LEARN HOW TEACHING ENGLISH CAN BE YOUR TICKET TO TRAVEL

Transcription

1 LEARN HOW TEACHING ENGLISH CAN BE YOUR TICKET TO TRAVEL

2 Table of contents: Welcome, Where is Nicaragua: Page 3 TEFL Definition: Page 4 Accreditation: Page 5 Frequently Asked Questions about TEFL: Page 6 How do I get a job in Nicaragua: Page 7 Where in Nicaragua can I teach English: Page 8 Leon overview: Page 9 Managua overview: Page 10 Granada overview: Page 11 San Juan del Sur overview: Page 12 What type of school will I teach in here in Nicaragua: Page 13 How much money will I make; Does a fluent English speaker need a certification: Page 14 I am a teacher, do I need a TEFL Certification: Page 15 Where will I live in Nicaragua: Page 16 On-site overview: Page 17 On-line overview: Page 18 On-line/ On-site practicum overview: Page 19 Start up costs: Page 20 Meet the Instructors: Page 21 Class registration: Page 22

3 Welcome to International TEFL Academy Nicaragua! Based in Leon, Nicaragua, is an employee owned institution founded on the principle that everyone should have the opportunity to live and work abroad as a professionally trained English teacher. We offer the most state-of the-art online course as well as an onsite course that meets or exceeds the highest international standards. All of the courses ITAN offers are recognized by the field s leading accrediting bodies, NCFE. Where in the world is Nicaragua? HERE

4 What is TEFL? TEFL is the acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, or simply, English language instruction for non-native speakers. TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These terms are interchangeable in the English teaching market worldwide. Have you ever wanted to get paid to live and work in Latin America? Would you like to spend a year or two in a tropical country? Do you dream of a life where you surf in the morning, and teach English in the afternoons? Do you want the satisfaction of performing a valuable public service and assisting others in achieving their own life goals, while experiencing the adventure of a lifetime? If the answer to any of these questions is yes and you are a fluent English speaker, then teaching English abroad could be for you!

5 Is the course accredited? YES! (ITAN) proudly uses curriculum provided by INTESOL Worldwide for our onsite and online courses. INTESOL Worldwide is one of the global leaders in TEFL/TESOL curriculum, and has been training students since This curriculum is internationally accredited by NCFE Investing in Quality (IIQ) license, a leading international academic accrediting body. The curriculum also meets the British Council Requirements, and can be found on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ). As a U.S.-training school, we are also held to U.S. educational, ethical, and professional standards. s onsite course exceeds the minimum requirements for certification, and offers the highest level of certification; Q5.

6 Frequently asked questions about the world of TEFL/TESOL. Can I teach English Abroad? All native and fluent English speakers, regardless of there academic, ethnic, or socioeconomic background have an opportunity to share in this experience. The common factor bringing our graduates together is the desire to experience new cultures and to travel the world. What if I don t speak Spanish, can I still teach English in Nicaragua? Yes! You will be hired because you are a trained English teacher. In fact, you want to avoid speaking Spanish in the classroom as immersion learning is a key component to building students English skills. I have no teaching experience or background in education will I be hired to teach English abroad? Yes! 95% of those who earn a TEFL/TESOL Certification from ITAN have no background in education, or a degree in English. You will gain all the skills you need to succeed as a professional English teacher in your TEFL/TESOL Certification course. I don t have a college degree can I still teach English abroad? Yes! Certainly having a college degree will avail more opportunities to you. Even without a fouryear college degree, a native English speaker who earns their TEFL/TESOL Certification from ITAN can work as an English teacher in Nicaragua. The minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Because fluent English speakers are so rare in Nicaragua, a TEFL certification from ITAN will make you very desirable. Will I be able to teach English abroad even if English is not my first language? Yes! If you are fluent in both written and conversational English, the demand for English teachers is high in Nicaragua, particularly if you are an American E.U. or Nicaraguan citizen looking to teach English. What can I gain by earning my certification and teaching English in Nicaragua? A rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Nicaraguan culture, where you will be a valued and integral member of the local community. Invaluable international work experience will give you the upper hand the next time you apply for a job. Make a positive and life-changing impact on your students lives by providing them with an educational experience that will enable them to succeed in achieving their personal, educational, and professional goals. The ability to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish language. Experience what the Land of Lakes and Volcanos truly offers.

