Funding your TEFL Scotland course is now easier than ever thanks to ILA Scotland (Individual Learning Account), a government scheme that helps students pay for their tuition fees. And the good news is that all TEFL Scotland courses are eligible for ILA funding.
Having peace of mind knowing that your course fees will be significantly reduced thanks to ILA funding, allows you to enjoy and immerse yourself fully in your TEFL training, and find the course that's right for you.
If you're 16 or over, living in Scotland and have an income of ￡22,000 or less, you may get up to ￡200 towards the cost of a TEFL Scotland course with an ILA learner account. That's a significant saving towards your course fees and a great start to your new career.

Applying for ILA funding

You can apply for ILA funding today online. Alternatively, call 0808 100 1090 and speak to an ILA Scotland advisor who will answer any questions you may have, and send you an application pack in the post.
The whole process is intuitive and very straightforward; and completed funding applications are usually processed within two weeks. Once approved, you'll receive a unique ILA number, which you can submit to TEFL Scotland who will then confirm your course booking. In the mean time, ILA will send you a Learning Token document. This confirms your course has been arranged and you can either post it to TEFL Scotland or simply hand it to your tutor at the start of your course.

Real savings on course fees

Having ILA funding support means students signing up to TEFL Scotland can complete our 130-hour course for under ￡200, for example. That's a massive 50% saving on the regular price. What's more, TEFL Scotland's 100-hour online course could cost you as little as ￡29 with ILA support, making this an extremely cost-effective introduction to TEFL teaching.
Thousands of people across Scotland have benefited from the ILA scheme that has made training affordable and more accessible than ever before. What better reason, then, to sign up to a TEFL Scotland course today and embark on the first chapter of your new career.

Save hundreds on your TEFL course today!

Find out more about the range of TEFL courses on offer at TEFL Scotland and how to apply for ILA Funding.
 

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website

It is in fact possible to find work without any official TEFL training. Some language schools may hire English teachers without a TEFL certificate. However there are several things to consider.

Will you be able to teach?

Without any focused TEFL training it will be very hard to tell whether what you are doing in the classroom is correct. The idea of standing up in front of a class of foreign students with no idea what to say or do is very daunting. In order to give your students the best education possible, a TEFL qualification really is necessary. It will also save you a lot of stress and give you the confidence and skills to plan and deliver a lesson with ease.

Will you be able to find work?

The higher end language schools will definitely require you to have a TEFL qualification. There is a growing demand for TEFL teachers, however competition can be high especially in popular TEFL destinations. To give you the best chance at securing a TEFL job we recommend taking the 100 hour or 120 hour TEFL course. Many employers require a minimum of 100 hours of TEFL training so this will make you eligible for the widest range of jobs and strengthen your application.

Will your job be as reputable?

It comes as no surprise that the jobs that require a TEFL certificate will be the better and more professional positions. Without a TEFL course you may have to accept a job form a less reliable institution which would not be recommended. Schools that have lower standards in recruitment may be less reliable.

Will you earn as much?

Without a TEFL certificate you would have to be prepared to accept a lower salary. If you are serious about your TEFL career, especially in more competitive countries, you will need a TEFL Qualification. In general the highest paying TEFL jobs are found in Western Europe, Japan, Korea and Taiwan – all of which look for accredited EFL Teachers.

Will you miss out on extra support?

By taking a course with TEFL Scotland you will be entitled to our free TEFL Job Placement Service, designed to help find you your dream job. Only TEFL Scotland graduates are eligible to apply for the jobs advertised on our website. Once you have completed your TEFL Course you will also have access to our Schools Contact Directory, which is an exhaustive list of contacts for schools all over the globe. We also offer CV tips to make sure your application is as strong as possible.

TEFL advice

At TEFL Scotland we have a team of dedicated TEFL advisors who you can speak to if you have any queries. You can give us a call on 0800 9 888 200 or drop us an email on info@teflscotland.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

For a full list of our course options click here.

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website

My name is Abigael Gough. I am 22 years old and I come from Dumfries.
I did the 120 hour TEFL course and did the 20hour weekend portion in Dundee where I was studying at the time. I was nearing the end of my studies at Abertay University studying Behavioural Science and was wanting to travel and work once I had graduated.

