Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a tried and tested way for people to see the world, to gain valuable work experience and for others to earn a living. If you're interested in doing TEFL, here's what you need to know.
TEFL qualifications
A TEFL qualification gives you a knowledge of English grammar and the classroom skills you need to teach effectively.
Look for courses that lead to a recognised qualification such as the Cambridge/RSA Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) or the Trinity CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
To get a qualification, the quickest option is a one-month full-time course. Private language schools across the UK offer courses at a cost of £800 to £1,000. You may want to look for a school that is a member of the Association for Accredited English Language Centres.
There are also distance learning or part-time options, but it's important to check whether you will get teaching practice or not - experience in the classroom makes all the difference.
Looking for a TEFL job
You can look for a job in the Education Guardian, Times Educational Supplement or on TEFL websites. Jobs are typically in private language schools or state schools.
As speaking English is key to career progression in many countries, you will find jobs across the globe, including Europe, Asia and Latin America. Having a second language would greatly increase your chances of gaining employment.
Big recruiters include the Japanese Government which advertises its Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) scheme every autumn. If you're feeling adventurous, you could look for a job in your chosen country while there.
If you do this outside Europe, you will need to check the visa situation beforehand. Most contracts are for a minimum of a year. Some jobs include free flights or subsidised accommodation. Salaries vary greatly, depending on the cost of living in each country.
You may be teaching children or adults and the job may involve early morning or evening work. Check your contract for the total weekly teaching hours and annual holiday entitlement.
TEFL and your career
Employers look favourably on graduates who have spent a year teaching abroad. You will have gained valuable skills, experienced a different culture and you may have learnt a foreign language.
If you want to make a career out of TEFL, you will need to take further qualifications after several years teaching. You can take either a diploma or Masters (MA) in TEFL.
Decide if TEFL is right for you
Ask yourself whether you would enjoy teaching. Are you sociable? Can you imagine standing in front of a class of children or business people? Will you enjoy doing lesson preparation? Are you a good listener?
Doing a TEFL course will greatly help you with confidence and classroom technique. Spending a whole year far from home is not for everybody so find out as much as you can about the location and culture you'll be living in: for example, whether you'll be based in a village or city, and how easy it will be to meet people.