How a TEFL certificate can help you live and earn abroad

Louisa Walsh suggests how to get started in the TEFL profession.

About TEFL

There is an absolutely huge demand worldwide to learn English from a TEFL qualified native or near-native English speaking person. This enables thousands of teachers to live and earn abroad in their dream location. The first step into the industry is to take a TEFL course which will enable you to teach. The good news is there are many types of courses to suit all budgets and timelines, from online TEFL courses and weekend TEFL courses to 4 week intensive courses. Also, the good news is most people starting a TEFL course have no teaching experience, vary in age and come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Which TEFL course to take?

The CELTA or Trinity TESOL courses are usually 4-5 week intensive courses which are well recognised worldwide. They are classroom-based and you get at least 6 hours of observed teaching practice. However, they cost around £800-£1000 and you cannot work while you study as they are so intense.

For this reason, many choose an Online TEFL course although it is good to choose one that is externally accredited so you and employers can see your certificate comes from a reputable external body and is not just an in-house one. For those that want to just dip their toe in the water and are looking for a short, intensive course, there are weekend TEFL courses UK-wide. At 20 or 28 hours, these may not be enough for all language schools but many with a weekend TEFL qualification are freelancing worldwide or going to far-flung locations where there is very little competition for jobs.

Where can I go with my TEFL certificate and how much will I earn?

As a general rule of thumb, the further away you are prepared to go, the better the prospects. Hotspots currently are China, South Korea and the Americas. However, there are lots of opportunities in Europe, in France, Spain and Italy, for example. To make yourself stand out, you can opt for a TEFL + specialisation in young learner or business. Business English is generally more lucrative and there is an established demand worldwide but particularly in Germany, France and Japan. A specialisation in Teaching Business English can also help you to teach 1-1 since this is how many business people learn English and so is ideal if you do not want to really want to focus on teaching children or classes.

It certainly helps your job prospects if you have a degree (and it certain countries it is a legal requirement in order for a work permit to be issued.) It also helps if you can be in situ (particularly for Europe.)

While TEFL teacher salaries are not large, in general you can live well by local standards. For top TEFL wages you cannot beat the Middle East which has some tax-free packages including accommodation and flights but such positions are usually for the more experienced. Why not have a look at a top TEFL job website like tefl.com and see the kind of positions and pay available?

In the meantime, here are some comments from TEFL teachers around the world:

David Allen, a retired solicitor took the an online TESOL course and found work teaching in France, securing work teaching locals in a freelance capacity and teaching English by phone with Phone English

After his TEFL, Damon Cureton left his details with a TEFL job search site. ‘Within 2 weeks I had been offered a job. I started in Southern Italy at the beginning of October…’

Already a trained teacher, Liz Shepherd completed her TESOL and found work through the TES. After an interview in London, Liz and her husband are working in an International school in Thailand.

Mark Robinson did a TESOL with business specialisation and went to Germany: ‘There are loads of English schools scattered all around Germany, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a job. It’s just a question of targeting a number of schools and getting your CV sent off to them.’

After her TESOL course,Mum Lynne Curtis moved to the mountains of the Costa del Sol, above the coast and away from the tourists. She helps local children with their English.

Wherever you dream of going, TEFL can be a very rewarding and enriching experience and a great way to immerse yourself in another culture whilst earning a living. Do your homework on visa entry and job prospects, choose the right TEFL course for you and see the world open up. Bon voyage!

About the Author

Louisa Walsh is a partner of Global English, an online TEFL training provider