Unfortunately there has never been one single regulatory body for the TEFL industry, notes Jimmy Krangol. Right now there are numerous TEFL schools springing up everywhere, all claiming that their course is better than the rest or, that they offer the most accredited TEFL certificate.

It can be a daunting task trying to select the right TEFL course in a minefield of choices. So how can you tell the good from the bad? The answer is actually quite simple. Don’t overlook the obvious! Here are the 5 things to look out for when choosing a TEFL course……

1. How Does The Website Look? -

Is it professional looking, well organised? If a TEFL organization cannot organise a website properly then you can’t really expect them to organize a four week TEFL course!

2. Spelling & Grammar -

I’m always amazed at the numerous spelling and grammar errors on many TEFL websites. Do you really think these TEFL schools are capable of training you to be an English teacher?

3. Criticizing Competitors to Win Customers -

This is common practice for many cowboy schools who struggle to get enough students to fill their empty courses. They usually ask if you’re looking at any other TEFL schools and once you mention a name, they discredit them claiming the certificate isn’t accredited, or something along those lines.

Any reputable organization will focus on the features/benefits of their own course and won’t directly criticize their competitors or get involved in a slanging match.

4. The TEFL Trainer’s Experience -

A good trainer usually means a good course. Ask for details of the trainers experience and qualifications. Get some telephone numbers or email addresses of previous candidates and contact them for feedback.

5. How Many Students Attend Each TEFL Course -

Any more than 16 is far too many. Many international TEFL courses have 30+ students on each course, which is one reason why they’re so cheap. You cannot possibly receive quality TEFL training in such a large group of students. You Get What You Pay For!

So what about the actual TEFL certificate?

A Word of Warning; Weekend TEFL certificates may be a good introduction to TEFL but they are no longer accepted for teaching Jobs in most countries, especially now in Thailand.

The term ‘Accredited’ is used freely but it holds little essence. Most employers will expect you to have around 100 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of observed teaching practice with real students under your belt. They will prefer to see how you perform in a classroom and so the type of certificate you have isn’t always that important to them.

Make sure you choose a reputable TEFL course which has at least 6 hours of observed teaching practice with real students This will give you the confidence to walk into a roomful of expectant faces and not run out again screaming!

Good Luck!

About the Author:

Jimmy has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language throughout Asia. Based in Thailand, Jimmy works as a freelance Education Consultant for a number of TEFL schools around the world. Feel free to contact him with any comments or suggestions at www.worldteflschool.com

You may have heard a little rumour that, as a fluent English speaker, you can magically get paid to teach English in amazing places all over the world. It sounds a bit too good to be true, but in fact, Emma Foers suggests, it’s not! Teaching English abroad is as simple as 1, 2, 3…

Step 1: Get TEFL Certified

Without a TEFL course behind you, you’ll struggle to get out of the starting blocks. A TEFL course will give you a great grounding in the basics of TEFL theory, and give you a good idea as to how to put those principles into practice. More importantly, a TEFL course is usually a pre-requisite for the better TEFL jobs – without one you could struggle to find that dream job.

There are loads of different course options, from 20 hour classroom courses, jam-packed with fun activities, to comprehensive 140 hour courses, which mix top-notch online learning with practical experience.

Remember, the more hours of TEFL training you do, the better chance you’ve got of landing the best TEFL jobs!

Step 2: Research, Research, Research

So, you’ve got your shiny new TEFL certificate in hand, but before you rush off to apply for lots of TEFL jobs, it’s worth doing a little bit of research. Log-on to TEFL communities like TEFL Chalkboard to chat to people who are already EFL teachers, to work out whether you’re best off heading abroad to teach, or whether you’re better off teaching English at home.

It’s also worth researching different visa and job requirements at this stage to make sure you don’t set your heart on a country you’re not actually able to teach in.

Step 3: Find Your TEFL Job

So you’ve worked out where you want to teach – the last step is just applying for that all-important TEFL job. Here are a few different routes to consider:

1) Do a supported internship

Teaching internships are a great way to go if you’ve never taught abroad before and want that extra little bit of support to help get you started. You’ll usually get living allowances and free accommodation, plus someone on hand 24/7 in case anything goes wrong! Learn more here.

2) Use an agency or TEFL job placement service

If you picked your TEFL course provider wisely, they may have a job placement service which will help you find work abroad. Alternatively, search online for TEFL job agencies – just be warned that when using an agency you may not get as good a deal in terms of salary and working conditions as you would if you’d applied direct.

