Teaching English Abroad Requirements

Among the tens of thousands of ESL teachers working overseas, it is relatively common to find friends or couples who set off to teach English abroad together. Although it is common practice, there are still a few things to think about before you both pack your bags and head to the airport. If you plan to set off abroad with a friend or partner, it is vital that you choose a destination where you both have a good chance of finding employment. Although you might dream of working in a tropical beach resort with swaying palm trees and a laidback lifestyle, this may not be realistic as the limited number of jobs and a high level of competition could make things difficult. In contrast, most major cities across Europe, Asia and Latin America have a high demand for teachers, making employment...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]

You are ready to jump into teaching ESL online, but do you require a TEFL certificate to land a good online teaching job? Generally, the answer is yes, a TEFL certificate is required or considered an asset for the majority of the highest-paying online teaching jobs. Even though it might not be a requirement for all teaching platforms out there, your pay when teaching online as a certified TEFL teacher will be higher with certification than without certification. Completing a TEFL course also gives you the confidence and abilities necessary to teach someone a foreign language, which is no simple undertaking! Aside from a TEFL certificate, there are a few other requirements for teaching English online, which we will explore here. In most cases, you will need to meet the following...  [Read more]

TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language; TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The two terms are generally interchangeable. A TEFL/TESOL certificate is the major qualification required to teach English abroad. There is a huge demand for teachers around the world with opportunities in almost every country. Taking a TEFL/TESOL Certificate course provides the opportunity to travel and work around the world, to gain knowledge and experience of foreign cultures and languages and to embark upon a career in teaching. No previous teaching experience or specialist qualifications are required. The only requirement is fluency in English. TEFL/TESOL employment prospects for graduates of our courses are excellent. You will find teaching job opportunities throughout the world,...  [Read more]

YES. One of the many attractions of teaching English abroad is that you are free to choose the country or city where you would prefer to live and work. As demand for English language teachers is so high in many parts of the world, there is undoubtedly somewhere that is perfect for everyone. Whether you dream of living in Barcelona, Bangkok or Bogota, with an internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certification the world is your oyster. However, the requirements for foreign teachers do vary greatly from one country to the next, and they may limit the options that are open to you. Before making any final plans, it is highly recommended that you research the requirements for your country of choice. In some cases, language schools are restricted to only hiring teachers who hold citizenship...  [Read more]

What does TEFL mean?    The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is commonly used to refer to training courses that almost anyone can take to learn the skills and knowledge required to teach English to non-native speakers in countries all over the world. What is the difference between TESOL and TEFL?    TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These descriptions are generally used interchangeably, however, TESOL is more common in the USA and TEFL is more common in the UK. Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?    Although it is possible to teach abroad without a TEFL certificate, we recommended that you complete a TEFL...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world and get paid while doing it, but what does it actually involve? Before you buy a plane ticket and jet off across the world it is a good idea to research as much as possible about TEFL qualifications, the possible restrictions you might encounter when applying for jobs, and the long term prospects this path might lead to. Here we look at the answers to all these questions and more. These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used...  [Read more]

The worldwide job market for native-English speakers with a TEFL certification is simply huge. Whether you head to Europe, Asia, Latin America or even Africa, you will have plenty of countries to choose from. However, if you dream of living and working in an English-speaking country, you might find it a little more difficult. While English language instruction is generally in high demand in English-speaking countries, the necessary teachers can normally be found within the country's own population, leaving little need to hire teachers from abroad. Another stumbling block is that work permits and visas can be particularly difficult to secure, especially for American citizens. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule so it is still possible to fulfill your dream. There are many...  [Read more]

The high demand for English language teachers worldwide offers English speakers from all walks of life exciting opportunities to live and travel abroad. In most cases, you do not need any prior teaching experience to teach English overseas. Moving to another country to live, work, and travel, on the other hand, will necessitate careful planning and foresight. Good research is also essential to ensuring that you do it correctly. Teaching English abroad, like any new endeavor, can present challenges, and you will most likely be nervous at first. However, your TEFL certification training will provide you with the skills necessary to lead your own classroom, where you will teach the fundamentals of grammar and conversation, as well as prepare lessons and manage a classroom. You must meet...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is an increasingly popular career option for native English speakers of all ages. Knowledge of the English language and the ability to use it are also in increasing demand all over the world. Because of the high demand for teachers and the growing popularity of teaching abroad, certification to be a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher is fast becoming a requirement for most schools. This certification is often referred to as a TEFL or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. 'A TEFL certificate is the standard international EFL qualification for working abroad as an English teacher' (International TEFL Teacher Training, http://www.teflonline.net/). The training provided in a TEFL course prepares the...  [Read more]

The good news is there is no real age restrictions on who can take a TEFL course and then go on to teach English abroad. At ITTT we do require you to be at least 18 years old to enroll on our courses but there are certainly no upper age limits. Over the years we have successfully trained people of all ages, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers as English language teachers. As long as you are a native or near-native English speaker who is keen to learn new skills and is open to new ideas, then your age should be no barrier to your success. Although a large number of new TEFL graduates are in their 20s, it doesn't mean they are always the most sought after by employers. Yes, there are many employers around the world who are only interested in recruiting younger teachers...  [Read more]

