FAQ - Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach overseas?

This all depends on what kind of credentials and experience you already have.

If you don’t already have some kind of teaching qualification, then you probably don’t have any other option, if you want to teach in an international school. With a TEFL certificate you can teach the English as a Second Language classes that are offered at most schools catering to expatriate children.

Based on my experience doing both, teaching EFL or ESL at an international school is preferable to teaching at a private language school. So plan your job-hunt accordingly.

You may also want to consider getting a TEFL certificate if your teaching experience is all in mono-lingual and mono-cultural situations. In this case getting a TEFL qualification to add to your current credentials will only improve your chances. It will show recruiters that you are prepared for the issues you’ll encounter in your multi-cultural classes abroad.

You can complete a TEFL certificate in 40 hours of study and without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home! Or you can go to a far off location and combine getting the qualification with a holiday abroad.

Read more...

Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach overseas?