3) Apply for work independently

This may take a little more leg-work, but you’ll ultimately have more control about where you end up and your job conditions. There are plenty of sites online, such as www.eslcafe.com and www.tefl.com, where you can find TEFL jobs advertised, or if you’re already in-country check out local English-language newspapers and magazines.

And that’s it! What step are you on this minute?

About the Author

Emma believes teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as you’re a fluent English speaker, she suggests a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

It’s tempting to get carried away with the excitement of going to a new country and being accepted for a job is a great feeling, notes Bruce Haxton, but before you start packing your suitcase, make sure you check out the conditions – they’ll make or break your experience of teaching abroad! Here are 6 things to check:

Hours of work:

* How many contact hours will you have to teach? The average is 25 contact hours of teaching (when you are physically in the classroom with the students).

* How many days will you be working over? 25 hours or less seems great…until you are expected to do them over 6/7 days!

* What preparation will this involve? In order to determine this you will need to find out the size of your classes, the length of the lessons and how many different levels you should expect. Teaching 5 classes of which there are 3 different levels each for five hours a week is considerably less preparation time than teaching 5 different classes each day for an hour each!

* How much marking will you have to do? Again, this is linked in with the amount of classes you have and class sizes. If you have a lot of students this can really bump up the hours you’re working! Also take into consideration exams. How many will there be throughout the year?

* What additional hours will you be expected to be at work? (Training days? Placement testing? Covering other teachers’ lessons?).

* When will you be teaching exactly? Most TEFL jobs are typically in the evening, which is to be expected as this is when most people are available (after work/school). Will you have to work split shifts? Some schools require you to work a few hours in the morning and a few in the evening. Think about when you want to work (consider the habits of the country – do you want a siesta?).

Sickness pay & health insurance

When you are abroad and away from home this is especially important – you don’t want to be ill and penniless and stuck in a foreign country! Some of the larger companies will pay you if you are sick and also supply you with free health insurance – but check what the policy covers before you go. A lot of companies, sadly, offer neither. In this situation it is sensible to have a bit of money saved for emergencies and to get health insurance before you go.

Holidays

There’s no point in going to a country and having no time to explore! Ask how many holidays and public holidays you will be entitled to and how you can take them. Sometimes you cannot choose the dates, which can be a problem if you need to be back in the UK for that summer wedding you’ve already bought the shoes for! Also enquire about shift swaps….a great way to extend weekends away.

Training

If you’re serious about teaching or you’re simply a new teacher, then you need to look for a school that offers training. Doing a good job will make you happier in your work life and you’ll stress less about the teaching in your free time!

The school’s reputation

It’s worth Googling the school and looking at past teachers’ comments. This will highlight things to look out for that you can ask your prospective employers about. It’s also a good idea to check with your embassy for warnings to travellers and expats. Some countries may have a reputation for not sticking to contracts.

Pay and accommodation

Is the amount they have stated for your wage net or gross? Also if they provide you with accommodation how much is it and how will you pay for bills? Bills should be in your name to avoid getting money deducted from your wage without your consent and more importantly to avoid being charged too much.

A lot of the above points may not be included in a contract, so it will be up to you to negotiate what you feel is a must! It’s always worth getting things agreed in writing, as it makes it easier to settle any disputes further down the line.

Remember that if you have been offered the job, the school wants you and doesn’t want to go through the recruitment process again. You are in a position to negotiate and if you don’t get what you want there are lots of jobs out there….

About the Author

Bruce believes that teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as you’re a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life. Bruce represents www.onlinetefl.com

What to expect from your four-week TEFL course by Bruce Haxton.

So you’re interested in Teaching English as a Foreign Language [TEFL] but you don’t know which course might be for you? Or maybe you’d just like to know more about what to expect on day one on a course you’ve already booked? Well, there are a variety of courses to choose from including online courses, 20-hour weekend courses, combined online and classroom TEFL courses, 4-week intensive certificates, and a 10-week diploma. The content of all of these courses is broadly similar, but the depth of training varies from course to course. Below are some descriptions to give you an idea of what you might expect on your TEFL Course.

