TEFL & ESL Blog
From Side Gig to Career: One Teacher’s Experience with EFL
Dr. Daniel Portman has been involved in TEFL for over 20 years. After falling in love with TEFL, he went on to pursue master’s level work in applied linguistics.
Life as an Autonomo: How to Earn More Money Teaching in Spain
How to earn a €2000 net salary as a self-employed teacher in Spain and pay less social security and tax in the first 2 years of working as an autónomo.
How a Single Mom of 5 Went from Teacher to Lawyer and Back Again
Brett shares her experience of being a foster mother, lawyer and online teacher and why she wouldn’t trade it for the world!
The 5 Best Teach English in Japan Programs (w/ Details & Requirements)
Explore which teaching program is the best in Japan – a breakdown of our top 5 including the job requirements and details.
40 Years After Normalization: A Review of Memoirs by American Teachers in China
Teacher Jim Hill recounts his first time in China and how things have changed for English teachers over the past 40 years.
China’s New Policy for Online Teachers Explained
A breakdown of the new regulations for Chinese online teaching companies including what’s changed and what you’ll need to qualify as a teacher.
The Pros & Cons of Being a Private English Tutor in Japan
A great look at the pros & cons of teaching private lessons in Japan + tips on how to get started.
The 4 Best TEFL Courses in Japan
Planning on completing a TEFL course in Japan? Read our reviews on the best TEFL courses, covering everything from curriculums to reputation.
The 5 Best Teach English in Korea Programs (w/ Details & Requirements)
Considering a teach English program in South Korea? Read our guide on the 5 best teaching programs, including job summary and requirements.
Moving to China to Teach: 5 Tips to Consider Before You Go
5 great tips from author and former teacher Josh Summers on how to best prepare for your move to China as an English teacher.
The 5 Best Online TEFL Certifications
Looking for the best online TEFL course? This guide breaks down 5 options from their curriculums to their reputation and price.
The 5 Best TEFL Courses in Prague
Here we break down everything you need to know about the best TEFL courses in Prague, including their reputation, curriculum, and price.
The 4 Best TEFL Courses in China
Looking for a TEFL course in China? This guide breaks down 4 options, including their price, curriculum and reputation.
Teaching English in Bogota: Pros, Cons, & My Experience
A teacher gives a first-hand account of the pros and cons of teaching English in Bogota, Colombia – see what her day to day was like!
Online Teaching Tips: 15 Things I Wish I Had Known
Just getting into online teaching or wondering how to improve? Here are 15 online teaching tips from a current teacher to help you out!
Teacher Review: The Pros & Cons of Teaching for Magic Ears
Teacher Jenica shares her thoughts on teaching for Magic Ears for the past 2 years – see what she loves and thinks you need to be prepared for!
How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Italy & When to Apply
Find out how to apply for English teaching jobs in Italy, what the application process looks like and where to find jobs.
5 Awesome Blog Posts about Teaching English in Italy
Read these 5 cool blogs to get an insight into the world of teaching English in Italy and what to expect from your adventure.
Do You Need a Degree to Teach English in Italy?
Find out if you need a degree to teach in Italy as we look at some of the requirements needed to teach in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Do You Need a TEFL Certificate to Teach in Italy?
Find out if a TEFL certification is necessary to teach in Italy and how having one can make your job search easier and salary better.
Can You Teach English in Italy with a Criminal Record?
Have a criminal record and wondering if you can still teach in Italy? See what to expect from your job hunt as we break down this FAQ.
Can You Teach English in Germany without a Degree? Yes – Here’s How.
Germany does not require English teachers to have a degree but does require something else – click to see what you need to teach legally.
The 5 Best TEFL Courses in Thailand
Looking for a TEFL course in Thailland? We’ve broken down 5 of our favorites based on their price, reputation and curriculum – click to check them out!
Transferring Money from China: Your Options Explained
Sending money home from China doesn’t have to be complicated – here are your best options for keeping as much of your money as possible.
Teaching in China as a Primary School Teacher: What It’s Really Like
Curious what China is *really* like for a teacher? Read this first-hand account from a primary school teacher in Shenzhen, China.
