable amount of work.

So here's a run down of the minimum of what you can expect;

Grammar sessions
Phonology sessions
Teaching techniques- how to teach English to people who do not speak English
Teacher Practice- This is the cornerstone to any TESOL,TEFL or CELTA course. There must be a minimum of 6 hours of observed teaching practice. When trainees do not teach, they must observe each other.
At least one written report
At least two tests to measure mastery of Grammar and Phonology

Four weeks is a rather short period of time to turn non-teachers into teachers, therefore every minute of the course counts. My advice is to show up prepared to work and have an open, positive attitude. An open and positive attitude is the first prerequisite to living abroad as an English teacher well.

The Language House France in "Living France"

2010-03-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Teach Abroad as an English Language Assistant

2010-03-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Before commiting to a undetermined stay abroad, why not try a short term internship in the country of your choice first. Doing a rehearsal trip first is a logical strategy which allows the traveller to discover the country, decide where in the country is best for them to live as well discover the culture and establish potentially helpful contacts for the return trip. It's also a less intimidating project than to plan to move abroad, never to return.

Now more than ever, there are many programs world wide which offer such an opportunity but are very expensive. Don't fall for such promotions. While processing time, housing and necessary training are some of the items that carry a legitimate price tag for participation, spending thousands of dollars/euros per week is not justified.

Whatever your interests, do your internet research carefully before signing on with an outfit.

Teaching Business English Abroad

2010-02-22T01:20:00.000-08:00

A great niche for English teachers is to teach Business English. If you've been avoiding this segment of the TEFL umbrella because you find it intimidating or perhaps boring, you are depriving yourself of a major source of income. I should also say that Business English doesnt have to be boring. Many people think that teaching business English involves charts, graphs and other tedious tools but it doesn't have to be that way.

In fact, as your clients already know their job and usually speak intermediate English, often they are looking for conversation lessons that might be found in a business setting. Also as many travel abroad for business they have questions that concern the local culture more than that of grammar.

Just calling an English lesson, "a business English lesson" entitles you to charge about 20% to 40% more per hour and many business English students are in search of one to one, private lessons. What could be better? To put yourself out on the business English market doesn't require much more than a TEFL Certificate. However, to get real results, meaning a string of clients, you will need some experience and usually a certificate of Teaching Business English.

G.G.

Teaching English in E.U. Countries

2010-02-13T09:19:00.001-08:00

Teaching English in an E.U. Country without an E.U. Passport is challenging. However it can be done. As of late, I've been receiving a lot of emails on the subject so I thought I'd offer a few thoughts. First of all, for Australians and Canadians, its possible to work abroad in countries like France and Italy for up to one year on the "Working Holiday Visa" exchange program. This program doesn't exists for Americans and on a side note, I'd like to urge Americans to write to their state senators about implementing a similar program if indeed you'd like to have such an option available to you.

For Americans, there are a few options which, depending on the EU country in question, may vary.

1. You can show up, find an ESL job, then go back to the U.S. and take care of the paperwork. Not a popular option for folks as its expensive and risky. The average school won't want to get involved in arranging such paperwork in the first place. However, if you have a university degree and a TEFL certificate, you can apply at the university level, where they are prepared to do just that to get native English teachers.

2. You can apply to become an English Teaching Assistant before you leave home. This is a government offered program and the paperwork can be arranged.

3. Registering for internships is another way to arrange long term work contracts in Europe.

4. While this item has been disputed, if you register for language lessons in the country of your choice for 6 months or more, either with a private language school or university, you'll be issued a student visa which allows about 15 hours per week of work. Although if your interest is only to work and not take advantage of the language and cultural aspect, its possible that you may not be granted said visa. The idea is that your primary goal is to be a student abroad.

A more discreet piece of advice is that no matter what your nationality, in some European countries things may not come to you as quickly as you expect so its essential to have patience when attempting to live in this part of the world. Occasionally take your eye off the end goal and remember why you want to live in that particular country in the first place. Often doing that can lead you in the very direction where you want to go.

G.G.

