Costa Rica has it all; beautiful beaches, impressive waterfalls, and thick green jungles. It’s the perfect location to take your TEFL training course as it attracts many tourists from all over the world, meaning many people there speak English, and their efficient public transport system makes it easy to navigate as a tourist. We’ve put together a list of the top places we recommend you visit in Costa Rica at the weekend, or between TEFL training times
When moving abroad or travelling, it’s normal to encounter things that you’ve never seen, smelled or tasted. Some will be a welcome surprise (empanadas in Argentina, for example) but some not so welcome. 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. Certain kind of foods may surprise you or even produce repulsion but they are part of the usual diet of other countries and of course, it happens the other way around! In this Blog we will list exotic foods around the world and we assure you that some proposals will freak you out. Escargot in France You’ll have heard of the French and their love of frog’s legs but they also love snails! Even if they are not very appealing, this is a traditional dish that needs to be cleaned thoroughly before eating and is usually cooked in a strong, garlic sauce. Delicious! remove impurities inside. They are quite expensive as they are considered a delicacy. Fried tarantulas from Cambodia Cambodians love grilled and fried food; and fried insects is one their culinary specialties. Tarantulas are a typical snack at any time of the day. They are seasoned with garlic and herbs and served on wooden trays. It may sound scary but they are perfectly safe to eat! Cambodia is the perfect place to move to if you are looking for warm weather, friendly people, and beautify scenery so if you’re not a fan of eating arachnids then you’ll find plenty of things that you’ll fall in love with. Chapulines in Mexico In Oaxaca, Mexico, chapulines are popular both for their flavor and for their nutrients. They’re considered as outstanding specimens of the animal kingdom. Wondering what kind of food we’re talking about? Fancy dining on grasshoppers served in tacos and seasoned with spicy sauce? If you want to learn more about Mexican culture check this blog. Casu marzu from Italy Italy is recognized worldwide for its gastronomic excellence: pizza, pasta, sweets and wines… However, they also have a rather controversial dish: casu marzu, a cheese with live fly larvae inside. Fear not! It’s illegal so you won’t find it in a restaurant or be offered it for lunch. According to the Guinness World Records it’s “the most dangerous cheese in the world”. Dršťková in Czech Republic No matter if it’s winter or summer you will always find soup in any restaurant in the Czech Republic. There are plenty of options but Dršťková is by far the most exotic one. This traditional Czech soup consist of beef tripe braised in a generous amounts of onions and sweet paprika. A thick consistency, light red color, and a slightly spicy flavored dish. Check here more traditional dishes from Czech Republic! Chinchulín in Argentina More entrails! Brains, tongue, hands, intestines… Argentinians are used to cooking all the mentioned above and Chinchulín is an exquisite example! It is the small intestine of the cow, the first thing that is served in meal but the food that takes longer to cook. Argentineans tip: eat Chinchulines very hot and with lemon. ChiliGuaro in Costa Rica Esta foto de Hotel La Dolce Vita es cortesía de TripadvisorEsta foto de Costa Rica Beer Factory es cortesía de TripadvisorNot a food, but a drink! Chiliguaro is a mix of guaro, an alcoholsimilar to brandy, and hot chili sauce. This popular and spicy drink of Costa Rica is perfect to end a good meal or to start a night out!Learn more about traditional food from Costa Rica here! Worms in Thailand High protein content, and full of nutrients! Fried, baked or dried worms are so typical in Thailand that they’re even used to make cookies! If If you’re living in Thailand, you’ll definitely need to try insects! Callos in Spain Callos are a typical dish from Madrid. If you go for some tapas you may have the chance to try them for free with your drink! This dish is made with cow guts that are slowly stewed with paprika, tomato sauce, spices and garlic, so that the meat jelly is detached and mixed with the rest of the ingredients. And now that we have gone around the world with these exotic dishes, how many of them would you try? What has caught your attention? If you are ready to start exploring the world through its food and have any questions about any country or about any of our TEFL courses, we encourage you to give us a call and find out everything you need to know before moving abroad! Follow us on Facebook or visit our blog to learn more about our programmes and other experiences.
