Roselle Brennan, Author at i-to-i TEFL

Springtime in South-East Asia – The Arrival of the Cherry Blossoms!

Posted on March 8, 2025March 13, 2025 by Roselle Brennan

It’s March, which can only mean one thing in South-East Asia – the arrival of the famous cherry blossoms! Each year, with the coming of spring, countries like Japan and South Korea receive a gorgeous gift of the ‘en masse’ blooming of their cherry blossom trees. The colours of the flowers range from white to deep pink and they are an impressive sight to behold!

So, why should you be interested in a flowering tree? Well, the obvious reason is the fact that they look absolutely stunning and you can spend days just marvelling at their beauty (while getting some great photos for your Instagram). Another main reason is that they bring with them lots of fun and interesting traditions and festivals for you to enjoy. So, there’s never been a better time to head over to South-East Asia!

Japan

The most well-known for being a cherry blossom hotspot, Japan even has the cherry blossom (‘sakura’ in Japanese) as its national flower!

Cherry blossoms also have symbolic meaning in Japan, where they are considered representative of the transient and fleeting nature of life, a reminder of mortality, and a reminder of the fact that you should gracefully accept your destiny. This is because the cherry blossom flowers are only in full bloom for a very short time each spring, usually only a few weeks at the end of March and beginning of April.

Because of its importance, you’ll find the cherry blossom symbol everywhere in Japan. From traditional tattoo art and kimonos to stationery and sports teams!

‘Hanami’ is the Japanese word given to the tradition of going to view the cherry blossoms. It’s a tradition which dates back over 1000 years and is an important event in Japanese culture. It’s usually celebrated by sitting under cherry blossom trees in public spaces (usually parks), having a picnic with family and friends, and drinking saké (a Japanese alcohol made from fermented rice). Be warned, you might have to get up early in the morning to get a good picnic spot, as it can get quite competitive and busy later in the day!

It’s also important to note that the cherry blossom celebrations don’t all happen at the same time in Japan, as they bloom at different times of the year in different parts of the country. Cherry blossom festivals usually start around March time and end in May, so now is a great time to go to catch them!

Want to find a TEFL role in Japan so you can get out there and experience the magic of the cherry blossoms this spring? Head to the LoveTEFL jobs board to check out the latest vacancies.

Need to get qualified first? Take our quick course quiz to find out which TEFL course is your perfect match!

South Korea

Another great place to see some amazing cherry blossoms (‘beot-kkot’ in Korean) is South Korea. They go all-out with their festivals, with each location having their own version, so you’ll have loads to choose from. There is even have a cherry blossom marathon in Gyeongju!

Of all the festivities, the Seoul Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place in the park alongside the Han river, is arguably the most famous one in South Korea. It involves lively street performers, delicious food stalls, and arts and crafts exhibits, as well as prime viewing of around 1,500 gorgeous cherry blossom trees. Definitely not a sight to be missed!

As they do in Japan, the cherry blossoms also have symbolic meaning in South Korea, but the meaning is quite different! For Koreans they are seen as a symbol of purity and beauty. They have also been used in Korean pop culture (such as K-dramas) to represent true love.

Want to get out there and see them for yourself? And maybe fall in love (probably with South Korea!) as the cherry blossoms start to fall? Then check out our amazing Paid South Korea Internship – a fully supported way of getting a well-paid TEFL position in this beautiful country.

Fall in Love with TEFL

Posted on February 1, 2025February 3, 2025 by Roselle Brennan

Looking for love this Valentine’s Day? Well, just call us Cupid because we’re going to help you fall in love….with TEFL!

Forget swiping on apps, we have your Prince/Princess Charming right here!

Why is TEFL your perfect match?

Let us count the ways….

It will improve your confidence and make you feel good about yourself (like every good relationship should!)
You can travel the world and experience loads of amazing things together. Including (but not limited to) fascinating cultures and traditions, delicious foods, and beautiful sights!
It will make you an even better version of yourself, as you’ll be making a real difference to people’s lives (and every good partner should bring out the best in you!)
You can fit it around your existing commitments (it won’t get needy and clingy and demand ALL of your time, like some people might…)
It will introduce you to new people, so you can make loads of new friends for life!
Together you can earn a good wage, which means more money to spend on the things you enjoy
It will never leave you! Once you’ve got TEFL, you’ve got it for life (security AND excitement? Sign us up!)

All this means you + TEFL = a Power Couple, if ever we’ve seen one.

And why should you trust our match-making skills?

Because we love happily ever afters! And because…

We’ve been around TEFL for over 28 years! So we know everything there is to know about it and can help make it the best experience for you
We have specialised support teams of match-makers and problem-solvers (aka TEFL Experts, Customer Support, Academic Support, and highly qualified tutors) that will be here with you every step of your journey, to make sure you have the best chance of success. Think of them like relationship therapists!
We’re regulated by Ofqual, part of the UK-Government, and accredited by Gatehouse (which makes our match-making skills very official!)
We work exclusively online, so you don’t have to worry about attending anything in person and can go at your own pace

Ready to be swept off your feet and fall in love with TEFL? Head to our courses page to get started, or arrange for a free call back from one of our friendly advisors, who will be only too happy to help set you up!

Winter celebrations around the world

Posted on December 1, 2024December 2, 2024 by Roselle Brennan

Winter celebrations are the best! As the cold creeps in and the dark nights are getting earlier (in the Northern Hemisphere anyway), safe to say we all need a bit of cheering up. And what better way to cheer yourself up, than with a fun and festive celebration?

Different countries and cultures around the world have different traditions and celebrations in the winter months, so you have lots to choose from and enjoy. We have listed some of the most popular ones below, so get stuck in and warm up your winter (or liven up the next few months if you’re in South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand, as you’re probably already warm enough – lucky you!)

Diwali/Deepavali

Although it’s already been and gone this year, it’s a beautiful celebration and well worth remembering for next year. The word Deepavali (from Sanskrit) means “row of lighted lamps”, and this is why it is often known as the festival of light! It’s a 5-day holiday that is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world, with each religion assigning a different historical event or story to the celebration.

For those that celebrate, it represents new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness – a very cheering concept!

Many of those that observe this holiday will use lights and oil lamps to mark the occasion (either on the street or in houses) and it’s usually celebrated with a combination of family, feasting, and fireworks.

The dates of celebration change each year but are usually in October or November.

Bodhi Day

This is a Buddhist holiday that is celebrated on the 8^th of December each year, more commonly in countries with a strong Buddhist presence, such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

It commemorates the day that they believe Gautami Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, reached enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree, and is traditionally a day of quiet reflection, so meditation and prayer are usually practised. Performing acts of kindness towards others is also encouraged – which sounds lovely.

St. Lucia Day

This is a Christian holiday that is mainly observed in Italy, Sweden, and Norway on the 13^th of December each year. It celebrates St. Lucia, who is believed to have brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs, wearing a candlelit wreath on her head, before being killed by the Romans for her religious beliefs.