Learning through doing activities

Probably the very best thing about a TEFL course is that the learning happens through actually doing activities, rather than long theoretical explanations. This is true even at diploma level, although discussion forms a greater part of the study on diploma courses, since by then you’ll have plenty of teaching experience and your aim is to perfect the skills you have. In all cases, your tutors want to encourage you to think about what they already know, so they provide plenty of opportunities to chat things through with others on the course. You and your fellow tutees will be given the chance to try out different exercises and materials, which usually involves interacting with each other. This is invariably terrific fun, so although you’ll feel tired, it’s more likely to be from the challenge and excitement than anything else.

Introduction to grammar

We all know an incredible number of words (about 50,000 on average) and grammar is simply the means for stringing this vast vocabulary into some kind of order so we understand each other. There are patterns and rules to think about, but you won’t have to learn it all in one day! Your tutor will use activities applied in a real EFL classroom and will usually break down the learning into manageable chunks. Many trainees are fascinated when they find out all the interesting reasons for why we say what we say. A Weekend TEFL Course will touch on a few aspects of grammar, but you can expect to study in much more depth if you supplement this with an online TEFL course or do an intensive 4-week course. Even in these comprehensive courses, you won’t fully learn grammar’s intricacies, so much of the teaching will raise your awareness and guide you on to further study. Tutors are very patient and understanding when it comes to this aspect, so don’t worry if you find it a bit tricky.

Pronunciation information

Just think about how to say this sentence:

“Get me some bread,” said Fred.

At a glance you can see that similar sounds have a different way of being spelt. We’ve got get, bread, said and Fred all with an /e/ sound. Any TEFL course will provide fun activities for you to help your students practice the pronunciation of individual words. This is important because, as you can see, spelling often isn’t a great deal of help! As mentioned above, the longer your course, the greater the level of detail on pronunciation. We also have to think about intonation, stress and the many other aspects of pronunciation. To prepare you for this highly enjoyable feature of the course, here’s a tongue-twister:

What noise annoys an oyster most? A noisy noise annoys an oyster most.

Teaching reading, writing, listening and speaking

English language learners also need help developing skills to cope with reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. Perhaps you’ve had training in how to write an essay or a letter yourself. Any good course will offer specific tips for helping your learners cope better with these aspects of using English. As always, expect the activities to be motivating, fun and interactive as you build your own awareness. You can also expect tips on how to use music in the classroom as part of your course.

Experience how language learning feels

At some point on any face-to-face TEFL course, you will have at least one lesson in a foreign language. You don’t have to be any good at languages yourself to enjoy this part of the course, and if you find it all gobbledygook – never mind! It’s your chance to experience what it feels like to be a language learner – something that helps every teacher to empathise with their learners. It’s also a great way to learn tips on classroom organisation, for example, how to give instructions clearly using mime and gesture and so on.

Learning by watching

Having the chance to do some classroom observation is an integral part of any course. Online courses often give you video clips to watch, so you can begin getting an idea of what lessons are like. On weekend courses, you will watch your peers teach at various times and on CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL courses, formal classroom observations are an important part of the learning. This safe environment makes it much easier to analyse what is happening in the classroom than when you are standing at the front, concentrating on leading the lesson. You’ll learn loads from this aspect, whether it’s picking up tips from watching an excellent teacher, or empathising with someone whose activity is not going as well they had hoped. And don’t be afraid of making mistakes yourself – it’s all part of the learning process! Nobody expects perfection and it can fun if the odd bit of controlled chaos breaks out!

Teaching practice with feedback

On any classroom TEFL course, part of your day is given over to guided lesson planning and you will be given materials and suggestions to teach from. Many tutees enjoy creating some of their own materials during lesson planning in order to make the lesson come to life. After preparing, it’s time to attend lessons, and these vary significantly according to the course you are doing. On a weekend course, your students are likely to be others doing the course with you whereas on 4-week intensive and 10-week diploma courses, you will be teaching real English students. The important factor is that you stand in front of a class and teach some aspect of the English language. Your aim is to use the ideas from earlier in your course to get them practicing in a fun, engaging way.

Analysis and evaluation

Some of your peers and your tutor will have been watching your lesson. So after teaching, there is the chance to get feedback on how it went. You are also encouraged to evaluate your own experience, focusing especially on what went well and considering any changes you would make if you had the chance to do it all over again. This part can be very encouraging as you’re often your own worst critic and don’t realise just how well you performed. It’s a great feeling to put your training into practice and motivate your students to learn.

