Best ESL Resources

One of the most engaging ways to see the world is by teaching English as a Second Language while living abroad. Below are some of the best ESL resources available for those wishing to explore the world while teaching.


Affiliate Disclosure: Leftfade Trails contains affiliate links, so using services or products through these links supports the website, at no extra cost to the user. All links are to tested services and products designed to aid travelers on their journeys. Some links specifically connect to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate this website earns from qualifying purchases.


Teaching ESL Resources


International TEFL Academy

The International TEFL Academy is the best provider for accredited teaching certificates for those wishing to teach broad. The in-person programs are rigerous, fun and enlightening while online programs provide better costs and flexible material.

Teachaway

Teachaway is an excellent, professional platform for ESL Educators. Aside from providing programs and tutorials for living abroad, Teachaway also helps educators find verified companies to work for overseas. They also offer specialization teaching classes.

Dave’s ESL Café

Dave’s ESL Café is an online web forum where teachers can post resumes, view job offers and get advice from people already teaching. The platform was created by Dave, a former ESL teacher and Linguistics-degree graduate.

Online TEFL through Int. TEFL Academy

When getting a TEFL, in-person is usually the best for hands-on studies and educator quality. But it’s also possible to earn a TEFL online. The International TEFL Academy is the absolute best resource out there for TEFL online courses.

i-to-i Online ESL Work

If you plan on teaching entirely remotely, then i-to-i is your best teaching option. The programs are online, as are most of the jobs, connections and training platforms. It’s a great method for earning a digital nomad’s income.

Cambridge CELTA and DELTA

For teachers who wish to aim higher than a basic TEFL certification, there are CELTA certs and DELTA certs. CELTAs are designed to be intense courses for teaching a second language to adults. DELTAs are generally used for management positions. Both courses can be found at Cambridge University’s Press and Assessment website

An open notebook has various, colorful translations for the word "hello" in multiple languages


Travel Language Learning Resources


Duolingo

When it comes to learning introduction phrases, Duolingo is a great, easy-to-use application for beginners. The program doesn’t have the scaffolding to work well beyond the intermediate level, but it can teach you basic phrases wherever you go.

Mango

Slightly more advanced than Duolingo, Magoo does a better job of included grammar lessons as users practice new words. Remember, production is what makes a second language fluent, so speak aloud whenever possible.

A series of red, orange, yellow and green translation dictionaries sit in a stack

Translation Language Apps


Speak and Translate

Speak and Translate is an excellent backup if you don’t speak the local lingo.  This app can translate spoken audio offline in ten languages, including Chinese (Mandarin), English (US), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.  The offline feature and downloadable dictionary make the app invaluable while traveling.

Google Translate

Google Translate has an offline writing dictionary, allowing you to type accurate information for others to read.  The app also has an offline camera feature for different languages, such as Japanese.  This allows a traveler to read public signs for directions just by pointing their phone’s camera at some text.  However, Google Translate’s audio translator only works with an internet connection.