Traditionally the eldest daughter in the family will serve coffee and baked goods to the rest of the family in the home, to represent St. Lucia feeding the Christians in the catacombs.

In Sweden and Norway, each town will also usually elect a person to represent St. Lucia in a procession that goes through the streets. Children tend to wear white outfits, with girls having lighted wreaths on their heads, and everyone sings traditional songs. It represents bringing hope and light to the darkest months of the year and is seen as the beginning of Christmas celebrations.

Hannukah/Chanukah

Another celebration known as the festival of lights, Hannukah is a Jewish holiday that takes places over 8 days in November or December each year. Hannukah comes from the word Chanukah, which means dedication in Hebrew.

During the celebration, a special candle holder with 8 branches, called a Menorah, is used. A different candle on the Menorah is lit each day of the celebration and the 8 days symbolise the story that one days’ worth of oil kept the lights burning for 8 days in a Jewish temple in ancient times, after the Jewish community had won back the right to practice their religion freely.

Traditionally, families exchange gifts, share traditional foods and games, and exchange chocolate coins to increase happiness – well it would work for us!

Winter Solstice

This was originally a pagan celebration and is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world, marking the official start of winter (as it’s the longest night, in the Northern Hemisphere, and the shortest day). There are lots of different versions of this celebration known by different names in other cultures (Yalda night-Iran, Inti Raymi-Peru, Dong Zhi-China) that are celebrated on a variety of different days, but all the celebrations share the same purpose.

The purpose is to celebrate the changing of the seasons, and the winter solstice represents regeneration and renewal, for those that observe it. Some people celebrate by eating traditionally ‘wintry’ foods, such as nuts, berries, root vegetables, and game meats (e.g. venison).

This winter celebration falls on the 21^st of December each year.

Christmas

A traditionally Christian holiday, that celebrates the belief that Christ was born on 25^th December, and is associated with going to church, helping those less fortunate than yourself, and sharing the day with family and friends.

It is now celebrated more widely around the world, with the Christmas ‘season’ running from the start of December to 1^st January, and it’s more and more commonly celebrated without religious meaning. The non-religious version of Christmas involves the giving and exchanging of gifts, and, for children, is associated with Father Christmas/Santa Claus visiting on Christmas Eve to leave gifts under the Christmas tree or in a Christmas stocking.

A Christmas tree and lights are often used to decorate the home and it’s traditional to have a roast turkey dinner, and gather with family, on Christmas Day itself.

The Day of Goodwill

Started in 1994 in South Africa, The Day of Goodwill occurs on the 26^th of December each year and the aim of the day is to give back to society. On this day many South Africans will donate food or goods to those less fortunate than themselves.

It’s about moving away from the more materialistic aspects of some modern holidays and enjoying the company of family and friends, while doing something good for your community.

Kwanzaa

Another relatively new celebration, as it was started in the 1960s by a professor of Africana studies at California State University, Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa was created as a way to bring the African American community together – celebrating life as well as African cultures and values. It is primarily celebrated in the USA but is becoming more widely celebrated throughout the world.

The number 7 is important in Kwanzaa:

There are 7 letters in the name
Each of the 7 days of celebration are dedicated to one of 7 principles: unity(umoja), self-determination(kujichagulia), collective responsibility(ujima), cooperative economics(ujamaa), purpose(nia), creativity(kuumba) and faith(imani)
There are 7 symbols of the holiday: fruits, veg and nuts; a straw mat; a candleholder; ears of corn; gifts; a communal cup signifying unity; 7 candles in red, green, and black.

Throughout the 7 days, African American families and communities come together to engage in activities based around the 7 principles, including storytelling, singing, dancing, and cooking. On the last evening (Dec 31^st) it’s traditional to hold a communal feast called Karamu.

This celebration begins on the 26^th of December and ends on the 1^st of January.

New Year’s Day

For those that follow the Gregorian calendar (hint: this is followed by many countries in the world, so it might be you!) New Year’s Day is celebrated on 1^st January each year. It is usually preceded by a New Year’s Eve party, on 31^st December, where people traditionally gather with friends and family to ‘see in the New Year’ together, waiting for the countdown to midnight to be able to wish each other a ‘Happy New Year’ the moment it becomes 1^st January.

There are lots of different ways countries celebrate the New Year at midnight, including:

Setting off fireworks – USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and many more
Eating 12 grapes, one with each ‘bong’ of the clock (marking midnight), and if you manage to eat all 12, you will have good luck for the rest of the year – Spain
Making a man out of straw and old clothes, that represents the old year with all its faults, and burning it to start the New Year afresh – Ecuador
Visiting a shrine or a temple after a feast at 11pm – Japan

Three Kings Day

A Catholic holiday that occurs on 6^th January each year, this celebrates the three kings (aka. three wise men) who, according to the bible, brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

It is celebrated in different countries throughout the world but, most prominently, in countries with high concentrations of Catholics, such as Mexico or Spain.

In Mexico, children leave their shoes by their front door for the kings to leave presents in, and in Spain families exchange gifts and gather to eat a rosca de reyes, which is a circular sweet bread that represents the crowns of the kings and has a hidden figurine of the baby Jesus inside. The person that gets the piece with the figurine inside is expected to host a party on 2^nd February that year!

Chinese New Year

Also known as ‘Lunar New Year’, as it is based on the lunar calendar, this event is celebrated primarily in China and involves welcoming in the New Year, and the spring season, by cleaning the home, performing prayers and rituals, and feasting with family and friends.

It is traditional to eat extremely long noodles for Chinese New Year, as they are thought to symbolise long life, and receive gifts of money from relatives in red envelopes, to encourage good luck and wealth for the year ahead.

Each new year also comes with a new animal (12 in total – based on the Chinese Zodiac) and the animals bring different expectations for each year. For example, in China it is often common to experience baby booms in the year of the Dragon, as this is considered the most auspicious zodiac animal and is believed to bring strength and good luck to those born under it. Births in the year of the sheep tend to be avoided, as the sheep is considered a less prosperous animal and it is believed that children born under this zodiac will have a lifetime of bad luck.

The date of celebration changes each year, but it usually falls in either January or February.

Want to figure out your own zodiac sign, to see if you’re in for a lifetime of good luck or bad? Click here.

Nyepi

This is the Balinese New Year (according to the Balinese Saka calendar) and it’s celebrated towards the end of the winter season.

The word Nyepi means ‘to keep silent’ and it is a day of complete quiet on the island of Bali, where all lights are turned off during the hours of darkness and nothing noisy is permitted. People are expected to rest, meditate, and reflect in their homes – no transport (e.g. planes or cars), electronics (e.g. x-box or phones), or work (e.g. shops and restaurants) allowed! The island comes to a complete standstill and is extremely peaceful.