ESL Job Search Part II

2010-02-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

One thing that may not be so obvious when looking for work in countries like France, Spain and Italy (southern Europe in general)is that inorder to succeed, one must network. One must take an interest in the local people and talk to them. Through just simple talking and taking a sincere interest in others, you can actually talk your way into a job or help finding a job or housing.

So often, people come to this part of the world so focused on just "finding a job" that they don't even pay attention to the things that make them want to live in said country in the first place. They ignore the culture and the people while maintaining their attention solely on what they want out of the situation. And often these people fail miserably because in southern Europe, its hard to have much without help from the locals. When you have developed real friends and relationships, that alone takes you much farther than any other skill you may have.

My advice is, of course, during your TEFL course you should work dilligently to secue employment but along the way, take time to get to know others and even help out. Its all about the process, not necessarily the final result. GG

The ESL Job Search Part I

2010-01-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

So you've completed your TEFL Certification, what's next? In the beginning of one of our TESOL courses, I often see that frightened look in the eyes of some TEFL trainees. "What's my next move when the course is completed? Where do I go?" The first move is NOT to wait until the program is finished to start looking for an ESL job. Even though a proper TEFL Certification course requires a lot of work, this is not the time to put things off.

1. Before taking the TESOL course have a recent CV/resume ready to show your course trainers for review/proofreading before sending it out.

2.If you are taking the certificate program in the country or region where you want to work, which is recommended, then ask your course provider for local contacts in the desired city or region.

3. When sending off the CV, be sure to note in the cover letter where you are currently and when exactly you'll be available for interviews. If you leave things too vague, you may not be contacted.

4. In the meantime, if you are not in the city where you want to work, plan the logistics for being there at the time period you specified on your cover letter. So, for example, if you are taking our TEFL course in Montpellier but you want to work in Aix en Provence, plan to spend 3-4 days there, lining up all interviews in that time frame you mentioned in the cover letter.

5. After about one week, its fine to do a follow-up phone call to confirm that your CV has been received but also ask if they are hiring presently, do they know of other companies that may be. It never hurts to ask questions to get a feel for the current market.

6. Its never too early to start thinking about housing. If you don't already have housing arranged, obviously do an internet search but know that in Europe, there are a lot of websites that are geared towards people just like yourself who are looking for a room. If you want a big city, I suggest sharing an apartment (with your own room) because once there, you'll have plenty of time to find you own place, one that's right for you, without being pressured into to taking something you really don't want.

A final thought, I know the idea of picking up roots and starting fresh in a new country can be scary...especially with limited income. However, my best advice would be to plan as if you will, without a doubt, find a job. So if you believe, without a doubt, that you'll find a job, plan accordingly. If you do this with conviction, the rest will follow. GG
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How to Plan a Gap Year Abroad

2009-12-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

Planning a gap year abroad can be a daunting task at first glance. However, some simple steps can help you get started.

1. Consider your funds

The best way to estimate is to look at the year on a monthly interval. Before you even tackle that question, you must research the country or regions where you want to spend time to get an idea of the cost of living. Once that's established, consider what you want to do while traveling(ie. what will be your regular activities?) and how you want to live?... what type of housing? All hostels, service apartments, couch surfing or camping.

Obviously, if you want to spend a year abroad you should have access to as much money as possible but, outside of that have, a minimum of 3,000 in Asia (outside of Japan) and a minimum of 6,000 dollars in Europe and the west with the intention to work as you go.

1a. Will you need to work in order to sustain travel for the year?

If you don't have access to a significant amount of money then you should consider looking for short term work or work in exchange for food and housing during your travels. Its an excellent way to meet people and get an inside view to the culture of the country where you are.

2. What countries/region are you interested in spending time?

3. If its several locations, roughly layout how much time you think you'll spend in each location.

Yes, while this is definitely the time to be a free spirit, a rough itinerary is useful when planning. A loose plan and a bit of research can allow you to experience a great festival or conversely dodge an overcrowed, highly touristic event.

4. How would you like to spend your time in a given location?

Give some thought to this question. Are you interested in painting, volunteering, rock climbing or learning the local language? If you've decided this ahead of time you can begin to research relevant outfitters, schools or groups. Its also a great way to network with locals who may be able to direct you to a good deal on housing or car rental.