So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t already done it book a place on a TEFL course and get ready for an exciting, interesting, tiring, amusing and challenging experience!

About the Author

I believe that teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. If you’re a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life. I work for www.onlinetefl.com.

A new year and a new career? Check this advice by Bruce Haxton if you’re thinking about getting into TEFL.

So you’re thinking about getting TEFL certified (or maybe you already are!), but once you’ve completed your TEFL course, what are you going to do with that crisp new certificate? Get a job and sail off into the sunset, that’s what! However, with thousands of teaching jobs abroad all over the world, choosing a good one can be tricky. So, to help you in your job hunt, here are just a few ways to snaffle that dream TEFL job.

Planning ahead – going with a company

You’ll often find that your TEFL course provider will offer a free TEFL job placement service on completion. This is usually hassle-free, but researching your employer is always a good idea. You can use the internet to research the local area and culture, while travel guides such as Lonely Planet also offer handy tips. The organization you opt for should be able to give you information about the school and may even offer contact details for their in-country coordinators. If you can get hold of a phone number, ask to speak to any TEFL teachers currently in the school to get a true idea of what it’s like to work there.

Going it alone

If you’re arranging your own teaching job abroad the most important thing is to network. Most schools depend on local advertising and word-of-mouth, long before considering using online adverts. The TEFL community is vast, so the sooner you start making contact with both schools and other teachers, the better. Employers are looking for people who have a genuine enthusiasm for teaching so make sure your bubbly personality and love of working with children come across in your application and your resume. Your resume itself should be packed full of TEFL-related skills, up to date references and lots of experience.

Be tenacious with your applications, get back to schools you hear from and try to arrange phone interviews at schools that are far away. Large language schools will often have offices in several countries, so you may be able to talk to someone in person without having to get on a plane. Establishing contact with the school beforehand will also help you to make a much more informed decision.

Travelling first

If forward planning isn’t really your thing, then it is possible to find a TEFL job in-country. It can be risky as you’re not guaranteed to find a position as soon as you step off the plane, but it depends where you want to go. Schools in popular countries such as China, Thailand and Japan offer good standards for English teachers and recruit locally due to their popularity as travel destinations. Networking is still important though, as is establishing contact with the local schools: internet forums are a good place to start, as they often have plenty of experienced teachers as members. Being in-country is a big advantage as you meet with the school director and actually visit your prospective work place and make a decision based on your own impressions, rather than those of someone else.

You will, however, still need to have a good resume, references and, of course, your TEFL certificate (we’re hoping you’ll already have your passport!) You’ll also need to carefully consider your budget, especially if you’re arriving in Europe. Make sure you arrive at the best time for recruitment, usually a month or so before the start of the academic year. This will be more important in popular destinations in Asia or Europe, but less so if you plan to teach in off the beaten track.

Checklist

• A few things for to consider before setting off on your TEFL adventure:
  What will living in my chosen country be like?
  Do my qualifications meet the standards of the country I’m going to?
  Do I have all the correct documentation: visas, passport, TEFL certificate?
  Where will I be living?
  What is the average pay in my chosen country?
  What hours should I expect to work?
  What sort of materials will be available?
  What support will there be before and during the placement?
  How big is the school I will be teaching in, in actual size and class size?
  What level of English will my students already have?
  What will my pupils’ average age be?
  What will my non-teaching duties be?

About the Author

Bruce believes that teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as you’re a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life. Bruce represents www.onlinetefl.com

By Michiel Van Kets

If you’re thinking about a career in teaching English you are choosing a great profession. Not only do you give your valuable expertise to others but it is also possible to teach English in other countries not just at home. You can do this as a long term option or just take on some short term training for others when you are traveling in various countries for periods of time. Teaching overseas does require a little forward planning but if you have the qualifications you are pretty much able to find positions where ever you want to head.

There are places where the payments are much higher and you can obtain positions before you leave but there are many countries where you can look for work when you arrive. You need to make sure you have the finances to try this option but it is possible. Some teaching positions will include all expenses for you. Like accommodation and visa requirements etc but these are usually longer term positions so if you are interested in a longer term position you should check these options out before you leave home as you can find some jobs where all you have to do is get on the plane, arrive and teach.

Other positions that perhaps do not include the accommodation and visa or immigration expenses can prove to be a good way to make some money if you want to travel around so at least you need have an idea of what your rough plan might be. This way you are not restricted to set periods or contracts that keep you in one place for a year or more depending on what the other contract teaching positions will offer you.

