The TEFL Certificate:
Key to Teaching English Worldwide
TEFL, TESOL, and TESL are largely interchangeable terms which essentially mean the same thing. Each of these terms is most commonly used in a different part of the world, but they all refer to teaching English to non-native speakers. TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, is a popular career choice for young people for numerous reasons. The most obvious and attractive of these is that teaching English abroad enables a person to travel the world and earn a living at the same time. English is the dominant language of world communication and commerce, so there is a great demand for the citizens of non-English speaking countries to learn English and, therefore, a high demand for English teachers all around the world.
Teaching English abroad is rewarding not only because it allows you to see new and exciting parts of the world, but also because it provides the opportunity for close and meaningful contact with people from different cultures. Teachers of English as a Foreign Language can more fully experience the countries in which they teach. Furthermore, the experience can be much richer and more rewarding than the often brief encounters that tourists have in these countries. By making the commitment to teach English in a foreign country, teachers not only gain the satisfaction of helping their students learn a beneficial second language; they also gain a deeper cultural perspective which can stay with them for a lifetime. For this reason, many companies and universities value the international experience of EFL teachers and consider the time spent teaching abroad an asset in a potential candidate.
There is also a high demand for English language teachers in the United States. Many people come to the United States for long or short periods of time just to learn English; others come to the U.S. to begin a new life. Therefore, a large number of universities, community colleges and language institutes offer intensive English programs and classes which prepare students for entering American schools and universities. Many public school systems and community programs also have classes in English as a second language. Teaching English in the US allows you to make a difference by teaching English to individuals whose academic, professional or personal lives will be improved and enriched by your instruction.
The average qualification required to be an English language teacher in a private language school is an undergraduate degree and a TEFL, CELTA or TESOL Certificate, all of which are comparable. CELTA courses are run by many different institutions, primarily in Europe, and certificates are issued by the University of Cambridge. The TESOL certificate is offered by Trinity College in London and other institutions worldwide. TEFL certificate programs are offered through many institutions around the world. These programs vary widely. Reputable language schools in most countries will require a certificate based on a course consisting of 120 hours of classroom instruction, including at least 6 hours of observed teaching practice. This is the minimum requirement in a TEFL certificate; there is so much more to look for when choosing a program. TEFL Certificates are also offered through online courses, but these certificates generally do not meet employer requirements because there is no actual teaching practice included in the instruction.
The salary an English teacher earns while teaching overseas will vary depending on the country in which you teach and on your level of experience. In countries like Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, teachers can earn a very comfortable living wage while saving money for future plans and travel. In countries with weaker economies teachers can often live comfortably on their wages, but may find it difficult to save. Schools in some countries often provide contracted teachers with accommodation and health benefits and may even pay for your airfare. In the US, teaching rates vary according to experience, credentials, type of institution and location.
Whether you choose to teach English at home or abroad, it is a dynamic career which enables you to travel, gain greater international experience and help others achieve their goals while earning money and continuing professional and personal development.
Editorial provided by Hannah Treworgy, Senior Trainer, TEFL Certificate Programs, The Boston Language Institute.