5. What potential jobs would you be prepared to perform?

Make a list of potential jobs you could perform and might enjoy. And of course Ill mention that if you speak English you should strongly consider work as an English teacher.

5a. Once you have job ideas, consider your CV/Resume...Do you have appropriate skills for the desired jobs?

Update your CV. If you'll be spending time in Europe, there is now a standard European CV. You can easily download it from the web.

Would you like help planning your Gap Year? Come and Join Us! GG

How to Choose a TEFL/TESOL Course?

2009-12-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-10T04:22:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-10-11T04:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-26T02:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-12-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-20T06:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-05T01:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-01-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-06T05:31:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

Hear what recent graduates have to say about the course.

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

2007-09-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-06-12T00:35:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-05-17T00:58:00.000-07:00

Join our Network of ESL Teachers Abroad

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

2007-05-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Scenes from France

2007-03-30T09:31:00.001-07:00

While France is a small country, it's diversity astounds. Below are a couple of albums of some of the places we visit during our teacher training sessions as well as showing you the possibilites just in the south of France.

The Language House

Chateauneuf du Pape with Travel Med Tours and The Language House

Obtaining a Student Visa

2007-03-10T01:07:00.000-08:00

Students from outside Europe (that is, students from countries other than the 18 countries of the European Economic Zone, plus Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, San Marino, and the Vatican) must obtain a long-term visa marked étudiant if they intend to study in France for more than 6 months.
After the first year of study, visas are automatically renewed, provided the student holding the visa is able to produce the required documentation.

Three Pieces of Advice

1 - A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa in France or in any other country of the European Union.

2- If you plan to complete two programs in succession (such as a program in French as a foreign language, followed by an academic program), obtain admission to both programs before applying for your visa so that your visa will be valid for the duration of your period of study. French visas can not be extended in France.

3- A special visa exists for prospective students. The so-called étudiant-concours visa is granted for stays of no more than 90 days for the purpose of taking an entrance examination or visiting institutions of higher education. Prospective students who pass their examination receive a full student visa without returning to their country of origin. The prospective student visa also may be granted to students whose admission to a higher education institution is contingent upon their completion of a short course of remedial or refresher work.
To obtain a visa, visit the French consulate in your place of residence or the visa office of the French embassy.

Two Points to Remember

•Under no circumstances may a tourist visa be converted into a student visa. This is true throughout the European Union.

•International students of all nationalities intending to stay in France for more than 3 months must obtain a student identification card.

What documentation do I need to get a visa?

- A Passport
The passport must be valid for the entire period of validity of the visa.

- Proof of enrollment
The following documents will be accepted as proof:
• An offer of preliminary admission
• A statement of preregistration in a public or private institution of higher education. The document must specify the level of study and the student's subject. If the institution is private, the statement must indicate the number of course hours and state that registration fees have been been paid in full.

- Proof of financial resources
Each French embassy sets the level of financial resources to be demonstrated by prospective students from that country. The amount is on the order of 3,000 francs
( about 450 euros) for each month to be spent in France.

•Students receiving scholarship grants must produce a statement indicating the amount and duration of their grant on the letterhead of the granting organization.

•If the required resources are guaranteed by an individual residing in France the student must produce a signed statement of financial responsibility, a photocopy of the national identity card of the guarantor, and proof of the guarantor's own financial resources (such as the guarantor's three most recent pay stubs and most recent tax return).

•If the resources come from abroad, the student must demonstrate that a bank account has been opened into which the necessary funds will be deposited and produce a promise of payment, translated into French and bearing the authenticated signature of the individual responsible for making the payments, or a statement of payment of funds from the authorities of the student's country of origin.

- Proof of insurance coverage
Proof of insurance must be provided by students over 28 who are nationals of a country that does not have a reciprocity agreement with France or who are enrolled in an institution that is not recognized by the French government to participate in the student health insurance plan.

- Parental authorization
Minors (individuals under 18 years of age) must furnish proof of consent by the person or persons having parental authority.