It is not always simple and there are various countries where the rules and regulations make it more difficult but all you need to do is search for other teachers comments online about teaching and you will find there is a lot of information out there about what you can do and the better places to go. In various countries just having a teaching education in your own country is not enough and you may be required to obtain further certifications that are recognized in the other countries. The more common and internationally recognized courses are those such as the TEFL or TESOL courses.

There are some countries where it is a minimum requirement that you hold these specific certificates and you can also train for these specific certifications in those countries. However if you are not already a certified teacher who holds a degree then you may also find that the TEFL or TESOL courses are not enough to obtain the positions you want.

As a teacher you will also find that as some areas are better than others for teaching you need to make sure you do your home work before agreeing to any long term contracts. In many countries the schools are required to offer English as a language but there is not always the emphasis placed on ensuring that the students actually learn and while your education may have been a strict event in a controlled and regimented environment some other countries do not follow this format of teaching. From experience these are some of the Asian countries where English is taught but the whole schooling process is such a jump from what you are used to in your own country that the event can be a daunting one.

To get started on your overseas teaching experience make sure that you do all the homework you can regarding the locations you might consider and try to talk or communicate with other teachers who are teaching or have taught in those countries to get as much information as you can. You can of course always try the private teaching option and work in your own time and at your own rates however these jobs are a little harder to come by and while they may pay well they are again usually with the rich kids who may or may not show any respect for their teachers and then again you have a big change from what you expect and the reality of what it will be when you arrive. Whatever you decide make sure you keep funds in reserve for your ticket home just in case you really can’t deal with the differences that are out there.

About the Author

Michiel Van Kets submits articles for Abso-bloody-Lutely, a general web directory. The publications are about education and teaching.

By Rosana Hart

If you are thinking of teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in a non-English-speaking country, no doubt you have questions. What’s it really like to do this? Here are some of the common questions would-be teachers have, with answers.

[1] What will my students be like?

They are unlikely to be children, as whatever English the children learn is usually done within the country’s public school system. More likely, you will be teaching teenagers or adults. The adults will likely be very motivated, as they see English as a key to a better life. Some of the teenagers will have the same attitude, but some may be more casual.

[2] I only speak English. How will I communicate with the students?

Many methods of language instruction are based on using just the language the students are learning. So you will be fine. Once you get beyond the most basic levels of English, you can use English to explain things and most of the students will understand.

[3] I don’t remember much of the grammar I studied in school. Do I have to know it?

You do need to know some grammar, but you do not have to be a genius at it. This is one reason it is a good idea for you to take a TEFL class that gives you certification. Not only will it help you find work, it will also go over English grammar, from the point of view of what you will need to explain to your students.

[4] I speak fluent English, but it is my second language and I do have a slight accent. Can I still teach English as a Foreign Language?

It depends. Most language schools are understandably looking for people with native pronunciation of English. If you are looking for work in a country where there aren’t that many native English speakers who want to teach English, you are likely to be more successful. By the same token, people who are native speakers of English but have a strong regional accent may find it more difficult to get work than people who speak a more standard English. By the way, both American English and British English are acceptable.

[5] I graduated from high school but I don’t have a college degree. Can I still do this?

You may have fewer choices of positions, but you should be able to find work. Since you don’t have a formal degree, it would be a good idea for you to take one of the many TEFL courses that are available all over the world and online. Take one that provides at least 100 hours of instruction and gives you TEFL certification.

If you are traveling in foreign countries, particularly outside the US and Europe, you may be able to find work simply because you are there. The schools may be more lax in their requirements because they can talk to you on the spot, and you may also find smaller, more informal schools.

[6] I wonder if I would be good at this.

If you are friendly, outgoing, flexible, and genuinely interested in helping other people, it’s well worth a try! It also helps if you prepare your class lessons with care.

About the Author

Rosana Hart writes about Chinese language software at her website. She reviews a variety of programs for learning Chinese, and compares Fluent Mandarin, Rosetta Stone Chinese along with Rocket Chinese and Pimsleur Mandarin.