7 How do I get a job in Nicaragua teaching English? Job Search Guidance from International TEFL Academy Nicaragua. ITAN provides comprehensive, lifetime job search guidance to all of our students and graduates encompassing all of the expertise and insight you will need to navigate the local job market, and job markets worldwide. You are not alone! ITAN has relationships with English language institutions throughout the country and worldwide, we will assist you in making those important contacts. Plus, due to the fact that there are so few fluent English speakers in Nicaragua, you will be in demand almost year round. PLEASE NOTE: We do not guarantee jobs, as you must qualify and interview for positions yourself. If you follow our guidance, and use the extensive resources that we provide you, there is no reason why you should not be able to find opportunities that meet your goals and qualifications. We are committed to our graduates success and you will never be alone with our assistance and guidance. How does ITAN assist you with your job search? Personal guidance from our experienced Job Search Advisor Assistance on how to prepare for an interview in Nicaragua Assistance in writing your resume/cv (Curriculum Vitae) and cover letter Provide you with a TEFL job search manual for major job markets around the world.

8 Where in Nicaragua can I teach English? Each year hundreds of thousands of Americans, Brits, Canadians, New Zealanders, and Australians in addition to thousands of fluent non-native speakers, can be found teaching English in nearly every major city across the globe. Popular English teaching spots in Nicaragua Managua: The capital city, home to over 1 million Nicaraguans, and the greatest concentration of private English language schools. Leon: Sometimes referred to as the Berkeley of Nicaragua. The educational hub of the country and home to the prestigious UNAN-Centro de Idiomas language school. Granada: This colonial city has been of strategic importance since its inception in Popular among Europeans and Expats, Granada has several language schools for its size. San Juan del Sur: Hands down, Nicaragua s most popular beach town. The beaches and world class surfing make up for the small number of English schools.

9 Leon, Nicaragua The educational and cultural hub of Nicaragua, Leon serves as the perfect backdrop for the International TEFL Academy Nicaragua. It has all the conveniences of the city, while still being in close proximity to Pacific beaches with surfing, and volcanoes with hiking. Leon is easy to navigate, as it uses the grid system for its street layout. Centrally located just four blocks west of the Central Park, and two blocks away from the Centro de Idiomas, everything you need is just a short walk away. Colonial architecture Surfing at Las Penitas Cultural festivals Mangrove forest tours

10 Managua, Nicaragua Managua is the capital city, and home to 1 million Nicaraguans. It has by far the largest concentration of English language schools in the country. It also traditionally pays a bit higher than the rest of the country. Managua is also home to a large community of Europeans and Expats that call the city their home. With a colorful nightlife scene, and a newly developed waterfront, Managua is a big city that has the feel of Chicago.

11 Granada, Nicaragua Granada is the quintessential colonial city, and it is no wonder why people from around the world have been flocking here for centuries. In close proximity to Lake Nicaragua, and the Mombacho Volcano, there is something for everyone in Granada. Islands of Granada Bars, restaurants, and entertainment on the strip Outdoor murals Pre-Colombian Artifacts

12 San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua San Juan del Sur is hands down the number one tourist destination in Nicaragua. In this quiet little port town, hundreds of Europeans and Expats have made it their home. Word has gotten around fast about the beaches north and south of town that are simply majestic. (There is no surfing in SJDS proper.) With beaches like Maderas, Hermosa and Marsella, surfing enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunity to explore and see what beaches suit them. Enjoying the sunset with a Macua and some friends is something you won t forget anytime soon. San Juan Bautista Church Relax, and watch the sunset San Juan del Sur Proper A surfers paradise

13 What sort of school will I teach in? Private language schools: Foreigners are not typically hired to teach in public schools in Nicaragua. The majority of opportunities for TEFL/TESOL graduates will be in private language schools. These are generally privately owned enterprises specializing in language training (usually English), and can range in size and scope from mom-and-pop businesses with a single classroom to large multinational chains of schools operating dozens of branches in multiple countries. Some specialize in areas such as business English or technical English, while others may offer general classes to students of the six basic proficiency levels set by the British Council. In either case, you must be prepared to cover all aspects of the English language. Schedules vary from school to school but on average you will teach for 25 hours a week with 3-8 hours of prep work. A common shift is from 4-8 p.m. with some weekend work to accommodate students looking to study English after a standard work or school day. Class sizes vary, but typically range from 2-15 students. The prestigious UNAN University Public schools: It is extremely rare for foreigners to get a job at a public school in Nicaragua. If you are a fluent Spanish speaker, and don t mind working on a voluntary basis collaborating with a local teacher, you may have a slim chance. Expect an average work day to begin at 7 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. with you only working a four hour shift, depending on if you teach primary or secondary students. Private tutoring opportunities: Private lessons are in high demand in Nicaragua, and offer a great opportunity to earn extra income and get to know students on a more personal level. Universities: Experienced TEFL/TESOL teachers with four year degrees or previous teaching experience may find openings at the university level; however, there are some exceptions based on the individual. These positions provide opportunities to work with advanced students and typically pay higher than positions in private language schools. Volunteer Positions: Nicaragua is in no shortage of volunteer organizations, or NGOs. (Non-Government Organizations.) If philanthropy is what you are interested in, Nicaragua offers a buffet of choices.