However, this day of complete calm is preceded by one of the noisiest evenings ever! There will be massive processions through the streets in the evening, with loud music, dancing, and large Ogoh-Ogoh (frightening papier-maché creations) which are taken to a central location and burned, to banish evil spirits that have come to the island over the last year.

It’s an amazing experience but, to catch it, you’ll have to make sure you’re there in plenty of time, before the transport shuts down!

However you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a magical winter and enjoy yourself!

Feel like we’ve missed an important celebration off our list? Get in touch via our Facebook or Instagram and we’ll try to add on as many as we can!

Want a way to get out there and experience these celebrations for yourself? Then, get TEFL qualified! Once you are, you’ll be able to travel and earn to your heart’s content, and get a chance to see all these amazing celebrations in person.

Teaching English Online as a South African TEFL teacher

Posted on April 27, 2023April 26, 2023 by Roselle Brennan

Want to know all about teaching English online as a South African? Well, this is the blog for you!

South African TEFL teacher Rosland is one of our amazing i-to-i graduates! As she’s been through the whole process and is now a successful online TEFL teacher, we asked her to answer some of your burning questions! We covered everything from becoming a TEFL teacher and finding online work to how COVID, and the change to Chinese regulations, has been affecting TEFL teachers.

So, let’s dive in!

How did you become a TEFL teacher?

I was a PR manager and events coordinator for three years. However, it’s always been a passion of mine to find a job that allows me to travel. 2019 was the year I decided to follow that dream.

I did the Level 5 TEFL Diploma with i-to-i. I was working full time in Cape Town and doing the TEFL course when I came back from work, and over the weekends. At the end of my TEFL course, I signed a contract for a job in China and was supposed to go in February 2020 but, as you know, COVID happened!

I had already resigned from the PR agency, so I was left without a job. I had enough savings to get me through six months, but I realised that COVID wasn’t going to end any time soon, so I started looking for online teaching jobs. The best way to use my TEFL skills and earn money, without leaving South Africa!

How long did it take you to find an online TEFL job?

I thought it would be quick to find an online TEFL job, but it took me about two months in the end.

I was applying to the big companies but the majority of them require you to have prior teaching experience. However, at the time I was applying, the jobs market was quite saturated. COVID had just hit and lots of people had come back from the countries they were teaching in and were applying to teach online, often with a lot of experience to back them up. So, it’s all different now that things are calming down!

It was also not easy trying to find out which companies do actually take South African citizens, so that took a bit of research.

(Side note from i-to-i: Since Rosland’s experience, i-to-i have decided to do the hard work for you! Check out our Top 8 online TEFL employers for South Africans)

Just keep going and you’ll get there!

How did you find your first online TEFL job?

Landi English was the first company that got back to me. I did my interview but three days later, I got a ‘Sorry, your interview was not successful.’ Before I applied again, I went onto YouTube and found a mentor who worked for Landi English. He told me I was a good candidate but there were things that I needed to be aware of in the interview and when doing the demo class.

I had a few master classes with my mentor, nailed the demo class with him, and was ready to apply to Landi again. This time they were happy with my interview and referred me to their sister company, Dazao English, who was taking on South Africans with no prior teaching experience. I worked for Dazao English for three months.

(The lesson? Always be prepared. Do thorough research beforehand and make sure some of your research is company specific.

Check out Rosland’s webinar about how to prepare for your TEFL interview for more detailed advice. i-to-i also have another blog post about mastering the TEFL interview, for you to use along with the webinar, to really make sure you’re prepared!

Also, if you really want to take your application to the next level, we would recommend you take our 420hr Level 5 Advanced Diploma. It’s the highest qualification we offer and will really stand out to employers when you’re applying for jobs!)

What are your tips for applying for online TEFL jobs?

When you apply for online TEFL jobs, make sure you have a great, clear photo that makes you look professional but friendly. You should also include a short introduction about yourself, your experience, and your personality.

Tailor your experience towards teaching and working with kids. For example, if you have been a waiter in a restaurant that has a lot of foreign customers, you could say you work well with people from different cultures. If you have any experience of working with children, as a babysitter or a swimming coach for instance, definitely put that in and highlight it. It’s very important!

I also recommend that you tailor your skills towards teaching. For example, if you have good communication skills, good classroom management skills, if you’re patient, if you have good listening skills, if you’re really technically savvy – you can highlight any of these.

It’s also really important to include your tech set up. If you have a headset with an external microphone, mention that. If you have a quiet space to teach, mention that in your application. If you have good WiFi and 5MB upload / download speed, mention that. Also mention the make of the laptop / PC you will be using. I’ve got a MacBook Air, so I say that.

Most companies ask you for a demo or intro video. Film yourself beforehand so you have the video ready to upload for online applications. Make sure you show a bubbly personality, do lots of smiling, and use TPR (total physical response). TPR is really important for online teaching, and they look for it in interviews.

(Want to know more about TPR? Check out our FREE TPR mini TEFL course, with key videos for you to watch and advice / exercises for you to use in your demo lessons and when you’re actually teaching online).

What equipment do you use for teaching online?

I have a MacBook Air, fibre broadband, and uncapped WiFi with 5MB upload and download speed.

My headset is a gaming headset that can also be used in a laptop. It has an external microphone, that is needed for online teaching. I paid about 200 Rand [£10] for it. If you can find a cheap one like this, it does the trick. Headsets can be really expensive. Don’t spend more than 500 Rand [£25] on a headset!

Is load-shedding an issue for teaching English online as a South African?

Unfortunately, load-shedding happens. If you’re South African and you want to work online, I highly recommend that you invest in a load-shedding back up plan!

I have a portable WiFi dongle, which I always keep charged, and I also always keep my laptop charged, when I’m working on it. Load-shedding in Cape Town is generally two to two and a half hours so, if we do have load-shedding, my laptop battery and WiFi dongle can last me through that. My back-up plan is pretty simple. It gets me through my classes, and I haven’t had a problem with it yet!

Which online company are you working for now?

They actually aren’t an online company! In September 2020 the international school in China I had signed a contract for, contacted me, and asked if I could teach their classes online. I teach classes of about 10 to 15 students from grades one, four and five and I have also tutored Matric students.

The classes last 45 to 60 minutes and I have to create my own lesson plans. I have a set teaching guide, based on topics that need to be covered for that learning unit or for that month or term. I tailor the class according to that, using my own teaching materials to make the classes more fun and engaging and to get the kids to speak and interact more with me. I enjoy it because I can tailor my lessons to what I want to teach them!

Recently the classes have changed slightly, and this may be due to the change in Chinese regulations. Instead of teaching a combination of Chinese and Korean students, I now only teach the Korean students. This hasn’t affected my workload though, and I am still teaching the same number of hours I was before!

How much can you earn teaching English online?