By Keith Taylor

Probably the most common way to find a TEFL job is through one of the many TEFL employment websites. For jobs abroad, the process normally goes something like this:

1 The application

When you find a job which you like the look of, you’ll need to send your CV. You should emphasise points which are relevant to the position you are applying for – your TEFL qualification, and any relevant skills and experience, should feature strongly. Too many CVs cram all this into a couple of lines, and then list two pages of technical expertise developed during five years as a Software Engineer. Instead, briefly highlight a couple of skills that you developed in that job that could be relevant to language teaching – maybe you led training workshops which required self-confidence and enthusiasm, or worked on a project abroad for a year which meant adapting to a new culture.

If the school is interested, they will contact you to arrange an interview (possibly by telephone), usually with the School’s Director of Studies, or in larger schools, a Recruitment Coordinator.

2 The interview

The interview can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour or more (possibly influenced by the school’s budget for long-distance calls!) You will normally be asked the types of questions you would expect in any job interview, about your qualifications, experience, strengths and weaknesses, and so on. If the job is in a culture significantly different to your own, you may be asked why you are interested in that particular country, and how you would cope with the types of cultural differences you could expect to face.

Some interviewers ask teaching or grammar questions. “How would you introduce the past simple tense to a group of 12 adults?” for example, or “How would you explain the word ‘proud’?” These are difficult to prepare for specifically, but this is where your training course will come in!

The interviewer should give you an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the school, the city, the salary and so on. This is a good point to ask if you can talk to/email a current teacher. Teachers working at the school are a good source of what it’s really like. What are the working conditions like? The teaching resources? The nightlife? The boss? The accommodation? Do you get paid on time? Is there internet at the school? And so on. Make sure you are clear about things which are important to you. If the school works on Saturdays and you want your weekends free, for example, it’s best to find out at this stage!

3 The contract

All going well, the school will offer you a contract. A typical contract is for one year, renewable thereafter. Read this very carefully and don’t be afraid to ask if anything is not clear. A reputable employer will appreciate the fact that moving to another country to live and work is a big step (if you are dealing with the Director of Studies, he/she was in the same boat once) and should be forthcoming with help.

There is no set format for a contract, but it should at least be clear about several important points:

- Working days and hours, including the number of contact teaching hours – between 20 and 25 a week is normal.

- Holidays – how many days? Are they fixed?

- Probationary period – if so, how long?

- Start and end dates of the contract

- Salary, overtime and any bonus – when is it paid, and how?

For jobs outside the EU and North America, many schools offer return airfare as part of the deal, often paid on successful completion of the contract. Some offer free accommodation, others provide it but not for free. All should at the very least provide help with finding it. Schools should also sort out paperwork and legalities for you, or tell you exactly what you need to do.

In the EU and North America, things are often very different. You will more likely be expected to sort yourself out in terms of getting there, finding accommodation and sorting out paperwork. A job is often very much just that – a job, without such a network of support.

Other means of recruitment

Many schools, especially in some EU countries, use other means of recruitment, including TEFL recruitment agencies, newspapers and local expat magazines, and just relying on people to contact them directly or walk in off the street in search of work.

Some teachers choose to travel to the country where they want to work first, and look for work when they arrive. There are some pros and cons to this approach. On the plus side, some schools are more likely to hire you if they have met you face to face, and you are already established in a place. But the risk is spending a lot of time and money with no guarantee of finding a job, particularly if you are newly qualified and the majority of schools in that country require several years of experience.

If you choose this route then, get to know the typical requirements of schools first by looking at job adverts, or contact some schools directly before you go.

Things to look out for

The great majority of schools are reputable businesses and, except for the inevitable mishaps and inconveniences (broken photocopiers, cultural misunderstandings!) most contracts go without a hitch. But of course, as in any profession, there are some disreputable schools who seek to take advantage of unsuspecting teachers. So, make sure you research a school as thoroughly as you can. Get as much information from the school, other teachers, TEFL websites and forums that you need to feel comfortable in making a decision.

Here are a few things to look out for with every job that you apply for:

- Are they offering you a job without speaking to you first?

- Are they unprepared to put you in contact with current teachers?

- Are they expecting you to accept a job without seeing a contract?

- Are they asking you to send them money?

All going well, you’ve survived the interview and accepted your first job in a country where you’ve dreamed of living since embarking on your TEFL career. So now it’s time to get on the plane, meet your new colleagues, and start your new life!

About the Author

Keith Taylor runs http://www.eslbase.com/, providing free resources, advice and information for TEFL teachers. He also runs the language exchange, http://www.eslbase.com/language-exchange/.

