Teaching with LELI in East Timor - A diverse, enriching and inspiring experience

For the past twelve years, I’ve had the privilege of working at Lorosa'e English Language Institute (LELI) in the vibrant capital of Timor-Leste, Dili, East Timor. More than just a workplace, LELI has become a second home - a supportive community where I feel welcome and valued every single day.LELI is a warm and inviting place from the moment you step through the doors. The reception area is bright and welcoming, and our friendly staff greet everyone with genuine smiles, setting a positive tone that carries through the whole building...

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Evaluating the nuances of the language school market across Europe and beyond

As the demand for language learning continues to grow globally, it's crucial for educators and school operators to understand the nuances of various language school markets. In this dynamic world of language education, the profitability of language schools can vary significantly across different countries. While it's tempting to assume that language schools in certain countries are more lucrative than others, the reality is often more complex. For example...

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From free-spirited Teacher to Academic Management - Stepping up your career in TEFL

With the end of summer (in the northern hemisphere), many TEFL teachers are planning their next career move. Sarah Taylor reflects on the fulfilling journey her TEFL career has taken her - from a volunteer placement in rural Nepal to teaching in Italy and eventually earning a management position at a prestigious school in the UK. 

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New teacher abroad? Six vital teaching tips

As one term finishes and before we start the next, it's a nice time to reflect on not only the year just completed but also one's career to-date. After seven years of teaching English in five countries I can certainly say I've had a journey, and in the process learnt a lot about myself, the classroom, the English language itself and what it really takes to teach it effectively. Here are six tips which I hope will help encourage and guide anyone preparing to embark on their first trip abroad to teach English as a Foreign language or for anyone more experienced...

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Adults with Autism in EFL.

Estimates for the number of people with autism range from 1 to 2 percent of the population worldwide. The rate of diagnosis has been rising, which doesn’t mean that it’s becoming more prevalent necessarily, but that more and more people are seeking a diagnosis for themselves or their children. Late diagnosis in adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond is also becoming more widespread as new research has lead to a better understanding of the condition. In recent years, high profile personalities in the UK such as TV presenter Chris Packham have gone public with their diagnosis in order to raise awareness...

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The Mental Health of Language Teachers during and post Covid-19

Between 26 September and 18 October, I carried out a piece of research on the Mental Health of Language Teachers, with a focus on their experience during the outbreak of Covid-19 and lockdowns in many parts of the world. It also looked at ‘post Covid-19’ working environments and what the future had in store for language teaching. It was completed by 170 different respondents, using...

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