VIPKid Just Turned 5 – Here’s What They Have Planned for the Future
Can you believe VIPKid is 5 years old? Current teacher Luis walks us through how they celebrated, their history, and what they have planned for the future.
Can You Teach English in Mexico without a Degree?
Mexico doesn’t require teachers to have a degree – here is what you need to know and what they do require to teach legally.
Magic Ears Props
Magic Ears recommends you use at least 2 props in your classes – here are 10 of our favorites that can be used for different ages & abilities.
China Teachers: Here’s How to Link Wechat and Your Bank Card
Wechat might be one of the greatest apps ever and it can make your time in China much easier – here is how to link it with your bank in order to make payments easier in the mainland.
Teaching English in Beijing: A Current Teacher Shares Her Experience
Thinking about teaching English in Beijing – here are some tips from a current teacher on why she chose Beijing, what she likes about the city and what her average day is like!
Teacher Interview: What It’s Like to Teach Online with Magic Ears
Considering applying to Magic Ears? Carly shares how their application process works, what it’s like to teach for them, and how you can take on other roles to earn more money!
Review: What It’s Like to Teach Online for Hujiang
Thinking about applying to Huijing? Check out this in-depth look from two current teachers on their hiring process, requirements, and how much they pay.
Teacher Interview: Pros and Cons of Teaching for EF in China
Thinking about working for EF? Here’s a short interview on what one teacher liked and didn’t like about teaching for the company in China.
Interview: How Cynthia & Niko Travel the World while Teaching Online
Online teaching provides a lot of freedom – see how Cynthia & Niko use their remote teaching positions to fund their world travels.
What Is a Chinese Training Center and Should You Work at One?
Training centers are everywhere in China and are hiring teachers by the boatload – here’s what you need to know about their schedule and pay before taking a job at one.
Vietnam Recruiter Interview: Finding a Good Job, Common Mistakes, and Your First Day
A great interview with Georgia from Teacher’s Friend Vietnam – she discusses how to to get a quality job, things to look out for, and what to expect on your first day.
What It’s Like to Teach English in Beijing – A Teacher’s Account
Thinking about teaching in Beijing? Here’s what one former teacher had to say about the city, salary, and preparing for arrival.
What It’s Like Teaching in Shenzhen, China
Thinking about teaching in Shenzhen? Here’s what to expect, what it’s like for teachers, and some areas of the city to check out for schools.
Is It Possible to Teach in Korea without a Degree?
It is not possible to teach in Korea without a degree – here is what you need to know and some possible other options.
Can You Teach in China with a Criminal Record?
Want to teach in China but have a criminal record? Here’s what the Chinese visa criminal record check means for your application.
Can You Teach in Taiwan without a TEFL certification?
Looking to see if you can teach in Taiwan without a TEFL? Here is what you need to know about teaching legally in this awesome country.
Can You Teach in Taiwan without a Degree?
Teaching in Taiwan without a degree isn’t impossible but it is illegal – here’s what you need to know in terms of the degree requirements.
Can You Teach in Taiwan with a Criminal Record?
Thinking about trying to teach in Taiwan with a criminal record? As of June 2017 the law has changed – here’s what you need to know.
Can Teachers Get a Work Visa in Japan with a Criminal Record?
Thinking about teaching in Japan with a criminal record? It’s possible but not very easy – here’s where to start and what you need to know.
Can You Teach in China without a Degree?
Thinking about teaching in China without a degree? It’s possible – here are some risks associated with as well as some pros and cons.
Can You Teach in Korea with a Criminal Record?
Wondering if a minor offense will prevent you from teaching abroad? Here’s what you need to know about teaching in Korea with a criminal record.
What Is a Buxiban in Taiwan and Should You Teach at One?
Cram schools in Taiwan go by many names but buxiban is the most common – here’s what you need to know about working at one.
My Experience Teaching at a Hagwon in Korea
A first-hand recap about my experience working for a Korean hagwon, including my salary, living arrangements, and application process.
How to Make Your Online Classroom Interesting for Students
Having an awesome online classroom makes it teaching online easier. Here are some tips from a current teacher to help get your classroom setup.