Do you want to teach English abroad, but are not sure if a TEFL certificate is going to get you there? The good news is that, as most countries and individual employers do not require an advanced teaching license, a TEFL certificate is usually enough to land a job in many areas. In some countries a bachelor's degree is also required, but there are still plenty of others where having a TEFL certificate is all you need. It is estimated that over a billion individuals are learning English around the world. This, paired with an English teacher shortage in many countries, is fantastic news for TEFL teachers because it demonstrates that TEFL jobs are widely available all around the world. Teachers who take a TEFL course will have a wide range of choices in the international job market. They can...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is an increasingly popular career option for native English speakers of all ages. Knowledge of the English language and the ability to use it are also in increasing demand all over the world. Because of the high demand for teachers and the growing popularity of teaching abroad, certification to be a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher is fast becoming a requirement for most schools. This certification is often referred to as a TEFL or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. ?A TEFL certificate is the standard international EFL qualification for working abroad as an English teacher? (International TEFL Teacher Training, http://www.teflonline.net/). The training provided in a TEFL course ...  [Read more]

Our TEFL course in Ecuador is in the city of Loja, the capital of Loja Province in the south of the country. Loja is a quiet and safe city known as the music and cultural capital of Ecuador because of its long history in the arts. Throughout the city are public displays of art dotted such as statures and frescoes and a thriving music scene. The colonial district is home to many example of Spanish architecture such as the beautiful Church of San Sebastian and the city gates. Throughout the year you are sure to find some type of musical or cultural event happening in one of the city’s squares and it is truly a pleasure to walk around the cobbled streets soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the entertainment. Just a short journey outside of the city is the Podocarpus National Park, a...  [Read more]

A TEFL course is a very unique course in that once qualified the world is literally your oyster!! Or as quoted by TEFL International ?the world is your classroom? (2) For all those hungry for travel but thought they were too old, for those who didn?t want to book the standard RTW trip or waste a year of their life saving for it!, for those that want to travel whilst learning a new skill, for those that want to seek out the more remote parts of the world and experience living in and with different cultures, for those who want to meet like minded people, for those who want a career break, for those who want a career!, for those who want to better their teaching skills, for those who want to make their dreams come true, for those who just want to get away from their...  [Read more]

The world’s only island city-state, Singapore is a cosmopolitan, tropical metropolis where people from all over the world live and work. In this exotic city you can sip your espresso on the balcony while watching as massive tropical thunderstorms roll in one minute only to be quickly replaced by gorgeous sunshine the next. Once known as the “Jewel of the British Empire”, Singapore’s British past can be seen in buildings such as the Raffles Hotel named after the founder of Singapore; Stamford Raffles, street names and numerous statues and other monuments. Singapore abounds with interesting things to see and do. A visit to Sentosa Island, home to Universal Studios Singapore, Madame Tussauds and the SEA Aquarium, is a must for any visitor. Clarke Quay, Arab Street and Boat Quay will...  [Read more]

For non-EU citizens who want to teach English in Europe it can be a frustrating experience when it comes to getting a work visa. Due to this frustration, many teachers decide to work with only their initial tourist visa in their passport. Although this is technically illegal, it is a widespread practice in some of the most popular destinations such as France, Italy and Spain, and it rarely causes any problems. However, if this approach does not appeal to you, a student visa might be the answer. By enrolling in a local language course, you get to learn French, Italian or Spanish, while also being free to legally work as an EFL teacher for a certain number of hours each week. It is recommended that you allow a minimum of four weeks for the application to be processed. You should also...  [Read more]

Mexico is an increasingly popular destination for teaching English abroad as it has a huge job market and it is possible for most foreign teachers to obtain a work visa. Another reason for its popularity is that foreign teachers do not need to possess a four-year degree or be a native English speaker to secure a good quality position. As long as you have completed a TEFL certification course with a reputable provider you are eligible to apply for a work visa. With this official stamp in your passport you will be free to enjoy all the fantastic culture, stunning beaches, and bustling nightlife that Mexico has to offer. There are very few restrictions on who can apply for a work visa for teaching English in Mexico. Passport holders from all countries except North Korea and Iran are...  [Read more]

Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad for many different reasons, including the buoyant job market, laid-back culture, great climate, and fabulous cuisine. Jobs are available year-round in most major towns and cities, but are you eligible to join the many thousands of people teaching English across Spain right now? This is one of the most common questions asked by those who dream of living and working in Spain, and the answer is NO, you do not need a university degree to teach English in Spain. There is no legal requirement for English teachers to have a degree and demand is so high that most employers are also unconcerned about your degree status. Most employers in Spain prefer to hire native English speakers as this is what local students are...  [Read more]

