TEFL Connect

Logo TEFL Connect blanco
Menu

Author name: Marketing Marketing

A year in Florence
Europe, Italy

3 reasons to spend your gap-year in Florence

/

Are you thinking of doing a TEFL Course in Italy? Florence is one of the most wonderful cities in Europe, full of art, history, beautiful architecture and tasty food. There are hundreds of REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HOP ON A PLANE AND GET INTO CITY LIFE, but we have selected the top three reasons to spend your gap-year in Florence, as it’s a fantastic place to live and work as a TEFL teacher! 1. Get to embrace the local culture In Florence, tourist spots do come with a price tag, but living as a local is more than affordable on a TEFL teacher’s salary! Of course you need to visit important and touristic places, but once you get to know the most emblematic attractions, you will also find that many cultural, national and local events and celebrations take place in Florence, like the Chocolate Festival, the international Festival of Lilies, or the Ice Cream Festival. Instead of going to restaurants, markets and local produce are a great way to practice your Italian, plus picking up some of the finest ingredients to cook with each day. Before you know it, you’ll be giving Gino D’Acampo a run for his money in the kitchen. Nor should we overlook the beauty of landscapes that Florence offers. The city is located in the center of a basin surrounded by three hills, and the Arno River. 2. Discover the Mediterranean lifestyle By spending a year in Florence ( and of course the magical cities nearby)  you will understand how the streets are structured, the funny humor of the people, their way of seeing the world and  you will get to try its wide and delicious gastronomy… Everything is different but you will end up feeling like Florence is home. Some of the things you will discover in Florence are: Going for a walk instead of exercising. The Mediterranean diet. Their simply way of living. Lots of laughter! 3. Burst with creativity For lovers of sculptures, paintings, music, literature and fashion, Florence is the ideal spot. The city boasts exquisite pieces such as Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Venus, Palazzo Vecchio, Marino Marini’s collection. You can download the Florence Art and Culture Travel Guide to stay on top of what´s happening as well as getting museum tickets…. In addition, some places of interest that you can visit are: Uffizi Gallery Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore Bargello Palace Piazza della Repubblica The Garden of Archimedes     If you want to know more about this fantastic city and start your European adventure in Florence, take a look at our TEFL course there. Check out our Facebook and Instagram page for more information or if you have any questions!    

Movies that gives you wanderlust
Cambodia, Costa Rica, Europe, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam

Movies that give you wanderlust

/

Movies have the power to transport us to a different world, without even moving from the couch. If you’re looking for the next destination, or stuck in a rut and hoping to get out, get some popcorn, settle in and get inspired for your next adventure! Here are the movies that give you wanderlust: Movies to inspire travel through Europe Thinking on travelling to Europe? These movies will give you a great insight into various European cities: Midnight in Paris, set in the French capital, provides you with a view of the most emblematic areas in Paris. Woody Allen’s film begins in Monet’s Garden, home of impressionist painter Claude Monet and through venue des Camoens and its view of the Eiffel Tower to the double-decker Pont Bir Hakeim, among others. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, Volver, is a portrait of Madrid told through the lives of three different women. This movie will take you into authentic Spanish neighborhoods and to different regions of Spain. The Great Beauty, set in Rome and premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, offers a magical tour of the city, courtesy of its director Paolo Sorrentino. Some of the locations that stand out in the movie include Via Veneto, monument Lungo Tevere, 5-hectare public park Parco Degli Acquedotti and Villa del Priorato, a fortified monastery. Movies that inspire travel through South America If a more relaxed vibe is your thing and you feel like exploring South America, you would be amazed by 180º South, directed by Chris Malloy who is a former professional surfer. This film narrates the journey of adventurer Jeff Johnson as he travels from California to Patagonia. Both a road trip movie and an insight into the history of the region, you’ll get a glimpse at places like Easter Island, some parts of Mexico and Chile. Another great option is About Us, a 2016 Costa Rican movie selected as one of the Best Foreign Language Films at the 89th Academy Awards. Director Hernán Jiménez portrays the story of a young couple that decides to travel to Santa Teresa de Cóbano, a stunning beach in Costa Rica. Movies that inspire travel through Asia To complete the list and give you a taste of Asia, here are some great movies to give you wanderlust: Indochine, directed by Régis Wargnier, is a movie that inspired thousands to pack their bags, get a ticket  and travel to Vietnam. This romantic movie was shot mainly in Imperial City, Hue, Ha Long and Ninh Binh in Vietnam. If you are more into thrillers Wish You Were Here, should jump to the top of your to-watch list. Kieran Darcy-Smith recreates a travel film that follows four friends on holiday to Cambodia’s coastal area of Sihanoukville. Although the movie plot was written with the thriller-lovers in mind, the beach shots are amazing! Did any of the movies above inspire you?  Do you feel like planning a trip to Europe, South America or Asia? We can help with choosing your perfect destinations!  Check out our TEFL Courses abroad to get more detailed info about these locations and many more! Did we miss any of the movies that inspired you to travel? Follow us on Facebook to comment on the ones that we should add to this list!  