One of the most celebrated holidays in the world is just around the corner. Each country has its own Halloween customs and traditions and we’re going to take a trip around the globe to give you information on what to find in all of our TEFL destinations. Find below different Halloween Celebrations around the world: The idea of Halloween has merged religious, cultural and social traditions from past generations and is unique to each country. Halloween has always been celebrated around the world, even before the typical Americanised, costume-wearing traditions started. The idea is that life and death are inevitably linked and a way for the living to maintain strong ties with their deceased loved ones. Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated on 31 October. It originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people would light fires to ward off ghosts. The Celts celebrated their New Year on 1 November and the day marked the end of the summer and the beginning of winter, which was linked to death (they were way ahead of Game of Thrones ominously talking about how “Winter is Coming”!) They believed that the night before their New Year, the lines between the realms of the living and the dead became blurred and so they celebrated Samhain. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated 1 November as a time to honor all saints, with the 31st becoming All Hallows Eve and later Halloween. The day after, 2 November, was then given and celebrated as All Souls’ Day, a day to remember lost relatives and to pay respect to the dead. In most countries people will take flowers to the cemetery and get together with family to remember their lost loved-ones. Halloween celebrations in ITALY Italian Halloween Vocabulary All Saints’ Day – Tutti i Santi All Souls’ Day – Typical Italian Food and celebrations for Halloween Italians usually cook a cake called Ossi dei morti, or Bones of the Death and families join together to have lunch. The more traditional families set the table and then go to the church to pray. The doors to the houses would have been left open so that deceased souls can enter while the family are at church. Our best Halloween plan in Italy for Halloween Are you planning to spend Halloween in Italy? Rome, the Italian capital, has an abundance of catacombs, dark legends and museums dedicated to macabre themes, such as the Museo delle anime del Purgatorio. If you would like to teach English in Italy check the link for more information about the TEFL program. Halloween in SPAIN Spanish Halloween Vocabulary All Saints’ Day – el Día de Todos los Santos Typical Spanish Food and celebrations for Halloween Since it’s a national holiday throughout the country, this day is usually spent with family. Traditionally, Spanish people bring flowers to their deceased and they eat typical pastries, such as Huesos de Santo (saint’s bones) or Buñuelos de Viento (wind fritters). Our best Halloween plan in Spain for Halloween The classical US Halloween party has been increasingly accepted in many Spanish provinces, becoming a widely celebrated party. Madrid host lots of themed parties and people also dress up. Many bars are decorated with Halloween ornaments and even attraction parks as El Parque de Atracciones gets ready for the occasion with scary characters and scary attractions. Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Madrid, Spain. Check the TEFL program here! Halloween in CZECH REPUBLIC Czech Halloween Vocabulary All Souls’ Day – Dusicky Our best Halloween plan in Czech Republic for Halloween Did you know that Prague is one of the few cities in the world with a statue dedicated to a ghost? The capital of the Czech Republic is considered one of the main European capitals of esotericism and is also said to be haunted. So if you are spending a year in Prague you can’t miss their Halloween celebrations. When in Prague, you can visit the biggest graveyard in Prague, Olsany Cemetery and of course you can join any of the parties that the city hosts. Halloween celebrations in the bars and clubs are cool and have as much mysterious charm as the city itself. Check this link to learn more about TEFL program in Prague. Halloween in FRANCE If you are in France and for those who want to experience a scary Halloween you need to visit any of the main cemeteries that have been in Paris since the early nineteenth century, like best the Père-Lachaise cemetery or Montparnasse. Our best Halloween plan in France for Halloween There are also organized visits to tombs and mausoleums that are true works of art. If you want to really enjoy Halloween in Paris, our pick of the plans is Paris chill Racing, a bike ride through Paris in fancy dress (the best costume wins a prize). However, there is also a more traditional celebration called Toussaint (All Saints) and is performed between 1 and 2 November. Locals decorate graves with flowers and put lanterns to light them. Check our France TEFL program and do not miss the opportunity to visit this enchanted country. Halloween in THAILAND As Thailand is mostly Buddhist, Halloween is not a local tradition but the country has its own culture of ghosts, spirits and supernatural legends. Typical celebrations for Halloween Phi Ta Khon or festival of ghosts would be the equivalent to a Thai Halloween. This celebration held during 22 and 23 June is all about superstition, beliefs and processions with people dressed as ghosts. However, Thailand is known for having some of the best nightlife in the world and so you’ll find Halloween parties on the 31 October. In Bangkok you’ll experience amazing costumes, great DJs, and prizes. Here you will find all you need to know about teach English and live an adventure in Thailand. Halloween in COSTA RICA Typical celebrations for Halloween In Costa Rica, 31 October is called Dia de la Mascarada, Day of the Masquerade and parades
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!
