8 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Teaching and travelling around the world also means discovering the beauty this world has to share with us. Don’t miss out the opportunity to visit these UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
Toulouse
Valentine’s day traditions around the world
With one of the worlds’ most widely-celebrated traditions fast approaching, people of all nationalities are beginning to prepare for St. Valentine’s Day on 14th February, the annual celebration of romantic love. Keep reading to discover more about Valentine’s Day Traditions around the world. Even though Valentine’s Day is marked by countries all over the world, its origins continue to be mysterious. We do know that the tradition of Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, however there are many different stories about who Valentine was and exactly what he did that made him so memorable all these centuries later. Legend has it that when, Claudius II (Roman Emperor from 268-270 AD) banned marriage for all Roman soldiers, Saint Valentine, a Roman Catholic priest, conducted Christian marriage ceremonies for them in secret. When he was discovered, it is said that Valentine was imprisoned and later killed on 14 February, which explains why this date was significant. Some say that whilst in prison Valentine left a farewell letter for the warden’s daughter, whom he had befriended, signed ‘Your Valentine’. This is reportedly where the tradition of sending Valentine’s cards originates. Whatever the belief, it is clear that the legend of Saint Valentine transcends history as a heroic and romantic figure who acted against injustice in the name of love. It is his legacy – whoever he really was – that we now honour our loved ones on 14th February. Even though Valentine’s Day is universally recognised, many countries have their own unique and distinctive traditions. So, join us for a whistle-stop tour across the globe to find out how love is celebrated in five of our TEFL destinations. Valentine’s day traditions in italy Valentine’s Day – La Festa Degli Innamorati Happy Valentine’s Day! – Buon San Valentino! Traditional Italian Valentine’s Day dishes and celebrations Italy, the birthplace of Valentine’s Day, has many traditions both old and new. In ancient Rome when Juno, the Goddess of women and marriage, was celebrated on 14 February, it was custom for couples to get engaged on this day. Nowadays exchanging gifts is a popular tradition, especially if it includes the famous Baci Perugina chocolate. A more public declaration of love is for couples to attach a padlock, inscribed with their names, on to a bridge, railing or lamp post. This remains a popular tradition despite being banned by authorities for safety reasons and for spoiling the beauty of the bridges. A traditional celebratory meal involves a mixture of cold meats and cheeses, a succulent main dish and of course, pasta. Take a pick from any of Italy’s traditional dishes, add some candles, and you are set for a fabulous evening. Buon Apetito! Our recommendations for Valentine’s Day in Italy Do you want to see how the Italians celebrate? Make your way to Verona where Romeo and Juliet’s love story begins, to experience a festival which offers live music, romantic lights, Italian dinners and much more. Do you want to learn more about Italian culture whilst gaining a new skill? Click here for more information on our TEFL program in Italy. Valentine’s day traditions in France Valentine’s Day – La Saint Valentin (La fete de Saint Valentin) Happy Valentine’s Day! – Joyeuse Saint Valentin! Traditional French Valentine’s Day dishes and celebrations The tradition of letter writing and commercialisation of Valentine’s Day is less evident in a lot of non-English-Speaking countries, but in France people show their love ‘de vive voix’ (in person). A weekend away or a romantic supper ‘a deux’, sharing traditional French classics such as ‘steak au poivre‘ or ‘crème brulee‘, and of plenty of gifted flowers, is how the majority of French couples celebrate. Our recommendations for Valentine’s Day in France If the idea of strolling through pretty villages and eating delicious French cuisine sounds like the perfect date then you must visit the village which offers just that. ‘Le village des amoreux’ (the Village of Lovers), attracts couples from all over the world where they enjoy intimate romantic dinners and spectacular countryside walks on Valentine’s Day. The celebrations here are far from discreet, instead the village prides itself on being the village of love and honouring Saint Valentin, its patron saint. They even have their very own stamp created for those who enjoy the tradition of letter writing. If you like the sound of living in France, take this opportunity to have a look at our TEFL courses, where we help you with everything from finding a job to getting a visa. Valentine’s day traditions in Spain Valentine’s Day – El día de San Valentín St George’s Day – El día de San Jordi Happy Valentine’s Day! – ¡Feliz día de San Valentín! Traditional Spanish Valentine’s Day dishes and celebrations St. Valentine’s Day is not as commercially popular in Spain as it is in the UK or America, yet it’s becoming more popular to organise something like a special dinner or to buy a gift to demonstrate your love for your partner around 14 February. In the Spanish region of Catalonia, it’s more typical to celebrate love on el día de Sant Jordi (St George’s Day – 23 April). St George (the patron saint of Catalonia) allegedly saved a royal princess from a dragon by chopping its head off. It is said that a rose appeared from beneath the head which George then gifted to the princess. On this day both roses and books are given as a demonstration of love. Our recommendations for Valentine’s Day in Spain If you are planning on being in Spain this Valentine’s Day why not visit Madrid? This vibrant city has a wide range of activities to offer. From taking a romantic stroll in the expansive and beautiful Retiro Park, to enjoying some patatas bravas and a beer in one of its traditional and buzzing tapas bars, you’ll definitely find something to suit your taste. For a dash of passion, how about going to see some flamenco? This dramatic and seductive traditional dance guarantees an authentic
3 benefits of moving to a new country
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!
