I'm Interested In Tefl - How Do I Get Started?
- Date: 2007-07-03 - Word Count: 628
Share This!
In theory it's easy to become an English teacher - just book a training course and then get a job! In reality it's not this simple and there are a vast array of options which can be confusing, especially if you're new to TEFL.
Spend time making the right decision now and you'll have more chance of landing that dream teaching position!
OPTION 1 (Recommended): Sign up for a TEFL training course (ideally in the country you want to teach in) and organise a job when you finish. This is our preferred option because:
• You will get a TEFL qualification that is internationally recognised and can be used anywhere in the world.
• You'll become an effective English language teacher. You will leave the course feeling confident and ready to start teaching your first 'real' class. You'll also have a toolkit of activities, games and lesson plans which can be used with your classes.
• Any reputable training course will provide careers guidance. Towards the end of the course you will normally take part in a one-2-one or group workshop which focuses on finding a job, creating an effective CV and interview skills. Your course should also provide a range of job opportunities (many language schools select one training provider to recruit new teachers and will not hire teachers who apply directly), contact information for schools and details of reliable recruitment organisations in the area.
• If you do your TEFL training in the country or region you would like to teach in, you will have chance to settle in to the country/culture and have the opportunity to assess the job market and select the area you would most like to work in.
• Although the course will be demanding your course mates will be able to provide support as you go through the training together, there will be plenty of opportunities for a beer after class and exploring the local area at the weekend.
Click on the 'TEFL courses' tab to find a TEFL course that's right for you.
OPTION 2: Sign up with one of the large chains of language schools.
Some of the larger chains of language schools will offer free or reduced training if you guarantee to take a job at one of their centres. Most of these companies are based in Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea.
Language centres in countries where there is a high demand for teachers may pay your airfare and other expenses. You might also get other benefits such as local or telephone interviews, reasonable salary, a guaranteed job and an instant social network. It can be a good way to start your TEFL career but there are downsides.
• The chain might not operate in a country/area you want to work in
• You will have to commit to working one of their centres for up to a year before you've left home
• You might find that you don't like the area they send you to
• Pay is often below average
• There have been complaints about how they treat their staff
• Contracts are often set for 1 or 2 years with a break penalty
• You may have to teach a very strict, rigid curriculum with little room for creativity.
Click on the 'Jobs/Volunteering' tab for more information
OPTION 3: Sign up with a recruiter
Be on your toes! There are many scams involving recruiters. Click on the 'Jobs/Volunteering' tab for more information
OPTION 4: Don't do any training and get a job (not recommended!)
You can still get a job without a TEFL certificate but its getting harder and your choice of jobs will be limited. Also remember that teaching English is not an easy job - do you really think you can teach English to your students with no training? Do the job justice and get a TEFL qualification.
Spend time making the right decision now and you'll have more chance of landing that dream teaching position!
OPTION 1 (Recommended): Sign up for a TEFL training course (ideally in the country you want to teach in) and organise a job when you finish. This is our preferred option because:
• You will get a TEFL qualification that is internationally recognised and can be used anywhere in the world.
• You'll become an effective English language teacher. You will leave the course feeling confident and ready to start teaching your first 'real' class. You'll also have a toolkit of activities, games and lesson plans which can be used with your classes.
• Any reputable training course will provide careers guidance. Towards the end of the course you will normally take part in a one-2-one or group workshop which focuses on finding a job, creating an effective CV and interview skills. Your course should also provide a range of job opportunities (many language schools select one training provider to recruit new teachers and will not hire teachers who apply directly), contact information for schools and details of reliable recruitment organisations in the area.
• If you do your TEFL training in the country or region you would like to teach in, you will have chance to settle in to the country/culture and have the opportunity to assess the job market and select the area you would most like to work in.
• Although the course will be demanding your course mates will be able to provide support as you go through the training together, there will be plenty of opportunities for a beer after class and exploring the local area at the weekend.
Click on the 'TEFL courses' tab to find a TEFL course that's right for you.
OPTION 2: Sign up with one of the large chains of language schools.