14 How much money can I make? Your income as an English teacher will depend on your position, qualifications, and the city where you teach. Wages are typically paid in local currency. The low cost of living in Nicaragua more than makes up for what your salary will be. On average, teacher pay ranges from $3-4.88/hour (C Cordobas/hour) with a 25 hour work week comes out to $ /month. (C ,200/month.) In Nicaragua, foreign English teachers typically earn a wage that allows them to live comfortably, purchase groceries, dine out, commute by public transportation, and have some extra money to pursue other interests. Private lessons are in high demand, and provide excellent opportunities for teachers to earn additional income. In Nicaragua, you have the potential to break even working part time at an English language school. Wages in Nicaragua are proportional to the local economy. I am a fluent English speaker do I need to get certified? YES! While your abilities to converse in English as a fluent speaker are critical to your ability to get hired as an English teacher, earning your certification is more important than ever. Not only will you gain a certification that many schools require as a matter of course, but also to succeed in providing your students with a quality educational experience that will enable them to reach their own goals and aspirations. Consider these points: Without training will I have the proper skills to teach English to beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, and know the difference between the three? Will I know how to design lesson plans, exams, and classrooms exercises that will actually enable students to learn English? Reputable schools in Nicaragua and throughout the world will not even consider you as a teaching candidate if you have not earned an internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL Certification. Will I be able to explain the ins and outs of English grammar, or even have the ability to diagram a sentence to help my students understand English Syntax?

15 I am already a certified teacher do I still need to get my TEFL/TESOL Certification? Unless you are a certified ESL teacher, or you have an actual university degree in TESOL, you should definitely get your TEFL/TESOL Certification. We offer a university level educational experience and an accredited professional certification that is not only recognized in Nicaragua, but worldwide. International TEFL Academy Nicaragua offers lifetime job guidance assistance; both in Nicaragua, and worldwide! When looking at other TEFL/TESOL certification options, ask yourself, does this sound too good to be true? If you are looking at a course that costs $ dollars, rest assured you won t be receiving the professional and quality experience you would from International TEFL Academy Nicaragua. Can you learn the skills necessary to teach English at a professional level by taking a self-paced course or a two-day weekend course in a hotel? Will other courses provide you with the guidance, knowledge and personal assistance that ITAN offers with its local and worldwide job guidance assistance that does not expire if you decide to leave Nicaragua?

16 Where will I live while I am teaching in Nicaragua? Housing is not provided by an employer, so teachers will be responsible for finding their own housing. However, it is common for schools to assist their new teachers in finding housing. Often new teachers will share an apartment with other English teachers upon their arrival or move into a newly vacated apartment of a recently departed teacher. If you elect to take the on-site course in Nicaragua, International TEFL Academy Nicaragua offers housing at the school location for $250/month, with free Wi-Fi, Coffee, purified water and shared bath. Rigo s guest house is one block away from school, and offers housing for $300/month with free Wi-Fi, private and shared bath. Hotel Leon Viejo offers rooms starting at $300/month; $450/month with Air Conditioning, private bath, and is three blocks from the school.

17 On-site Overview: 190 hour on-site TEFL/TESOL Certification: 180 hours of classwork, 10 hours of practicum. Courses are compromised of three main components that ensure the student s success as a professional English language teacher: Teaching Methodology Essential in the world of ESL. Including, but not limited to, classroom management, personality and language assessments, curriculum development, and lesson planning. Language Acquisition Covered are the five components of language learning; Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Grammar, Phonetics. Practicum Student practicum will be held at the UNAN Centro de Idiomas here in Leon We are fortunate to have a partnership with an elite university here in Nicaragua, and real EFL students to work with. Class content: The following is the content found within the International TEFL Academy Nicaragua course: Pre-Course Grammar Module Basic principles of teaching Grammar Resources Reading Listening Writing Speaking Classroom management Lesson planning Error correction Visual aids Business Professional Unit Young Learners Unit

