Victoria Taylor, Author at i-to-i TEFL

Why a TEFL Course could be the perfect Christmas gift

Posted on December 1, 2024December 2, 2024 by Victoria Taylor

Do you have family or friends who’re constantly dreaming of adventure, want to pack up and travel the world or go on an extended sight-seeing trip? A TEFL course from i-to-i will give them the skills they need to travel the world and earn a competitive salary, teaching English as they go! Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? But that’s just one of the reasons a TEFL Course would be the perfect gift this Christmas, here are some of the other reasons…

1. Make their dreams come true

TEFL is more than just teaching English abroad. It’s putting yourself out there, seeing places you’ve only ever dreamed of and living the life you’ve always longed to live. TEFL will give your loved ones the opportunity to travel and teach almost anywhere in the world. Got a culture-vulture in your family? They’d love spreading their TEFL wings around Asia. Is your best friend a total foodie? TEFL can take their taste buds on an adventure to the food capital of the world, Italy! No matter what their reasons for travel might be, a TEFL course can take them there.

2. Give them a life-long skill

TEFL is for life, not just for Christmas! Give the gift that keeps on giving – you’ll be providing them with a brand-new, valuable skill that they’ll be able to use for the rest of their lives. From learning to teach English as a foreign language to boosting their confidence and broadening their horizons, they’re sure to gain loads from TEFL.

3. Help them discover new cultures

With a TEFL course, you’re gifting them the skills they need to travel the world, immersing themselves in new cultures and getting paid whilst they do it! Just imagine them discovering Thailand’s ancient cities, trekking along the Great Wall of China or getting involved in one of Japan’s famous festivals. There’s so much to discover in the world, give them the tools to get out there and do it!

4. Boost their CV

As well as helping them see the world and discover new cultures, you’ll also be helping to boost their CV for later in life. From gaining confidence to maybe even learning a second language, TEFL will give their CV the edge it needs when chasing a career later on. Your loved one will be able to showcase skills such as organisation, communication and confidence on their CV. Win!

5. Kick start their career

Maybe they’ll fall in love with TEFL so much they decide to pursue it as a full-time career. Loads of people think you can only TEFL for a couple of years or they just use it to help them see the world. But it doesn’t have to be that way, TEFL can be a full-time career and a really good one, too!

Spending Christmas abroad: how to survive when you’re TEFLing

Posted on December 1, 2024December 2, 2024 by Victoria Taylor

Spending Christmas without family can be one of the hardest things about TEFLing and living abroad. If you’re a huge Christmas-lover and generally find yourself surrounded by your closest family and friends over the festive period, spending Christmas abroad can seem very daunting and lonely. But with these top tips, we’ll make spending Christmas abroad just as fun as Christmas at home!

Organise a TEFL Christmas dinner

No matter where you might be TEFLing, we’re sure you’ll have other TEFLers at your school or other ex-pats around you. You’ll all be in the same boat and will be missing your family and festive traditions from back home. A great way to get everyone in the festive spirit is to organise a Christmas dinner. You could all cook traditional food from your countries, arrange a secret Santa and join in party games together. Hurray!

Make time for a Christmas Day video call

Make your celebrations extra special by scheduling a video call to your family and friends back home on Christmas Day. When deciding what time to call, you’ll need to take any time differences into account. It might be a good idea to schedule your call later in the day when everyone has opened their presents, finished cooking and enjoyed their meal. Or, to make it super special, you could arrange to open some presents together on video call, even if this means you’ll have to open yours early or late, it’ll be nice to do it together!

Teach your TEFL classroom about your country’s traditions

Wherever you’re teaching, you’ll find the country you’re in has different traditions to back home. For example, in lots of European countries, Christmas is actually celebrated on Christmas Eve and in Japan, Christmas Eve is thought of as a romantic day for couples to spend time together and exchange gifts – cute! Use this time to teach your TEFL classroom about the traditions you have back home and learn about any traditions they might have too. We actually have a full blog on how to bring Christmas to your TEFL classroom.

Treat yourself

Just because you’re spending Christmas abroad, doesn’t mean you can’t go all out. Get a Christmas tree, decorate the house and play all your favourite festive songs. Remember, Christmas is a time for giving, so give something to yourself! It could be a trip you’ve always wanted to take, a spa day or just a luxury item you’ve had your eye on.

Explore local festive traditions

The country you’re TEFLing in is likely to have its own Christmas traditions. Get yourself out there and immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring their festivities. If you’re TEFLing in Europe, make sure you get yourself to some of the traditional Christmas markets, they’re super cute and will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit. Or, if you’re TEFLing in Latin America, you’ll be able to get involved in Posada processions or roller-skating to church. Wherever you are, make the most of it and take it all in – it’ll make great stories to tell later down the line!

