MT Influence or Mother Tongue Influence is when the grammar or vocabulary of a student's Mother Tongue influence the way in which they use their Target Language or TL. For example, in Greek (and a number of other languages) people say open or close a light...
TESL stands for Teaching English as a Second Language. It's pronounced TESL to rhyme with WRESTLE. Simply put, this means teaching English to people who are not native English speakers but who live in a country where English is the main language. For example, teaching...
Many people think that teaching English is simple. There is a common misconception that if you can speak the language, you can teach it but the simple fact is that this couldn't be further from the truth. Teaching someone English is challenging for lots of reasons....
Some things are better left unsaid. There are certain subjects which should - in general - be avoided in your English teaching classroom, especially when you are working abroad and are (effectively) a guest in a foreign country. These subjects include: Sex Religion...
Teaching Contracts vary considerably; there is a different contract for pretty well every different job so it is impossible to make valid generalisations for contracts. However, when looking at a contract there are some general guidelines you should consider and...
This article is about restrictions and practices for teachers wanting to teach English in countries belonging to the European Union (EU). The most common question on this is one of visas and whether non-EU citizens (Americans, Canadians, Australians, etc) can work...
Multilingualism is the ability to speak more than one language. In some definitions this means speaking a language as a native speaker or to native speaker standard, however some definitions are more flexible allowing multilingual to mean being able to communicate in...
Business suits, smart casual, any old shirt ...??? Teachers often wonder what they should wear when turning up for a new teaching job. Here are a few fashion tips we have put together based on the feedback we have received from teachers working around the world. Dress...
Germany is a beautiful and diverse country. It is clean and dynamic and life ranges from large industrial cities to some of the most unspoilt and gorgeous countryside in Europe. It is very regional, also, and traveling around you will find great variations not only in...
This is a common sense list of DOs and DON'Ts for Teachers. It is especially relevant to teachers working overseas. DO be punctual, consistent and fair dress well - most countries put far more store in this than the UK and USA; conservative is good (see the links...
Do you want to teach English abroad? Quite simply, this this article will tell you how you can become a TEFL teacher abroad. Speaking English It's going to sound obvious, but first, you must speak English well. You don't have to be a native speaker, but an extremely...
There are plenty of good TEFL or TESOL jobs out there for English teachers. But unfortunately there are also a few slightly questionable jobs. This article looks at what you should look for when applying for a job teaching English. Look For Online Comments When...
TEFL/TESOL in Iran Slightly larger than Alaska, Iran is a Middle Eastern country with a strategic location on the Persian Gulf, which is a vital maritime pathway for crude oil transport. Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979. Today’s population is 98% Muslim,...
Taboo Words (sometimes known as swearwords, curse words, or profanity) are those words and phrases which some people find shocking or offensive. They can often cause problems for TEFL teachers and learners of English. In general, the best advice is to avoid both...
As in all industries there are, unfortunately, TEFL scams, too which prey on English teachers wanting to go abroad and teach. Whilst there are marvelously run English language schools, scrupulous recruitment agents and genuine TEFL course providers, there are also,...
As a teacher, possibly in a foreign country, you should be aware of the Body Language and Gestures of your host country so that you don't inadvertently insult your students. To take an example, in America and the UK giving a thumbs up sign means approval or "well...
The idea of teaching English abroad without a degree comes up often. This article looks at different aspects of this and ways in which teachers without a degree can find work. For most countries the basic qualifications to teach English are a degree and a TEFL...
This article is a very user-friendly introduction to Teaching English Around the World. That is, heading off for a year or so to a foreign country and teaching English to people there. Or even staying at home in your own country and teaching English to students who...