By Chris Soames

With UK unemployment at a 12 year high, widespread redundancies and thousands of graduates lining up to collect degree certificates that by no means guarantee a job, the opportunities offered by teaching English as a foreign language are becoming increasingly attractive.

While TEFL was once seen as a niche area only for linguistics experts, the recent explosion in the number of TEFL teachers and TEFL vacancies has proved that it has much wider appeal, and can offer people an escape route from the jobs crunch in the UK.

At present there are around 20,000 vacancies for TEFL jobs posted on the internet each month, proof of the massive demand for English teachers across the world – everywhere from China and South Korea to Ecuador and Japan.

It is also much easier (and cheaper) than most people think to gain a TEFL qualification which will open the door to these opportunities. TEFL specialists i-to-i enable fluent English speakers the chance to qualify as TEFL teachers online for as little as £175 and also offer practical weekend courses. These run on a flexible timescale and tutees can get TEFL qualified in just two days, or study for longer at a pace that suits them, with online courses ranging from 40 to 100 hours.

Once qualified, taking the plunge and going abroad to teach offers an incredible number of benefits. Though many TEFL places are voluntary, an increasing number are paid, meaning it is possible to use teaching as a way of funding a career break or gap year in exotic locations around the world. Those who teach also find themselves welcomed and integrated into the local community, rather than just being treated as passing tourists, offering travelers a unique chance to gain an insight into a totally different way of life.

For graduates struggling to get their feet on the first step of the career ladder, teaching can provide valuable experience, boosting leadership and communication skills, as well as showing potential employers at home a spark of initiative and the ability to seek out opportunities.

Finally, those who choose to make a career of teaching abroad can find that moving overseas opens the door to a better quality of life. Daniel Deacon, who completed an i-to-i TEFL course and taught English in Seoul, said: “It was very daunting at first, but I remembered what I had learned in my TEFL course and after a few weeks it became so much fun that I hardly felt like I was working at all. It felt as though I was getting paid to have a great time. In addition to that, I got to meet hundreds of new friends and see fantastic places all over the country.”

So, with so many benefits to teaching abroad it’s no wonder that the number of people deciding to escape the UK and take advantage of the opportunities offered abroad is skyrocketing!

To teach English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. A TEFL qualification is your ticket for the journey of your life.

About the author

Chris Soames thinks that teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. Whether you’re a trained teacher or a complete beginner, he says, a TEFL qualification is your ticket for the journey of your life.

June on the TEFL Times has been set aside for a series of articles from Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa, the creator and writer for TEFL Tips.

English teachers are professionals and as such need to remember somethings while in the classroom. Here are some ideas to help get you started.

Dos

● Act like a teacher. As a foreign teacher, both students and teachers will look up to you as a representative of your country. Act professional.

● Make class interesting. Prepare a variety of activities and games.

● Be consistent with the rules. You shouldn’t play favourites-make sure you treat all your students equally.
● Plan your lessons ahead of time. Winging it doesn’t work. You will have to think about what you want to teach before you enter the classroom.

● Make sure the topic is appropriate. Some issues that are accepted at home are taboo here.

● Speak clearly and loudly.

● Tell the students why you want them to do something.

● Expect the unexpected. Maybe you planned an activity for ten students and only five showed up. Always have a back-up plan.

● Keep an open mind. Some countries have laid-back ideas about timing. Students may show up ten minutes late.

● Ask your students for feedback. Most times they will be honest and tell you if they liked or didn’t like the activities you planned. They might also have suggestions for things that you can do in class.

● Adapt your teaching style. Some students like to thinking things over and have everything perfect before speaking. Others want to shout out the answer as soon as they know it.

● Bring realia into the classroom. Pictures from magazines, photos from home, real objects make lessons come alive.

Don’ts

● Wear weekend clothes to class. Jogging pants, jeans or shorts aren’t acceptable. Women should cover their shoulders, stomachs and knees. Sleeveless shirts are ok, but spaghetti straps aren’t. Men should wear dress pants and a dress shirt with a collar. Piercings and tattoos should be covered up.

● Dumb students down. Just because they can’t answer a question, doesn’t make them understand. Ask a different question or see if someone can help the student.

● Embarrass your students.

About the author
Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa is the creator and writer for TEFL Tips, The LA Job List, and The Ultimate Peru List. She enjoys answering people’s questions about TEFLing and Peru.