10 reasons to choose teaching as your profession

Posted on November 29, 2024November 29, 2024 by Victoria Taylor

It’s no surprise so many people grow up wanting to be teachers. Teachers are there as an inspiration to us all throughout our childhood. They’re a shoulder to lean on when you’re sad, a voice of reasoning when you’re angry, and they just know everything, don’t they? Have you been wondering if teaching is right for you? Well, we’ve got 10 reasons why you should choose teaching as your profession to get you started, and we’ve listed them for you below!

1. You’ll be making a difference

By choosing teaching as your profession, you’ll get job satisfaction like no other! If you ask most teachers why they decided to teach, they’ll usually mention that they wanted to be able to make a real difference in students’ lives. Working as a teacher, you’ll be able to see the visible progress in your students’ abilities and it’s guaranteed to send you home with a smile on your face and a real sense of pride. Remember, they need you to help them get where they want to be in life, so you will be very important!

2. No two days are the same

We really mean it when we say this – no two days are the same! If you dread the monotony of working in an office and crave variety in your day-to-day life, then teaching is right for you. When you’re a teacher, every day will provide a different set of challenges to keep life interesting! It’ll fill you with excitement and you’ll be eager to get back into your classroom each day.

TEFL is especially varied, as there are so many different types of TEFL lesson. From general conversation all the way to coaching for important exams like IELTS, every student has a different set of needs. Which keeps life interesting! Want to be able to teach all the different types of TEFL? Then our 500hr course is perfect for you!

3. You’ll have a job for life

Unlike some jobs that can be replaced by technology, teaching definitely can’t be. Although there may be language teaching apps out there, the majority of students still prefer a teacher they can actually talk to! So, you’ll have a job for life and a super secure one at that! They say that education is recession-proof, so you’re in safe hands if you choose teaching as your profession, as you’ll be in high demand all over the world for the rest of your life. Want to find out how much you could be earning as a TEFL teacher? Take our quick salary quiz!

4. You can work all over the world

If you’re a qualified teacher, you’ll be able to work pretty much anywhere in the world, either in a classroom or via your laptop. We’re talking gorgeous exotic islands in Thailand, or bustling cities in South Korea – yes please! Whether it’s teaching basic English or a specialist subject in English (e.g. maths), you’ll be able to work and explore at the same time – winner! Want to find out which is the best TEFL location for you? Take our quick quiz and find out in minutes!

5. You can be creative

While you might have to follow a curriculum outline if you’re working with a school, you will still have freedom within this to decide exactly how to teach the information to your students, so you can really make it your own and get creative! Having fun is encouraged!

6. Meet lots of new people

Choosing teaching as a profession will give you the opportunity to work in a super sociable atmosphere. Not only will you work as part of a close-knit team with your colleagues, you’ll also interact with students and parents every single day. On top of that, as a teacher, you also have the ability to become an important part of your local community, with many schools hosting events throughout the year. This is great if you’ve moved to another country to teach as you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to meet tons of new people.

7. The earning potential is huge

Whether you’re teaching in your home country, abroad or online, your earning potential can be huge. We’re talking up to US$6,500 a month, that’s US$78,000 per year – sign us up! Plus, many teaching positions abroad will come with additional benefits such as accommodation, flights, medical insurance and paid visas.

8. You can work from home

Don’t fancy being around other people all the time? If you choose teaching as your profession, you also have the option of working from the comfort of your own home. In today’s digital world, there are plenty of opportunities to teach English online, from general English conversation, to maths and arts and crafts, there are heaps of different subjects you can teach online. Plus, it’s super flexible, you can set your own hours and truly be your own boss! Want to be fully prepared to teach English online? Check out our 500hr course!

9. Learn as well as teach

If you’ve really got a passion for learning, teaching is definitely for you! Teachers not only get to share their existing knowledge and wisdom, but they also get to dig deeply into topics and learn something new along the way. Whether that’s by taking a TEFL Course or being thrown into the deep end in one of your classes, every day will literally be a school day for you and your knowledge will continue to grow. Want to be absolutely sure that TEFL is right for you before you start? Take our quick TEFL quiz to find out!

10. Career progression

If you’re dreaming of building an amazing career, then choose teaching as your profession! Not only will being a teacher provide you with a steady income and great job satisfaction, you’ll also be able to climb the career ladder to the top. From teaching in far-flung destinations, to teaching online from the comfort of your own home, and even to creating your own TEFL business! The opportunities are endless. Want a TEFL qualification that will see you through all the different stages of your teaching career? Then the 500hr Advanced TEFL Diploma is the right qualification for you!

As we’ve demonstrated, teaching is so much more than just a job! Ready to get started? We don’t blame you! Get your free TEFL courses guide to help you get going!

Need a bit more advice? You can request a free call back and our TEFL Experts will be happy to help!