Your pay depends on the company and your experience. The more experience you have, the better earning potential you have. The bigger companies pay you more, but tend to require a degree, teaching experience, and a TEFL certificate. The smaller companies will probably take you without a degree, or if you have no experience, but tend to pay you a bit less.

If you get offered a job with a smaller company, I would advise you take it and get experience, while you continue looking for bigger companies. That’s what I did and the pay was not high initially, but I took the first job because I knew that the experience would be valuable for me.

How do you get paid?

When you’re teaching English online, how you get paid depends on the company you are working for. Dazao English paid directly into my South African bank account. They asked for banking information, and I don’t think any deduction was made.

The Chinese school I’m working with now also pays directly into my South African bank account, but some companies will ask you for a PayPal account or another type of banking system. You just have to go with the flow and use whatever they’re using!

What do you like best about online teaching?

So many things! But the main ones are the fact that I can work from anywhere, I just need to make sure I have good WiFi connection and my equipment with me, and the fact that I find it a pretty easy way to TEFL, as the subject material is provided and I just have to focus on coming up with fun and engaging activities, which I enjoy!

Another benefit is the time zone difference. I’m often finished with teaching by 11AM my time so I have the rest of the day to myself, which gave me the opportunity to earn even more money with an additional job. At the minute I’m doing some PR work again in the afternoons, on a freelance basis.

What are some of the challenges?

Although time zone differences are a positive for me, they can also be a challenge. I start work at 3AM my time which is sometimes a struggle, especially in the winter months! WiFi connection can also be a challenge, but this is often completely outside of your control so you just have to go with the flow and reconnect as soon as possible.

Another challenge can be the fact that online schools are often prone to changing their platforms on very short notice. The ones I have been using are also all in Chinese, so it takes some quick Google translating to work out how to start a class! You get used to them quickly though, so it isn’t a big problem.

Any top tips for teaching online?

If you’re creating your own materials, be organised. I have everything saved and categorised in folders on my computer so I can find anything I need quickly. It also means you can reuse the material for the next year of students! Put in the hard work initially and it will pay off over time, as you build up your stock of lesson plans and activities.

Another tip is to try and go with the flow as much as you can. Lessons can be added last minute, or random holidays can crop up at a moment’s notice, but it’s important to take it in your stride and not let it stress you out! It’s just the way things are. Try to be prepared for anything and don’t worry if things change. With my current job, I only had a few days notice from being told I was hired to taking my first class but I love thinking on my feet and it keeps life interesting!

Have you found any good resources for online teaching?

For the younger kids, Cocomelon videos are usually very popular and engaging, and they are great for practicing vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills. You can find loads of videos on YouTube and the students are always asking me to put it on!

For the older kids, the website ISL collective is great. It basically makes lesson planning really easy, as you can type in what you’re aiming to teach and it will give you advice on how to teach that topic, and provide you with an appropriate PowerPoint and worksheet!

123listening.com is also a great resource for listening and writing exercises, as the audio provided links to a worksheet that you can send ahead of the class. The students/teaching assistant can then print out the worksheet and it can be filled in during the class, while listening to the audio.

How has COVID and the changes to Chinese regulations affected your online work?

Well COVID was the reason I started teaching online in the first place! And, as I said before, I think the change in Chinese regulations may have affected who I have in my classes, as I now teach only the Korean students rather than a mix of Chinese and Korean students, but other than that I haven’t noticed any changes.

I think this might be because I am teaching online with an actual school that students attend in person, rather than a purely online platform, but I’m not really sure.

Can I find a TEFL job online without having teaching experience?

Yes of course! I had zero experience when I applied for jobs. I was still in my PR job in Cape Town. In those interviews, I knew I had no experience but I didn’t make that a big thing. I told them I gained a lot of knowledge from the TEFL courses that I did and that I know a teaching method that I’m comfortable with, which is the PPP method.

If you don’t have experience, fake it until you make it! Discuss what you learned in your TEFL course and any experience you have working with kids. I said I don’t have traditional experience working with kids, or teaching in general, but I come from a big family. I am trusted around my little nieces and nephews and I enjoy being around kids. I am also a good leader and a good communicator. That is what convinced them!

Can I find a TEFL job if I’m South African?

Lots of people talk about the struggles of being South African and wanting to teach. I’m not going to say that it’s easy but if you are dedicated to finding a job and doing all the steps to become a successful candidate, you definitely can teach online or abroad. It just requires a bit more work. I’m living proof that it is possible for South Africans to do TEFL!

Want to learn more about TEFL?

Download i-to-i’s free TEFL for South Africans Guide to find out more about teaching English online and abroad as a South African

So, now you know all about teaching English online as a South African TEFL teacher, we bet you can’t wait to get started! We can help you there! Still need to get TEFL qualified? Easy! All you need to do is visit our TEFL Courses page and decide which Level 5 Diploma is right for you.

Ready to job hunt? Great! Head over to the LoveTEFL jobs board to get started!

Need a bit more advice on your next steps? No problem! Arrange a free call back with one of our TEFL Experts, and they will be happy to advise you.

How to Apply For (and Land) Amazing TEFL Jobs!

Posted on April 26, 2023April 26, 2023 by Roselle Brennan

Hi everyone,

It’s Audrey, but you probably know me as @travelrichmoneypoor! I completed my certificate with i-to-i TEFL in 2018 and have had no problems finding a job (or jobs I should say!) since then. In the past four years, I have taught at a Bilingual Kindergarten in Milan as well as with multiple companies online, and I’m now mainly freelancing. During the past three years, I’ve been accepted to three different online teaching platforms, so I know a LOT about the application process. Today I’m going to take you through how you can apply and land some amazing TEFL jobs.

Step One: Pick the right TEFL course

Step number one is extremely important and before you can pick the right TEFL course for you, you need to have an idea of who/what you want to teach. For example, it’s a bad idea to complete a 120-hour TEFL qualification if you want to teach Business English and IELTS, as the 120-hour doesn’t contain any specialist training in these. You’d be better off going for a 420-hour qualification that does!

So, before you select your course, make sure it will get you where you want to go. Want more information on the different types of TEFL courses out there and what they include? Check out i-to-i’s courses page! Eager to find out which course is your perfect match, and want to know right now? Fill in this quick 2-minute quiz and it will tell you!

Step Two: Find the right school/company for you

This is a SUPER important step as well. Please do not be one of those people that will apply to every job possible without researching each school or company… Why? Each school or company has it’s own rules and regulations, a different way that they teach, and different students that they teach. I personally love teaching children so I wouldn’t waste my time, or a potential employer’s, applying to schools or companies that solely teach adults.

This is also when you need to decide whether you’re looking to teach online or in-person overseas, as this will affect which schools/companies you look at and apply to.

Step Three: Set up the perfect profile and/or CV

Whether you need a profile and a CV, or just a CV, will depend on whether you’re looking to teach online or overseas.

