TEFL as a gap-year option for university graduates

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A good number of graduates are choosing to take a couple of years out to travel, and many are hoping that TEFL will help facilitate this. At the end of the day, it’s an option that will provide them will financial support, cultural integration and a beneficial addition to their CV.

TEFL has long been a popular option amongst new graduates, but it’s likely that this year will see even more students than normal training in TEFL in order to head abroad.

Two such graduates are Zoe Delaine-Smith and Catherine Handley. Zoe, who graduated with a history degree from Sussex University in June last year and recently completed a CELTA course in Budapest said:

“ I took the CELTA course for a couple of reasons. Firstly i really like travelling and it just seemed a good idea to get a qualification that I could use while abroad which would aid my travels. Secondly the job market is pretty bad in England at the moment sadly and there seems to be more opportunities for work abroad- people always need to learn English after all!”

Catherine graduated in English and Philosophy from Stirling University last June, and had been considering TEFL as a means to travel for a few years. She thinks that the CELTA certificate will enable her to support herself abroad for an indefinite amount of time, and says:

“It was only one amongst a few ideas before the credit crunch, but i think the current economic climate has tipped the scales in favour of CELTA for me and has definitely made doing a CELTA course a more recommended next step for many graduates at the moment.”

Some people are worrying that the increase in number of teachers will bring about a cut in the number of TEFL jobs available, but in reality it’s an industry that continues to boom. There are opportunities to teach all over the world, particularly in the Far East, and if you get the right kind of qualification and can afford some flexibility in terms of where specifically you work, you shouldn’t encounter any problems in getting a job.

An element of how easy, and successful, your job hunt is also relates to the time of year that you look. If you can coincide searching for work with the beginning of the school year, this will definitely count in your favour.

More on TEFL courses worldwide

Why to use Cactus TEFL to book your course

Why use Cactus TEFL to book your TEFL course?

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Not only is there information on the different types of TEFL courses available, on how to choose which one will be best for you, and on TEFL in various countries of the world, but it also offers a useful and effective way to compare a huge range of course locations, start dates and prices in one fell swoop.

This is not where our service ends though. There are many other things that we can do for you, and lots of reasons why applying through us will be beneficial to you:

1. The site is an application portal for all the courses that we list on our site. It is quick and easy to both download and submit the application form for your chosen course via our site, and this service is completely free. You will pay exactly the same price for your course, whether you apply via us or you apply direct to the school.

2. We are primarily an internet-based company, but are unique in that we do have a team of knowledgable, experienced advisers at the end of the phone who can help you with any remaining questions or concerns that you have after you have looked through the site. The advice that we give is not only informed and unbiased, it is also free.

3. Many people prefer to apply or book direct rather than via a ‘middleman’, and it’s understandable why. Leaving the updating and advancing of a task to an intermediary means that you have to have confidence in their ability not only to complete the project or booking, but to do so competently and quickly. Fortunately this is an area in which we excel. We process your application as soon as we receive it, and the fact that we’re constantly in touch with our partner schools means that we can keep a close eye on how your application is progressing, and even fast track it if necessary. We can swiftly locate another course for you if the one you want is full. You can easily apply for more than one course at once, and keep track of your applications on My Cactus TEFL.

4. Applying through us for a course abroad is sometimes easier and cheaper communication-wise too as there is someone for you to contact during the same working hours (i.e. there are no issues with time differences) and on the same national call rate.

5. We can help you prepare for your TEFL course as thoroughly as possible, giving you the best chance of gaining a ’pass’ grade, or better. Not only do we provide useful information on what to expect in your interview and on the course itself, but we have also developed a pre-TEFL English Language Awareness course so that trainees get an excellent preparation in English grammar before beginning the course.

6. Once you have booked and completed your course, we can also give you tips on how to go about looking for work. We have lots of contacts within the industry and are fortunate to have a good and up to date insight into what is going on TEFL-wise around the world.

Ushuaia: top 10 things to do at the edge of the world

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‘El fin del mundo’ is what they call it, and stepping foot in the world’s most southerly town certainly makes you feel like you’re at the edge of the world. On Argentina’s southern-most tip, Ushuaia’s setting is simply spectacular: if you look back at it from the green waters of the Beagle Channel, as Darwin would have done in 1832, you’ll see rows of brightly coloured houses set against a dramatic backdrop of jagged mountains – and you’ll know that if you keep going south, there is nothing but the vast waters, ice sheets and resilient penguins of the Antarctic.

For many people Ushuaia is the gateway to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, a geographical paradise of forests, lakes, mountains and marine life, with infinite possibilities for adventure tourism. With this in mind, we’ve compiled our list of the top 10 things to do in Ushuaia. Send us a postcard!

1. Visit the Museo Marítimo y del Presidio

The Maritime Museum not only gives you the chance to learn about Tierra del Fuego’s past, way back to when the first explorers arrived from Europe, but it has also been built on the site of Ushuaia’s former jail. Visitors to the museum can access the eerie cell areas (built by the prisoners themselves) and imagine life behind walls in the early 20th century.

2. Take the train to the end of the world!

Originally built as a freight line to serve Ushuaia’s mythical prison, the Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino (or Tren del Fin del Mundo) now takes you on a spectacular 8km round-trip up to the Tierra del Fuego National Park Station. This iconic steam train takes you along the Pico river valley and gives you a unique insight into the Yamaná people and local history.