I had always wanted to take a year out after being at University for 4 years straight after finishing high school and thought that what better way to see the world than work and live abroad while I do it. I had been in contact with a school in China and had built up a rapport and having the TEFL qualification as well as a degree would allow me to fit the requirements needed for this post.

I am currently teaching at that particular school. I am living and working in Cangzhou which is in the Hebei Province and is an hour from Beijing on the bullet train. The school I am teaching at is an English training school for children between the ages of 3-12.

The TEFL course helped me by first allowing me to get to grips with the English language myself before even beginning to think about teaching it to others. I learnt so much about my native language that I never knew previously and it gave me a new appreciation of it through fresh eyes. The weekend course allowed me to have a taste of lesson planning and being in front of a class which can be quite daunting at first. Every day in class brings a new interesting experience. The school I work at has viewing windows so that parents can watch the class- it is a bit like being in a fish bowl. And since some of the children are extremely young it is not unusual for there to be some tears and tantrums so it is paramount to try and keep the kids engaged.

Coming to China to live and work was certainly a culture shock but that is what I craved and the main reason why I chose to come to this country. There are 4 of us foreign English teachers in the city of 4 million- so we are literally 1 in a million here. My preferred mode of transport is a little red push bike and you soon get over a fear of horrid drivers and get used to the constant honking of horns. And the little kids I teach are adorable and there is a wonderful sense of joy when you start a class and you know that all the English they know, they have learnt from you.

I am contracted to work at the school until October next year then I am continuing my travels to New Zealand. After which I will return to Scotland and I plan on applying to do a post graduate teaching qualification as my experience teaching English has given me a taste of working in a school and I really enjoy it. Who knows where in the world I will end up when I qualify and perhaps I will return to TEFL later on... It is such a good thing to have in your personal "toolbox".

My experience as a TEFL teacher has been a positive one. I am working with like minded people and we all have a passion for travelling. We are seeing as much of the country as we can in our time off and are able to save a lot of money too as the cost of living is so cheap as well. My advice for anyone thinking about teaching English abroad would be go with an open mind. You will see things that surprise you, but that is all part of the experience. Just go with it and you will be able to look back on it in years to come and be able to think wow- I had a great time.

Abigael

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website

A common misconception about the world of TEFL is that teachers need to be able to speak the language of the country they’re working in. This isn’t the case at all – your job as an EFL teacher is to immerse your students in English and you would be somewhat defeating your value as a native English speaker by using their language in the classroom. However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t pick up a new language!

Why should you learn a new language?

You can probably get by just using English in most countries you might teach in, but sometimes EFL teachers find themselves in remote areas where next to no one speaks their language! This means that day-to-day business, such as buying groceries and ordering food and drink, can be difficult and learning some basic phrases can be hugely helpful. Making an effort with your host country’s language will often be considered a polite thing to do, so while it can make your life easier it can also help you make friends and earn the respect of the people you encounter.

How?

There are various ways that EFL teachers pick up another language while teaching abroad. Sometimes the school you work at may offer you free language lessons, other teachers do a trade where they give an English lesson in exchange for a lesson in another language – this is a great option for the more cash-strapped teacher. A phrasebook is something that you should pack and you will likely find - like your students - that when you are regularly encountering another language it should be easier to pick up.

To find out more about starting your TEFL journey have a look at our course options: TEFL courses
 

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website

If you’re raring to get off abroad to teach English, our 20-hour weekend course is ideal to get you started with an initial TEFL qualification. The course is done in a single weekend, so it’s easy to fit in with the busiest of schedules – if you can’t manage a weekend we run 30-hour weekday courses as well, so that our courses are as accessible to everyone as possible.

What do I need?

We’re often asked what you need to bring along with you to the course. All you need for the course is something to write with, something to write on and yourself. Tea and coffee is offered during the day but bring some lunch or money to buy some. We’ll provide you with a coursebook and other material for the day and lots of fun!

What will we cover?