18 Online Course Overview 170 hour online, 11 week course: 150 hours of classwork, 20 hours of practicum State of the art on-line course is taught by university level professors and exceeds the highest international standards required to teach English. Tuition is only $1,350, making it the most economical. Highly interactive classroom environment with a limited class size of 20 students. 150 hours of coursework over a 11 week period averages to hours per week. 20 hour practicum must be performed by individual, and is a requirement. Opportunities to complete your TEFL practicum an practice teaching can typically be arranged in your community in these types of venues, which often offer ESL classes: Community centers Community colleges Language schools Local organizations that provide services to recent immigrants Faith-based groups that offer ESL classes Libraries To accommodate those who do have a busy schedule, all students are given an automatic 30 day extension to complete their practicum. For example, if you complete your online class on August 11th, all students have an additional thirty days from August 11th to complete their practicum. If you begin teaching before the end of your course, any teaching hours you engage in can be applied towards your TEFL practicum requirement.

19 Online course with practicum performed in Nicaragua On-line/On-site practicum Hybrid course: We are proud to offer an option to our on-line course students to obtain the Q5 level certification by performing the practicum portion at the UNAN Centro de Idiomas and other participating programs here in Nicaragua. Convenience of the on-line course, with the highest Q5 certification. Get feedback from our instructors while teaching real EFL University students here in Leon. Perfect for individuals who want an experience in Latin America, but don t have the time for a four week commitment. As always, you still retain all the benefits we offer, such as world-wide job search guidance. On-line/ Hybrid Course: The following will highlight how this course works, while providing the level Q5 certification: Individuals will complete the 11 week on-line course exactly the same as listed on page 18. Observation and practicum with an International TEFL Academy Nicaragua instructor. Minimum of 10 practicum hours will be performed in Leon over a 5 day period. Individual need only be in Nicaragua for 7 days, including graduation day and travel time. Perfect for individuals with time constraints. Great for groups of teachers or University students. Diversify your resume with international teaching experience.

20 What are the start-up costs for getting certified and teaching in Nicaragua? The tuition of your TEFL/TESOL class: hour on-line course: $1, hour, 4 week on-site course: $1, Hybrid (170 hour on-line plus 5 day practicum in Leon, Nicaragua.) $1,550 bundled. If taking the course in Nicaragua: 1. Food and housing will represent additional costs. You will need $600-1,200 in start up costs after you graduate, before you start getting paid. This includes your housing, food, costs for public transportation, and any additional activities you may want to participate in. 2. Your flight cost to get to Nicaragua varies greatly on what season you arrive, and where you live. This is not included in the start-up costs. Also, visa, passport, and travel insurance are additional costs to think about. 3. Cost of living per month: One of the variables that makes Nicaragua so desirable; $ dollars per month for cost of living. call. 4. We are here for YOU! If you have any questions, and most people do, just drop us a line, or give us a Lisa presenting at an Oxford seminar.

21 Meet the Instructors at International TEFL Academy Nicaragua. Lisa: Truly a linguistic ninja, Lisa has been working in the EFL world for years, and even works as a freelance academic consultant for Oxford University Press. Lisa has lived in the US, Germany, Greece, Mexico, and of course Nicaragua. She has two masters degrees; one from the US and one from Nicaragua. She has been living in Nicaragua since 1997, and has over 16 years experience teaching EFL. Heather: The president and founder of International TEFL Academy Nicaragua, Heather truly has an aptitude for teaching. With over 10 years combined teaching experience, three years teaching high school students on the south side of Chicago whose first language was Spanish. Heather has been a department head, and has developed reading and writing programs for her ESL students in Chicago. Heather has been to Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.

22 Class Registration. ITAN Requirements: Students must be 18 years or older as well as a fluent English speaker with a high school diploma or equivalent. Students from any country are welcome to enroll in our courses. How do I register and pay my tuition? You can register on our website with a credit card, or call one of our advisors, or pay with PayPal. Our on-site course requires a deposit, or full payment at least 90 days in advance to hold a class spot and avoid late fees. Class enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advance registration is highly recommended to ensure the class date of your choice. What happens after I register for a course? Your Admissions Advisor will send you an confirming your enrollment. After registering, we will provide you with the information for housing options, arrival details, course specifics, and your Job Search Guidance. For on-line course registration, the day the course begins, you will get your user name and password ed to you. You will receive the contact information of the instructor assigned to your course. The contact information for tech support will also be included. How do I get started? Before you ever sign up for a course, or apply for a job, call us first! We highly recommend speaking with an ITAN Advisor. Our Advisors can assist you in choosing the best certification option and strategy for your wants and needs. Do not be afraid to Dream. Be prepared to Educate. Discover new things about yourself and the world. info@teachenglishnicaragua.com U.S. Phone (505)