When it comes to online teaching, you’ll usually need both. I like to break it down like this: A profile is for your potential students to read about you while a CV is strictly for the company’s eyes! Your profile is like a public version of your CV that you build on the company’s platform, so your potential students can check out what you have to offer. Your profile will be a little bit more relaxed, friendly, and engaging (compared to a traditional CV) and not excessively formal. Think of it as chatting with a friend. But don’t forget to mention, in this chat, all your transferrable skills, your experience within the field, and what you learned during your TEFL certificate. If you are applying to a children’s platform you can make your profile more inviting with emojis!

For your TEFL CV for both online and overseas positions, make sure you don’t include any emojis! It should be professional, in a logical format, free of mistakes (proofread a few times before you send it!), and detail all your relevant experience and why you’re the best candidate for the job. Want some more top tips on creating the perfect CV? Head to this useful blog.

Step Four: Put in a great application and ace your interview!

The application process will differ slightly, depending on whether you’re applying for online or overseas roles, so I’ve laid out the different structures below:

In-Person Teaching Jobs

Application

Once you have received your TEFL certificate, researched a few schools to apply to, and created your CV… it’s time to write a Cover Letter for each individual school. What is a Cover Letter? A Cover Letter is where you write a brief summary to a specific school (in letter format) telling them why you are the best candidate for the job. In the summary you can share more of your experiences, why you think you are the perfect match for this specific school, and how their schools values align with your own. With this Cover Letter you really want to show the school you have done your research and are motivated to work for them!! Once your CV and Cover Letters have been completed it’s time to send in your application!

Want some top tips for writing cover letters? Check out this blog.

Interview

Great work! You have made it to the next stage of the job application, the interview! Dress professionally, make sure you research key TEFL interview questions, practice some answers, and think of key questions to ask your interviewer. This is make or break time and you want to make a good first impression. So, make sure you have prepped and are ready to go! The school might ask you to perform a quick demo class as well. They will either send you a structure ahead of your interview to follow, or they will just ask you on the spot! I recommend checking out other demo lessons from the same school on YouTube and then practice doing your own versions (don’t just copy and paste!), until you’re comfortable planning and delivering them.

Want more tips on mastering your TEFL interview? Check out this blog.

Online Teaching Jobs:

Now that you have found a few companies to apply to online, it’s time you create your profile for each company.

Fill in Basic Information and Profile
This step shouldn’t be too difficult! You are going to write a profile that shares your experience as a teacher, what Certificate you hold, and your teaching style! Once you have done this it’s time for your intro video.

Create An Introduction Video
I like to have two introduction videos: one for adults and one for kids! Make sure to keep them generic (no company logos and or saying the company’s name so you can use them for multiple platforms). Make sure to dress professionally, have your camera at eye level, good natural lighting, and have an idea of what you are going to say. Note that I said have an “idea of what to say” – it’s important that you’re not reading from a script. A script will force you to become uncomfortable if you miss anything, will encourage you to be more monotonous in your voice (think boring teacher voice), and will make your eyes move oddly as you read from your script! Instead have a few talking points that prompt you and aim for around 2 minutes (as people will struggle to concentrate for much longer if English isn’t their first language). Top tip? DO NOT EVER put music over the top of your video. It will imply that you’re not confident enough in what you have to say and it could be really distracting/make it difficult for non-English speakers to understand what you’re saying. Speak slowly and make sure your pronunciation is perfect, your employers and students are watching!

Want some more top tips for intro videos? Check out this blog.

Prep Your Demo Classes
This is the fun but nerve-wracking part! The demo class or lesson is where you are going to showcase your skills to your future company and give them an demonstration of how you will be as a teacher. Make sure to give yourself enough time to practice beforehand. Do NOT schedule your demo class for the day after you find out you need to do it. You’ll need to create a background, make props, and practice, practice, practice!! So, you’ll need time to do this. I recommend that you practice at least two hours a day until your interview, so you have memorized what you’re teaching and the information will flow more naturally. If you’re nervous you can always check out examples from this specific company on YouTube to use as a reference point.

Want some more pointers about demo classes? Check out this blog.

Well, that’s all I have for you and I hope it helps! Best of luck with all your job interviews, and if you ever need any pointers just head to my Instagram @travelrichmoneypoor!

Already qualified and ready to start applying for roles? Head to the LoveTEFL Jobs Board to start your search!

How to Work from Anywhere – Digital Nomad Tips

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Roselle Brennan

It’s been two months since I left my belongings in storage and travelled to South-East Asia with nothing but a 40L backpack and my laptop! My name is Tab (@whereistab on Instagram) and I’m a full-time backpacker and digital nomad, which means that I spend my time travelling the world and working remotely. How do I fund my travels? By Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)! Working from your laptop on a Thai island or Vietnamese mountaintop sounds heavenly, but what’s the real story? Here’s everything I’ve learned about how to work from – almost – anywhere.

How to get started as a digital nomad

Don’t skip the fundamentals! Being a digital nomad offers freedom, flexibility, and endless travel opportunities – but it also requires lots of organisation. As a self-employed TEFL teacher, you are responsible for paying tax in your home country and filing any necessary paperwork. Make sure to do your research and get your freelancer career off to a flying start.

After you’ve qualified as a TEFL teacher, it’s time to put the hours in. Full-time travel is full of new experiences and plenty of challenges, so it’s a good idea to test your digital nomad set-up whilst you’re settled in your home country and get comfortable teaching online. I spent six months teaching English online in the UK before I booked my flights to Asia. That gave me plenty of time to get familiar with lesson planning, student support and time management before jumping into the nomadic lifestyle.

If you’re looking for advice on how to find your first remote teaching role, check out this article about teaching English online.

What equipment does a digital nomad need?

My number one digital nomad tip for solo travellers and full-time backpackers? Pack LIGHT! A 40L backpack might seem tiny but after lugging my bag around Asia for two months, I can honestly say I’m grateful it’s not even one pound heavier!

In my experience, here’s all you need to succeed as a travelling TEFL teacher:

A laptop with a decent webcam
Headphones with mic (preferably in-ear, as they take up less space)

Yes… that’s it! Although I used a ring light, laptop stand and keyboard/mouse as an online teacher in the UK, this equipment simply takes up unnecessary space when travelling. Whilst on the road, I typically raise my laptop’s webcam to eye-level with whatever I can find in my hotel room and try to teach in front of a window to ensure good lighting.

Where can a digital nomad work?

The simple answer: almost anywhere! All you need is some privacy and a good internet connection. Here is a top tip for finding cheap hotels to teach from: filter your search on Booking.com to show “laptop-friendly workspace”, and tick “I am travelling for work”. You will be shown properties that were popular with other digital nomads! In addition, make sure you check the reviews for mentions of WiFi – nothing is more frustrating than poor WiFi whilst you’re trying to deliver a class.