Life as an online TEFL teacher in South Africa

Posted on May 24, 2023May 24, 2023 by Victoria Taylor

Are you from South Africa? Are you considering teaching English online? Then this is the perfect blog for you! Keep reading to find out all about Mihlali’s take on being an online TEFL teacher in South Africa…

Hi, I’m Mihlali! I am blessed to be able to work from home – a small village in South Africa. I have embraced being a global citizen without having to set foot on another continent! When I began working as a TEFL teacher online seven months ago, I was ecstatic to be able to pass the knowledge that I have onto others. I never anticipated that I would also become a student! Whilst working as an online English teacher, I have learned a variety of skills:

1. Adaptability

One of the skills that I have learned from my students is being able to adapt to new conditions. I’ve always been one for a great plan, as well as a back-up plan for the back-up plan! I have shown up to class many times – well prepared and ready to have fun and productive lessons. However, I have had to throw caution to the wind. My students have taught me that, regardless of the content being the same, each class is unique. When I started in this line of work, I expected each class to be uniform. I’m now well aware that different does not necessarily mean bad and that deviating from the “plan” opens one up to new possibilities.

2. Patience

In theory, I have always understood the concept of learners learning at different paces, but I have never had to deal with it myself. More often than not, my students grasp concepts quite easily, but it’s not always the case. In those moments, it’s important that I allow them to do things at their own pace, rather than rushing them through the exercises so that everyone completes it at the same time. Being patient and letting them go at their own pace also allows them to go through all three stages of the memory process (encoding, storing, retrieving) where not only are they able to receive the information, but they are able to file it and store it effectively in their long-term memory. Remembering information, after all, is an extremely key part of learning!

3. Having fun

Have I had some challenging days with my students? Of course, but they have taught me how to smile – all the time! There’s honestly nothing more rewarding than seeing how happy and excited a student is to be in class. I’ve learned not to take myself too seriously as I’ve had to be quite the clown at times, all in the name of getting them to crack a smile. Once we are smiling, our relationship transcends the “traditional” teacher/student relationship. I like to think that we are “friends exchanging language information”. One of the best things that to get my students going are tongue twisters! We thoroughly enjoy laughing with one another and sharing our desperate attempts of getting them correctly. Being able to be in a job where I smile and laugh daily means I am also able to feel more positive outside of my work, which is a real blessing.

4. Cultural Exchange

I’ve had the pleasure of having a cultural exchange with my students, without having to leave the comfort of my own home. It’s always lovely to hear about the variety of holidays and festivals that are celebrated by my students. Not only have they shared their traditions and beliefs, they’ve also opened up to me about their everyday activities, hobbies, dreams and aspirations. It keeps every day interesting and I am expanding my knowledge, while encouraging them to expand theirs as well. It’s extremely gratifying to know that I have impacted their lives, even in the slightest way, and to be able to find out more about the world!

5. Love

Last but certainly not least, my students have taught me to love and appreciate each individual for who and what they are, not who I would like them to be. Each student has a trait that makes them special in their own way and this should be celebrated and communicated. Not only have they taught me how to appreciate individuality more, they have also helped me find my way back to my true love – the English language.

Feeling inspired and want to get started as an online TEFL teacher in South Africa? All you need is a TEFL course! Head to our TEFL courses page to find out which one is your perfect match.

Already qualified and ready to look for online jobs? Head to the LoveTEFL Jobs Board for all the latest vacancies.

How to find your first TEFL job abroad

Posted on May 18, 2023May 18, 2023 by Victoria Taylor

The demand for TEFL teachers is huge, but are you wondering how to find your first TEFL job abroad? Do you need to know where you should look and what you have to prepare? Follow these 4 easy steps and you’ll land your dream TEFL job overseas in no time!

Which TEFL certification should I get?

Posted on April 13, 2023April 6, 2023 by Victoria Taylor

Here at i-to-i, we have a range of expertly-created TEFL certification courses for you to choose from. All of our TEFL certification courses are government regulated and accredited – and they’re designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to excel as a TEFL teacher, whether you want to teach English online or abroad! But with all these options, you might be asking yourself, “Which TEFL certification course should I take?”.

Breakdown of our course levels

First things first, let’s start with a breakdown of our TEFL certification course levels and what they all mean:

Level 3 TEFL certification – our Level 3 TEFL course is the most basic TEFL Course we provide; equivalent to a UK A Level. It will help you achieve the minimum number of hours of training required by TEFL employers (12o hours) and is mainly designed for anyone with fluent or native-level English that’s looking for entry-level or volunteer teaching positions.
Level 5 TEFL certification – our Level 5 TEFL certifications are much more advanced TEFL Courses, in fact they’re CELTA-level equivalent, so they’re pretty high up on the TEFL scale! These courses are designed for native-level English speakers as they dive deeper into the English language and how to teach it. They range from 180-hours all the way up to 500-hours, and the more training you do the more TEFL specialisms you will be trained in (and the more money you’ll be able to earn!) A Level 5 Certification Course is perfect for anyone wanting to start a career in TEFL, online or abroad, or for those looking to access the higher paying TEFL roles.

We hope that’s cleared up some confusion already, but if you still need help choosing, ask yourself these 5 questions:

Are you a native-level English speaker?

If you’re not a native-level English speaker but you’re fluent in English, we’d generally recommend getting a Level 3 TEFL certification. With your level of English, you’ll be able to complete a Level 3 TEFL Course with ease and you’ll learn all the basics about teaching English so that you can go on to teach online or abroad – winner!