- Required vaccinations
In some cases, the consulate may require proof of vaccination (e.g., against yellow fever, cholera…) before a visa will be issued.

International students of all nationalities residing in France for more than 3 months must obtain a student residency permit (which is distinct from a visa), within two months of their arrival in France

Complying with legal requirements once in France

As soon as you arrive in France, you'll want to take two important steps to comply with French immigration regulations. The sooner you get these formalities out of the way, the smoother and more pleasant your stay will be.

1 - Report to your new university or school and register for classes.

2 - Apply for a student residency permit (if you will be staying for longer than 3 months.
Pay close attention to the documents that you will have to present. Originals are often required. All students must report and register each year. The procedure is the same in all universities. In nonuniversity institutions of higher education it differs from institution to institution.

Your Residency Permit

The second thing you'll have to do once you arrive is apply for your residency permit. All international students must obtain such a permit, even those who are entitled to reside in France without a visa.
International students who intend to study in France for more than 3 months must visit the préfecture (or government center) for their area to obtain a temporary residency permit showing their student status. The temporary residency permit is valid until the expiration date of the applicant's passport or until the date of completion of the applicant's academic program, whichever comes first. The permit must be renewed annually.

The E.U. verses Non E.U. Question

2007-02-21T00:59:00.000-08:00

First things first, the E.U. question. Yes, it's true, you must hold an E.U. passport to qualifiy for any job position in the territory. Unlike its neighbors, Spain & Italy, the French mostly follow this rule.

However, it is still possible work in France if you are non E.U. if have can obtain the "Carte Sejour". As a non E.U. person, the easiest option is to enroll in a French language school in France. Once enrolled, the language school will issue you an "attestation" stating that you have committed to lessons with them and you can use it to get a student visa. The student visa allows you to work 15 hours a week. At the end of your visa, for however long it is, if you have a job at that moment you can renew your visa as a carte sejour. With this you can legally work full-time. This is probably the easiest route no matter what your age.

If you have mastered the French language and/or have absolutely no interest in long term lessons of any kind, the other option is to become a "Profession Liberale". It means a free-lance professional. While you can do this in any domain, "English Teacher" is probably the easiest to break into as you are a native English speaker, so it will tempt potential clients to choose you over a French person. To do this you apply for a long term visa, similar to the student visa process but longer, stating that you will support yourself as a Profession Liberale. Once in France you can register yourself with URSSAF the government entity that oversees profession liberales. The registration is actually the easiest part of this entire process. Then you are free to start looking for work. BUT, looking for work means looking directly for clients. You're not going to be able to work for a language school unless it's a short term contract deal. You are working for yourself so it would demand a high level of French. So again, if you're not there yet on the French, opt for the student visa choice:)

All in all, the E.U. issue does'nt have to be an obstacle to living and working in France. However, it does mean that more work and money will be required just to set up. Also know that there is no way to avoid the visa paperwork in your home country before coming to France and without a doubt, it will continue when you arrive.

How to Teach English in France

2007-02-21T00:39:00.000-08:00

Where to start...

Finding an ESL teaching position in France is not the same as in many other countries. It requires more rigor during the job search and some significant money for the start-up. Despite France's high unemployment rate, it is however possible to secure a job but it will take a longer to find.

France is not the country to live and work in if you want to spontaneously show up and immediately earn cash. You need a game plan. The first component is where in France, do you want to based? If you want an ESL job, it means you must chose a city where there is a demand for English. Unfortunately, the small romantic village in the middle of the country, where most of us would love to live, has a population with an average age of 60. That means low demand for work, let alone English. You want to be based or live near a large city. Paris is ideal and offers by far the most options for jobs. However, many people don't want to live in a city so large. If you are one of these people, here is the criteria for a workable city(not village)almost anywhere in the world.

1. It has a university- University towns equate with young adults who might need English for their studies, for a semester abroad or just because they enjoy speaking with foreigners.

2. It has an economic center that depends on the international community- Cities with office parks for technology or transportation, for example, are good because it insures a base of young professionals who need English for their job.