You’ll look at lots of different things to prepare you for life in the classroom, including warmers and games, how to correct mistakes, classroom management and grammar, amongst much more. You will have the opportunity to practice delivering lessons - which sounds a little scary if you’ve never had experience teaching before, but you’ll soon find that the atmosphere of the course is friendly and supportive and that there really isn’t anything to worry about. You can find out a little more information about what’s involved in the course here: Weekend TEFL courses

Is the venue easy to get to?

Venues for TEFL Scotland courses are always very central and easy to get to. We run TEFL courses in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, Stirling, Perth, Orkney and Dumfries so that as many people as possible can get to a course without too much trouble.

Click here to see a full list of our TEFL courses in Scotland.

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website

Would you like to travel the world, gain new experiences, learn about different cultures and meet interesting people? TEFL will bring you all of this and more!

What is TEFL?

TEFL or Teaching English as a Foreign Language refers to teaching English to students who are not native speakers. With a TEFL qualification you can travel anywhere in the world to do just this. Employers typically look for TEFL teachers with a minimum of 100 hours of TEFL training so we would recommend that you take the 120-hour or 130-hour course to make you eligible for the widest range of TEFL jobs.

TEFL is becoming an extremely popular career path for many people and as the demand for teaching English continues to increase globally there has never been a better time to take a TEFL course.

Why do TEFL?

You’ll experience a new culture

Many of us dream of visiting other countries and with TEFL you get paid to do just that! TEFL offers you a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself into a different culture. For some individuals, making the choice to teach English abroad allows them to experience a country from a completely different perspective than that of a traditional tourist. Many TEFL graduates leave having learnt a new language themselves and in fact some never leave!

You’ll give something back

Not only will TEFL make it possible for you to discover beautiful corners of the world, it is also a highly rewarding career.  Teaching English as a foreign language can be a fantastic opportunity to give something back to local communities and make a difference to the lives of people.

You’ll get paid

You will be able to do all of this while earning a comfortable living! A TEFL salary often goes a long way and you will be able to live well by local standards.

You’ll get valuable work experience

Teaching English abroad shows you have great confidence, motivation and ambition. Employers will be impressed to see a TEFL qualification on your CV and it is a fantastic chance to gain some international work experience.

Who can do TEFL?

As long as you speak English to a native level you can learn to teach it! Students on our courses range from 18 year olds to 80 year olds. You do not even have to know any of the language of the country you are visiting, although some of the basics may help.

Most importantly, you’ll have the time of your life!

Don’t just take our word for it, book a TEFL Course and see for yourself. 

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website

Teaching English Abroad with Pets: Some Things to Consider

Teaching in a foreign country can be an exhilarating experience. You get to live in a new place, experience a new culture and perhaps learn a new language. Everything can seem new and exciting. However, for some, the idea of leaving everything behind to experience so much novelty can be a little overwhelming. Some may feel lonely at the idea of not having family members nearby or at leaving behind close friends. The idea of leaving behind beloved pets can also be distressing. Though you may not be able to convince your family and closest friends to pack up and move with you, you can decide whether or not to bring along your furry companions. There are a number of things you should consider before you decide to travel with your pet:

School Policies

Many schools offer teachers living facilities as part of their hiring package, which can also include salary, health benefits and a pension plan. Because school officials oversee these living facilities – some of which may be located on school property – they may not be willing to allow pets on the premises. Even if teachers are required to pay a security deposit or other fee, school officials are ultimately responsible for caring for the property if any damage occurs. If you are offered a position, make sure you ask whether the school has a policy on pets, including any restrictions on the number of pets, size or breed.

Entrance Requirements

Each country has its own regulations governing the acceptance of pets from other countries. At a minimum, you will be required to show proof of your pet’s immunisation and health record. However, each country has a list of specific vaccines that are required, and some may still require that your pet be quarantined for a certain amount of time before being released into the country. Quarantine periods vary, but could last up to several months, depending on the country and on your pet’s health rec

ord. Keep in mind that these requirements will also likely be in place when you are ready to return to your home country. Make sure that your pet is up-to-date on all required vaccinations and that you keep careful records. Also note that some countries will bar specific animals from entrance, such as birds or reptiles.