Yes

If you’re a native-level English speaker you’re more than qualified to complete our Level 5 TEFL certification and we’d definitely recommend you do! Our Level 5 TEFL Courses will give you the in-depth knowledge you need about teaching English to land some of the best TEFL jobs out there. Plus, it looks amazing on your CV and will give you the edge over your competition (especially our 420-hour and 500-hour Advanced Diplomas).

Do you have any teaching experience?

If you don’t currently have any teaching experience, don’t worry – most of our graduates come to us with no teaching experience and look at them now! All of our courses are suitable for beginners, so you should have no issues working through them (especially with our stellar tutor support!) If you’re looking to just dip your toe in to the TEFL pool initially, we’d suggest you consider our Level 5 180 hour TEFL certification. This way you’ll receive training in the basics and be able to ease yourself into the world of teaching. You can always upgrade to more hours later on once you get going!

If you’re looking to kickstart a brand new career, we’d suggest our Level 5 420 hour Advanced Diploma, as this will get you qualified in the all the fundamentals plus some key TEFL specialisms – Teaching English Online and One-to-One, Teaching Business English, Coaching Exam Preparation, and Teaching Other Subjects in English. It will boost your TEFL CV, so employers can see that you’re committed and well-trained, even though you haven’t got classroom experience just yet!

Yes

Amazing! You’re already one step ahead! If you’re already a qualified teacher, we’d definitely recommend getting a Level 5 TEFL certification. With your experience, you’ll absolutely fly through the Level 5 Courses. Plus, team your experience up with a high level TEFL certification, such as our Level 5 500-hour Advanced Diploma, and you’re bound to jump to the top of the TEFL employers shortlists!

What are your long-term teaching plans?

I want to TEFL as a career

Amazing choice – you’re going to love it! If you’re wanting to ditch the 9-5 world of work and break into a more exciting and flexible career – TEFL is the one for you! To give yourself all of the skills you need to make your career move as easy as possible, we’d recommend getting the best TEFL certification! Our Level 5 Advanced TEFL Diploma is the highest level TEFL certification you can get and it will give you in-depth knowledge and training, so you can hit the ground running and progress quickly in your new career.

I’m not sure

No problem! If you’re unsure of your long-term career plans but think teaching English could be right for you, then our standard recommendation is to start with a Level 3 Certification. This course will introduce you to basic concepts of TEFL and can also give you an idea of whether teaching English is a good fit for you. You can always upgrade or add on some additional training in the future!

How quickly do you want to get TEFL qualified?

I want to get qualified quickly

No worries at all! Lots of our graduates came to us wanting to get TEFL qualified as quickly as possible and it’s certainly doable. All of our TEFL certification courses can be completed online and at your own pace, so if you put in the time, you could be qualified within a matter of weeks! For example, with our Level 5 180-hour Certificate, the average completion time is just 4-8 weeks!

I’d rather take a bit longer and get more training

If you’re here for the long-haul and want to make sure you can aim for the higher-paid TEFL roles once you qualify, we’d ALWAYS suggest opting for our Advanced Diplomas. Designed by DELTA-qualified tutors, these comprehensive courses will give you all the training you need to know everything there is to know about TEFL, be able to access those competitive positions, and be able to impress potential employers.

Where do you want to teach English?

Abroad

If you want to teach English abroad now or in the future, it’s a great idea to consider where you want to teach, and what the TEFL market might look like in your ideal destination. Generally speaking, Africa, parts of Asia, and Latin America are less competitive markets for teaching positions, so a lower Level 5 certification should be enough to teach in these countries. Whereas higher paying countries like the Middle East, Europe, and popular countries in Asia (such as South Korea and Japan) are super competitive, so if you want to teach here you’re going to have to give yourself a competitive edge by taking a higher-level TEFL certification!

Online

If you want to teach English online, we’d always recommend getting a TEFL certification with specialist training in teaching English online, such as our Level 5 300-hour, 420-hour, and 500-hour Diplomas. Teaching English online is very different to teaching English in classroom and requires a different set of skills that a specialist course will give you!

Still not sure which TEFL Certification to choose?

If you’re still not sure which TEFL certification is best for you and your goals, our TEFL experts can help! Book a free call with them today and let them help you start your TEFL journey right!

Want to find your perfect match right away? Answer the questions in our course matching quiz to find out now!

Top 10 online TEFL employers for South Africans

Posted on April 4, 2023April 4, 2023 by Victoria Taylor

You asked for it, so here it is! We know, as a South African, finding work as an online TEFL teacher can seem almost impossible at times but, honestly, it’s not! Heaps of our South African TEFL graduates are happily teaching English online and you can too! We’ve put together a list of the Top 10 online TEFL employers for South African teachers, to make it easier for you to get your dream TEFL role – enjoy!

