Plan to Live Abroad

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEFL Nice - Cannes

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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.