Uncategorised

TEFL & Sports in Costa Rica

/

Are you going to Costa Rica to do your TEFL course and teach English while enjoying one of the most fabulous countries in Central America? In this post, we will tell you about six sports in Costa Rica that you must do while living there! Not only you will get to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes of the country, but you will also get to stay fit. Keep on reading! Kayaking There’s a place in Costa Rica called Península de la Osa which is perfect for those who love kayaking. If you don’t have experience doing this sport, make sure you go into the water when the waves are small. This is a very relaxing activity in which you can enjoy a good view of the landscape in Costa Rica!     Paragliding  If you’ve always dreamt of flying, it is time to make your dreams come true! There are several spots in Costa Rica where you will be able to practice this sport, though the best one is in Caldera, Puntarenas. With the help of an instructor, you’ll get to see Costa Rica from the sky!     Diving Are you an experienced diver? Then you will be able to explore the oceans of Costa Rica and its amazing wildlife. If you haven’t done it yet, this country is the perfect place to obtain your license!       Cycling Costa Rica has lots of mountains, which makes it a country highly attractive for those who enjoy the adrenaline of extreme cycling. There are several places where you can practice this sport, though the most famous ones are Limón, Bagaces, Nicoya and Arenal.     Rafting Pacuare, Sarapiquí, Balsa, Chipirró… there are lots of places for you to enjoy this sport, no matter if you are experienced or new to it. For those who are only getting started, there are several guided courses to learn the instructions and the main safety rules you need to know. A great team sport!     Surfing It is one of the most popular sports in the country given the number of beaches with great waves you can find there. Some of the most popular ones are Santa Teresa, Matapalo, Malpáis, Hermosa and Playa Guiones. If you love the ocean and want to stay fit while having fun, this is your country!     Want to find out more about the TEFL course in Costa Rica? Get in touch with us! Follow us on Facebook or send as an email and we will be more than happy to solve your doubts and help you throughout the process.  

TEFL destination
Cambodia, Costa Rica, Europe, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Toulouse, Vietnam

Which is the right TEFL destination for you?

/

There are 195 countries in the world… so where on Earth to begin your English teaching journey and what your ideal TEFL destination would be, quite literally?! There’s a huge demand worldwide for TEFL teachers, we know the best places to earn your TEFL certification, with plenty of job opportunities. So you can teach English abroad, for as long as your heart desires! You can pretty much rule out native English speaking countries. There are a few TEFL/ESL jobs out there, but competition is stiff and opportunities few and far between. After putting these nations to one side, you’re still left with global possibilities! Now all you need to do, is figure out what’s more important to you; salary, sunshine, a fast-paced environment, lush green parks, learning a new language… the list goes on! It’s no secret, jobs in Asia pay around double your living costs each month. So if you’re looking to save cash for another adventure, or pay off some of your student loan Thailand or Cambodia are great options. Not only that, both countries are full to bursting with places to go, and experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. If vitamin D is your thing, Madrid and Barcelona, are some examples of the sunnier climates in Europe! Madrid alone boasts over 300 hours of sunshine per year. Coupled with green parks, super friendly locals and foodie heaven, it’s not hard to see why so many students choose Spain as their starting point! Florence and Prague house some of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in the world.. Imagine exploring the romantic art houses in Florence after a morning of teaching, then relaxing into the evening with the most delicious wine and pizza.. Explore a colonial castle on your way to the vibrant city centre in Prague, it’s medieval meets modernism at it’s finest! If a more relaxed vibe is your thing, where you can be at one with nature and make friends with the warm people of Latin America; there’s no contest! Costa Rica and Argentina will fill your soul with endless experiences and adventure. You’ll never earn megabucks, however you’ll always earn enough salary to live comfortably and explore your surroundings with no worries. Ultimately, no one can tell you where your spirit country is! Or where your journey should begin. Get in touch with so we could help point you in the right direction – to ultimately decide which TEFL destination is right for you!

Traditional food in Costa Rica
Uncategorised

Traditional food in Costa Rica

/

Would you like to work and travel in Central America? Then this blog post is for you! For all of those who suffer from wanderlust and are looking for options to get away from it all while earning some money, Costa Rica is a great choice! In this beautiful country, you can obtain your TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and get to enjoy all the things this country has to offer, while saving for your next destination. Before you start packing, research as much as you can so that you make the most of the experience. Here we will tell you about typical food in Costa Rica that you cannot miss! Keep on reading! Casado It the most typical dish in Costa Rica. It is made of beans, rice, red peppers, onions, fried bananas and a salad made of tomatoes, carrots and cabbage. All of that comes with either chicken, fish, pork or beef with roasted onions. Sometimes it also comes with potatoes and avocado. We can assure you that after this meal, you will have energy for the rest of the day! Ceviche If you are a big fan of fish, then this is definitely the right choice for you! Ceviche is raw fish cooked with lemon, herbs and vegetables. In Costa Rica, it is usually made with sea bass, coriander, garlic, chili, onions and celery. It is a very healthy and light dish usually served as an appetizer. Gallo pinto Woke up hungry? Don’t worry! This typical breakfast will satisfy your hunger for a long time. Gallo Pinto is a mix of rice, beans, fried eggs, chopped meat, fried bananas and tortillas, usually served with a sweet sauce. Olla de carne It is a very healthy stew made of meat, potatoes, carrots, merliton (a type of vegetable), bananas, yucca and sweet potatoes. Perfect for those rainy days when you feel like having some comfort food. Tamales This dish is not only tasty but also very pretty when it comes to its presentation. Basically, it is a mixture of corn flour, rice, pork, beans and vegetables that are boiled together with banana leaves. Chan As its name suggests, this drink is made of chan seeds and water. It has a sweet flavour and it’s great for the digestive system. With all of these wonderful dishes and drinks in your menu, you are ready to start exploring the country and doing your TEFL course with the energy you need. If you need more information about the course, please get in touch with us! Follow us on Facebook and leave a comment or send us an email.