Airline Arrangements

Rules for flying with your pet will vary by airline, so be sure to check with your specific carrier. At a minimum, you will be required to place your pet in a crate big enough to move around in, including space for bedding, food and water. You will be required to pay a fee for traveling with your pet, which may increase according to the size of your pet. If your pet is small enough – such as a breed of toy dog or a cat – it can likely travel in the cabin with you. If you have a larger pet, it will need to be stowed in cargo beneath the plane. This is important to keep in mind since traveling for long periods in such a space can be stressful for your pet.

Daily Life in Your New Country

Finally, consider what life will be like trying to care for your pet in your new country. Western societies are generally more accepting of pets and have more accommodations available. However, if you are a cat owner, for example, you might have a hard time finding cat food or litter if you are living in China. Or, if you are the owner of a large dog, you might not feel as welcome in Korea, where there are fewer green spaces in the city for walking dogs and where many breeds of dog are eaten as fine cuisine. Acceptance of your pet, supplies and care facilities for your pet, and accommodations can all impact your day-to-day ability to care for your pet. Consider also how you will care for your pet if you must travel, whether you will have time during your day to walk your pet (if you need to), and how you will find veterinary care. Talking to other ex-pats on online forums before you move can give you insights into these issues.

Traveling overseas to teach requires a lot of planning and preparation, and traveling with a pet is no different. If you want to bring your pet with you when you go abroad to teach, be sure to do your research well in advance of your departure, and to make any necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth transition for both of you.

Amanda Tradwick is a grant researcher and writer for CollegeGrants.org. She has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware, and has recently finished research on grants for non traditional students and Ohio college grants.

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website

4 steps to a new life in 2012

New Year is the perfect time to make a change. Make 2012 the year you do something really different - teach English abroad!

Follow our four step guide and enjoy the most unforgettable year of your life!

Step 1 – Book your TEFL course

TEFL Scotland offer courses to suit you regardless of your qualifications, experience or location.

Unsure which course is your best option? Our friendly and helpful TEFL advisors are here to help you pick the right course for you - give us a call on 0800 9 888 200 or email on info@teflscotland.co.uk.

Best of all, many students can fund their course through ILA Scotland – get £200 towards your TEFL course.

Find out more about courses: TEFL Course Options 

Find out more about funding: ILA Courses

Step 2 – Get your accredited certificate

TEFL Scotland courses will give you the skills and confidence you need for your new career. Fun and practical TEFL classroom courses are happening in a location near you! From Lerwick in the north to Dumfries in the south, our TEFL courses span the length and breadth of Scotland

Find out more: Upcoming TEFL courses near you

Can’t make one of our classroom TEFL courses? Get your TEFL certificate online!

● Work at your own pace and fit study around your commitments
● Work from any online PC
● Personal online tutor to guide you through the course
● Chat to fellow students on course forums

Find out more: TEFL course options

Step 3 – Find the right jobs for you

Through our FREE TEFL Job Placement Service, TEFL Scotland recruits English teachers for jobs in countries around the world. New vacancies are posted regularly from employers looking to hire graduates of our TEFL courses.  Whether you want to teach English as a foreign language somewhere cosmopolitan and chic or somewhere off the beaten track, to businessmen or kindergarten kids, we have lots of TEFL jobs to tempt you.

How about teaching English in France?

We are recruiting right now for positions in Paris, Bordeaux, Nantes, Lille and Lyon. Working part-time with young children, you’d be helping them learn English through play in their own homes. Plus, you’ll get to experience the rich culture, fine arts, fantastic cuisine and chic style just like the French do!

Find out more: TEFL Jobs in France

Step 4 – Send off the perfect application

TEFL Scotland offers plenty of support to help you find work. From a free hard copy of your accredited TEFL certificate to a reference letter from your tutor, we make sure you have what you need to impress employers.

Most TEFL jobs will require a CV with your application, so we offer plenty tips to make sure your application stands out!

Find out more: TEFL CV Support

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website

Most native English speakers don’t have an extensive knowledge of the ins-and-outs of the way they use language because it’s something that comes naturally to them. We all use subordinate clauses and contracted word forms, but do we know how to describe them and can we identify when we are using them?

What is grammar?

