The demand for TEFL-certified courses continues to grow as students around the world strive to learn English. This is one of the best ways to work abroad. Historically used in private schools, the communicative approach of TEFL contrasts with the rigid methods of public schools. Often the emphasis is on communication, creativity and cultural consciousness rather than memorization and strict grammar.

There are many reasons why people choose to teach abroad. I did it because I needed money, then I did it again because it was a great way to work and live in another country! It offers a sustainable way to experience cultural immersion, learn new languages and create international networks. This often leads to significant growth both on a personal and professional level. By assuming a TEFL role, teachers not only allocate to the educational landscape of their host countries, but also improve their own ability and career prospects.

Since most teachers need a TEFL to get a job, here’s everything you need to know about TEFL programs to teach English abroad:

What is a TEFL certification?

The TEFL certification is the main qualification for obtaining teaching positions abroad. The TEFL training was launched in the early 1970s and was developed for regions where English was not the main language. TEFL certificates are now internationally recognized and are often a prerequisite for obtaining jobs abroad.

In the past, the only option for a future TEFL teacher was to dedicate a month to a full-time face-to-face program. Access to training was limited due to high tuition fees, lack of options outside large city centers and other related support costs.

Nowadays, technology (and decades of R&D) have made TEFL courses much more accessible and inclusive. The TEFL certification can be completed entirely online, in mixed hybrid formats or entirely in person.

Regardless of the Format, TEFL courses offer in-depth training in the following areas:

• Classroom management
  Teaching ability
  Course planning
  Integrating the media into teaching
  Grammar
  Cultural Sensitivity

Over the decades, the TEFL standard has been a 120-hour course. It is considered the perfect length to give a new graduate the theoretical framework to start classes in the classroom. While the industry often imposes more hours on unsuspecting teachers, they are usually redundant and offer little added value compared to a standard 120-hour high-quality TEFL course.

That is to say, it is recommended to undergo continuous training and / or to take more hours after a teacher has acquired a few years of teaching experience. For example, the Cambridge DELTA is an excellent choice for teachers who have already completed a TEFL and have two years of full-time classroom experience.

Requirements and where to get certified

Future TEFL teachers must be proficient in English. The more advanced the students are, the more advanced the teacher is. If a teacher is not a native speaker, he may consider taking an aptitude exam (such as IELTS or TOEFL) to prove his language ability, although this is not strictly necessary.

Sometimes a bachelor’s degree is required to teach English abroad, especially in countries with very competitive education markets (such as Japan), which may also include lawful provisions for granting a work permit. In most countries, the diploma can be obtained in any field, as long as it is accompanied by a TEFL certificate.

Some countries and programs accept applicants without a diploma (such as Costa Rica and Spain), especially if they have extensive teaching experience or English language ability.

Note that there is no central accreditation body for the TEFL. There are flexible government frameworks that TEFL providers can encourage (for example, “level 5”, which is roughly equivalent to a secondary school diploma in the UK), but these usually have minimal impact on employability.

It is important to ensure that a TEFL certificate can be certified and/or apostilled for use abroad. Check with your preferred provider if this Option is available and ask what it costs. Often, Tefl aspirants take a course with an eye-catching website and a great price, only to find out that the TEFL cannot be used for work visa applications!

General qualifications and ability required

In addition to training and certification, successful TEFL teachers often have qualities such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity and a proactive approach to problem solving. A positive attitude is a great advantage when dealing with the problems and challenge s associated with moving abroad. Not only is it a challenge , but new TEFL teachers will also adapt to a new career, a new employer and a new classroom!