3. It is a dynamic city- Cities that are/and promote a cosmopolitan attitude are best because ultimately our potential clients are people who are interested in foreigners or foreign things. Cities or towns where there are already a lot of foreigners and where there is constant change for improvement are ideal.

Next, arm yourself with the appropriate qualifications. As a general rule, ESL employers look for a college degree of any discipline and a TEFL/TESOL certificate. Yes while there are exceptions, lacking one or both of these items makes your task woefully more difficult. For those of you who already have qualifications for teaching in main stream education in your home country, French employers typically disregard them unless said qualifications were obtained in France. (I didn't make the rules...don't shoot the messenger)

With credentials obtained, you would next incorporate them in a C.V. written in French. In most other countries in the world, that I know of, where English is in demand, this is not neccessary... a C.V. in English would be suitable. At any rate, I suggest you have a C.V. and cover letter professionally translated if you are not fluent in French.

Lastly, get the English language school addresses for your target town and send them out. Hiring times are early September, late March/early April. Forget looking for a job in the summer, its vacation time in France.

Ironically, even though a C.V. should be written in French, it is most likely possible that the interview can or will be conducted in English. So you don't need to be a fluent French speaker to get or hold an ESL job.

TESOL/TEFL Guide

2007-01-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

- TESOL a guide towards a Teaching English career -

TESOL is the abbreviated form of an internationally acknowledged diploma course.The full form is Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages. This degree willenable you to become a teacher to the mass whose native tongue is not English. Thiscourse will train you in the basic approaches; prime teaching methods and learningtechniques to teach English effectively to foreign pupils with diverse studentprofiles and dissimilar requirements.

TEFL and TESOL

The acronyms TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (TeachingEnglish to Speakers of Other Languages) can often be confusing. Both terms are usedinterchangeably and effectively mean the same thing. In both cases, the aim isteaching English to those whose first language is not English, worldwide.

A TESOL Qualification adds to your worth

Most countries consider a TESOL certification a pre-requisite to securing a jobas a teacher in the English language.
The TESOL training program familiarizes you with systematic lesson plans,effective classroom management and efficient teaching techniques.
Your fundamental knowledge of the language and grammar skills is furtherstrengthened before facing a classroom of learners.
The program brings out your best teaching skills, and the training imparted givesyou hands on teaching experience.
There is a great demand worldwide for TESOL teachers and this opens a whole newvista of career opportunities.

Teaching Prospects after TESOL

Many primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities require qualifiedEnglish language instructor. Having a TESOL certificate can brighten up yourprospect as an English teacher around the globe.

The best career option for a new TESOL pass out is in the domain of a privateschool where you can teach both grown ups and kids usually through conversation.

You may even get lucky as a teacher in a business house. Here you only have totoil for one to two hours each week.

Private tuition is another option if you can set up a group of students. Here youhave to interact with your students directly.

The icing on the cake is that you can travel and see the world while you earn.The countries that you can visit and teach English with your TESOL qualificationinclude Japan, Vietnam, South Korea , China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan in Asia;Turkey, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland in Europe; and Chile, Peru, Brazil andArgentina in South America, amongst others.

Other TESOL Advantages

The vital reward is your right to use the available information, seek aid andassistance even after finishing your graduation long ago. You are admitted to enterthe worldwide job databases, seek information about recruitments, and look forguides to different countries and more. You can benefit from discussion forums, canshare concepts and ideas or seek help through Internet chat rooms. You can make yourclasses better by downloading array of resources and ideas for ensuing lessons.

If you're thinking of a teaching Englishcareer,
you'll find more interesting http://www.teachingenglishtips.com/tesol/tesol.html">TESOL, http://www.teachingenglishtips.com/tefl/tefl.html">TEFL and http://www.teachingenglishtips.com/tesl/tesl.html">TESL
related articles at http://www.teachingenglishtips.com">www.TeachingEnglishTips.com

The Uninvited Guest

2006-12-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

We are all uninvited guests when we arrive in a foreign country whether we are just visiting or are planning to stay a while. That is not to say "unwelcomed" but it does mean it is on us to conform to the social norms and cultural demands of a given country. One person cannot change a culture. We must bend to culture. Rest assured that no matter which country you choose to live, no matter how close it is, geographically, to your home country there will be culture differences that are both evident and not so evident.

