Integrated Skills

30/11/2025

Many new teachers worry that apps like Duolingo or Google Translate are making CELTA and TEFL qualifications irrelevant. In reality, language learning remains rooted in authentic human interaction. In my latest video, I explore why cultural context, negotiated meaning, spontaneous communication, and real rapport simply can’t be automated. I also share stories from my own experience learning languages in Ireland, France, and Brazil that highlight how deeply social the process is.
Watch the full episode and let me know: do your students lean too heavily on apps, or do they use them well as supplementary tools?

Start your CELTA or TEFL journey here: https://integratedskills.mykajabi.com/Will Duolingo, Google Translate, or AI eventually replace English teachers? In t...

01/11/2025

I Have No Idea How to Create Lesson Plans

Every teacher has felt this at some point — staring at a blank plan and wondering where to start.

In this new video, I explain how to create a complete, professional lesson plan for CELTA or TEFL, including:

How to use backward design

Writing clear aims and context

Language analysis and CCQs

Anticipating problems and solutions

Managing time effectively

If you’re starting out or on a CELTA course, this video gives you a clear structure and confidence to plan lessons that work.

Watch on YouTube now.

Learn more & book a call: https://integratedskills.mykajabi.com/If you’ve ever said “I have no idea how to create a lesson plan,” this video is for you.Wheth...

28/10/2025

Visit my site for free eLearning, downloadable guides, and 1:1 consultations to help you plan a move to Japan, pass your CELTA/TEFL, and build a career: http...

27/10/2025

New Video: Is Teaching English in Japan a Good Idea?

Japan attracts teachers for its culture, stability, and development opportunities, but there are important tradeoffs: variable pay, different workplace norms, and the language barrier. In this video I compare the main routes (eikaiwa, ALT/JET, university, international schools, online), share salary benchmarks, and give a step-by-step plan to prepare your move.

If you’re thinking about teaching in Japan, what would you like to know before you go?

Visit my site for free eLearning, downloadable guides, and 1:1 consultations to help you plan a move to Japan, pass your CELTA/TEFL, and build a career: http...

18/10/2025

Is Teaching English in China Easy?

There’s a lot of talk about how “easy” life is for English teachers in China — but what’s the truth? In this new video, I look at everything from visa requirements and school types to workload, cost of living, and startup capital.

I also share tips on choosing the right schools, preparing documents, and finding your teaching community once you arrive.

If you’re thinking about teaching abroad, this will help you plan your move with confidence.

Book a consultation with me: https://integratedskills.mykajabi.com/How easy is life as an English teacher in China? In this video, I walk you through what it...

14/10/2025

New Video: English Teacher Haters | The Dark Side of TEFL (and How to Stay Positive in It)

There’s a lot of online negativity about English teachers—people questioning qualifications, pay, or whether teaching English abroad is a “real career.” In this video, I take a deeper look at where this attitude comes from and how to rise above it.

I cover:

Imposter syndrome and self-doubt
The native vs. non-native teacher divide
The problem of “cowboy” schools
Salary realities and doing your research
Building confidence and professionalism as a teacher

Watch here: https://youtu.be/ayFLGnYB1eQ

What’s your experience been—have you felt looked down on as a teacher, or supported in your work?

Explore your Journey on my website: https://integratedskills.mykajabi.com/In this video, I unpack the topic of English Teacher Haters—where negativity in th...

04/10/2025

New Video: Are We in the Twilight of TEFL?

With fewer jobs in hotspot countries and rising fears about AI, many people are asking: is it still worth getting a CELTA or TEFL certificate?

In this video, I unpack:

-Why are opportunities shrinking in some regions?
-Why a TEFL/CELTA still makes you stand out?
-How to plan smarter applications (timing and research)?
-Why resilience (1,000 no’s, 1 yes) matters?
-How to adapt to the post-Covid job market?

https://youtu.be/-lnWP2fUolI
What do you think — are we really in the twilight of TEFL, or just in a transition period?

Explore your Journey on my website: https://integratedskills.mykajabi.com/Are We in the Twilight of TEFL? | CELTA & Teaching English Abroad? Is TEFL in decl...

27/09/2025

Student Talking Time

Hello everyone,
One of the biggest challenges for new teachers on CELTA or TEFL is keeping student talking time high and teacher talking time under control. I know when I started, I often found myself filling silences and doing too much of the talking.
In my latest video, I share ten speaking activities that I’ve used many times in my own classes and on CELTA. They’re practical, simple to set up, and they work across different lesson types.
If you’d like to watch the video. https://youtu.be/7BC0bwad0sw
I’d also be very interested to hear — what are your favourite speaking activities for getting learners engaged?
Thanks,
Fergus

Explore your Journey on my website: https://integratedskills.mykajabi.com/Getting students to talk more is the heart of communicative language teaching — an...

06/08/2025

Howdy all of the Integrated Skills !

Over the past few months, one of the most rewarding things about building the Integrated Skills Members Community has been seeing the impact it’s had on real people.

Antonia Paixão has been with the community since the very beginning—not just as a member, but as a collaborator, contributor, and the creator of Antonia’s Video Corner. She recently stepped back from her admin role, but before she did, she shared a reflection that reminded me exactly why I started this whole thing in the first place.

I’ll be posting her testimonial here as an image, but what stood out to me most was her sense of connection—how this space helped her grow, learn, and feel supported in her own journey as a teacher.

That’s what this community is for. If you’re looking for that kind of space—where you can ask questions, share wins and struggles, and get support that’s rooted in real experience—I’d love to see you inside.

You can join here:
https://integratedskills.mykajabi.com/members-signup

— Fergus

26/07/2025

Thinking about teaching English in Southern Europe?

I just uploaded a new video that shares my honest take on what it's like to live and work as an English teacher in this part of the world.

I cover:

Visa and paperwork tips (especially for non-EU citizens)

What qualifications really matter (CELTA, CertTESOL, TEFL)

How non-native speakers can stand out

What to expect when looking for work in places like Italy, Spain, and Portugal

If you're planning to move abroad to teach, or already started your CELTA/TEFL journey, I hope this helps you make more informed decisions.

Watch it here:
https://youtu.be/tq0UkKcoOs0

Are you thinking about teaching English in Southern Europe?In this video, I share practical advice from over seven years of experience living and working in ...

27/06/2025

When teachers post about how important teachers are ...well this is the song we have been all waiting for!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLL_gihRGjQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

20/03/2025

Maybe this could be good material for our lessons? :)