Do you really need a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad? Whilst it’s not the only way to get teaching, acquiring a TEFL certificate is a great way to begin your TEFL journey and unlock some doors. Without one you may find life as an English teacher a bit more difficult and your opportunities will be restricted. Keep reading for 10 reasons why you do need a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad.
10 reasons why you need a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad
1. To get TEFL qualified
Doing a TEFL course and getting TEFL qualified is a great idea. It will train you how to teach English as a foreign language and prepare you for the challenges of the classroom. You’ll also brush up on your grammar. Do you know what the present perfect tense is? Once you’re qualified and have obtained your certificate in TEFL you will! Being TEFL qualified will give you more skills and confidence as a teacher, and your students will benefit from this too.
2. Teaching practice
Going into a classroom cold without any prior teaching experience can be very tough. The good news is that there are now a high number of TEFL courses that offer or include teaching practice. Consequently, you’ll be able to hone your teaching skills in a safe, observed environment, before plunging into the deep end. This will make for a much more comfortable experience when teaching your first class.
3. Job placement assistance
In order to teach your first class, you first need to get a TEFL job. Whilst this isn’t impossible to do alone, a number of TEFL course providers will actively help you find a job. TEFL course providers such as The TEFL Academy have access to a network of schools around the world and can put your forward for jobs once you have completed your TEFL course with them. It can make things so much easier knowing that you have a great chance of getting a job once you have obtained your TEFL certificate. If you want even more of a sure thing, you can do a TEFL internship. TEFL internships will actually guarantee you a position by offering a TEFL certificate along with a job placement afterwards
4. More opportunities
Having a TEFL certificate opens doors. It may seem like you could save money by starting to teach without one, but in reality it will restrict your opportunities. Some countries and many employers now require you to have a TEFL certificate in order to work. This means by getting TEFL certified you’ll keep your options open and can have your pick of the better teaching positions.
5. Bigger salaries
Better teaching positions means bigger salaries. If you don’t have a TEFL certificate you’ll find that the jobs available to you offer lower salaries and it will be harder to find something. On the flip side, if you’re TEFL qualified you’ll get better offers and other benefits. You’ll also be able to apply to TEFL jobs in countries that pay the highest salaries for teaching English abroad.
6. Your pick of destinations
Not only will a TEFL certificate allow you to teach English abroad in high paying destinations such as Japan and China, it will also give you the opportunity to experience elsewhere in Asia, North America, South America, Europe or even online. With a TEFL certificate you’ve got the world at your feet.
7. The experience
Many people who have taken a TEFL course abroad will say that it was one of the best experiences of their lives. You get to meet new people in a new country and have a great experience whilst learning a new skill. What’s not to like? Even if you get TEFL certified in your own country it can be a transformative experience. For example, students who complete the CELTA course often say it is one of the most rewarding things they have ever done.
8. A ready-made support network
When you get TEFL certified with one of the top TEFL course providers, they can provide you with a support network to give you the best possible start to your English teaching career. This can range from assistance with finding a job to helping you get settled in a new country. Additionally, you’ll be receiving tuition from qualified TEFL instructors who will have already been in your shoes. They will be able to provide insight on what it’s like to live abroad along with tips, materials and resources you can utilize in your English teaching.
9. New friends and connections
If you take a TEFL course with a group of other people you’ll make friendships that last a lifetime. Studying together whilst living abroad is a great way of bonding with others. You’ll find that your classmates will support you beyond the course and you will make connections with people from all over the world. Great news if you ever want a holiday! Even if you take your TEFL course online in a group you can still form a great sense of camaraderie, and these people will always be there to help you in future.
10. A lifelong qualification
A TEFL certificate is for life, not just for Christmas! Once you’re TEFL qualified it stays with you for life, TEFL qualifications don’t expire. This means that you can continue to teach English ten or twenty years down the line without any worries. You’ll also be a better English teacher as a result!
What if you don’t have a TEFL certificate?
But wait, what if you don’t have a TEFL certificate yet… We’ve established that you can still find work as an English teacher, but it will just be a lot more difficult. TEFL certifications exist to give you the skills you need to be a successful English teacher and help you find your dream TEFL job. It goes without saying that both you and your students will thank you for getting TEFL certified in the long term. So, if you’re ready, why not get started?
Check out some of these special offers on TEFL courses and you’ll be teaching abroad before you know it!
Looking for somewhere more specific? Find TEFL courses in your ideal location at DoTEFL.com
James has been helping people teach English abroad for over twelve years. He’s traveled to over 30 countries, lived in 3, and taught English in Chile and online.
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