A1: Increase your marketability with overseas schools and employers
A2: Make yourself eligible for teaching opportunities that require TEFL certification
A3: Learn valuable English teaching skills that will assist you in the classroom
A4: Obtain valuable resources that typically accompany TEFL / TESOL certification programs
A5: Open opportunities to a ‘teach and travel’ lifestyle
Q: Is it really necessary to get TEFL / TESOL certified in order to teach English abroad?
A: The majority of reputable schools in the world now require teachers to be TEFL or TESOL qualified. Unless you already have a high level teaching credential (i.e. teaching license, teaching certificate, PGCE, etc.) or a related major (i.e. elementary education major, secondary education major, linguistics major, etc.) then getting certified is highly advisable.
Q: Do I need a college degree?
A: It’s fair to say that most schools in all countries have hiring ‘preferences’ for people with college degrees (Bachelors). However, there are still lots of teaching opportunities around the world with schools that do not demand college degrees. Note: Some countries, such as South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, will not issue working visas to people without degrees.
Q: What countries hire teachers without a college degree?
A: Many countries in Latin America, including Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador and Costa Rica, hire teachers without degrees. Some schools in China, Russia, South East Asia and European nations also hire teachers who have not received college degrees.
Q: Do I need to be a native English speaker?
A: Most English teaching jobs with reputable employers are reserved for native English speaking citizens. Some countries, such as Korea, will only issue teaching visas to native English speakers with passports from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, South Africa or New Zealand.
Q: Where can I teach?
A: How many options you qualify for ultimately depends on your level of education, type of TEFL certification, previous experience, personality, your age, nationality and even your physical location (i.e. many schools in Latin America want in-person interviews). Most people who hold a Bachelor’s degree (any major) plus TEFL / TESOL certification, with no formal teaching experience, will find the job market surprisingly massive. If you have don’t have preferences for specific student age groups or types of employers (public schools, private schools, colleges, language academies, corporate, other) then you’ll find the job market almost endless with job opportunities in every corner or the world.
Q: Will I be able to land jobs without previous teaching experience?
A: Of course, everyone needs to start somewhere! Although some schools and even countries (especially in the Middle East) prefer teachers with experience and references there’s an abundance of quality jobs out there for first time English teachers.
Q: How much do TEFL teachers make?
A: Salaries vary by country, school type, responsibilities and teacher credentials; teachers can make as little as $5000 a year or over $75,000 a year. The highest paying jobs tend to be located in the Middle East, however, there are high paying jobs in Asia and Europe as well.
Q: Where can I save the most?
A: Again there are different variables to consider. If you’re a qualified teacher then working in the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Qatar are some of the best places to save the most. If you’re a new teacher with limited credentials then working in South Korea or Taiwan are popular destinations which allow for substantial savings.
Q: Online or In-Class certification?
A: There isn’t a simple answer to that question. Please visit our Course Options guide to learn more about the advantages of each.