3. Visit Antarctica!

If ever there was an opportunity to visit the iced lands of Antarctica, it’s here. You’ll need to book in advance, and it’s not cheap, but it’s a real once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can also sail to Cape Horn, Puerto Natales, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands from Ushuaia.

4. Look back…

If you can’t afford to visit Antarctica, don’t miss the opportunity to go seabound. A boat trip is the best way to view the Beagle Channel and look back at Ushuaia; at the same time you’ll usually also visit the sealion colony at Isla de los Lobos and Isla de Pájaros.

5. Explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park

Winter or summer, the choice is endless. Hiking, glacier trekking, skiing, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, bird watching and more are are at your fingertips in this spectacular environment.

6. Visit a typical Patagonian estancia

Perfect for lovers of the great outdoors (and let’s face it, you’re unlikely to be in Ushuaia if you’re not), these are rural establishments that provide tourist services in the form of accommodation, excursions, horse-riding, hunting and fishing. Perfect for letting out the inner gaucho in you! Harberton Estancia on the Beagle Channel is one such place.

7. Go shopping!

Ok, so it might be the last thing you feel like doing in one of the world’s greatest outdoor playgrounds, but Ushuaia is a tax-free zone, so if you want to pick up some mementos to take home – either local or imported goods – then this is your place.

8. Visit Lakes Escondido and Fagnano

These beautiful glacial lakes near Ushuaia are the perfect escape to enjoy lake, mountain and forest scenery, as well as to encounter native wildlife and bird species.

9. Hike 7km from downtown Ushuaia to Glacier Martial

Whether or not you want to explore the glacier, the views from the top are breathtaking. You will be treated to a spectacular panorama of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia – one day NOT to forget your camera!

10. And lastly, carry sunscreen!

Not just to protect from the combined effect of the sun, wind and snow: despite the wintery climate and need to dress warm, the depleted ozone levels over Ushuaia mean that sunburn is a real danger, whatever the weather.

Cactus offers Spanish courses in Ushuaia and in other locations across Argentina.

Verona – an ideal destination for opera lovers this summer

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Staged in Verona’s awesome Roman Arena, along with rock concerts and a jazz festival, the opera season includes performances from some of the world’s greatest singers and musicians. This year, the season is dedicated to great Italian Director Franco Zeffirelli.

If you’re an opera fan, it doesn’t get any better than this. The acoustics, the surroundings and the performers are all top-notch, and the good news is that tickets won’t cost the earth. The opera season in Verona is geared towards a wide audience made up of seasoned opera-goers and newcomers to the genre too.

If you want to take your opera experience one step further, there is even the option at our Verona school to take a specialist Italian and opera course. The course offers a great way to learn more about opera and the people who sing it, and encompasses morning classes to work on language grammar, syntax and conversation and afternoon classes that focus on pronunciation and intonation of operatic lyrics.

If by the end of the week you’re all ‘opera’d out’, Verona and the wider region have plenty of other entertainment options to keep you busy too. If you fancy a mooch around the city, you could pay a visit to Juliet’s house, spend the afternoon browsing the main shopping area, or dine al fresco in one of Verona’s piazzas . If you’d like a break from the city, heading out to Lake Garda for a spot of sunbathing is easy and relatively inexpensive on the train. The train journey from Verona to Desenzano del Garda is around 20-25 minutes, and costs under 10 euro.

Italian and opera courses are priced at £529 for 1 week (without accommodation) and cater for a variety of linguistic levels. Find our more on Italian courses in Italy.

Please note:prices were correct at the time of writing but are subject to fluctuation according to changing exchange rates.

Savoie – a great French study destination this summer

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Summer is always a good time to visit Savoie, but this year there will be even more than usual going on. Whether you choose the stunning lakeside town of Annecy, or the historical capital of the region, Chambery as your study destination, you’ll have plenty to do outside of lessons.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Savoie region becoming part of France, an event which will be celebrated by concerts, festivals and street parties all throughout the summer.

In addition this year, Chambery has the honour of hosting the 10th stage of the Tour de France. The tour is one of France’s premier sporting events, and is watched by a huge number of people, who follow the event year after year. The path of the tour varies every year, and towns are always very proud to be included in the route. There is a real festival atmosphere as the riders pass through, which will be particularly prevalent in Chambery this year (on 14th July) as the townspeople celebrate both the 150th anniversary, and Bastille Day too!

A further event this summer, which takes place annually, is Annecy’s Lake Festival. The festival will be held on 7th August, and includes some spectacular fireworks, illuminated cruises and, in true French fashion, lots of eating and drinking!

If you want to complement all the parties and festivals with a bit of downtime though, the good news is that you’ll be in the right place. Whether you want to relax by a lake, or do some walking in the tranquil mountain landscapes, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Savoie.

And if all of this still isn’t enough to convince you, it’s worth also bearing in mind that the schools in Annecy and Chambery are offering a special offer of 4 weeks for the price of 3 in June, July and August…a fantastic deal considering the popularity of the region, and the array of events that you can enjoy this summer.

Book now!

Read our full list of French courses in France

June 2010: This month it’s about the dads…well, mostly.

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Fathers Day combined with a month of top-notch sport seems too good to be true. A match made in heaven. Dads across the UK don’t need to wait until Fathers Day on 20th June for their treats – with the World Cup starting on 11th June, Wimbledon on 21st June, Grand Prix racing every other Sunday and bikes lining up for the Tour de France in July, this month promises to have wives and girlfriends groaning up and down the country.

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