We’ve all been there; on the edge of making a decision that will change your life forever. Deciding whether or not to move to live in a new country is definitely one of these decisions but we firmly believe that it will end up being one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. In this blog we give you 3 reasons why moving to a new country is the right choice. Read on to find out more… Boosting your confidence levels The process of moving to a new country is a test in itself! The very fact that you are considering moving to take guts and it’s a great challenge and opportunity for self-development and growth. You will gain experience in tackling different situations and issues to do with adapting to changes, the culture and also maybe the language. You’ll learn to think on your feet and become more self-reliant and trust your own decisions. All this means that you’ll become more confident and realize that you’re capable of far more than you think! Learning a new language Another advantage of moving to a new country is that it can lead to you learning a new language. Whether you want to learn a language just for fun or want to improve your language skills for better career opportunities, nothing forces you to improve like having to survive living in a new country. Having to ask for the time, renting an apartment, getting used to the transport systems and new food vocabulary; all these are things that will get you out your comfort zone and help you learn the language by doing, not just by learning! Plus, you’re more likely to retain the knowledge more than just learning in a local classroom. Learning a new language also enhances your ability to make decisions, multitask and it even helps sharpen your mind! This will also give you a big advantage if you’re job hunting in the future. Gives you a new perspective You will meet people from somewhere different, with a different outlook on life and you’ll begin to see and understand different ways of thinking about things. If you move to a large city, you’ll meet people from all over the world, whereas if you move somewhere more compact, you’ll get an authentically local experience. Whichever destination you choose, you’ll be forced out of your comfort zone. Often times it can help discover the things that really matter to you and therefore become a much more balanced person. Each country individually will help you improve in a different way depending on their culture and way of seeing things. Find out which TEFL destination suits you best!
Are you spending some time abroad traveling or teaching English and are curious about the season of carnivals? TEFL Connect has tons of info to help you out! Carnivals have a western Christian and Greek orthodox origin and throughout the history they’ve migrated to different parts of the world, evolving and taking on more and more local traits and traditions. The main festivities usually take place during February or early March. It involves street parties, parades, competitions and other entertainments. A lot of locals wear costumes and masks turning the week of carnival in a festival of colours. No wonder, that we at TEFL Connect highly recommend you to visit your local carnival if you’re teaching English abroad. Here we present our top 5 not to miss, and the best thing is that you can easily get to at least one of them from all of our TEFL Course Destinations: Venice Carnival Italy This Italian Carnival lasts for 10 days and is one of the oldest in the world. It’s said that it started after a victory of the Republic of Venice against the patriarch of Achillea in 1162. They went out on the streets to dance and celebrate the victory, thus starting the tradition. Masks are very important in this celebration, and can you think of any other city more famous for its masks, than Venice? They are made of various different materials, like cloths, leather, porcelain or even pieces made using the original glass technique. Venice is also one of the most romantic destinations. During the carnival they have the Grand Venice Balls which makes it a chosen destination for couples wanting to enjoy this beautiful celebration. If you’re in Rome, Venice is just a 3.5h train ride or an hour flight away from Venice. It’s even quicker to get there from Florence. But even if you’re not in Italy, there are dozens of flights that can bring you there in about two hours from all around Europe. Rio de Janeiro Brazil It’s considered the biggest carnival in the world with around 2 million people on the street every day. Many of the samba schools from around the country participate in the event. They put together choreography and parade on the streets, often getting the crowd to participate with them. Music and dance are very important for this celebration. Rio de Janeiro definitely has the most colorful, flashiest costumes and the best dance moves. Something to visit at least once in a lifetime for sure! Just remember that you might need to get tickets to some of the events. It’s quite a trip to Rio from anywhere in the world, but if you’re doing a TEFL Course in Costa Rica or Argentina you’ll get there in no time! You can also