In today’s world, communicating with each other is more important than ever. English is a global language used in many situations, including travel, business and education. More and more students are choosing to start learning English or improve their existing English language skills. For this reason, TEFL teachers are in demand. A TEFL certification is so valuable, with many new opportunities advertised each day, both online and worldwide. 

TEFL jobs cover all sorts of areas. Many offer positions in a language school, where students attend outside of school/working hours. Some jobs come directly from public schools where you have a bigger role in the everyday education of young learners. There are also many specialist areas such as Business English lessons which take place in the workplace, or private classes in a student’s home, or in your own. There’s something out there for every TEFL teacher!

Let’s not forget the huge boom of online learning, and TEFL is no different. You can teach and learn online via learning platforms or work for a company or school online. As long as you have a solid internet connection, you’re good to go! But first, you need to get your TEFL certification!

What is a TEFL certification? 

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a certificate that enables you to teach English to students who don’t have English as their mother tongue. This might be online or in other countries. Most work is available in countries that don’t have English as an official language but there are also opportunities in English-speaking countries as students come and study to improve their language skills. 

A TEFL course will typically provide a comprehensive look at what TEFL actually is and why it, and the English language, are essential in the current climate. You will usually get an overview of grammar (but note that TEFL is not a course for you to learn grammar!) and then the skills that students learn in English (reading, listening, writing and speaking). You will learn important skills for how to prepare for a class, use appropriate materials for your students, teach the class and manage the classroom environment. All of this will prepare you to be a top TEFL teacher!

Our TEFL certifications can be done online, and you can qualify in a matter of weeks or months, depending on your time. It’s never been easier to start a new career! You study at your own pace and where you want, whether this is in your living room or on the train to work. It really can be that easy for you to undertake a new certification! You can even study on-the-go with useful apps and downloads!

Why is a TEFL certification worth the investment?

– Probably the most obvious is that without a TEFL certification, you are very unlikely to get a job as a TEFL teacher if you don’t have any other teaching qualifications. So it’s a pretty important thing to add to the list if this is what you want to do in life! All TEFL job adverts will require this certification. It’s now easier than ever to get TEFL qualified with an online TEFL certificate so what are you waiting for?

– Teaching any subject can be a complex task and teaching English is a very specialist area. How do you communicate with a class that has a low or zero level of English? Will you be able to answer those tricky grammar questions? How do you help a student improve who is a confident and fluent speaker already? To gain the knowledge necessary to tackle these questions, you need to complete a TEFL course! This will help you feel ready and confident to teach any class!

It’s important that you obtain the knowledge you need to feel comfortable teaching. Of course, it’s normal to be nervous in your first teaching job and there will be ups and downs! However, if you have the knowledge and tools, you can tackle anything and this comes from your initial TEFL training. You of course learn a lot on the job but your theory is important as a foundation.

– Would you want a doctor without a license to treat you? A lawyer without a degree? It’s the same with teachers – people want their teachers to be qualified. TEFL students want to know that their teachers have undertaken the appropriate training and are armed with the skills and tools to be able to help them learn. Investing in a TEFL certificate gives you credibility in the profession and shows students and potential employers that you have the right training to do the best job!

Chances of getting employed

This is also why in TEFL job adverts, they will ask for a TEFL certification. Companies and schools have to satisfy the demands and needs of their clients/students/parents! This will include having a teacher who is qualified to teach TEFL and can impart their knowledge successfully to their learners. If you are looking to get some private students, then they will also ask about your background and qualifications. Students want to make sure they are investing wisely in their English language learning too!

– Obtaining a TEFL certification will increase your chances of being employed and your earning potential. Even if you have another teaching degree or teaching experience, if you are planning on teaching TEFL, it’s worth undertaking at least a 120-hour TEFL course to accompany your knowledge. This will add to your CV and your employability. It will also help you achieve higher-paying jobs. In Asia, in particular, TEFL skills are highly valued and the professions are rewarded well.  

– Investing in a TEFL course will give you more options to teach. There are many countries that require this in order to obtain a visa to live and work in the country (commonly countries in Asia). Without this, you won’t have a chance of getting legal employment. If you’re TEFL-qualified, you have more countries to consider and check out job adverts for, it’s a no-brainer, really! 

Investments which last a lifetime

While there are some countries that might take on the odd teacher without qualifications, these will likely be for internships and much lower-paid positions. In order to complete with the rest of the TEFL crowd, you need your certification. What’s more of an investment than that?

– You only need to invest in your initial TEFL certification once! TEFL courses are valid for life! Once you obtain it, there’s no need to do it again – it will be on your CV forever! Things may change in the TEFL industry – new techniques, new methods and don’t forget about our everchanging world with more technology and AI. It’s important to keep your professional development going by following the latest trends, but you don’t need to repeat the same course! Once you’re qualified, you can get working!

How do I know which TEFL certification to invest in?

Your money needs to be well spent and worthwhile to help you kickstart or further your TEFL career. It would be a complete nightmare to invest your money in a course that doesn’t help you or, even worse, not valid for you to teach. Here are some things to think about while considering a TEFL course!

Is my TEFL certification accredited?

This means it is officially recognised by a valid learning organisation. This is important as it shows that you are undertaking a legitimate course that has been approved for your TEFL learning. Employers might also check this – they want to know you have taken a proper course. To check this, look at the TEFL provider’s website and you’ll find the accreditation information and number. If you’re not sure, you can ask!

Is my TEFL certification recognised internationally?

This is related to accreditation. If the course is accredited and legit, then yes it will be recognised worldwide! Employers can check your course and its accreditation so they know that your TEFL training has prepared you well.

What course do I do?

This will depend on your needs, background and TEFL aspirations. If you are a qualified teacher in your own country transitioning into TEFL, then a 120-hour course would be fine for you to do as an add-on to your existing skills. If you have no experience and need a more comprehensive overview of how to teach, then 180-hour courses are much better for your profile.

You should also research the requirements of the types of jobs you want to apply for when you qualify. If you know that you want to work in China, then look at what you need for this. If online teaching is calling you, check out job adverts for this type of work. This will help you choose the right course. Your TEFL provider can also help answer any questions you have!

Do I need to spend my money on a CELTA?

A CELTA course is another type of TEFL course which is at the higher end of the budget ($1000 and upwards!). Therefore, you really need to consider whether you need it before you invest in this. For some, it might be the appropriate option. However, there are many jobs out there that will happily accept a Level 5 equivalent, which is much more affordable. Again, it’s about picking what’s best for you and what will help you get started in TEFL! 

Investing in a TEFL course can be a big decision to make, and sometimes overwhelming, but it will also be one of the most rewarding investments you can make! TEFL jobs can bring a lot of adventure, fulfilment and experience that you’ll never forget! To make this happen, you need to invest in a reliable TEFL course. Don’t hesitate to get started today and make that wise TEFL investment!