Does everything you hear about TEFL sound like a whole lot of waffle to you? We’ll help you understand what exactly it is, what it involves and where it could lead you in your career. So first up, what does TEFL actually stand for? TEFL is a qualification and stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It doesn’t require any previous teaching qualifications – if you are reading this then you are probably already qualified enough to take a TEFL course because you can speak English!
What does TEFL involve?
TEFL is a course that aims to provide you with both the skills as well as the confidence to teach English as a foreign language. Not all TEFL courses are the same – they vary in depth and therefore in length. TEFL is easily confused with TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) but there are important differences. TEFL is designed for teaching English in a country where it isn’t the native language, whereas TESL is English being taught to non-native speakers of English in countries where English is the native language (for example, teaching English to emigrants in the UK).
Although not all the same, all courses will cover the necessary skills you will need to teach foreign students including how to make lessons interesting (if only our Maths teachers back at school had known this!), how to pitch your lessons at appropriate levels for different students and how to motivate your students to want to learn.
Which TEFL course should I do?
As not all TEFL courses are identical, it is important that you research options that are available to you. Your choice of TEFL course might depend on certain key questions. Are you looking to teach during your gap year? Or are you interested in a more long-term position? Where in the world do you want to teach? What age of students do you want to teach? And finally, one question that is often overlooked, what foreign language are you interested in learning yourself? Another top tip is to check the course you choose is accredited by an external body- this involves 120 study hours and 6 observed practice lessons according to the British Council’s criteria. Accreditation allows you to use your TEFL qualification across different countries, so perfect if you are considering combining travelling with teaching.
Where can I go?
There are more than 1 billion people learning English worldwide so you will not be short of opportunities to teach! Remember, although not necessary to speak the native language, it will be useful to have some basic understanding to help you get by day-to-day. China is a popular destination for TEFL job seekers and has plenty of opportunities – but if you want to speak the native language don’t forget not only are you learning the language but a whole new alphabet too!
TEFL provides great opportunities to combine work with adventure and here at Leaving School we hope your adventures are both fun and safe!