5 reasons to get your TEFL certificate in Toulouse
Are you thinking of doing a TEFL Course in France? Toulouse is the 4th biggest town in France with a population of 1.2 million people and has so much to offer as a destination to live and enjoy teaching English abroad. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider getting your TEFL certificate in Toulouse: Central European positioning Situated in south-west France, Toulouse sits near the Spanish border which makes it so much easier to travel there and visit the northern Spanish cities by plane, train or driving. You can travel from Toulouse easily to tons of French cities, like Nantes, Montpellier, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux or Paris. On an international scale, you can travel across Europe to countries such as Italy, Brussels, Switzerland, Germany or England and it won’t take you more than 2 hours in a plane to get there. There are so many low-cost airlines that enable you to enjoy lots of weekends traveling Europe and seeing new places. Great for students Toulouse continuously ranks as one of the top destinations for students. There are more than 100.000 students living in Toulouse at once, so you’ll always find friends who share similar interests and are also experiencing living in a new city. Students have unlimited access to buses, trams and trains for 10euro/month for those under 26, but there are also reduced prices for the 26-35 age group. When it comes to rent, you are looking to pay around 450euro/month for a studio apartment. Prices can vary depending on the area, but it’s still a lot cheaper than the majority of European cities. Food French cuisine is among the best in the world and nothing can be better than getting to experience it firsthand in a small, local restaurant. The thing to remember is that lunch is the most important meal in French culture. It’s common for people to eat together during meals, not only at home but also at work. Traditional French food is healthy and locally sourced, including delicious vegetables and meat. Work opportunities Toulouse is one of the best cities to teach English in France. Teachers can start working as soon as they finish their TEFL course and normally start with a few hours and build up as the weeks go on. Private language schools can pay from 15-25 euro an hour depending on the place. Alternatively, you can work, freelance which may be an advantage for some positions. The language schools in Toulouse look for teachers all year round, especially at the start of the academic year. It’s also worth noting that the competition is a lot less fierce than in big cities like Paris so you’ll have plenty of options. Learn the language of love! Learning French is a dream for many, but its tricky pronunciation doesn’t make it easy. Living in Toulouse, you have plenty of language schools that are fantastic for getting started or improving the language. When it comes to practicing speaking the locals are very friendly and happy to help you feel more comfortable speaking French! If your goal is to learn this beautiful language, definitely choose Toulouse as your TEFL destination, as you won’t have as many options for speaking English there, thus improving your French far more than if you were in a more tourist-centered city. Would you like to find out more things about living and teaching in Toulouse? Follow our blog or Facebook for weekly updates, and if you’re still not sure what country to choose to teach English, check out all of the destinations that we offer.
How much do TEFL teachers earn in Toulouse, France
If you’re thinking of moving abroad to teach English, a common fear when people look into it, is “will I be able to survive on my teaching salary?”. It’s a scary thought to move anywhere in the world for the first time, and making sure you have enough money to live on is super important. Here at TEFL Connect, we will make sure you know all there is to know about where you’re moving so you won’t be caught out by any unexpected surprises and will know how much TEFL teachers earn in Toulouse, France. Here is our guide to TEFL teachers’ salaries. The currency you’ll be using in France is the Euro (€) which equals $1.14 USD/0.86 GBP at the time of writing this guide. Hiring is year-round in France, with the majority of jobs in bigger towns and cities, such as Toulouse! There are also opportunities in summer camps and language centers and private tuition is an additional option. A typical wage for a native English speaker with a Bachelor’s degree is €1200 – €2000 per month if you teach 25 hours per week. Living costs in France: Rent (a standard small apartment per month) – €500 Bills (electric, gas, air con etc) – included in rent! Phone – €25 for a sim with a good amount of data each month Transport – Public transport is fantastic in France, and Toulouse in particular! There’s a metro, tram, buses and extensive cycle trails. A day ticket for all public transport services will cost approx €4 and a monthly pass is only €10 if you’re younger than 26 years old. There are also discounts for those younger than 35. Food – Cooking at home is a must with the amazing fresh produce France has to offer. If you do decide to venture out, a casual meal in a nice restaurant will cost approx €12, there are fast food chains, and of course high-end restaurants in the mix too. There’s something for every budget. Socializing – A beer or wine will cost around €5, a good coffee €2.50, there’s a huge cafe and restaurant culture with great nightlife too! Toulouse comes alive at night. Total Once you’ve paid your necessary outgoings each month, based on a salary of €1500 per month, you’ll be left with a few hundred Euros per month to spend or save as you please! Travelling throughout Europe is cheap, so you’ll have enough to plan those weekend getaways. Get in touch with us through email or Facebook if you want to know more about teaching English in France, of check our other destinations!