Teaching English online is now firmly embedded in the TEFL world and many thousands of teachers find it a convenient way to earn a living without having to leave home or when traveling the world. However, despite not actually working in a physical classroom, online teachers still have to meet the same kind of criteria as those working in a traditional classroom environment. So, what do you need in order to take advantage of this rapidly growing sector of EFL teaching? The requirements for teaching online vary from one employer to the next, but there are a few common factors that many look for. Most online employers will expect you to have completed a TEFL course of at least 120 hours as this is the minimum level needed to cover all the most important areas of EFL teaching. If you also...  [Read more]

Teaching English without a degree is, fortunately, possible. Regardless of your educational history, there are plenty of language schools that will be happy to employ you. True, having a degree opens up more doors and opportunities, but if you don't have one, there is no reason to let that stop you from pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad. The question of whether you need a degree to find a teaching position is arbitrary, as it is with many other occupations. There is no reason why an English teacher with a university degree would be more effective than one without. Certain traits (passion, commitment, and the ability to create rapport with your students, for example) are more important than a college diploma in this career, as they are in many others. It is important to note,...  [Read more]

When deciding to pursue a career teaching English as a foreign language abroad, it is extremely beneficial?and in many cases, required? to receive a form of certification. This can best be done by taking a course that both orients and trains new teachers on the methods and ideologies behind language teaching and learning. There are a plethora of courses available that promise to give teachers the resources and experience necessary to obtain a position teaching English overseas. Four main certification options exist?the CELTA, which is a standardized teaching program, the TEFL, whose program can vary depending on the institution where it is conducted, the TESOL/TESL, which is usually offered through universities, and Online TEFL Courses, which are not standardized...  [Read more]

When deciding to pursue a career teaching English as a foreign language abroad, it is extremely beneficial?and in many cases, required? to receive a form of certification. This can best be done by taking a course that both orients and trains new teachers on the methods and ideologies behind language teaching and learning. There are a plethora of courses available that promise to give teachers the resources and experience necessary to obtain a position teaching English overseas. Four main certification options exist?the CELTA, which is a standardized teaching program, the TEFL, whose program can vary depending on the institution where it is conducted, the TESOL/TESL, which is usually offered through universities, and online TEFL courses, which are not standardized...  [Read more]

It is definitely possible to teach English without a degree. There are plenty of language schools that will gladly hire you regardless of your educational background. Even though having a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there is no reason for not pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad if you don't possess a degree. The question of whether a degree is required to find a teaching job is arbitrary, as it is for many other occupations. There is no reason why a university-educated English teacher would be more effective than one who does not possess a degree. One might argue that certain characteristics, such as passion, commitment, and the ability to establish rapport with your students, are far more important than a college diploma in this career. These qualities should,...  [Read more]

Many potential TEFL trainees come to us and ask whether they need to speak another language in order to teach English overseas or online. The good news is the answer is most definitely NO, you do not need to have any language skills other than a thorough understanding of the English language. Obviously, if you do speak the native language of the country you intend to live and work in it can be a real help in many ways, but it is not normally required by the employer. The specific requirements for teaching English abroad or online will vary depending on the country and the individual employer. In all cases a thorough understanding of the mechanics of English will be required. On top of that, a TEFL certificate from a reputable course provider is usually a must, while some jobs will also...  [Read more]

Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and visuals. ...  [Read more]

If you are bored with the everyday grind and want a new life that is full of travel and adventure, TEFL could be the perfect option for you. First you need to choose the right TEFL course to suit your situation and then work your way through the training. Once you have completed the course and you have your TEFL certificate in hand you will be ready to head overseas to start work as an English language teacher in the country of your choice. These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used...  [Read more]

Many fully certified teachers choose to teach abroad rather than stay in their home country. Some newly qualified teachers may find it difficult to find suitable employment, so they travel abroad to obtain useful classroom experience, while others may simply be looking for something different. Whatever your motivation, teaching is one of the few professions that allows you to develop your skills and knowledge, gain experience, and increase your employability while traveling the world and seeking out new countries and cultures. If you believe this is the right path for you, the next step is to consider how you will differentiate your CV/resume when applying for the best opportunities in the most exciting locations. A TEFL certificate is required in many cases, even for qualified teachers....  [Read more]

Asia is the hottest destination for teaching English abroad right now and Taiwan is one of the most popular locations in the region. The government of Taiwan recently announced an ambitious plan to make the country bilingual Chinese – English by 2030, something that offers a big increase in opportunities for English language teachers in the coming years. Along with the buoyant job market, other great attractions for teachers are the high salaries and extra benefits, a low cost of living, the warm and tropical climate, and a well earned reputation as one of the friendliest nations in the world. You have to be over 20 years old and be a native English speaker with a passport from the USA, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia. A university degree in any subject...  [Read more]

Whether you are just looking to earn some extra cash during a gap-year or are planning a more serious move into the world of education, teaching English as a foreign language has many benefits. The demand for TEFL qualified teachers is continually growing in many parts of the world and opportunities for making teaching a career are abundant. Also, if you decide that it is time to head back home, there are many directions in which your overseas teaching experience can take you. Although for many TEFL course graduates the aim is to head overseas to experience living and working in a foreign culture, it is not the only option. Plenty of people use their teaching qualification within their home country as increasing levels of immigration have led to a rapid increase in demand for ESL...  [Read more]