Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
TEFL is one of the most popular ways of earning (and volunteering) when you travel, but
you need to have a recognised qualification and it does help in getting a post abroad. It also
has the advantage that, if you were thinking of teaching as a career, it's a good chance to
find out if you like it before you begin your teacher training.
The two best-known British qualifications are:
TESOL (a certificate from Trinity College, London).
CELTA (Cambridge University certificate).
The USA has its own qualification and there are many private schools and colleges who of-
fer their own certification. There are a great many colleges around the UK that offer TEFL
courses but, ideally, you should check that the certificate you will be working for is one of
these two.
It is worth doing your TEFL training within an accredited training centre, as most will help
you find a placement once you qualify and face to face training can be more beneficial. One
word of warning, if you were hoping to get a job with one of the many well-known language
schools around the world, some will insist that you undertake your TEFL training with them
first. It's always worth checking this out, and deciding how you wish to use your training,
before you sign up for a course. for more info, visit: www.tefl.org.uk.
How to find TEFL work
The availability of work for people who can teach English can vary, particularly outside the
EU. In most countries it is possible to give private lessons. As stated before, if you wish to
work for a language school or academy, find out what their requirements are before you be-
gin your training.
Most professional employers will expect you to have had some teaching practice before they
will employ you. You should also find out more about the country you hope to find work
in before you go. The contact details of the relevant embassies in the UK can be found on
the FCO website - www.fco.gov.uk - and you should be able to obtain up-to-date details
of visas, salaries, qualifications needed and a view about the availability of work in your
chosen country. Rates of pay and conditions of employment will vary greatly from country
to country and will most likely depend on your own education, training, experience and ex-
pertise.
In the UK, TEFL jobs are advertised in:
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