Once you have decided you want to become an English language teacher and take a TEFL course the next big decision is where to take the course. For most people the choice lies between taking a course in the place that you currently live, or taking a course in the place you plan to teach. There are pros and cons for both, and here we help you decide which is best for you.
Pros for Taking the TEFL Where You Currently Live
– Your accommodation arrangements are likely to be organised already
– You are likely to have a support network around you
– The environment is familiar and you will not need to face cultural differences or culture shock
– Taking a TEFL course where you live may be cheaper than taking it abroad
Pros for Talking the TEFL in the Location Where You Plan to Teach
– You can climatize to any cultural differences before starting work
– You will not have your ‘at home’ distractions such as your friends, hobbies etc
– You are more likely to be able to secure a job face to face
– You will gain practical experience of teaching monolingual groups similar to those you will teach after qualifying
– Taking a TEFL course in the country you plan to teach in may be cheaper than taking it in your home country
Secure your TEFL course now, ready for your new job and new career in the New Year. Check out our top TEFL courses for November and December 2018
TEFL IN SPAIN
CELTA in Seville (reduced price only €1490 now): 4 week course, starting 26th November
Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:
Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 15 UK locations Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French
Unused Annual Leave: Book One of These Great Language Holiday Offers
Are the freezing cold mornings and dark afternoons not your idea of fun? Why not swap your scarf for a sombrero, change-up your ginger-bread latte for a gin and tonic, and trade in your fleece for your flip-flops – take that holiday and use up the last of your annual leave before the year is out!
With many airlines, such as EasyJet, doing some fantastic prices on flights before the end of the year, taking a language holiday during November or December works out even cheaper than usual! We have a number of schools in France, Spain, Costa Rica and Panama that are open right up until Christmas week, and you may even get some sun as well as improving your language skills!
1. Toulouse, France: Stock Up on Christmas Gifts, In French
Toulouse is not only a great place to learn French in November or December but also the perfect spot to enjoy all the wonders of a typical French Christmas market. With original gift ideas from local woodcrafts to regional specialities such as foie gras, cheese and saucisson, browsing the stalls in the afternoons after your French lessons is a must! Flights to Toulouse with EasyJet start from just £21 return, and our French courses with accommodation in Toulouse are from £690 per week.
2. Valencia, Spain: Spanish in the City
As a beach city Valencia has it all. Very much like Barcelona, except smaller and cheaper, the food, culture, museums and architecture will have you hooked from the start. It is still warm enough in November to visit the beaches, and even take a dip in the sea! And with flights starting at £50 return with Easyjet, what are you waiting for? Spanish courses in Valencia with accommodation start from as little as £365 per week.
3. Jaco Beach, Costa Rica: Spanish and Surfing at its Best
Located just 1.5 hours from Costa Rica’s capital city and main international airport, Jaco beach is a fun town with great eating options set among the backdrop of jungle and rolling green hills. Jaco offers a whole feast of activities from zipline canopy tours to catamaran cruises and deep sea fishing. But the activity of choice for many of our Spanish language learners is surfing with our Spanish and surfing courses in Costa Rica including accommodation starting at just £535 per week, and flights to San Jose from as little as £525 return.
4. Martinique, The Caribbean: French and Diving
Martinique is not only one of the most exotic places to learn French, it’s also one of the top destinations in the Caribbean to dive! Combine the two in this paradise destination and get everything you are looking for from a language holiday. Our French and Diving Courses in Martinique, including accommodation are just £920 per week.
5. Bocas Del Toro, Panama: A Tropical Spanish Language Escape
The beautiful archipelago of Bocas del Toro is a fantasy in biodiversity. A tropical wonderland, Bocas del Toro is located on the Caribbean Ocean and offers a mix of Western Caribbean, indigenous and Latino vibes, with some of the best diving, snorkelling and surfing you can find in this part of the world. Learn Spanish here and also combine your classes with some spectacular diving, from £682 per week including accommodation. Spanish and diving in Panama.
6. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico: Christmas in Spanish
One of only two schools that is open throughout Christmas week, celebrating in Playa del Carmen will bring you all the authentic joy and festivities of a true Mexican Christmas. Playa del Carmen is situated on the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya strip of Caribbean shoreline, in the state of Quintana Roo. With a palm-lined beach, numerous restaurants and impressive nightlife you can enjoy all of this plus 20 hours of Spanish classes and 3 Christmas activities in Playa del Carmen for just £240 per week. (dates 24/12/18 and 31/12/18)
7. Havana, Cuba: At Home with the Cubans
Cuba is a bucket list destination for so many, so why not enjoy its salsa, mojitos, beautiful music and art culture at Christmas time? Understand how Cubans celebrate Christmas and New Year by celebrating in the home of a local, and experience this time of year from their perspective. Two weeks over Christmas including accommodation, Spanish classes and meals is £1087.