Living in a foreign country is about acceptance. Once realizing what cultural norms we enjoy and what we don't enjoy so much, it's time to decide if we can live with and accept the things we don't enjoy so much. If we can accept the things that are less than appealing about the host country, it's a good sign that we can stay and be happy. If said factors cannot be accepted, more than likely its a good idea to leave.

When I lived in Thailand, for the first months, I was very happy. The people are friendly, the weather is great and the pay is reasonable considering it's south-east Asia. However the minor things that bothered me just a bit at first began to grow until I could no longer avoid my real feelings. The problems I had with culture were related to the lack of expressing personal opinions, true feelings and asking the question,"why"which is similar in many Asian countries. It's something I can never change about the culture but is something I need to have healthy relationships in my life. So ultimately I left for the Western world even though there will always be a special place in my heart for Thailand. Great place to visit, it just isn't the right country for me to live.

The Language Exchange

2006-11-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

So you've arrived in the country of choice but you are less than fluent in the local language. You have several options;

You could pay for language lessons. It does help especially if you are a low beginner. However, language lessons can be expensive and have inconvenient hours if you are working everyday.

You could decide to do nothing, with the attitude that the language will just come as, after all, you do live there. This option is very possible but know that language acquisition does not come without active participation. That means you actually have to talk... a lot to reach your language speaking goals.

One way that encourages the activity of speaking is a "language exchange". Here you meet with a native of the country where you live who would like to improve their English. You do an hour of English conversation and an hour of the native language. This method is two-fold; You are increasing your exposure to the native language and culture of your new home but also you are meeting people. One of the struggles of living in a foreign country is making friends who are natives as opposed to your fellow English teachers. Regularly meeting with people for the purpose of exchanging language automatically puts us in a potential social situation. You can meet at a cafe, go to an art exhibit together... anything that promotes conversation. Chances are your language exchange friends have other native friends who would like to meet you as well. What could be better?

Setting up in a Foreign Country

2006-11-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

How to go about setting up in a foreign country all depends on the country of choice and the desired job. Assuming you want to teach English, it's possible to get practically all the setting up done before you arrive if you want to teach in Japan, Korea or China assuming you have at the minimum a college degree of any discipline. Jobs can be arranged via internet and often jobs locate housing for you. As for the rest of the world, the best jobs are not on the internet, it's often better to go there and search for work.

South-east Asia is probably one of the easiest regions to "show up" and "set up" simply because there is a high demand for English and there is a low cost of living. More specifically, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

While there is a strong demand for English in Central and South America, know that the pay is very low. It is , however, relatively affordable, as well, to show up, locate housing and start up. In fact you should do just that simply because caution should be used when selecting an employer. See the school, try to speak with some of the other teachers and make sure expectations on both sides are clear. More and more, a TEFL/TESOL Certificate will be required.

Speaking of expectations, North African countries such as Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt have a solid demand for English. All the comments mentioned above for the Americas apply here. However, in this region, it is necessary to be even more scrutinizing when it comes to choosing a school. Definitely go online before arrival to find out which schools have good/bad reputations. Secure a contract before you begin working. Promises, in this region, that are too good to be true probably are. Lastly trust your instincts. Using caution in the begining when selecting a school will pay off in the end as this is one of the most exciting regions in the world to spend time.

Western Europe poses the most challenges because the start- up expenses and cost of living are higher as opposed to other countries mentioned above as well as the visa restrictions that apply for Non- EU residents. Despite these obstacles, this part of the world maintains a strong demand for English teachers, however here more than anywhere else it requires you to be active when searching (for both housing and employment)and have TEFL certified to secure employment.

Lastly, Eastern Europe aggresively seeks English teachers and there is support for locating housing. Despite the fact that many Eastern European countries have been added to the EU, currently there are no restrictions on Non-EU residents seeking work. Turkey which balances between Europe and the Middle-east promises university jobs, housing assistance and very good pay for those who posess a TEFL/TESOL Certificate.

