TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Posted by: Daniella A.

English is used across the globe, and therefore, knowledge of the English language is key in the global job market. In countries where English is not the primary language, knowledge of the language is a large benefit to those seeking employment. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of professional English teachers in countries where English is not the primary language.

Native English speakers, and especially those properly trained to teach English to those who speak another language, are in high demand. These teachers go through a specific course, TEFL, to learn how to teach the English language to those who have a different mother tongue.

 

 

What is TEFL? 

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a certification that is internationally recognized as a qualifier for those seeking English teaching jobs.

 

 

What is a TEFL certificate? What is it worth? What can one do with it?

A TEFL certificate allows someone to teach English as a foreign language, to non-native speakers. TEFL certificates are often required for paid, English teaching jobs.

Holders of a TEFL certificate will be able to find jobs teaching English as a foreign language, in various classes worldwide and even those held online.

 

Should I take a TEFL course online or as part of a class? 

The choice is yours! In-person and online TEFL courses both meet the set requirements for a TEFL course. The requirements are: 100 or more hours of coursework, at least 6-20 hours of live practice teaching, an accredited curriculum and instruction by an instructor who holds a Master’s Degree in TESOL or a related field. Online students will be able to conduct live practice teaching, arranged with their instructor.

 

 

What’s the difference between TEFL and TESOL? What’s the difference between TEFL and CELTA? 

TESOL is a term for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. TEFL and TESOL are used interchangeably in many countries. CELTA stands for the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. This is a specific type of TEFL certificate awarded only by the Cambridge English Assessment organization. The CELTA organization does not provide job assistance services upon certificate completion.

 

How much does a TEFL certified teacher get paid? / Paying position for TEFL teachers

English teacher salaries vary by country. Salaries range from $500 USD per month to $5,000 USD per month. It is important to note that paid positions for TEFL teachers will be in the local currency, and that the costs of living vary by country. An example would be that a paid TEFL teacher in Spain can make a higher salary in absolute terms than a TEFL teacher in Peru, but the cost of living in higher in Spain.

 

 

According to the International TEFL Academy, the top five countries that pay TEFL teachers the highest are South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and Gulf Arab States.

 

GoEco’s Affiliate:

GoEco has partnered with International TEFL Academy, one of the world’s largest TEFL certification schools to become professionally trained as an English teacher. ITA trains more than 5,000 English teachers annually and offers internationally accredited TEFL-TESOL certification courses online and in 25 locations around the world. All students and graduates receive lifetime job search guidance and graduates are currently employed as teachers in more than 80 nations in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

For more information about TEFL certification and teaching English abroad, please visit their site to receive a free guide & a $100 coupon now: International TEFL Academy