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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:
Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 15 UK locations Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French
Do you dream of a job that allows you to control your own timetable? Where you can take a mid-morning yoga class, avoid the rush hour or spend the afternoon on the beach? Where you get to choose the hours that you work, around the other important aspects of your life?
Flexibility is said to be the future of how we work but in reality jobs with flexible hours are far and few between. Many people are looking for a way to improve their quality of life by gaining control over their working hours, but the options for achieving this are currently very limited. One of the best ways to get more work flexibility in your life is by becoming an English language teacher. As an English language teacher you have the power to choose your hours, work from home, freelance on multiple jobs and fit in everything else that is important to you.
Improve the Quality of Your Life: Jobs with Flexible Hours
When you start working as an English teacher, regardless of where in the world you are, you will be able to consider different types of flexible working options and choose one that feels right for you. From working from home to working part-time, from job-sharing to freelancing, you will gain total control over your schedule by doing the job when it suits you, without jeopardising your work-life balance.
Nowadays, whether you want to work from the beach or your bedroom, technology makes it easier to work from anywhere. The TEFL industry is at the forefront of embracing this opportunity as flexible working arrangements benefit both parties – the employees and the companies. Many jobs in the Education and Training sector, due to seasonal demand and the nature of the work, require people that can commit to a flexible working solution.
Many English teachers now combine a variety of jobs in a freelance capacity to support their lifestyle. Examples of this are: teaching online across continents and time zones, examining for short periods in other countries, marking exams online, delivering private tuition online and face to face, teaching pre-sessional courses at universities, hosting and teaching students in their homes.
The opportunities are endless and taking a TEFL Course to become a certified teacher is a great choice if you are looking for a better work-life balance, looking to improve your well-being, or looking for a career change. It even gives you the option of moving abroad to pursue that goal of working from the beach!
It’s important to have the right certificate that will allow you to pursue your dream job. Within the TEFL industry there are several certificates you can pursue but only a few will give you an official certification that is recognised internationally. It’s important to gain the right qualification if you want to give yourself the best chance of being hired for the most desirable roles.
The two internationally recognised English teacher training qualifications are the Cambridge CELTA and the Trinity CertTESOL. There are just a few differences between these two qualifications – “Cambridge CELTA and Trinity TESOL, What’s the Difference?” Both are accredited by highly respected institutions: CertTESOL by Trinity College London and CELTA by University of Cambridge English Language Assessment.
Where can you take a TESOL or CELTA Course in 2018?
You can take these courses anywhere in the world, from a dreamy destination to the city of London, from Barcelona to Buenos Aires, Athens to Prague. With Cactus you can choose from more than 90 different locations. Cactus only works with high quality, accredited institutions. A CELTA or TESOL course of 120-plus hours with teaching practice will provide you the toolkit you need to start teaching. If you would like to know if you are eligible to take a TEFL Course – take our TEFL Eligibility Test. For all your English teaching and TEFL related questions simply contact us, or call us, one of our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Get Qualified with Cactus TEFL
If you are not yet qualified as an English language teacher but would like to find out more click here. Cactus offers CELTA and TESOL courses in various locations across London and the UK, and the rest of the world. To book any of our courses please call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:
Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 15 UK locations Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French
To book any of our courses please call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
The Best Surf Destinations In Europe and America For New Surfers
When anyone talks about surfing typically people think of the big waves of California and Hawaii. However, for those who are interested in surfing for the first time, there are numerous great destinations in Europe to catch your first wave, as well as less well-known spots in the California area that are not just for the pros and that make our list for best surf destinations.
On top of that, if you are considering learning a new language or improving your language skills then you can combine surfing with a language course – ensuring that you know how to ask the locals where the best surf spots are! Here are our 5 best surf destinations in Europe and US!
Biarritz, on the Bay of Biscay, is one of the best places for new surfers to find their feet on the board. This French coastal area is a year-round surf location and the famous reefs of Guéthary and Lafitenia are one of its main attractions. From the beautiful beaches and coves in Anglet to the winter reefs around Guéthary, there is always something to look forward to in the French Côte Basque, regardless of the season. Check out our French + Surfing course in Biarritz imparted by certified professional surfing instructors.
