Teachers
Practical information
Language teacher training abroad: Practical information
A teacher training course has to be well organized and fulfil your expectations. That’s why professional advice is indispensable. Don’t hesitate to call us for any extra information or to arrange an appointment to discuss your requirements. We will put extra documentation at your disposal, we will explain the differences between the schools that you’re interested in, and we will answer all your questions and calculate the price of the package that you choose. These appointments are entirely without obligation.
Course dates/course start
Most teacher training courses start on a Monday, but this can sometimes vary. Programmes generally take place on fixed dates, many of them during the summer. You will find all dates listed on each school’s information.
Enrolment deadline
If you have made up your mind to travel abroad, do not delay in undertaking all of the steps. By enrolling on time, you benefit from more attractive prices on your flight and have more time to complete the necessary administrative steps (visa request, extension of your health insurance, announcement of your departure etc.). In addition, your wishes concerning accommodation will be more easily satisfied if we can begin searching in advance.
Bear in mind that some teacher training courses in the summer months are fully-booked months in advance.
How to enrol
Fill the on-line enrolment form and mail/fax it to us or send it to your enrolment agency.
- We will confirm the programme enrolment within seven working days of receipt of your registration form. This confirmation has all the details of your course, accommodation and journey. A deposit is then to be paid within 10 days.
- Information on low-cost flight prices will also be included, without any obligation, if you have noticed it in the enrolment form.
- We will send you the final invoice 5/6 weeks before your departure. You have to pay the outstanding amount before your departure.
Level assessment/pre-course interview
Some teacher training courses require applicants to take an online test or quick phone (or Skype) interview. We can provide all necessary information.
Enrolling with Erasmus+ funding
Erasmus+ funding usually covers travel costs, visa costs, course fees and subsistence. Insurance is not covered.
When applying for a course that is eligible for Erasmus+ funding, you should complete the application process as normal. At the same time, the application for funding should be made to the local agency in the country where you work. Please be aware that this should be at least four months before the start of the course and that agencies usually deal with funding twice a year.
Erasmus+ grants are paid directly to your bank account in Euros and you will have to pay any bank fees if your account is not set up to send or receive Euros.
See the main article about Erasmus+ funding here.
When applying for a course that is eligible for Erasmus+ funding, you should complete the application process as normal. At the same time, the application for funding should be made to the local agency in the country where you work. Please be aware that this should be at least four months before the start of the course and that agencies usually deal with funding twice a year.
Erasmus+ grants are paid directly to your bank account in Euros and you will have to pay any bank fees if your account is not set up to send or receive Euros.
See the main article about Erasmus+ funding here.
Flights
ESL - Language Studies Abroad also offers the booking of flights for all destinations, at very competitive prices, to you. Do not hesitate to ask us for an offer without obligation. If you mention it on the enrolment form, we will send you a price offer for a favourable flight, on an informative basis.
Insurance
ESL offers a wide range of insurance options, including cancellation fee insurance, baggage insurance and flight replacement insurance. You will receive detailed information with the confirmation of your course. For health insurance, you should contact your health insurer and make sure that you are covered abroad.
Last minute
Do you wish to travel abroad in the next few days? If circumstances don't allow for you to enrol a long time in advance, we can organise your stay in the space of a few days!
Arrival / Departure
Europe
The arrival day is Sunday, the departure therefore takes place on Saturday. It is possible to arrive before the weekend on request. In this case, the additional nights will be invoiced.
Outside Europe
The same goes for the overseas schools of our portfolio. Nevertheless, due to the time difference and the long journey, we recommend that you arrive on Saturday. In most of the cases, this is included in the weekly accommodation fees.
The arrival day is Sunday, the departure therefore takes place on Saturday. It is possible to arrive before the weekend on request. In this case, the additional nights will be invoiced.
Outside Europe
The same goes for the overseas schools of our portfolio. Nevertheless, due to the time difference and the long journey, we recommend that you arrive on Saturday. In most of the cases, this is included in the weekly accommodation fees.
Transfers
For every destination, transfer to your accommodation from the airport or railway station can be organized. This option is particularly suitable after a long flight. Depending on your degree of autonomy abroad and your knowledge of the country you are visiting, you can also get to your accommodation by taxi, train or bus. These solutions can be cheaper than those suggested by schools.
Travel documents
All of your travel documents are provided to you approximately 10 days prior to your departure. They include a travel guide, the detailed description of your accommodation, your plane ticket, your flight plan as well as general information on the school, the courses and your destination. In addition, we provide you with documentation which is as complete as possible on the chosen country.
Bank holidays
Teaching does not take place on bank holidays (national holidays etc.). If the classes are not compensated for by our partner schools, the missed hours are not refunded.
Size of schools
Small schools (S)
Studying in a school with 30 to 70 participants has many advantages: a relaxed friendly environment, concerned teachers, and small classes. However, the full range of levels and course types is not always available.
Medium-sized schools (M)
With 70 to 100 students, they combine the advantages of small and large schools: good technical equipment, a wide range of activities, many levels, personal contact and good flexibility.
Large schools (L)
Schools with 100 to 300 students offer courses for almost every level, an excellent technical infrastructure and a wide range of activities.
Very large schools (XL)
Schools with over 300 participants offer the same advantages as large schools, although it will be very difficult for you to meet all the other students!
Studying in a school with 30 to 70 participants has many advantages: a relaxed friendly environment, concerned teachers, and small classes. However, the full range of levels and course types is not always available.
Medium-sized schools (M)
With 70 to 100 students, they combine the advantages of small and large schools: good technical equipment, a wide range of activities, many levels, personal contact and good flexibility.
Large schools (L)
Schools with 100 to 300 students offer courses for almost every level, an excellent technical infrastructure and a wide range of activities.
Very large schools (XL)
Schools with over 300 participants offer the same advantages as large schools, although it will be very difficult for you to meet all the other students!