I just wrapped up the 120-hour…
I just wrapped up the 120-hour course last week. It was fine for getting me out of my usual routine and doing something different. The self-paced setup worked well for my schedule. I feel like I have a basic handle on things now. Not perfect, but I’m ready to look for jobs overseas.
Actually, finishing up that 30…
Actually, finishing up that 300-hour course felt like a real accomplishment. I’m somewhat happy it’s over, but in a good way. The whole reason I signed up was to gain an international perspective, and I think it worked. ******* was one of the best teachers I’ve had, very clear and helpful. I feel prepared to teach English overseas now, which was the main goal. The material was straightforward and ...[Read More]
I wanted to travel and work at…
I wanted to travel and work at the same time, so this course seemed like a good fit. As a student wrapping up the certificate who completed a 100-hour program, I felt less happy than I expected. The discussion forums were decent, but I needed more live interaction to really stay engaged. It’s a solid choice, just not perfect for my learning style.
I gotta say, this course reall…
I gotta say, this course really got me excited about teaching again. The way they laid everything out with pictures and diagrams just clicked for me. Seeing the lessons visually made it all stick. It was a solid experience that reminded me why I love languages so much.
I’m just about done with the 2…
I’m just about done with the 200-hour online diploma now. I liked how the lessons were set up for a structured learner like me. My main goal was to move somewhere new, and this felt like the right step. I felt happy with the whole thing.
Apostille Confusion? Understanding TEFL Certificate Authentication for China’s Z Visa
Applying for China’s Z Visa is an exciting step in your TEFL journey, but the paperwork can quickly become overwhelming. One of the most confusing parts for many teachers is the apostille process—especially when your TEFL certificate comes from a company based in another country. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How can my UK-issued TEFL certificate be apostilled in the U.S.?”—you’re not alo...[Read More]
Coming Home After TEFL: Finding Contentment in the Unexpected
For many TEFL teachers, the thought of returning home after years abroad brings a mix of excitement and dread. We build lives overseas—easy jobs, decent salaries, and a rhythm that feels comfortable. So when circumstances require a move back, it’s natural to cling to the familiar expat life you’re leaving behind. One returning teacher recently shared a story that flips that script. After teaching ...[Read More]
Teaching English Abroad with Cerebral Palsy: Is It Possible?
Dreaming of exploring the world while teaching English is something many people share. But if you have a speech difference like cerebral palsy, you might wonder: Will anyone understand me? Will schools even consider me? The short answer is: don’t count yourself out before you try. Teaching English as a Foreign Language is not about sounding like a news anchor. It’s about communication. And communi...[Read More]
Walking Into a New Life: Taking Over an English School in Japan
Imagine an English school where the books are already on the shelves, the classrooms are ready, and a comfortable home sits just next door. For many TEFL teachers, this is the dream. Instead of starting from zero, someone else has already built the school. That is the picture painted by a recent community post looking for a successor to take over an established English school in Japan. The offer w...[Read More]
From Classroom to Real Life: English–Japanese Translation Help for Foreigners in Japan
When you move to Japan, you quickly realize that knowing a little Japanese is not the same as managing daily life. There are forms to fill, emails from landlords, phone calls from delivery companies, messages from utility providers, and business inquiries that arrive at all hours. For many foreigners, the gap between textbook Japanese and the Japanese used in real-world communication can feel enor...[Read More]
From Eikaiwa to Junior High: Should You Take the Pay Cut to Chase Your Teaching Dream?
You’ve spent years building your confidence at an eikaiwa. You love teaching, but your real goal is to stand in front of a junior high or high school classroom. Then the moment comes: a job offer that could get you closer—but it comes with a monthly pay cut of around 20,000 yen. Do you take it? This is the exact dilemma one TEFL teacher faced after being passed over for a private junior high...[Read More]
Landing the High School EFL Job: Designing a 15-Minute Speaking Activity That Shines
So you’ve landed an interview for a high school teaching position. You’re excited, but then comes the task: design a speaking activity based on a short reading passage, with a lesson plan to match. If you haven’t taught teens before, this can feel intimidating. But it’s actually a fantastic opportunity to show your future employer how you approach speaking, thinking, and classroom flow. The Challe...[Read More]