24 hours in Toulouse
If you’re teaching English in Europe, there’s a high possibility that you’ll visit Toulouse for a bit of French charm at some point. If you have only 24 hours in Toulouse, TEFL Connect has your back. Follow our recommendations for places and free tours that you simply can’t miss in the “pink city”! 24 hours in Toulouse: where to stay Toulouse is one of those places that offers a great diversity of places to stay. If you decide on accommodation in the center of the old city (highly recommendable), you will get a chance to walk through the most amazing areas, full of beautiful examples of French architecture, like the Basilica of Saint-Sernin or the Convent of the Jacobins. The center of Toulouse is within walking distance from all the monuments, museums and places of interest. In addition, you will be in the heart of the city, which means a lively nightlife with plenty of restaurants, bars and pubs. For something a little more reasonably priced, you might want to consider staying at the area of Pierre Goudouli Garden, which is where you’ll find some great chain hotels. 24 hours in Toulouse: things to do The Space City The Cité de l’Espace (Space City), inaugurated in 1997, is a scientific theme park dedicated to the great space exploration. There you can find authentic spacecrafts, like the Russian Soyuz capsule, take a stroll through an exact replica of the Mir space station or experience the lunar gravity in a simulator. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin The aforementioned basilica is possibly the most important historical monument of this French city. It is linked to the French part of the ancient pilgrimage routes of the ‘Way of St. James’ also known as Camino de Santiago in Spanish. The first construction of this great church began at the end of the 4th century, and today it is the largest Romanesque church in Europe that is still standing. La rue du Taur Famous La rue du Taur (The Street of the Bull) starts at the Saint Sernín Square, where the basilica is located, and leads to the great esplanade of the Capitol and its square. Both La rue du Taur and the church of the same name situated in it, commemorates the martyrdom of San Saturnino (Saint Sernin), who died dragged by a bull. The Capitol We can find the Capitol on the square named after it. Nowadays town hall is situated in this 18th century building with a neoclassical facade that alternates stone and bricks of striking red color. The ballrooms of the Capitol are decorated with the paintings and sculptures of the late nineteenth century that feature prominent figures and events in the history of the city of Toulouse. Bus tour Yes, we know that tourist buses aren’t that original and there’s one in every city. The thing is, there are so many of them exactly because they offer some of the easiest ways of seeing the city if you’re short on time. With the bus, you’ll be able to see the majority of the historical attractions of the “pink city” and listen to anecdotes about its life through the audio guide (available in French, English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese and Japanese). As part of the tour, you get to visit the old town and enjoy the main churches of the cathedral of Saint-Étienne de Toulouse (cathedral of Toulouse) and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. It passes through the Renaissance facade of the Hôtel d’Assézat, where the Bemberg Foundation art gallery contains an impressive collection of French paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Don’t miss out on seeing the banks of the Garonne River and the Canal du Midi to discover a union between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, admire the typical pink terracotta bricks that cover the majority of the city. E-Bike tour Here’s a great alternative to some of the more classical tours. Discover Toulouse and its highlights with your E-Bike guided by a professional monitor. We guarantee that you’ll love the experience. The historic center of Toulouse is still living in medieval times with its narrow streets full of surprises – perfect for a bike ride. Garonee River Between the Saint-Pierre Square and the Pont Neuf runs one of the most beautiful walks in Toulouse. There you can stroll under the trees of the Quai Lucien Lombard or go to the Daurade Square to board the Bateaux Toulousains, the tourist boats that cross the river Garonne and the Brienne canal (a must if you only have 24 hours in Toulouse). Sunny days offer a breathtaking view of the sunset from the terrace of the Café des Artistes or the Saint-Pierre staircase. It is worthwhile to cross the Pont Neuf and get to know the popular district of Saint Cyprien, with the Châteaud’Eau, a former water tank converted into a photographic gallery; the Hôtel Dieu Saint-Jacques, headquarters of the Museum of Medicine; the hospital dome of La Grave, and the contemporary art museum Les Abattoirs. Where to eat One of the best reasons to take a trip to the beautiful city of Toulouse is the incredible food. During your 24 hours in Toulouse you can start in one of the best-known restaurant chains in France – Leon de Bruxellesm that specializes in mussels (or moules, as they are called in France) and French fries. Other options to taste the delicious food of the south of France are the restaurants Le Foxy and Balthazar. FREE activities in Toulouse You can enjoy free entry to museums and monuments in the center of Toulouse and take advantage of offers from other places with the Toulouse City Card. It allows you to move without stress for free with the local public transport network, including metro, tram, buses and airport shuttle, as well as provides additional discounts at numerous popular tourist sites and stores. Is 24 hours in Toulouse not enough for you to fully experience everything that it has to offer? Check out our TEFL course
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!
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!