What happens when the WiFi fails? Even though broadband speed is typically very reliable in South-East Asia, anything can happen. Blackouts and internet lag are not unheard of! It’s a good idea to choose a SIM card with unlimited data and the option to hotspot when you arrive in a new country. These packages are surprisingly cheap (around £10, or $13 USD) and will allow you to have a back-up in case of emergency. The show must go on…

How does a digital nomad balance work and fun?

This was a huge learning curve for me! When I started my digital nomad journey two months ago, I struggled to keep on top of my professional life whilst enjoying the backpacker experience to the fullest. I remember sadly waving off my friends as they went to a waterfall whilst I sat in my empty room, preparing to teach. The FOMO (fear of missing out…) was real, but I quickly realised that my lifestyle was a privilege, not a curse! Whilst other backpackers had worked for months to afford this trip, I was funding my travels in real time. Their trip would end, but mine could continue for as long as I wanted! What’s more, I felt connected to my life back home as I have a wonderful relationship with my students – seeing them was like seeing old friends.

I recommend staying in different accommodation depending on your schedule. On teaching days, I enjoy the privacy and comfort of an Airbnb or hotel room. On my days off, I stay in hostels and connect with likeminded travellers. This allows me to balance work and play and focus my attention on whatever I’m doing. When I stay in hostels, I make the most of the backpacker experience (sightseeing, nights out and cheap dorm rooms!) When I stay in hotels, I can teach in privacy, catch up on emails, and get some rest.

Can anyone be a digital nomad?

Being a travelling teacher is a unique lifestyle! The digital nomad experience is not for everyone. In my opinion, here are some of the key qualities for a freelance TEFL teacher looking to travel:

Organisation. You should be highly organised and able to multi-task between travel and teaching. After all, they both require a lot of planning! You can use tools like Google Calendar to manage your time.
Flexibility. Things change! WiFi drops out, a hotel is overbooked, your new destination has no workspace – be prepared to turn on a dime, and try to see the funny side when things go wrong.
Independence. Digital nomads spend plenty of time alone in hotel rooms. If you enjoy your own company and are able to motivate yourself to work hard, you’ll find it easier to adjust to the freelancer lifestyle.
Responsibility. Even though you are island hopping and jumping on a plane or boat every few days, your students need to be able to rely on you! Try to respond to messages quickly and show up to classes prepared and on time.

The past few months has been full of useful lessons, and I’m learning more about being a successful digital nomad every single day. Teaching whilst travelling has allowed me to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and I feel so lucky to make a living from my laptop. Here’s the secret… you can do it too! Get in touch with the i-to-i team to start your digital nomad journey today.

Want to find out more about Tab’s teaching and travel experiences? You can follow her on Instagram and YouTube, and check out her blog here!

Travelling TEFL Teacher – A Week in the Life – Vietnam!

Posted on March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 by Roselle Brennan

Hi everyone! Last month I shared a week in my life as a travelling TEFL teacher and I’m back to update you on my journey! My name is Tab (@whereistab on Instagram) and I qualified as a TEFL teacher in 2019. I have taught English as a foreign language in China, France and online. Now, I’m backpacking full time and teaching adult learners online whilst I travel. Read on to learn what a week in Vietnam looks like for a digital nomad. Maybe you’ll even get some travel inspiration to help you start your own TEFL journey… Let me show you why being a travelling TEFL teacher is so brilliant!

FRIDAY

It’s time to leave Malaysia! I’ve spent over a month in this beautiful country – check out my previous blog post if you want to hear about my experience of TEFLing online in Malaysia. I’m feeling apprehensive (and just a tad emotional) as I head to the airport to start the next chapter of my trip. The time difference is slightly less in Vietnam than in Malaysia, meaning that my students from Europe will be only 6 hours behind – big win! I spend the first few days settling into my new surroundings and exploring Ho Chi Minh City.

MONDAY

I’ve been in Ho Chi Minh City for a few days and I’ve loved exploring the city streets and eating plenty of Vietnamese food. This city feels a million miles from Langkawi, the sleepy tropical island where I spent the last few weeks! My favourite thing about Vietnam so far is the coffee and my awesome new Airbnb, where I plan to teach for the next week. I checked the internet speed on speedtest.me when I arrived and was relieved to see that the connection was strong. I’m looking forward to seeing my students later in the week! For now – time to enjoy the privacy of an apartment and relax with some Netflix (something I don’t do as often in shared dorms!)

WEDNESDAY

Ok, Vietnam is starting to win me over! I miss island life but this city is buzzing with things to see and do. My highlights so far have been the War Remnants Museum and a brilliant street food tour. I spent this morning exploring the Café Apartments – a 1950s apartment complex which has been transformed into a series of little cafes, nail shops and restaurants. It was such a cool concept and I had a lovely veggie meal there. Back at my Airbnb, I set up for an evening of classes. I meet with students from France, Russia, Hong Kong and the Czech Republic and discuss everything from breakfast around the world to superstitions about pregnancy.

FRIDAY

Next week, I’m on vacation as my dad is joining me out here in South-East Asia for a fortnight of motorbike-riding and trekking! One of my favourite things about being a freelance TEFL teacher is the fact that I can take as much time off as I need. I have been working with my current students for quite a few months and have developed a great relationship with them, so they were happy to hear I was taking a break! I simply messaged them in advance of my vacation so that we could book in a “final” lesson before the break, and let them know when I would be online again. After communicating with my learners and updating my availability on Italki (the platform I teach on), it’s time to power down and unplug for two weeks!

SATURDAY

I arrived in Hanoi late last night, ready for new adventures. After collecting my dad from the airport this morning, we made our way to Hà Giang in Northern Vietnam. I spent our 7-hour bus journey responding to emails, checking in on some projects, and getting ready to “switch off” for the week. Tomorrow will be an early start as we need to get kitted out with motorbikes and helmets for a 3-day tour of the famous Hà Giang loop. I’m so excited for breathtaking views, fresh mountain air and a totally different environment. There are many ethnic minorities in northern Vietnam and we’ll be spending time learning about their way of life (and eating everything this country has to offer!)

I still can’t believe I’ve found a career which I’m truly passionate about, which allows me to travel as much as I want, which I can feel really good about, and which is super flexible. I am so grateful that I’m a TEFL teacher and I’m loving this experience of being a digital nomad in South-East Asia! If you want to hear more about the pros and cons of this travelling TEFL teacher’s lifestyle, you can check out my previous article or get in touch with me. I’ll speak to you all soon, but from where…? Who knows! Stay tuned for the next update!

Want to find out more about Tab’s teaching and travel experiences? You can follow her on Instagram and YouTube, or check out her blog here!

Ready to get TEFL qualified and start your own adventure? Head to our courses webpage to get started!