Grammar is the set of rules that govern the structure and system of a language, which consists of syntax and morphology, and is also extended to phonetics, phonology and semantics – this, understandably, sounds a little intimidating! Toddlers can display the ability to grasp complex grammar and adults use it without giving it any thought, but when it comes to being able to describe the way we use language most of us might struggle to explain anything more complicated than verbs, nouns and adjectives. For English language learners, however, learning grammar is very important and so the EFL teacher needs to do some brushing up!

How should we teach grammar in TEFL?

There are two ways of teaching grammar: prescriptive and descriptive. Prescriptive English causes a lot of arguments amongst grammarians because it teaches a correct and incorrect way of using grammar – most English Language academics do not teach in this way currently and contest the idea of grammar having fixed rules. Language changes over time and rules are frequently broken in everyday speech, and so descriptive English describes the way people speak, rather than telling them how to as prescriptive does. However, EFL students will benefit from prescriptive grammar in their earlier stages as it’s important for them to be able to establish certain rules as a foundation. Having an understanding of grammar as being flexible rather than rigid benefits fluency in more advanced English speakers.

TEFL and grammar

Grammar is something that can sound very overwhelming for the prospective EFL teacher, but TEFL Scotland is here to help with our 30-hour Grammar Course. The course will cover everything you’re likely to come across as a first-time teacher and there’s plenty of opportunity to practice and get help if you find yourself stuck. A good knowledge of grammar is hugely helpful to any EFL teacher and that’s why the course is only £30 if you book it alongside any of our weekend, weekday or online courses.

Find out more: TEFL Grammar Course

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website

Teaching English in Switzerland

TEFL Advisor Kiva Richard offers up some fascinating facts and top tips for anyone interested in teaching English in Switzerland.

Living in Switzerland – Things to Do and See

Switzerland is a small country in the heart of Western Europe with a lot to offer for TEFL graduates!

• Switzerland is a desirable destination for skiers and alpine walkers with 70% of the landscape covered in breath-taking mountain scenery.
• Although you should expect snow in the winter, the summer months bring with them a hot, nearly Mediterranean climate.
• Swimming in the Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) is highly recommended during the summer heat.
• Switzerland has lots of cultural diversity with four official spoken languages of German, French, Italian and Romansh.
• Switzerland is home to a rich and thriving arts scene with lots to do and see. Montreux Jazz festival attracts some of music’s finest and the week-long Paléo Festival in Nyon is an event not to be missed by music lovers.
• Life in Switzerland is notoriously sophisticated; throughout the summer, Geneva hosts free nights of live music in the Park. For the romantics there is an outdoor cinema overlooking the Lake and with the Jet d’Eau, one of the largest fountains in the world, in sight.

Teaching English in Switzerland

• English is the second language taught in most schools in Switzerland and language schools are found in all of the major cities.
• Another option for finding TEFL jobs in Switzerland would be apply to summer camps, which look typically for young and enthusiastic TEFL teachers who enjoy sports and working with children.
• EU members can work in Switzerland for up to 3 months without a permit.
• Competition for TEFL jobs in Switzerland can be high though, with priority given to Swiss Citizens first.
• Employers in Switzerland are looking for highly qualified and experienced TEFL teachers, so we would recommend you take the 120-hour or 130-hour TEFL course. This will give you the highest TEFL qualification and put you in the best position for finding work.
• Although it may sound difficult to find TEFL jobs in Switzerland, with determination and persistence you should be able to secure a TEFL job and the rewards of doing so are high.
• Switzerland has an excellent education system, working conditions are professional and well qualified TEFL teachers are paid a high salary. Zurich has been found to be the city offering the highest wages across the globe – with Geneva a close second.

Living in Switzerland - Top Tips

The cost of living is in Switzerland is high, but so are the rewards.  Here are some important notes if you are considering teaching English in Switzerland.

• The towns are clean and there is a low crime rate.
• Everything is efficient; trains run on time and public spaces are beautiful and well maintained.
• Swiss rules and laws should be taken seriously.
• This includes having a proper recycling system and avoiding littering.
• There are certain times of a day you cannot use your washing machine (the mains power is switched off).
• You cannot wash your car on a Sunday.

Switzerland will offer you a high quality of living and a myriad of unforgettable experiences.

What’s stopping you? Book a TEFL course now!

This feed was drawn from the TEFL Scotland website