Some of the larger chains of language schools will offer free or reduced training if you guarantee to take a job at one of their centres. Most of these companies are based in Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea.
Language centres in countries where there is a high demand for teachers may pay your airfare and other expenses. You might also get other benefits such as local or telephone interviews, reasonable salary, a guaranteed job and an instant social network. It can be a good way to start your TEFL career but there are downsides.
• The chain might not operate in a country/area you want to work in
• You will have to commit to working one of their centres for up to a year before you've left home
• You might find that you don't like the area they send you to
• Pay is often below average
• There have been complaints about how they treat their staff
• Contracts are often set for 1 or 2 years with a break penalty
• You may have to teach a very strict, rigid curriculum with little room for creativity.
Click on the 'Jobs/Volunteering' tab for more information
OPTION 3: Sign up with a recruiter
Be on your toes! There are many scams involving recruiters. Click on the 'Jobs/Volunteering' tab for more information
OPTION 4: Don't do any training and get a job (not recommended!)
You can still get a job without a TEFL certificate but its getting harder and your choice of jobs will be limited. Also remember that teaching English is not an easy job - do you really think you can teach English to your students with no training? Do the job justice and get a TEFL qualification.
Related Tags: tefl, tesol, tefl course, teaching english as a foreign language, tefl jobs, tefl training
Tom White is the editor of TEFLtom.com. TEFLtom.com is the perfect place to start your TEFL adventure - find out if TEFL is for you, choose a TEFL course, find the perfect teaching placement and get teaching resources. Visit www.tefltom.com to find out more Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- How Hypnotherapy Can be Used on Children
Today Hypnosis can be termed as a branch of medicine which is quite unique, whereas in the past this - Confidence Workshops For Children
Every parent wants their children to be confident, happy, highly motivated and enthusiastic in order - Inspiring Children Using NLP
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is one of the most successful therapies in psychology today. Init - Writing Term Papers
Students often tend to put off a written assignment, considering it to be a chore too formidable to - Naming In Term Paper
Give a descriptive name to each of your concept in the paper. Adhere using terms like "our approach" - Introduction Section of a Research Paper
Your introductions should not exceed more than two pages (typed, double spaced). See again the examp - Getting a Feedback of Your Term Paper is Important!
Get the feedback of your work! Finish your paper, having written it well in advance, so that you hav - The 1950's - Was Life Better?
Iconic TV shows like I Love Lucy, Dennis the Menace and My Three Sons seem to indicate that the 1950 - Online Classroom Systems Makes Home Schooling Even More Attractive
In the past it went without saying that you would send your kids to public schools. With public scho - 8 Helpful Tips For Surviving Military Basic Training
Getting through military basic training takes a lot perseverance. During this training it is best to
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Culinary Cooking Schools and What They Teach
Culinary cooking schools prepare you for a job in the culinary industry by providing you with the kn - How To Learn Spanish Quickly Without Moving To Spain
Learning Spanish is a popular pastime, as well as a serious goal for many individuals. Whether it's - How To Improve Your Life With An Accredited Online College Degree
With the information super highway raring full steam ahead, quality accredited online college degree - Online Bachelor Degree Programs Go Mainstream
The Internet has seen an explosion in online bachelor degree programs in the last five to ten years - Online Degree Program Just A Click Away
You want to go shopping, but your car is low on gas. You want to know your account balance, but do n - Online Paralegal Degree Will Open Doors
An online paralegal degree may offer the possibility of improving your chances in the legal professi - What West Point Military School Looks For In A Candidate
West Point is looking for well rounded young men and women who are good students, good athletes, and - The Importance of Effective Accounting Programs
In the past, small businesses like mom and pop stores were not required to maintain any sort of acco - California Schools Educators Retirement System And Lionstone Group Create Investment Fund
The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CSTRS) is the second largest public pension fund i - A Taste of China - Seattle Schools New Guest Teacher Shares Language and Culture of Her Native Hom
The Seattle schools have a new "guest" teacher. Zhu Dan arrived in the Seattle schools in January