Amazing Talker

This is a great company that focuses on one-to-one teaching and offers really flexible working for their teachers. They also have a matching system! Teachers list the days/times that they are available for work and their specialisms or areas of interest (e.g., adult learners and conversation skills), and then students are matched to the relevant teachers, based on the short quiz they take before signing up. It’s a great opportunity to be able to specialise in different areas within your classes, while keeping your lessons varied and expanding your TEFL skills!

Requirements: 1 year of teaching experience (either online or classroom) and a TEFL certificate. If you’re already qualified and didn’t pick a TEFL Diploma, we would also recommend that you take the specialist Teaching English One-to-one and Online course to help boost your teacher profile and increase your student matches (and your salary!)

Check out their job applications page for more info.

The Really Great Teacher Company

This online employer has a reputation for a great working culture and offering brilliant support to new and existing teachers. They also make your life easier by providing all the teaching materials you’ll need, so your prep time will be minimal! The Really Great Teacher Company has students all over the world, from Argentina to China, and their students are of varying ages and abilities, so you’ll have lots of choice on who and what type of English you teach.

Requirements: No criminal record, computer literacy, and a TEFL certificate. We’d recommend doing a more advanced course, like our Advanced Diploma, that include specialist modules in Coaching IELTS and Business English, so you’ll be qualified to teach both young and adult learners online.

Check out their job posting on the LoveTEFL Jobs Board for more info.

Preply

Preply began as a platform for tutors to help students with SAT prep. In more recent years, they’ve evolved to offer different types of lessons, to all ages, in nearly 50 languages! So, if you’re not a native-English speaker, you can teach both your native language and English to students – winner! Due to this, you’ll also find a huge variety in your students, their ages, and where they are from, which makes it super easy for you to be flexible and work around your current schedule.

Requirements: Preply don’t list any specific requirements on their website, but we would recommend you get TEFL qualified first, to stand out from the crowd and ensure you feel ready to teach English!

Check out their job posting on the LoveTEFL Jobs Board for more info.

Eigox

Eigox is a Japanese language company that focuses on teaching conversation skills to Japanese learners. You will be using Skype for your lessons (a bit of a blast from the past!) as they don’t have their own teaching platform. There is a lot of flexibility for teachers with regards to when you work, as the minimum requirement for teaching is only 10 hours per week, classes are only 25 minutes long, and classes are offered to students 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So, you just need to pick the times and dates that fit with your schedule! Another great bonus is that you can gradually increase your hourly rates, based on good performance!

Requirements: If you’re applying to be a ‘Native Instructor’ (one of their teacher options) then you need to speak English as a native language. Other than that, you just need a TEFL certificate and a PayPal account!

Check out their recruitment page for more info.

Cambly

This is a super popular online TEFL employer for newly qualified TEFL teachers, as they boast some of the lowest tutor requirements on the market. Generally, you’ll use software such as Skype or Zoom to host your lessons, as, like Eigox, they don’t have their own teaching platform. The great news is, they provide you with all the teaching resources you need and full lesson plans, so you just need to turn up and teach – easy!

Requirements: As long as you’re fluent in English, you can apply to become a Cambly tutor! We would recommend you get TEFL qualified first though, to make sure your students get good quality English lessons!

Check out their job posting on the LoveTEFL Jobs Board for more info.

Learntalk

Learntalk is a Hong Kong-based, online language school dedicated to teaching English. You’ll be teaching adults, which is great for those looking to specialise their TEFL teaching, experience more motivated students, and experience more focused subject matter in lessons (e.g., Business English or conversational skills). You’ll be assessed on your teaching skills prior to starting teaching, and then your pay level will correspond to your teaching ability. So, be sure to make a good first impression!

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) and a TEFL certificate.

Create a Teacher Account on their website to find out more and apply.

Alter

Alter is a rapidly growing online TEFL employer from Poland, that teaches students via Zoom. You’ll have the opportunity to teach students from 7 years old to young adults, and at various different language levels, so classes should be varied! You will also have the opportunity to deliver classes to small groups as well as one-to-one teaching, and this range of classes will help you develop your teaching abilities and lesson planning skills quickly!

Requirements: Alter need their teachers to be native speakers of English and have a BA degree, or at least be in their 2^nd year of studying towards a BA degree. You also need to have a TEFL certificate. Teaching experience is a bonus but it’s not required.

Find out more on their careers page – where you can email the hiring team directly!

italki

italki is the world’s largest online language teacher marketplace and, because this is an online marketplace, potential students will be choosing between you and other English teachers, so make sure that your profile stands out!

Requirements: italki tend to ask for ‘some experience’ in teaching English online but this isn’t always necessary, so still apply if you don’t have any. You definitely need to have a TEFL qualification though!

Check out their application webpage for more info.

NativeCamp

NativeCamp is one of the best online tutoring schools in Japan and they have even developed their own language platform for you to teach via, so you don’t need to depend on Skype to conduct your lessons! They also offer 100% flexibility for teachers and students, so there are no minimum hours required and you can work whenever you want. To add to this, they also have 24/7 online support available for teachers – perfect if you have a question that needs answering ASAP!