use carnival as a final point if you’re planning a bigger trip. Notting Hill Carnival England It’s the biggest one in Europe that welcomes more than 2 million people in a festivity to celebrate the Caribbean culture. This tradition started in 1966 and continues every year after it. The London School of Samba and the Paraiso School of Samba are the ones responsible for bringing this party to the streets of Notting Hill. This carnival is a mixture of music and more than 40 points where people can stop to hear good music and try some Caribbean dishes! This is also the only carnival on our list that takes place in August instead of February/March. On the bright side, this means you can fit two carnivals in your year abroad teaching English in Europe. Our Madrid course has especially good flight connections with low-cost airlines, like Ryanair! Mardi Gras New Orleans, USA New Orleans hosts the biggest carnival in the US. During this event the streets are filled with music and the parades are dedicated to mythological characters such as Edimião, Orfeu, Bacchus and King Zulu. There’s nothing like a mystical atmosphere of New Orleans French quarters and you can experience it in its best and brightest. Although a lot of the events are happening after it gets dark and city fills with lights, this is also a family event so it’s common to see families enjoying a nice picnic around the Mississippi River. This festivity gathers around 250.000 people on the streets and is something truly worth a trip. Get your tickets in advance to make the most of it. Carnivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain This carnival is the second biggest one in the world after the one in Rio de Janeiro and it’s right in Europe on the Island of eternal spring, doesn’t it sound amazing? Every year the Canary Islands get ready for its biggest celebration of the year. They even broke a world record in 1987 with the biggest open-air concert with more than 250.000 people, so you can easily become part of history the next time they decide to do something as grand. Every year different people present themselves for the title of Carnival Queen. This is a very colorful spectacle with the most unusual costumes! There is also a competition where adults and children compete against their peers to see who is the most eloquent. These usually happen before the carnival starts, but you’ll see the winners during the parades. After the Queen’s coronation, the party starts with various activities and everyone can participate! If you’re teaching English in Spain after one of our courses there, add this to your bucket list. Ryanair and Iberia Express (popular low-cost airlines) will have plane tickets for about 30-40 euro if you buy in advance and you don’t need to pay for entrance tickets once the main carnival starts. Do you know any other countries with great carnivals that are on your travel list? Follow us on Facebook and let us know of your favorites! Also, be sure to check all of our TEFL destinations to choose the one that you’ll enjoy the most!
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!
Did you know you could work as a TEFL teacher without a degree? A common misconception people make with TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) is that unless they are qualified teachers with a Bachelor’s degree they will not qualify for a job teaching English abroad. Maybe you only got as far as graduating high school, some college, or no further education at all. In that case, we have great news, you absolutely can earn money teaching English without a degree! Of course, this depends largely on the country, however. In some countries it is easy to find a job with just a quality TEFL certificate, whereas in others it would be very difficult to find work without a university degree or even a Master’s degree. We have made a series of blogs about the different continents where teaching English is the most popular so you can make your choice with all the information necessary. Experience is key Our TEFL partners look for more than just good grades and degrees, you are also assessed on your work experience and life experience. Any previous professional experience, however big or small, counts! Your TEFL Certificate will open doors You’ll want to find a TEFL program in the country where you will be teaching (at least initially). Each of our chosen TEFL providers knows everything there is to know about finding work where they’re located and many have fast-track application processes for jobs due to the quality of their courses and reputation in the local market. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of jobs for teachers without a Bachelor’s degree. You just need to know where to look. TEACHING TEFL IN ASIA WITHOUT A DEGREE TEACHING TEFL IN EUROPE WITHOUT A DEGREE TEACHING TEFL IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA WITHOUT A DEGREE Irrespective of where you want to ultimately teach, you can take any of the TEFL courses we offer as these are internationally recognized, accredited, and will ensure you can teach for life – wherever you are in the world! Contact us for more information.