How to get your TEFL certification online

Posted on March 21, 2023June 23, 2023 by Roselle Brennan

Let’s start with the why. Why should you want to complete your TEFL certification online instead of in person? Lots of reasons really but to name a few…

You can work around your existing schedule – no need to take blocks of time off work to attend in-person classes or run yourself ragged trying to drive, bike, or walk to a class after work. With online courses, you can just log on whenever you’re free, at whatever time of day, and carry on where you left off.
You can study from wherever you are in the world – as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can complete your course! So, you don’t need to worry about missing classes if you decide to travel for a while or move house.
More for your money – online courses tend to be cheaper than in-classroom courses as providers don’t need to hike up their prices to cover additional expenses, such as classroom rental costs.
Excellent signposting – because the information is already online, it’s easier to include really useful links to lots of different online teaching resources. You can save these on your computer/laptop and use them for your own classes, once you’re working as a TEFL teacher.
Complete your course more quickly – you’ll be setting the pace, so this means you could complete your course as quickly as you’d like. This means you could be earning good money as a TEFL teacher before you know it!

Now we’ve got that sorted, let’s find out HOW you get your TEFL certification online!

Top 10 benefits of teaching English in South Korea

Posted on March 14, 2023March 14, 2023 by Roselle Brennan

Hello! Annyeonghaseyo! My name is Caleb and I’m from South Africa, and for the past year I have been teaching English in South Korea. I currently teach in a “Hagwon”, which is the private sector of the South Korean Schooling system. I am in my first year of being a teacher and absolutely loving the experience, and I know there are many of you out there that are also wanting to teach and travel around the world, but for one reason or the other you are hesitant to make the move. Whether it’s because of fear, or because of the uncertainty of moving to a new country, or lack of knowledge of the process.

I chose to teach in South Korea as I love to immerse myself in different cultures and push myself out of my comfort zone.

So today I will be telling you 10 of the benefits of teaching English in South Korea (and why I love it so much!), and hopefully this helps you decide if teaching English in South Korea is right for you too!

1. Salary & Benefits

Teaching English in South Korea pays pretty well and demand for teachers in South Korea is high. As a teacher in a “Hagwon”, your basic starting salary will vary between 2.1 – 2.3 million won, which is around 1800 US dollars, but this starting salary will increase if you have more teaching experience.

But wait? You’re saying ‘this is a good amount of money?!’ and I hear you, but it’s true. This may not be considered a lot of money in more western parts of the world, but in South Korea your costs as an English teacher will typically be a lot lower. One of the reasons for that is…. Free Housing!

Accommodation is often the biggest outgoing from a salary but teachers here get to live in brand new modern apartment buildings, rent free. This means you will have more money to spend or to save. You’ll find you can save as much as 50% of your salary every month, while living an action-packed and exciting life!

Further benefits from teaching contracts in South Korea can include cost effective healthcare and airfare reimbursements, reducing your outgoings even more!

2. Seoul

This truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is an amazing mix of the old and new Korea. It boasts attractions such as the N Seoul Tower, Han River, and Gyeongbokgung Palace, as well as hip areas like Hongdae and Gangnam, which show off Korean fashion, music talent, and amazing markets!

It is also the center of K-pop culture, beauty products, and, conversely, some amazing natural sites. It even has one of the most impressive mountains I’ve ever seen, Bukhansan mountain.

Definitely not one to be missed, so you need to TEFL in South Korea to see it all!

3. Food Culture

You cannot walk down a street in South Korea without inhaling the amazing smells of sizzling meat or delicious street food. A popular South Korean dish is “Korean BBQ”, which includes the grilling of meat, typically pork, and comes with loads of tasty side dishes. It’s often cooked on gas grills built into the table itself so it’s an amazing site to behold!

Eating is also a really social event in South Korea, where most meals are shared by large groups of friends, so it’s a great way to catch up and meet new people after you’re done teaching.

4. Rich History

South Korea is a country rich in history and culture. And we mustn’t forget it has seen the extreme devastation of war in the past century and in a very short amount of time has built its way up to becoming one of the leading economic powerhouses in the world. Seriously impressive stuff!

It boasts modern bustling cities, but also has many historical sites and beautiful temples, as well as traditional palaces and villages. There is so much to do here you will never have a boring weekend, as there is always something new and fresh to experience. I’m always travelling on my weekends off, to make sure I experience everything this amazing country has to offer.

5. Travel

Teaching English in South Korea will allow you to travel easily, on your days or evenings off, as public transport is convenient, widely available, and very affordable. It’s also a very small country, so you can get to any part of it within a day! Another benefit is that South Korea also has one of the most efficient subway systems in the world, so travelling is an absolute breeze.

Added bonus? Not only will you be able to explore and travel around South Korea easily and affordably, but you can also visit nearby countries really cheaply as well, as there are lots of inexpensive flights from Seoul. Some popular countries you can plan weekends away to are Japan, the Philippines, and China.

6. Social Life

You will be able to make new friends and develop new relationships! You will have the opportunity to meet people from around the world that you would never have met in your own country, and you learn so many amazing things from people.

As foreigners working abroad you already have common ground, which makes it easier to connect with other expats and means you’ll form solid bonds very quickly. Instant travel buddies anyone?! You’ll also have great opportunities to make Korean friends, with fellow teachers at the school, which will help you to really immerse yourself in Korean culture and experience the country more authentically than you would if you were just passing through on holiday.

7. Impacting Lives

One of my top reasons for teaching English in South Korea is the fact that you get to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of all the students you teach. You will be helping your students to have better employment opportunities in the future and be exposing them to a completely different culture than their own, to help them expand their horizons and develop their empathy and understanding of those different to themselves (the same way being around a culture different to your own will help to grow and develop you as a person!)

English really is a top priority here, so for this reason you’ll usually find your students hardworking and respectful, which makes your job a whole lot easier and more rewarding! My students are always bringing me random little gifts, sweets, and giving me compliments every day, which is such a mood booster. I have found teaching in South Korea to be a pain-free job!

8. Safety

Coming from South Africa, where this can sometimes be a concern, I was shocked when I realized you are able to walk around alone on the street at night and not have to worry about your safety at all!

South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world and the crime rates here are much lower than the US and most European countries! And, if you ever did find yourself in a concerning situation, help is never far away as there are police around almost every corner and they have on-call interpreters available, so you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’ll be looked after and understood.

9. Outdoor Activities

If you are wanting to explore more of the natural world and spend time in the great outdoors, rather than the concrete paradise of the cities, South Korea has a lot to offer.

If you’re looking for green spaces on work days, every morning you can see people on their way to the nearest nature park or hiking spot and every city has plenty of open green spaces and river paths to roam to get away from the urban atmosphere. So, there’s lots of options for you to choose from when you don’t have a lot of time.

When you have more time, you can get out and explore one (or more!) of the 22 beautiful national parks that South Korea has to offer, many of them an easily commutable distance from the big cities. Fun Fact: Mountains cover up to 70% of Korea, which means mountain-based activities like hiking and paragliding are extremely popular, especially during the Spring/Summer seasons.