Requirements: You must be over 18yrs old and you also need to have a TEFL certificate.

Check out their job posting on the LoveTEFL Jobs Board for more info.

And if you’re looking for some volunteer work, to build up your experience (and some good karma!), then you could be a Volunteer Online TEFL teacher with Nevy’s Language.

Nevy’s Language

This is a Canadian non-profit organisation that runs online language programs for immigrants in English speaking countries across the world. Their TEFL ‘training program’ lasts for around 2 months per student, so you would only have to commit to a short period of time, and they will provide you with all the necessary teaching materials, so all the prep work is done for you! It’s a great way to gain some experience and make a real difference to people’s lives!

Requirements: To be able to commit to at least 4 hours per week, and that’s it! We would recommend you get TEFL qualified first though, to make sure you’re able to really help your students by providing quality teaching!

Check out their employer page on the LoveTEFL Jobs Board for more info.

These companies/platforms are great starting points to find a job teaching English online as a South African, but there are many more out there!

Check out our online teaching jobs page for a full range of the best online TEFL employers or download our FREE TEFL for South Africans guide! There is also a handy Facebook group that you could join for advice about online teaching.

Need to get your TEFL qualification before you can apply for online jobs? Request a free call back and one of our TEFL Experts will be happy to help.

Good luck in your job hunt!

Teaching English Online: The pros and cons

Posted on February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 by Victoria Taylor

Teaching English online comes with so many perks it’s hard to list them all, but it also does have some downfalls. If you’re interested in teaching English online, you’ll want to know all of these pros and cons to make sure it’s right for you!

The pros

1. You can work from home

One of the best things about teaching English online is, you can do it from the comfort of your own home! No travelling to work on busy public transport for hours on end wasting part of your day, you can literally roll out of bed and start work – what a dream!

2. You can work whilst travelling

Much like being able to work from home, as long as you can take your laptop with you and you have internet connection, you can also work whilst you travel! In fact, lots of our graduate have taught online whilst travelling to help fund their trips.

3. There are no minimum or maximum working hours

Most online agencies don’t have a strict policy on the number of hours you have to work, giving you the flexibility to work as often or as little as your schedule allows.

4. You can create your own schedule

This is a big one! Teaching online gives you completely flexibility to make your own schedule. You can choose exactly when you work. Don’t like early mornings? You don’t have to work them! Never want to work a weekend again? No problem! Plus, each week can vary, if you need to earn extra money one week you can increase your hours or vice versa.

5. Lesson plans and teaching materials are often provided

Unlike teaching in a school, most online agencies will provide you with lesson plans and materials in advance so all you need to do is read over them and turn up for your lessons. You won’t need to spend hours on end creating a new lesson plan for every student or marking lots of work.

6. You don’t need a degree

There are heaps of teaching online opportunities out there that don;t require you to have a degree, so don’t worry if you skipped university or only have a high school education, there is a job out there for you!

7. Class sizes are small

When you choose to work for an online agency, you’ll generally be given individual students to teach on a one-to-one basis, so you don’t need to deal with big class sizes like in schools.

8. The pay is really good

Teaching English online is such a huge market and it’s only getting bigger! Most online agencies will offer anywhere up to $30+ per lesson and you can earn more if you teach specialist areas or older students.

9. You don’t need any experience

Just completed your TEFL course and don’t yet have any teaching experience? Don’t worry! Hardly any online teaching agencies require experience so you can start teaching online literally straight away!

10. The start-up costs are low

Unlike teaching English abroad where you have to pay for your flights, accommodation, visas, teaching English online has hardly any start-up costs. In fact, you probably already have all the equipment you need sat in your house – winner!

The cons

1. Relying on your technology can be stressful at times

We all know how unreliable technology can be at times, especially when you’re travelling and relying on internet in your hotel or hostel. The best way to avoid this and remove stress is to have back-up equipment such as a hotspot on your phone or replacement headsets so you’re always prepared.

2. Lots of companies have strict cancellation policies

If you accept a class, you’re expected to teach it. Lots of agencies have strict cancellation policies meaning it can be difficult to cancel your classes even for medical reasons. If you cancel an already-booked class, you might have to pay a penalty and could have trouble getting future bookings.

3. Time zones can be a challenge

Many of the bigger online English companies focus on teaching mainly Chinese students. So, if you live outside of China it can be difficult to line your schedule up to match.

4. Online teaching contracts don’t come with many benefits

Unlike many teaching contracts in schools where you might get health cover and pension contributions, online teaching contract don’t often come with any additional benefits.

Overall, the pros do outweigh the cons for teaching online quite heavily, but these are the things you’ll need to consider before diving into the world of online English teaching.

Feeling inspired and ready to look for online roles? Head to the LoveTEFL Jobs Board for all the latest vacancies!

Happy TEFLing!

Why meaningful travel is the NEW way to travel

Posted on January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 by Victoria Taylor

Carl Jung once said, “The least of things with a meaning is worth more in life than the greatest of things without it.” And we heartily agree!