If you don’t have a college degree or any higher education but you’re interested in teaching English in Central or South America, then we have great news. You can! In Latin America, who you are is more important than what you studied so you can still head to countries like Mexico and Costa Rica and earn money teaching English without a college degree. The most important thing is that you are enthusiastic, flexible and eager to work hard and get your TEFL certificate. Most English TEFL teachers in Latin America work for independent language centers and in countries like Mexico, you will have no issues finding a job at a school, language centers and even universities. Mexico There is an incredibly high demand for English teachers in Mexico. The government has made it fairly straightforward for teachers to get a visa as long as they hold a TEFL certificate so our TEFL Connect courses are the perfect way to start your teaching life in Mexico. Regardless of whether you have a degree status or not you can work as an English teacher in Mexico. All you need is fluency in English and your TEFL. If you are interested in teaching in Mexico find more information here. Costa Rica In Costa Rica having a Bachelor´s Degree is not compulsory to work as an English teacher. Most employers do prefer it, however, and while you can secure a job without a college degree, the search may be more competitive. The key to getting a job teaching English in Costa Rica is gaining your TEFL certificate. If you would like to learn more about teaching and living in Costa Rica click here Check out our other blogs on Mexico and Costa Rica. Find out more information about our courses and destinations in this section of our webpage.
“Can I teach English abroad, even though I am a non-native?” is something we at TEFL Connect get asked time and time again. Well, in short the answer is yes! Absolutely! Teaching English as a non-native speaker is practiced all over the world and in many cases they make some of the best teachers of English as a Foreign Language. Why do non-native speakers make great English teachers? Well, you’ve already learnt English so you know exactly what the deal is when it comes to studying and learning the complexities of the English language. You’ll understand the challenges. The advantage you’ll have over a native English speaker is that you, yourself, have learned English as a second language. Meaning you already have the inside scoop on what challenges your students may be facing! You’ll have knowledge of sentence structure, effective ways of communicating ideas, grammar and so much more! This will often make you a more compassionate teacher since you’ve been in your student’s shoes. Will I struggle to get a TEFL certificate as a non-native speaker? Usually, you will have to pass an interview and maybe even a written grammar test to get onto a TEFL course if you’re non-native. Once you’re on, there are no additional TEFL modules, tests or exams to go through. You will have to pass the TEFL course just like everyone else! The courses are created so anyone can study TEFL teaching, as long as your level of spoken and written English is good. Will I find work teaching English as a non-native speaker? You’ll find that job opportunities vary by country and continent. If you have a degree you’re guaranteed a job in Vietnam, but in Thailand, you’ll not be able to obtain a working permit without a passport from an English-speaking country. At TEFL Connect we can help guide you as a non-native English speaker as to where you should study your TEFL based on your specific profile so get in touch and ask. There are so many opportunities for you to live and work abroad as an English teacher, so don’t be put off by any myths of ‘you’ll never find work after the TEFL course’ or ‘you won’t get paid to teach teach’ because they’re simply not true! So have faith in yourself and your level of English and pursue your dreams of living and working abroad teaching English. If you’re looking to get your TEFL certificate, contact us and we can help advise you on the best course for you.
TEFLCONNECT uses its own and third-party cookies to provide you with the best possible experience while browsing our website. We use these cookies to analyze site usage and improve our services, as well as to create a profile based on your browsing activity and the content you view, in order to show you information and advertising tailored to your interests. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy. Read More