Bridge in Toulouse
Europe, Toulouse, Uncategorised

Top 5 things to do in Toulouse

/

Start your TEFL adventure in Toulouse. The biggest city in the midi-Pyrenees. There is a wealth of culture and history, and most importantly a local population that is friendly and welcoming. This city has 2000 years of history and therefore has a lot of art, architecture and great food! The downtown has been very well preserved and it feels small and compact, even though is one of the largest cities in France. Here are the top 5 things you can’t miss during your stay! Try world-famous French food Toulouse is known for its rich culinary culture! There are a few dishes you have to try! First of all, eat the traditional Cassoulet of Toulouse. This is made of white beans (haricots blancs or lingots), duck or goose confit, sausages, and additional meat. Most restaurants will have it on their menu but if not try this one: Monsiur Georges. Also, head for a walk around the “Victor Hugo Market” to see the different products they have and enjoy lunch on the food court upstairs, or sit in the cafe and have some delicious coffee and watch the world go by! Visit the Capitole de Toulouse This complex of buildings includes the city hall of Toulouse and is also home to the Théâtre Du Capitole. Its walls recount the major events in the history of Toulouse and it has undergone many changes throughout the history of the city. This is also a very common gathering place for the people of Toulouse. There are also plenty of traditional markets hosted here that sell products from Toulouse. Take a trip to Japan Situated in the heart of Compans-Caffarelli Park, this picturesque taste of the orient is a must-visit when you’re visiting Toulouse. It’s a great place to relax, and journey to another time and place, as well as take lots of pictures!   Enjoy French art at the Fondation Bemberg This is a stunning museum, which exhibits a permanent collection of paintings, bronzes and art objects, brought together by Argentinian art collector, Georges Bemberg. This pieces of art are from the Renaissance and the modern French School. Find out more info in their website.   Cycle along the bridge of Pont Neuf The oldest bridge in the city of Toulouse erected in the 16th century. The views are amazing and you can even plan a picnic when the sun is out! If you want to discover more about living and teaching English in France, check out our Facebook page for additional tips!

Traditional food in the Czech Republic
Europe

Traditional food in the Czech Republic

/

Are you moving to the Czech Republic to do a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course? Then prepare yourself to enjoy one of the prettiest countries in Europe! Not only you will get to travel around and visit incredible places, but you will also get to learn about their culture through their food. The typical dishes in this country are similar to those in Germany, Austria and Hungary, though of course… with their special local touch. Want to learn more about the yummy things you can try? Carry on reading and find out about the traditional food in the Czech Republic!   Goulash This is a stew made from beef or pork together with onions and several spices. It is usually served with knedlik (boiled dumplings) and bread. A very filling and full of protein dish that is ideal during cold days!   Pečené vepřové s knedlíky a se zelím (Roast pork with dumplings and cabbage) It is considered one of the most typical dishes in the country and there are different varieties, such as sweet or sour. It can be served either cooked or pickled.   Schnitzel As with the two dishes described above, this is also a meat dish! It is made of small slices of either veal, pork or chicken flour, coated with flour, eggs and bread crumbs and then fried in oil. It is usually served with mashed potatoes.   Sekaná pečeně This dish is basically baked mincemeat. Their version of meatloaf combines pork and beef mince with bacon, onions, garlic and several herbs such as marjoram and parsley.   Česnečka Perfect during the winter, this garlic soup is incredibly popular. It is served with croutons and a raw egg that is added just before being served so that it is cooked with the heat of the soup. Sometimes it is also served with pieces of sausage or cheese.   Jablecny Zavin If you want to finish your meal with an amazing dessert, then we recommend you order this Czech strudel. It is a layered pastry, usually filled with grated apples, cinnamon and raisins, although you can also find other fillings, such as cottage cheese or apricot. It usually comes with whipped cream and vanilla custard on the side.   So now that you know what to order, start looking for the best restaurants in the country and make sure you have enough energy throughout your TEFL course. If you need any information about this, feel free to get in touch with us. We will be more than happy to guide you through the process! Follow us on Facebook or send us an email.

Scroll to Top