How to become an EFL teacher
Everything you wanted to know about teaching EFL from the world’s most accredited TEFL course provider.
If you want to explore the world or take control of every aspect of your career while working remotely, becoming an EFL teacher is an option you need to know about. Truly, this is an industry where anyone can thrive, from new graduates to retirees, and career changers to lifelong teachers. Whether you’re tired of your commute and the office and want something new, or you’ve always had dreams of teaching, taking a TEFL course and becoming an EFL teacher is a more affordable, accessible and exciting pursuit than ever before.
While it sounds straightforward - and in many ways, it is! - there are lots of factors involved, and a lot of questions to ask about becoming an EFL teacher. What should prospective teachers know before they take an EFL course? What is the “best” course to take, and what are the differences between qualifications? Let’s answer these, and many more, of your pertinent EFL questions!
EFL certification
If you’re looking to pursue a career as an EFL teacher, then the most important thing you need is EFL certification. An EFL certificate shows that know how to give English lessons to speakers of other languages - it’s that simple. The industry standard for EFL training is 120 hours of study, and to have the best results in the job market, your certificate needs to come from an accredited, reputable course provider.
There are several different types of EFL courses. While, in the past, there were only one or two recognised forms of EFL certification, the industry has opened up in recent decades, with online and remote learning options, and a wider range of courses and options for all kinds of learners.
How to choose the best TEFL course
Unsure how to start your EFL journey? Don't rush into picking a course - pick the best option for you.
What TEFL course is right for you?
Not sure which TEFL course is right for you? Take our quiz to find your perfect course!
EFL requirements
Once you’ve got a fantastic qualification from an accredited, reputable course provider, the next step is finding EFL teaching work. What requirements do you need to meet to teach English around the world, or online, from the comfort of your own home? What about teaching as a digital nomad?
There are a range of factors to consider and different requirements to meet. While plenty of countries have their own rules, employers will also have particular requirements. Meeting the criteria for visas is crucial for working in different countries, while online employers may also seek particular qualifications, levels of experience or other abilities.
Of course, having an EFL qualification is an amazing step towards becoming a brilliant English teacher! What other requirements might a teacher need to meet, however, and what should be considered before launching into the job market?
Who can teach EFL?
One of the wonderful things about EFL is that it’s an opportunity for anyone who’s fluent in English and has the right attitude to succeed. You could already be in the teaching profession and you’re excited to change lanes. Perhaps you’re deep into a career that isn’t quite what you imagined, and teaching English as a foreign language is a perfect new phase of your professional life.
Maybe you’re a student, and you’re looking to build some career experience. Or, the opposite - you’re a retiree, and you’re still eager to earn, share your expertise and meet new people from around the world.
How you’ve come to teach English is one story. Where you go next is another. There are all kinds of possibilities and adventures ahead - all you need to bring with you is an eagerness to teach, and your array of skills.
Students
Keen to take up a student job that lets you pick your own hours? EFL can do that for you.
What TEFL course is right for you?
Not sure which TEFL course is right for you? Take our quiz to find your perfect course!
EFL resources
You’ve got reasons to teach, you know which qualification you want to take, you understand what EFL is all about. Fantastic! Now, it’s time to make sure you’re as informed as it’s possible to be.
Where should EFL teachers find resources for lesson plans? What transferable skills are important to think about? What about debates like American v British English and AI in the classroom?
When you become an EFL teacher, you become part of a vibrant community of people. This is a community full of passion, opinion and expertise to share, and it’s an extremely welcoming space where newbies are welcomed with open arms. Whether you want to join in with some discussions, or you just want to be in the know, having resources at your fingertips is crucial.
10 tools for online teaching
Online teaching can seem daunting, but with our 10 tools, you’ll be whizzing around the internet in no time!
Finding EFL jobs
Finding EFL work is a fascinating world, and there’s so much to discuss. There are so many great opportunities to be found, from the volunteering sector up to prestigious universities, international schools, state schools, private schools, language schools or private tutoring. Whether it’s working with companies in Seoul or for a social enterprise in London or Glasgow, setting up teaching infrastructure in Cambodia or teaching English from the comfort of your own home, the sheer range of rewarding, exciting work for English teachers is thrilling.
Whether you work for a school, a company or yourself, it’s important to be in the know. That means knowing where to find jobs, which kinds of situations to avoid, how to nail an interview, and loads more. So, here are some more of our resources geared towards giving you all the information you need to thrive in the EFL job market.
TEFL scams and bad employers
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous types are trying to take advantage of EFL teachers. Here’s how to spot them.
What TEFL course is right for you?
Not sure which TEFL course is right for you? Take our quiz to find your perfect course!
EFL salaries
Unless you are planning on a life of volunteering, you’ll need to earn a living as an EFL teacher. Salaries in the EFL world can vary wildly, depending on a range of factors including experience, qualifications, where you are in the world and what kind of institution you’re teaching in.
For example, you should expect a higher salary if you live somewhere with a high cost of living, like Hong Kong or Singapore. You should expect a higher salary if you’re an experienced teacher and you’ve worked in the same school for several years, as opposed to if you’re starting somewhere new and you’re an inexperienced teacher. Several variables can affect your salary, and it’s important to consider the cost of living wherever you’re based to see if your wage matches up well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What course should I do?
We offer a range of courses to suit different schedules and needs. All of our 120+ hour courses will prepare you to start teaching English abroad or online for the first time. Take our quick quiz to find out what course is the best fit for you!
Q. Are TEFL Org courses accredited?
Course providers as a whole are accredited, not individual courses. The TEFL Org is the most accredited TEFL course provider in the world, which means our qualifications are recognised by employers around the globe.
Q. How long does it take to get TEFL certified?
With full-time study, it’s possible to complete one of our 120+ hour courses in as little as 4-6 weeks. Most of our students are studying part-time and the average completion time is 10-12 weeks.
Q. Can I use my qualification to teach English online?
Yes! All of our 120+ hour courses are suitable for teaching both abroad and online. For those aiming to teach online, we recommend adding on our advanced course in Teaching English Online.
The world’s most accredited TEFL course provider
Accreditation matters. It's how both you and employers can be certain that a course offers all it claims to. That's why we are regularly assessed by a number of external bodies to ensure that the training we offer continues to be of industry-leading quality. These bodies include: DEAC, BAC, Ofqual, ODLQC, and SQA.
As the most accredited TEFL course provider in the world, a certificate from The TEFL Org is internationally recognised and respected. Wherever you're aiming to teach, you can be confident that training from us will leave you both prepared and qualified to take on an exciting new role as an English teacher!
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