Meaningful travel is the new (read: only!) way to travel, and we’re here to let you know why!

Almost everybody wants to travel – you’ll never hear anyone turning down a holiday or the chance to visit a new country. Travel makes people happy but travelling with meaning can really enrich your life and ensure you have a more positive impact on the world around you. Win-win, right?!

How to make your travel meaningful

To make travel more meaningful, you need to make sure you’re incorporating things that make a difference and give back! You’ve got the opportunity to change your life and the lives of those you meet, so why not grab it with both hands?

Need some ideas of ways to make travel more meaningful? Check out some key ones below:

1. Teach English

One of the best ways out there to ensure you’re having a positive impact on the the local community, is to help them fill a skills gap that they might have – e.g. as an English teacher! English is one of the most widely used languages across the world for education, business, and entertainment. By improving people’s skills in English, you’ll be increasing the number of learning and employment opportunities they are able to access. What a worthy thing to do!

2. Visit animal sanctuaries

We’re not talking about zoos or animal parks. Instead look for places that rescue animals or care for animals that can’t be released back into the wild. We’re talking elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, koala sanctuaries in Australia and turtle sanctuaries in Indonesia. Who would say no to meeting these amazing animals and supporting a good cause at the same time?

3. Volunteer

There are so many countries that need volunteers for a variety of causes including: teaching English, animal welfare, construction and many more! You’ll be able to find loads of volunteer abroad programs online, there is something for everyone!

4. Immerse yourself in the local culture

Leave the comfort of your hotel and allow yourself to be immersed into the world around you! You’ll get a deeper understanding of the countries you visit if you integrate into the community, participate in their traditions, eat local food, learn the language, and learn their history.

5. Learn something new

Travel should be all about discovering, exploring, and learning. It’s one of the best educations you can have! You’ll learn all about new cultures, learn more about yourself, and you could even learn a new skill – like TEFL! – that will help you to continue to travel for many months or years to come, and help enrich your life experience.

Why you should make your travel meaningful

1. Your memories last longer

We know holidays, or travelling in general, is memorable and really fun anyway, but adding meaning will make your memories go that much further. Just imagine how much more memorable it would be if you were teaching a new language to an eager child in South Korea, or helping feed the gentle giants at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand!

2. You’ll discover new things about yourself

By immersing yourself in local culture, learning new skills, and challenging yourself to take the road less travelled, you’ll learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. (PSA: it tends to all be VERY positive!)

3. It will make you more independent

This is especially true if you choose to travel solo. With no-one to hold your hand or tell you how to do everything, you’ll have to figure it out for yourself (and, trust us, you will). You’ll start believing in yourself and your abilities more, and that feeling you get when you eventually master Tokyo’s rail system or learn how to ask a full question in Thai will be totally worth it!

4. You’ll change your life and your perspective on life

By seeing how other people live their lives, you’ll grow an appreciation and understanding of the life you have. You’ll also gain a new perspective on life in general, from your newfound knowledge of other cultures and countries. This knowledge and ability to see things from another perspective will help to make you a better communicator, negotiator, and a more compassionate person.

5. You’ll feel more fulfilled

Meaningful experiences are proof that you are doing something right and something good for the world. Soaking up the sun on a palm-fringed beach is amazing (and we would highly recommend it if you’re somewhere with a beach!), but travelling with meaning will make you feel a bigger sense of reward and achievement.

Which countries pay the most for English teachers?

Posted on December 27, 2022December 21, 2022 by Victoria Taylor

Wondering “Do TEFL Jobs pay well”? Dreaming of teaching English abroad but worried you might not be able to earn a good salary? No need to worry and we have the answers for you! There are heaps of countries that pay their TEFL teachers amazing wages. In fact, lots of our graduates have found that they earn more money teaching English abroad than they could in a job back home.

Teaching English is also one of the most rewarding careers, if not just for the amazing salary but for the opportunity to travel, grow your career and the satisfaction you get from sharing your knowledge with your students.

While a few countries can offer salaries of $6,000+ per month, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the local cost of living and any benefit packages your teaching contract might include, such as flights and accommodation, as this could be expensive in your chosen TEFL country, so you might not come out with as much money as you expect. Factor everything in!

So, now for the good bit! Which country pays the most for TEFL teachers? Generally speaking, the highest paid TEFL jobs can be found in these countries:

1. UAE

Average salaries: US$3,500 – 5,000 per month

It comes as no shock to anyone that the highest paid TEFL jobs in the world can be found in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the country’s biggest cities. Salaries in the UAE can range from US$3,500 to US$5,000+ per month with many teaching contracts also including flights and accommodation – sign us up! Generally, you’ll need a degree, experience and a high-level TEFL qualification to land a teaching job in the UAE.

Check out our UAE job guide for more information.

Need to get TEFL qualified first? Get your free courses brochure to find out more.