The Big Adventure

2006-10-24T03:07:00.000-07:00

Before embarking on the adventure of living abroad, we should ask ourselves some questions. As I've said before, being a foreigner in a different country is not for everyone. Understand that while of course there will be great times and new adventures there will also be times of loneliness and occasional feelings of isolation.

The first question we might ask ourselves is why do we want to leave our home country? There are many good answers to this question. But the underlying reason should express what we hope to discover, accomplish, learn and experience. Answers which tell us that we might not be making the right choice involve expressing what we want to avoid or escape by leaving. Leaving home due to unresolved issues with your country, relationships in your life or other problems you may have is never the right choice. No matter how far you travel, whatever problems, conflicts and stress you have, they come along with you in the form of "emotional baggage".

Another question we might ask is where, or rather which country is most suitable. While this is a really good question, the answer should be flexible. That is to say you should have a few countries in mind where you'd be willing to live. (Have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice scenario) The reason for this is simply that depending on the current economical, social and immigration situations in a given country some regions will be easier than others to find work, housing, making a life. It's important to research the potential countries of interest before making a decision.

Also consider the fact that just because you have taken your "second choice" country for now doesn't imply that you will never live in your first choice country. This is about good timing. Assuming that you are looking for an adventure and creating your own path, often taking a longer route leads to a richer experience.

Speaking of good timing... When will this great adventure start? Factors to consider are:

How much money will you have available? You may need time to save money before you go. Even if you have a job arranged before you arrive, you will need start up money. How much depends on the average cost of living in the country of choice. For example, even though its not always possible to arrange a job in advance in South-east Asia, the cost of living is relatively low. So you could conceivably show up with about $1000 and have enough to live off of until you find a job teaching English. Conversely, planning to live in most Western European countries requires much more money to get set up.

Putting closure on commitments in your home country. Included in this would be, leaving your existing job, making decisons on what to do with existing property and family commitments. Know that even if you own property, that, by itself, is not a reason to slow you down on living abroad and it doesn't mean you must sell. It does mean you must research your options.

Knowledge of destination country. To decide when to go, you must know factors on the country of choice such as, hiring times, cultural expectations and local support for setting up.

Use these factors to decide when you will leave and stick to it. Actually set a date and year.

Lastly is... How? We will talk about how to set up next week.

Don't Postpone Joy!

2006-10-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Leaving your home country to face the unknown of a new culture, new career and new life style is never an easy decison and is not for everyone. The purpose of this blog is to share personal experience as well as practical advice for taking the big leap... travel and live abroad.

For many years, I was a disgruntled architect who moved from job to job and city to city hoping to find the right fit. I finally realized that the best option for me was to stop following the beaten path and create my own. However, the question was how might I go about doing this? What could I do to earn a living aside from architecture? What was I good at? At that time, as far as I knew.. not much else.

I began to ask myself, to remember, when was I happiest? Forget about money, (momentarily) forget about how. What times in my life was I happy? Well, I was happiest during the time I was working on a Master's degree in Architecture. More specifically while I was doing the study-abroad component of my training in Italy. It wasn't just Italy, it was the freedom I felt, the discovery process and being a foreigner that contributed to my happiness.

I decided that just the act of living abroad might be just the adventure I needed to jump start my spirit. I had not yet decided how long I wanted to spend outside of the country or what I would do when I returned but I knew for sure that the sheer act of travel was exactly what I needed to discover where my future lies.

After identifying what I would do post- architecture, the big questions were which country and how to make money. Ironically, this part was not particularly difficult for me. Since I had no interest in returning to school, there is only one career that is in demand in many parts of the world that I was qualified for and that is teaching English as a second language. I choose Japan because at that time it was relatively easy to find a job and no experience was required except being a native English speaker. Perfect!

From that moment on my life has been an endless adventure that still hasn't ceased to surprise me. I have no regrets and through weekly chronicles I will describe the events that have taken place since the fateful day that I left for Japan. After all, its been almost seven years that I've been living outside of the U.S. and after a few continents and many countries later, I've found myself in the south of France. I hope that by sharing my experiences and a little advice here and there that I can help others take that big leap.