+ What is TEFL and TESOL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TEFL is the most common teaching certificate accepted for teaching English in a foreign country. TEFL focuses on teaching students in their native country, compared to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) which is used for teaching English to non native speakers in an English speaking country. Completing a TEFL certificate course will grant you the opportunity to access 1000s of English teaching jobs in many countries worldwide.

+ Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?

While in some places it is not a requirement, others do require a TEFL to be able to teach there. Even in the countries with no TEFL requirement it is much easier to find well paid jobs if you have a TEFL certification.

+ Who can complete a TEFL course?

Anyone can take and complete a TEFL course. Most countries and institutions prefer teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree in any subject but this is by no means a requirement everywhere. Institutions will hire teachers of varying ages, backgrounds and nationalities to teach English so the sky is really the limit.

+ Do I need a degree to teach abroad?

The majority of countries, programs and private academies prefer to hire people with a bachelors degree and in some countries, e.g. Japan and South Korea, this is a requirement for almost every English teaching job. However, many private academies in other countries will hire teachers without a degree if they have a TEFL certification but beware these jobs will generally be lower paid than if you have a degree. With a degree and a TEFL certificate it is possible to teach English in almost any foreign country. Without a degree there are still many options to go abroad and teach like Spain, Cambodia and many others.

+ How much can I expect to earn as a TEFL teacher in a foreign country?

This varies greatly country to country and it is best to research salaries in each country you are interested in before making any decisions. However, in the current market the highest paid countries to teach in are in the middle east, however many of these also require teachers to be certified to teach in their home countries for the higher paying jobs. Countries like Japan, China and South Korea generally pay between $1,500 and $2500 a month, depending on experience. The salary for a TEFL teacher varies greatly based on many factors and you should always research well before choosing a country to teach in.

+ Do I need to be able to speak the language of the country I’m moving to?

No, all classes will be conducted in English and often you will have a native assistant teacher. In some places using the native language is heavily discouraged in the classroom. However in day to day life it will help you to know at least basic survival vocabulary e.g. hello, thank you, this please, where is..?.

+ What should I budget for?

There will be many costs when it comes to moving abroad. You will need at least enough money to cover your first month’s expenses (food, furniture and appliances if these are not provided by your school, visa costs, etc.) and possibly the flight to your destination if this is not provided by your school.

+ How can I find work after completing my TEFL certification?

There are many ways to go about finding work after completing your TEFL certification course. There are options such as online ads, recruiters, and direct work through the government in each country. There is no right option; however, recruiters are very helpful for finding a first job teaching abroad, but it is best to keep in mind that you should never pay recruiters as they are paid by the schools to find them employees.

+ How do I know a contract is fair?

It is best to know what the average conditions and payments are in your country of choice for teaching English. If your contract seems too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure you are receiving the industry standard and that you are happy with your contract before you sign it.