Teacher Interview: Standing Out in the DaDaABC Hiring Process
Online teacher and digital nomad Jason shares his experience teaching for DadaABC including how he got hired and how he uses music to engage the students.
How a Couple Moved from CA to Teach and Live in Spain
An interview with Antoine from Two People in Spain on how he and his wife left California to teach and live in Spain – and how you can too.
Teaching at a Private School in Japan – What It’s Like
Haley shares what it was like to teach at a private school in Japan, including commuting to classes, driving in Japan, and advice for those considering it.
What It’s Like Teaching for EF in Wuhan, China
See how Anthony got started teaching for EF in Wuhan, China – a tier 2 city bigger than NYC – and what he thought of the experience.
What Is a Hagwon and Should You Work at One?
Hagwons are private learning centers in Korea that cater to students looking to improve their English – here is what you can expect from working at one.
What Is an Eikaiwa and Should You Work at One?
Eikaiwas are English conversation schools in Japan and offer a lot of advantages for new ESL teachers – they also vary in quality and aren’t for everyone.
Finding Work After Teaching: Advice from a Former ESL Teacher in China
Wondering what to do after teaching? You’re not alone. In this interview, Brandon discusses how to structure and use your time abroad to your advantage if you don’t plan on teaching forever.
How Do I Get a Release Letter in China?
Quitting or changing jobs? Here’s why you need a release letter and how to get one.
The Importance of List Building for Online Teachers: Cara from Leo Listening
Your email list is often your most valuable business asset – learn how Cara grows hers.
Nina on Teaching without Textbooks and Being a Teacher to Remember
Nina ditched traditional textbooks in favor of lesson plans and goals that are as unique as her students.
How Jennifer from English Outside the Box Got Started and Using Referrals to Land Students
Founder of English Outside the Box, Jennifer, tells us about landing her first online student and which tactics she uses.
Teaching Primary School in China – An Interview with Kristine
Great interview with Kristine, a primary school teacher in China – see how she got started and why she loves it!
Interview with Kim from “English with Kim” and Her Move Online
Thinking about moving online from the classroom? Kim did it and never looked back!
What Happens if I Quit My Teaching Job in China?
Thinking about quitting your teaching job in China? Here’s how it should go down.
5 Places to Get Your Start Teaching Online Courses
It’s never been easier to teach a course online – assuming you have an internet connection we’ve laid out 5 places to start teaching today.
Can You Teach English Online without a Degree?
Unsure if you can teach English online without a degree? Rest easy because it’s not only possible, it’s quite common. Here’s how to start.
Becoming an Online Teacher: What You Need to Know
A thorough breakdown of what to expect as an online teacher including jobs, pay, and requirements.
Get Seen: These Are the 7 Best Webcams for Online Teachers
See how using a dedicated webcam can improve your lesson, as well as some recommended models.
Online Teaching Equipement: 5 Headsets to Make Sure You’re Heard
Headsets are becoming a must-have piece of online teaching equipment thanks to their superior sound and voice quality – here are 3 worth considering.
This VIPKid Teacher Makes $75k Teaching Online
See how Dan made more than $75,000 in 2016 by teaching with VIPKid, including how he got started and what his current schedule is like.
Genevieve Breaks Down VIPKid’s Pay, Schedule, and Hiring Process
Thinking about applying to work at VIPKid? Genevieve is one of the 2500 teachers that loves working there – see why in this interview.
See How Lingo Live Was Founded and Now Works with Google and Twitter
See how Lingo Live depends on experienced teachers to provide language training to companies like Google, Twitter, and Eventbrite.
Using Online Mentoring to Build Academically-Confident Students
A great look at another form of online teaching – mentoring. Here’s how to get involved.
This Teacher Worked for iTalki Before Starting Her Own School
Lindsay is a self-employed online language teacher that not only helps students but also helps teachers get started teaching online.
See How this Online Teacher Used YouTube to Attract Students
Jennifer is incredibly experienced and has been teaching English since 1996. She now runs English with Jennifer and Jennifer ESL on YouTube.
