Can I find a TEFL job?
Posted by Joe Hallwood - 13:09 on 22 October 2009
This is the most frequently asked question we get. The answer is YES!
We are often approached by schools abroad looking for graduates from our courses. The main criteria these schools have are that the teacher speaks English as a first language, has a TEFL qualification and that they are motivated, positive and will have a good rapport with the students.
The demand for English teachers worldwide is far greater than the supply. Most schools have English teachers who don’t have English as their first language, having a native English speaking teacher is a great kudos for the school and enables the students to have exposure to a higher level of English. It also means that the students have to communicate with their teacher in English.
Our courses aim to give everyone, from the first-time teacher to the experienced state school teacher, the know-how and confidence to plan and prepare English lessons. You learn this on the 20 or 30-hour classroom courses. You can increase your learning to 110 hours of TEFL training, honing your skills in methodology, teaching business English, how to do those all important one to one lessons and much more, plus you have the opportunity to increase your knowledge of English grammar. The more training you take the more competitive you are in the TEFL job market.
As for choosing the right course for you, well, that depends on your experience and your confidence. If you haven’t any classroom experience then the 100 hours of training is a good idea. It is also a good idea for all new TEFL teachers to take the online grammar course, there is a big difference in speaking the language and explaining it. There are some guidelines to choosing the right course for you here.
What about longer, 4-week, courses?
Like any profession, there are different levels of qualification and certification. Longer 4-week courses like those offered by Cambridge or Trinity cover the same methodology, but in more depth. These courses are really for those who are looking to develop their careers in TEFL, and it is a good idea to have some teaching under your belt and know that TEFL really is for you before you invest up to £1000 on this full-time course.
You have to make up your own mind, but be wary of any organisation that says you have to train for a certain number of hours before you can teach in a particular country. You may have some schools that have specific requirements, like longer courses or experience, but there is no hard and fast rule.
Your Comments
Add your comment below
“Great teaching style, quick moving, all activities were examples of teaching techniques. Very approachable tutor, good fun, didn't feel like long days, great to take part and watch all lessons.” Fiona Amy, Physiotherapist, Edinburgh