2. Japan

Average salaries: US$2,000 – 4,000 per month

Not only does Japan offer super high TEFL salaries, it’s also one of the most beautiful places in the world where you can teach with an amazing culture. If you’re dreaming of teaching in Japan, you can expect to enjoy the beautiful scenery, cherry blossoms, a vast array of festivals and mouth-watering food. On top of that, you’ll can also get paid anywhere from US$2,200 to $5,000 per month often with the additional benefits of flights and accommodation – winner!

Check out our Japan job guide for more information.

Want an easy way of finding paid employment in Japan? Check our our Japan Internship!

3. Saudi Arabia

Average salaries: US$3,000 – 4,000 per month

Dreaming of camels, deserts, and a super warm climate? Saudi Arabia might be the destination for you! If you want to teach here, you can expect a competitive salary of around US$3,500 per month plus lots of benefits such as flights, accommodation, visas, and medical insurance. Although experience isn’t always essential to land a job in Saudi Arabia, it can help! You will also need a TEFL qualification and a degree.

Check out our Saudi Arabia job guide for more information.

Need to get TEFL qualified first? Get your free courses brochure to find out more.

4. Hong Kong

Average salaries: US$3,000 – 6,500 per month

Hong Kong boasts some of the highest paying TEFL jobs in the world, but with that comes a super high cost of living. In fact, Hong Kong has been named the most expensive city in the world! So, although it seems like you’re getting paid a lot, if you have a contract that doesn’t include accommodation, you could find that a significant portion of your salary will be going to rent and other bills. Don’t let that put you off though! Hong Kong is an amazing place to work and lots of teaching positions will include free accommodation and other benefits such as bonuses and paid holidays.

Need to get TEFL qualified first? Take our 2-minute course-matching quiz to find your perfect TEFL course.

5. Kuwait

Average salaries: US$2,600 – 4,000 per month

Kuwait might not be one of the first places you think of when it comes to teaching English, but due to a high number of international schools, TEFL job opportunities are plentiful here. Kuwait City may be surrounded by desert, but the city itself is full of life. It’s super modern, with towering skyscrapers, clubs, shopping malls and a vibrant expat community – sounds like a winner! If Kuwait sounds like the one for you, you’ll need to make sure you have a TEFL qualification and some teaching experience to land a job.

Need to get TEFL qualified first? Get your free courses brochure to find out more.

6. Oman

Average salaries: US$2,000 – 3,500 per month

Oman, famous for its dazzling souks and superb sea food. is one of the most developed countries in the Middle East. Teacher salaries in Oman can range from US$2,000 to $3,500 per month, and with a very low cost of living (around $700 per month) you’ll have plenty of opportunities to expand your savings or use your money to get your travel on and see some of the sights!

Need to get TEFL qualified first? Take our 2-minute course-matching quiz to find your perfect TEFL course.

7. South Korea

Average salaries: US$1,700 – 3,000 per month

A land of K-pop culture, bustling cities, crazy nightlife and year-round festivals, South Korea is becoming more and more popular with TEFL teachers every year. And, with the promise of free accommodation and a high, tax-free TEFL salary, we’re really not surprised! Along with free accommodation, many teaching positions in South Korea also include additional benefits such as bonuses, flight reimbursement, medical insurance, and paid holidays.

Check out our South Korea job guide for more information.

Want an easy way of finding paid employment in South Korea? Check our our South Korea Internship!

8. Taiwan

Average salaries: US$2,000 – 3,000 per month

Much like South Korea, salaries in Taiwan range from US$2,000 to $3,000 per month, but with an even lower cost of living, warmer winters, and scorching summers – yes please! If Taiwan is taking your fancy, you’ll easily be able to save lots of money each month. In fact, many teachers find it possible to save at least US$1,000 per month – wow! TEFL job positions here generally require teachers to hold a degree due to visa purposes.

Need to get TEFL qualified first? Take our 2-minute course-matching quiz to find your perfect TEFL course.

9. China

Average salaries: US$1,500 – 3,000 per month

Although salaries in China aren’t always as high as others on this list, China has by far the most TEFL jobs in the world, so it’s easy to find work here! Plus, the cost of living is relatively low in comparison to the wages and lots of contracts include free accommodation and flights, plus other, more fun benefits such as paid social events, Chinese lessons, and paid trips.

Check out our China job guide for more information.

10. Vietnam

Average salaries: US$1,000 – 2,000 per month

Although Vietnam doesn’t boast very high TEFL salaries, the cost of living here is super low compared to everywhere else on this list. So, although you might feel like you’re not getting paid much, you also won’t be spending much making it more than possible to save whilst working here. Plus, many TEFL jobs will include accommodation and bonuses – yes please! Vietnam is a great place to start your TEFL journey as you generally don’t need any teaching experience to land a well-paid job here.

Check out our Vietnam job guide for more information.

Want an easy way of finding paid employment in Vietnam? Check our our Vietnam Internship!

Already TEFL qualified? Head over to our sister company LoveTEFL to find heaps of English teaching jobs all over the world!

Remember – the requirements for teaching in different countries are always changing, but with a little bit of luck and research you’ll be able to land a high-paying job in your dream location!

Happy TEFLing!