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  • Learning about TEFL and Teaching June 1, 2009
    June on the TEFL Times has been set aside for a series of articles from Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa, the creator and writer of TEFL Tips. The best teachers are those who keep on learning and trying new things. Here are some ideas to help you get started about learning about teaching. And [...]
  • Teaching English Abroad: 3 tips for taking an online TEFL course versus an in-classroom TEFL course May 27, 2009
    By Bruce E Thompson Every year thousands of adventuresome souls leave their home country for six months or more with goals of teaching English abroad. Yet a common question for those without experience teaching English abroad is, “will an online TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) be sufficient?” The answer varies depending on your […]
  • Where can I do my TEFL training? May 23, 2009
    By Chris Soames Courses, courses, everywhere! Today, if you searched for a TEFL course, you would be faced with a bewildering array of choices. Many companies advertise a variety of TEFL courses: online courses, weekend courses, a combination of online and weekend, not to mention the 4-week intensive courses held in local and exotic locations around the [... […]
  • TEFL International - What, How And Why… May 20, 2009
    By Altaf Sahibzada Teaching English as a Foreign Language or TEFL refers to teaching English to the people of non-English speaking origin. Essentially it refers to English teaching to those people whose mother tongue is other than English and who have not learnt this language so far. Anyone with sufficient proficiency in English language can teach [...]
  • TEFL Techniques - International Words May 17, 2009
    By Andrew Carter When you sit down and think about it, or even stand around and think about it (!), English words have seeped into the vocabulary of millions of people, thanks, in the main part, to the genius of marketing gurus over the past century. Not just English words, though – there’s a whole swathe [...]
  • Make money in Japan - Build your own school May 14, 2009
    By Richard J Graham Live in Japan and ever dreamed of having your own company? Rather than working for the big chain schools and making them rich, why not work on your own financial future and start your own private English school. It’s easier than you think. But there are so many schools out there, it’s too [...]
  • Using PowerPoint for ELT May 13, 2009
    By Adam Simpson Introduction PowerPoint is an incredibly popular piece of software, mainly because it comes with Microsoft packages. PowerPoint files are easy to create and can be e-mailed as attachments. They can be posted on or downloaded from websites. Not only can PowerPoint presentations be traded and exchanged, they can also be modified to fit any [... […]
  • Does your TEFL employer provide medical insurance? May 6, 2009
    by David Vincent ‘How well will you be provided for should you need urgent medical treatment?’ I asked on the ELT World forums. Here are the responses of forum members from around the world: Many of you seemed to have a pretty good idea of what would happen should you find yourself in trouble. ‘Yes’, exclaimed EFL [...]
  • How can a TESOL course help you in China? April 29, 2009
    Ajay Shringi discusses the benefits of getting certified when teaching in China. China is one of those places that has always led a very sheltered life. It has, for a very long time, held on to its native traditions and cultures, guarding it jealously from outside influences. But, if there’s one thing about the Chinese, it’s [...]
  • Dealing with Job Burnout April 23, 2009
    By David Vincent If life weren’t tough enough anyway, the miserable fact is that job burnout is increasingly common in the contemporary, stress filled workplace. As teachers of English, I feel we’re prone to this more than just about any other group of professionals. While some job stress can, naturally, be regarded as a normal occurrence, how [. […]

TEFL International - What, How And Why…

By Altaf Sahibzada

Teaching English as a Foreign Language or TEFL refers to teaching English to the people of non-English speaking origin. Essentially it refers to English teaching to those people whose mother tongue is other than English and who have not learnt this language so far.


Anyone with sufficient proficiency in English language can teach English to those who do not know this language. TEFL is mostly spoken in the context of several Asian, African, European and South American countries. The notable ones where TEFL or TESL is popular are Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Russia, Vietnam, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Brazil, Germany, Costa Rica, Mexico etc.

Many people have made a nice profession out of it. Besides making more than average earnings, they can enjoy paid international travel, different experiences and make worldwide friends.

Two basic qualifications for becoming an international TEFL teacher are an intermediate degree in any subject and TEFL certificate.

There are no accredited institutions providing TEFL certification. However, numerous organizations are conducting TEFL courses both offline and online and awarding TEFL or TESL certificates.

International language schools in different countries have their own norms for selection of foreign trained English teachers to teach English in their countries. Usual factors which they see in this are the length and composition of courses., the nationality and origin of English tutors, reputation of institutions providing TEFL, previous references, quality of teaching etc.

Generally English teachers from UK, Australia and North America enjoy a higher reputation and recognition. TEFL certificates issued by native English institutions like those in UK carry a greater weight age.

One important condition for TEFL teachers being accepted is the length of their certificate. In this, the general norm is 120 hour course. That is what employers generally look for in a TEFL certificate. Persons who want to take up this profession should undergo 120 hour course for quick selection and higher salary. Teachers with extra teaching practice ad experience are more likely being selected much faster.

Of course there are institutions which provide 20 hour course, online and other refresher and short-term courses. One should always consider factors like the location of the courses, the fees, the timing, testimonials etc. One important guiding factor is to network with those who have already undergone such courses and their post certification experience.

There is no uniform policy regarding compensation to TEFL tutors. This varies from candidate to candidate and country to country. Specific factors that are highly relevant to the rate of pay are teacher’s qualifications, experience, training and level of expertise.

Other major factors affecting the amount of compensation are the level of development of a country, local conditions and the level of desirability of teaching in those areas. In most cases there will be a fair level of compensation.

One should also be aware that this is an unregulated industry. There is room for exploitation right from undertaking a TEFL course to actually landing at the place of teaching. One should be careful in selecting TEFL institutions, countries and employers. Pay attention to contracts and living conditions. One should know everything about an employer. All precautions should be taken against being scammed. Above all, don’t pay anything for getting selected.

About the author

The author has background in business, economics and finance. He is presently researching in finding ways to make money and working on the following website and blogs:

http://www.businesses-jobs-careers.com

http://www.IWant2MakeMoneyOnline.blogspot.com

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