10. Coffee Culture

If you are a coffee addict like me…. you are in for a huge treat! There is a coffee shop on basically every corner of every street. Not only is the coffee top notch, so many of the cafes are Instagram-picture worthy, ranging from quirky to very aesthetically pleasing, so you’ll have a great way to document your time teaching in South Korea!

And that’s my top 10 reasons, but I really have so many more. Teaching English in South Korea has been one of the best decisions of my life and I’m so glad I didn’t wait until I was “ready” and just took the leap of faith. The adventures you have and the people you will meet will change your life forever in the best way possible. I cannot recommend it enough!

If you want some tips or further information on living in South Korea, you can follow me on:

Instagram: @Caleblingwood OR TikTok: @caleblingwood?lang=en

Want to get out to South Korea but need a TEFL course first? No problem! Just arrange for a free call back from one of our friendly TEFL experts, who are happy to help get you enrolled ASAP so you can get teaching and travelling!

Already qualified and ready to start job hunting? Head to the LoveTEFL Jobs Board, where you can apply for all the latest online and overseas TEFL roles!

How do I become an ESL teacher?

Posted on March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 by Roselle Brennan

First off, for those that don’t know, an ESL teacher teaches English as a Second Language (ESL). This is basically the exact same thing as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), just worded slightly differently! Thinking of becoming an ESL teacher? That’s a great idea! And we can help you get started.

Keep reading for our easy 5-step guide to getting qualified and finding your first job as an ESL teacher…

1. Find the right course provider

This is such an important one, as the provider you pick will be preparing you to become a well-rounded ESL teacher! They should be very experienced, fully accredited by a government-affiliated body (like Ofqual in the UK), and dedicated to you as a student – providing tutor support throughout the course and assisting with job applications once you qualify (handy hint: i-to-i offers all this and more!).

As tempting as it might be to go for a super cheap provider (we know times are tough!), it often turns out to be false economy. The qualifications you get from cheap providers are rarely accredited and, therefore, highly likely to be rejected by reputable ESL employers around the world. This means, after all that time and effort, you won’t even be able to use the qualification to earn money. So, you’ll be back to where you started! Better to do your research initially and make sure your course provider is the right one before you invest.

Once you think you’ve found the right one, make sure you check out their reviews on independent review sites, such as reviews.io and trustpilot, to get confirmation from current and past students that it’s a good one to pick! And if you can get in touch with the course provider before you buy, even better! Speaking to ESL teaching experts, like ours at i-to-i, can really help you make the decision. They will also be able to answer any questions you might have about becoming an ESL teacher.

2. Pick your perfect course

There are lots of different TEFL courses out there per provider, so which one do you pick?

Some employers will advertise that they only require a minimum of 120hours at Level 3. So, do you really need to go for more hours and a more comprehensive qualification (e.g. a Level 5 Advanced Diploma)? This depends on what you want to do with your TEFL course! We’ve included a quick breakdown of two courses below, to give you an idea of which one might be best for you:

Level 5 420hour Advanced Diploma
- Perfect if you want to be an ESL teacher in more competitive locations, as it’s a Level 5 qualification (Foundation degree-equivalent according to Ofqual)!
- Ideal if you want to access the higher ESL teacher salaries – it contains specialist modules in coaching IELTS and teaching Business English (the more lucrative areas of ESL teaching)
- Great if you want to teach online – it contains a specialist module in teaching online and one-to-one

Level 3 120hour Certificate
- Perfect if you want to get qualified quickly (can be completed in as little as 4 weeks)
- Great if you’re looking for entry-level or volunteer ESL teacher positions
- Ideal if you want to cover all the essentials of teaching ESL

You don’t have to decide on your own though! Good course providers will have TEFL experts for you to speak to, who will be able to go through your options and advise which course might be the best fit for your needs. Not a fan of phone calls? No worries! Check out our quick 2-minute course matching quiz to see which one is your perfect fit.

3. Work through the course (and pass!)

Now for the main event… You’ve done your research and enrolled on your course, so it’s time to get stuck in and work your way through all the modules, testing your knowledge with quizzes and assignments as you go. And, if you picked the right course provider, you won’t be completely on your own! You should have great support available from qualified tutors as well as academic and customer support teams. They will be able to assist you with any technical difficulties you might experience, any queries you may have about your course content, and be able to provide you with comprehensive feedback on your assignments.

With this level of support, you’ll be able to pass your course in no time and you’ll feel properly prepared for life as an ESL teacher!

4. Decide where/how you want to teach

You’re qualified – wahoo! Now you just need to decide where you’d like to be an ESL teacher and how you’d prefer to teach. Do you want to teach ESL online from home, around your current job and/or schedule? Would you prefer to be a digital nomad, teaching online and travelling the world? Or do you think you’d prefer a more traditional ESL learning environment, such as teaching in a classroom abroad?

There are lots of ESL teacher job options open to you, so it’s time for a bit more research to see which one would suit you best. Need help deciding? Check out our other blog posts about teaching abroad, being a digital nomad, and teaching online to help you figure it out! You can also take one of our quick quizzes:

5. Apply for ESL teacher roles

Then, the final step before you can get paid for teaching English is finding the right ESL teacher job!

And, although it might seem daunting, it’s really no different from applying for any other role. You’ll need to have a stellar CV/resume (check out our other blog post for top tips on how to create the perfect ESL CV/resume) and you’ll need to adapt this and your cover letter for each position you apply for. Then, if you’re successful, you’ll go through an interview process before being offered an ESL role. Pretty standard, right?

So, where do you start your job search? There are a number of ways to do it:

Online ESL Jobs Boards – there are plenty of ESL-focused jobs boards out there where you’ll find all the latest ESL teacher jobs. The best place to start is LoveTEFL Jobs.com. It’s really easy to use and you’ll be able to find both abroad and online vacancies on there!
Contacting Schools directly – this is great if you’re looking to teach abroad as, even if they don’t have any immediate vacancies, they’ll have you in mind for when positions open up. It can be quite time consuming though, and you’ll have to be organised!
Recruitment agencies – one of the most straightforward ways of finding a job, as they will do all the leg work for you and can help chase for responses. It’s worth noting, however, that they do take a fee for placement (usually from the employer) and this might affect your employment package. In other words, you might not be getting as many benefits as you would if you went direct.
Internships – Not ready to go it alone yet? Would you prefer a bit more support and to have everything organised for you? Then an ESL Internship could be perfect for you! With internships, you’re fully supported the whole way through. From starting your application until you finish your placement – the process is stress-free!

Just remember, if you picked a good course provider (like i-to-i!), you shouldn’t be alone at this stage either! There should be full support available from an in-house Jobs Team. They will be able to check over your CV and make sure everything is in tip-top TESL shape before you apply.

After you land your dream role, you’ll officially be an ESL teacher! Congrats!