Can I find a TEFL job?

Posted by Joe Hallwood - 13:09 on 22 October 2009

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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

Comment by Samuel Gordon Smith at 17:31 on 22 October 2009.

I am very interested in studying TEFL but have fears that I would not be able to gain employment where I want to work. Thailand is by law only recruiting teachers with a degree. non degree holders have no chance of gaining employment. I would only like to teach in Thailand, what are your thoughts on the possibility of doing this? Can I or can't I?

Comment by Naomi Chapman at 11:04 on 23 October 2009.

I completed the 100 hour online course and attended the weekend practical course back in june. I have been applying to different countries but there seems to be a bigger emphasis on having ANY degree as a visa requirement which has prevented me getting further in the process. I would appreciate some advice regarding this if possible. Thank you

Comment by Jennifer - TEFL at 12:49 on 26 October 2009.

Hi Naomi, Where have you applied? Countries like Japan and South korea are strict about Visa requirements but for Europe fr example there are no Visa requirements and it is really only somewher like Greece that requests a degree. It really does depend upon the country. Email me if you need further help.

Comment by at 18:35 on 04 November 2009.

Comment by ROSA GABRIELA VARELA at 23:25 on 13 November 2009.

Hello I am Gabriela Varela., I´ve been working as an English Teacher since 1993., t9oday I work at a Rural School near from the Capital of the state Ciudad Victoria Tamaulipas., a Mexican Northern state., I took the TKT Certification on 2008 & I would like to know if to work with you I should Certify with you? Is it possible to make it on Summer? How much would it cost? Gabriela Varela

Comment by Nicola Curtis at 12:57 on 24 November 2009.

Hi. Could you tell me whether Turkey is one of the countries that requests you to have a degree? Thanks!

Comment by Judith Dryden at 11:28 on 05 January 2010.

Hello I am a solicitor working in Edinburgh and I hate my job. I quite before and spent a month teaching English in India which I loved. I would like to do something similar again but I could not volunteer again as I would need to cover my expenses. I see that you have vacancies in Thailand. If I were to complete the 3 day course in January what is the likelihood of securing a position there and when would it start? Many thanks Judith

Comment by Ann Venet at 17:43 on 11 January 2010.

I would love to teach English in South East Asia or Singapore but am worried by two things. First of all how easy is it to get a job in this area and secondly at 58 am I too old to do the course and find a job.

Comment by Owain Morris at 18:55 on 16 January 2010.

Hello, Im interested in the online course as I have some teaching experience (not language based though) and was just wondering if this would be a widely recognisable qualification? And if there is a good chance that I could find work? Im interested in the possibility of teaching English in Turkey, Italy or Croatia.

Comment by Sharon Watts at 12:38 on 28 January 2010.

Hi. I am working towards completing a Certificate in Education (I will be finished in December) and I have a BSc (Hons) in Social Science. I teach adults with special educational needs for 3 hours a week and focus a considerable amount of time on improving their communication skills and literacy. My partner has an MA, a PGCE, a level 5 diploma in teaching English and teaches about 20 hours a week. Please would you let us know which TEFL qualifications would suit each of us best as a starting point and let us know whether there is any funding available to help with the costs? Thanks Sharon

Comment by Peter Farrell at 15:42 on 23 March 2010.

I have a BSc in engineering (3 year degree) is that enough to teach in Asia? Also if I was to do the course with this company, how much support is given with regard to finding international positions upon completion?

Comment by Erin at 16:24 on 23 March 2010.

Hi Peter, it very much depends on what country you are wanting to teach in. For example, in South Korea you will need a degree (it doesn't matter what in) while elsewhere a TEFL certificate will be enough to secure you a job. We can help you find positions in China, South Korea, Japan and Thailand and we offer a comprehensive CV checking service once you complete a TEFL course with us. Please feel free to give us a call and talk to experienced TEFL teachers who can answer any further questions you might have.

Comment by Laura Smith at 20:51 on 04 April 2010.

I have a Music degree, and soon to be Masters. How many hours of TEFL training do I need to teach anywhere abroad? I have 5 years of teaching experience in schools, but not teacing qualification. How do I apply for this work? Thanks!

Comment by Selina Campbell at 18:48 on 05 April 2010.

Hi, i am interested in doing a TEFL course but am unsure which course is the most suitable with regard to hours?! I have a BA(Hons) Financial Services and currently work full time within the Financial Sector so not sure what i need... can anyone help?

Comment by at 01:05 on 27 April 2010.

i will soon be free to travel the world, and i have been learning spanish in my free time, also arts and crafts. is there any such job for me at 47 working abroad if i complete your course?

Comment by Jonathan Stromberg at 16:29 on 16 May 2010.

Hi, I am tempted to purchase a tefl course with the aim of working in Portugal. I do not have a degree so is it really worth while for me.

Comment by Isabel at 14:16 on 20 February 2011.

Iam considering to purchase a tefl course with the objective to teach english in Madeira- Portuguese island but I do not have a degree and there you have to have a degree to teach . I have never teach in my life no experience in teaching,so do you think that with this course is really worth while for me and after completing the course can I get a job in Madeira .Thank you

Comment by Amy Hanson at 11:21 on 24 February 2011.

Hi Isabel, Certainly a lot of jobs require degrees in Portugal, but there may be some opportunities for a native speaker with a TEFL certificate. I would suggest getting in touch with language schools in Madeira and asking about what sort of qualifications they would ask for. There is also the option of private tutoring, which is quite popular for many of our students who are heading to European countries and want some extra income. Hope that helps!

Comment by Ashley at 11:27 on 04 May 2011.

I'm also looking for a teaching role in Madeira. I graduated last year and moved to Lisbon to complete mt CELTA. I was employed by a school in Lisbon teaching mainly business English. I have now returned to Scotland but hoping to find a teaching role in Madeira for the start of the school season in September. I Was wondering if anyone has any advice about obtaining a job in Madeira and also if there is a need for English language teachers, as I can only find four language schools in Madeira. Thanks!

Comment by kevan thomson at 06:15 on 28 November 2011.

I am moving to ukraine (lugansk region) april 2013 and would like to do a tefl course to enable me to do some teaching work. What course would you recommend and do i need to have a degree to teach in ukraine as i have seen jobs advertising the requirement of a first degree. I will have a pernament settlement visa for Ukraine when i move and would really like to have the possibility of another income when i move there. I dont have any formal educational degree at present. your reply and advice would be much appreciated.

Comment by Amy at 12:14 on 30 November 2011.

Hi Kevan, thanks for your question. We would recommend taking at least 100 hours of training if you have no teaching experience as that will give you all of the skills and confidence you need, as well as making you eligible for the widest range of jobs. We'd be happy to offer you further advice on the best course for you if you'd like to give us a call or email us.

Comment by Holly at 16:25 on 28 December 2011.

I'm 18 and I've recently dropped out of university because I want to teach english abroad. I have no previous employment experience, will it be possible for me to get a job teaching even though I have no experience? Also, will the 130 hour course be best? Thank you

Comment by Amy at 09:43 on 30 December 2011.

Hi Holly! You can absolutely find work Most of the people we train have no teaching experience at all and no employment experience is not uncommon. People come from lots of backgrounds to teach English abroad and it's very common to do as part of a gap year, so employers are used to people of your age applying for jobs. One of my colleagues here at TEFL Scotland went and taught in Vietnam recently when she was 18 and had no problems finding employers keen to employ her. I would definitely recommend the 120-hour or 130-hour course as it will help you stand out amongst applicants. It will also make sure you know everything you need to get started teaching - it's always best to make sure you feel confident before making such a big change!

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