Why Completing a TEFL Course is Important to Teach Abroad

The English language is one of the world’s most spoken languages. Approximately 1.5 billion people speak English; however, only 380 million people identify as native speakers. Countries classified as non-English speaking promote teaching programs to entice native speakers to become educators, but with large amounts of applicants applying yearly, it makes securing a position to teach abroad competitive. The TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) aids in applying for global jobs and training to becoming an English instructor abroad.

This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aoibheann M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.

Job Requirements

To begin, international programs divide into two categories, those that require the TEFL Course and those that do not. In both scenarios, it is favorable to the applicant to have the course completed to increase their marketability to potential employers when competing for a position. First, programs requiring the certificate want to accomplish two goals; producing qualified English teachers and limiting the number of candidates. For instance, the GEPIK (Gyeonggi English Program in Korea) Program under the eligibility criteria states "Applicants must have completed or currently be enrolled in a 100-hour or more TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification program.

Both online and offline certifications are accepted by GEPIK and Korvia." (Korea). Requiring the TEFL course ensures that applicants are qualified to not only teach but are knowledgeable in the semantics of the English language. In this instance, the TEFL Course provides a marketable advantage to the applicant by meeting the qualification and the opportunity to compete for a job.

Also Read: What does TEFL mean?

On the other hand, programs not demanding a TEFL certificate still advise prospective employees to have one. The TEFL course is an asset during the selection process. The JET (Japan Exchange Teaching) Program recommends TEFL stating "A teaching certificate, diploma, or TESOL/TEFL certification is not a requirement for participation in the JET Program, but such certifications will be an asset during the selection process.” (JET). By not requiring the TEFL a greater amount of applicants can apply.

However, having the certificate demonstrates that the applicant is focused on their career and not solely on the opportunity to live abroad. Thus, adding to the overall marketability of the applicant and increasing their chances of being selected. The TEFL certificate is a valuable resource for potential English teachers applying to teach abroad, regardless of the type of program. With the competitive nature of teaching programs, the course aid in attracting the interests of companies and strengthening the applicant’s chances of securing a position.

Also Read: The 5 Best Ways To Build Rapport With Your TEFL Students | ITTT | TEFL Blog

Knowledge and Skills

Next, TEFL prepares individuals to teach abroad, including the necessary skills to give international students a proper English education. It incorporates both facets of English linguistics and the fundamentals of teaching English as a foreign language. It is essential English teachers know how to teach international students. Charles T. Scott, author of the journal titled "Teaching English as a Foreign Language" asserts "The difference, then, between teaching English to native speakers of the language and teaching English as a foreign language lies not merely in the audience to which the teaching is addressed, but in the very material that is taught.” (Scott 416). Native English speakers learn the basics of English at a young age, unlike international students.

Therefore, it becomes the English teachers’ duty to supply students with the knowledge they lack. With a TEFL Course teachers are well informed in teaching listening, reading, and writing. Furthermore, those new to teaching learn how to manage a class, prepare lesson plans, methods for teaching a foreign language, etc. To teach abroad the TEFL course is needed for candidates to become English teachers with the knowledge and skills to instruct international students.

Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!

To conclude, teaching abroad is an obtainable career option through the TEFL course. Building a prestigious resume for programs and becoming a qualified English teacher is one of the many benefits of TEFL. While opting not to be TEFL certified saves money and time; having the course grants individuals to travel abroad, certification for life, and the opportunity to change students’ lives.

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