Teaching English as a foreign language is a great career choice. There is plenty of demand for the service, with many teachers starting roles overseas every year. So, what do you need in order to teach English as a foreign language? Here we look at TEFL as a career choice and what your need to know.
The Flexibility and Benefits of TEFL
Teaching English as a foreign language can be done from the comfort of your own home, either with students visiting or over a platform such as Zoom. It can also be taught from the classroom, either in public schools, adult colleges, or any other educational setting, potentially all over the world.
The flexibility is one of the main attractions of this career path, but another key benefit is job satisfaction. Many people who wish to learn English go on to use the skill to achieve their goals, so this is a highly rewarding job.
What Qualifications / Experience / Equipment do I Need?
Requirements for the role will vary depending on the educational body and the country in which you are working. They will include a combination of these:
- TEFL/TESOL certification – this is required for almost all roles
- A bachelor’s degree, which may be in any field – this is required for some educational settings.
- Teaching experience – some companies will prefer those with teaching experience, but this could be teaching assistant work. You will need to check when applying for the role.
- If you are teaching over the internet, then the correct technology is essential. This includes a reliable internet connection, a good computer, headphones and a webcam.
How to Obtain a TEFL Certificate
You must complete the relevant course to get your TEFL certificate. A quick online search may be overwhelming, as many courses are available. So, how do you choose the right course? These are the things you should consider before settling on a course:
What accreditations and affiliations does the certificate involve?
Does the course provider have a solid history within the industry, including good reviews and testimonials from previous students?
- What are the hours, times and locations of the studying?
- Do the tutors running the course have the relevant qualifications?
- Have the company got a good level of customer service?
- Do they provide help with job placement once the qualification is complete?
How do I Get My TEFL Certificate Authorised for Overseas Use?
Some countries may require a notarised copy of your TEFL certificate. This may be to authorise your qualification in that country or to support your visa application. If you need an apostille, legalisation or notarisation of educational certificates to work overseas, contact a professional, such as Apostille and Legalisation Services.
For more information on qualification authentication, contact Apostille & Legalisation Services on 02080172216.