San Sebastian, with its oceanic climate and the characteristic Gulf Stream of the Basque Coast, provides all levels of surfers with good waves throughout the year. Although the warm summer in the Basque Country is the perfect time of the year to visit San Sebastian, the water temperature rarely goes below 11 degrees during autumn and winter. Places like Mundaka, Orrua or Lemoiz are well-known for their optimal weather conditions and great waves. Learn Spanish and Surfing in San Sebastian with us and discover all the Basque Coast has to offer.
The warm hospitality and weather of the largest of the Canary Islands all year round make it a visitors heaven that rarely drops below 20 degrees during the day. In addition, its world-class surfing spots place Tenerife as one of the best surf destinations for anyone who wants to be at one with their board and the water. The city hosts remarkable international competitions as well. The volcanic island has a lot of beautiful dark sand beaches that produce good left and right hand walls of water for beginners such as El Arenal, El Conquistador, La Tejita or El Lobo.
Lisbon is a favourite in Portugal for visitors as well as for surfers. Its relaxed atmosphere, wonderful white sand beaches and some of the best waves in the world, attract surfers from all over the world, especially those escaping the cold winter of northern Europe. Lisbon enjoys a good weather all year-round, making it perfect to surf anytime of the year from the nearby beaches in Guincho (Cascais) to Ericeira (north of Lisbon).
California has one of the best conditions for surfing during any season, probably only beaten by Hawaii. Its excellent sunshine, Santa Ana wind and swell exposure bring countless locations and opportunities for both learners and seasoned surfers to catch great waves. Some of the best spots for beginners in Los Angeles area are the accessible El Porto in Manhattan Beach, Zuma Beach, just north of Malibu, Sunsets or Bolaa Chica State Beach.
Please check our How to Book page for more information on the simple secure and easy online booking process. Check the location links to find more information on the Best Surf Destinations.
For information on any of our Best Surf Destinations, please call us on +44 (0) 1273 830 960 or contact us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any question you may have.
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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:
Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 10 UK locations Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French
Easter brings some of the most flamboyant celebrations to Spain, Portugal and Italy, and is a great time to visit these countries. Good weather, ancient traditions, delicious Easter-inspired dishes and fascinating processions mark an unforgettable week for those, religious or not, that have the luck to experience one of these destinations in Europe for Eastertide: Seville, Porto or Salerno.
Easter in Spain: Seville
Holy Week (Semana Santa) is a long-awaited time of the year in Spain to mark the beginning of Spring. Traditionally, people take to the streets and watch spectacular reenactments (pasos) of Holy week, with live music and the participation of the town. Seville celebrates one of the most outstanding Holy Weeks in Europe, including La Madrugá, (Maundy Thursday), an evening filled with thrilling processions and the best Spanish tapas. Immerse yourself in authentic Spanish culture this Easter and learn some of the language by taking advantage of our 5% discount – valid until 7th April. Please contact us to apply your discount. Spanish courses in Seville
Easter in Portugal: Porto
The northern Portugal city located across the Douro river estuary wasn’t elected The Best European Destination in 2017 for nothing. Its historical centre was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and its famous wine cellars and caves are a must-see attraction for those interested in the praised port wine. During Easter, Portuenses and visitors tour the Cathedral and the several churches of the city, especially on Good Friday, when devoted followers recreate the journey Jesus endured before his crucifixion. Many of them also go to the nearby town of Braga (just 45 minutes from Porto) which hosts the most famous Easter processions in Portugal since the 4th century. Book one of our Portuguese courses in Porto before 7th April and get a 5% off. Please contact us to apply your discount. Portuguese courses in Porto
Easter in Italy: Salerno
The sunny coastal city of Salerno with its stunning views, medieval streets and welcoming atmosphere, is a perfect starting point for those that wish to explore the Amalfi Coast. Throughout the Easter holidays, Salerno fills with the sights of amazing processions as well as food fairs and different folk traditions related to Holy Week. Our school in Salerno has created a special cultural programme that allows you to learn Italian and make the most of your Easter experience including; cultural workshops, a visit to a Mozzarella factory, cooking lessons with Easter recipes, and excursions to Arechi Castle, Amalfi, Ravello and Pompeii. Book one of our Italian courses in Saleno before 7th April and get a 5% off. Please contact us to apply your discount. Italian courses in Salerno
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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:
Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 10 UK locations Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French
