What is TEFL?

TEFL stands for "Teaching English as a Foreign Language". It can also be called TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The difference between the two is small. In order to teach English to non-native speakers, most people take a TEFL qualification. There are many different types of course to choose from, however.

We recommend that anyone embarking on a career in English language teaching take a recognised qualification. For further information please click here

The simple answer is almost anywhere in the world.

There are centres throughout the world that provide TEFL courses. It is your choice as to where you do it, and there are many things to think about.

You should check whether the course on offer meets the British Council requirements (or accepted alternative). Think about where you want to teach and whether the certificate that you get will be accepted in that country. For example, in some Far East countries, British Council recognition is not always required, whereas it is much more prominent and expected in the UK. Remember that you may want to teach in summer schools in the UK, in which case, you will normally need a recognised qualification.

A TEFL course is not cheap. It is a teaching certificate that is recognised worldwide which requires serious input and as such, the prices are expensive. In most places in England you can expect to pay around £1000 upwards for a full time intensive course.

You can also study for your TEFL certificate abroad. Sometimes it is a bit cheaper, and it is also a chance to see a foreign country. Some companies offer placement programmes after the course, either in their own school, or in other partner schools.

It is important to think about the following, though:

• How will you adapt to the culture shock?
Going abroad can be difficult at the best of times. Going abroad to study an intensive course, sometimes with high stress situations, can increase the stress felt by living in an alien culture.
• Are you actually saving anything?
  Even though the advertised course itself may be cheaper, by the time you factor in flights and living expenses, will it actually be more expensive for you to do it abroad than in your own country?
• Where will you stay?
  If you choose to do the course in another country, accommodation is not always provided. If you choose to stay in a hotel or hostel, will you be able to find the time/space to study?
• Is it going to be useful for you to do it abroad?
  Are there employment opportunities? Can you see yourself staying in that country on a long-term basis? What are the specific benefits of doing it in another country rather than in your own?

When can I do a TEFL course?

Different courses provide TEFL training at different times of year. When you are thinking about taking a course, it is important to consider the academic year start dates in the country that you are going to teach, and which kind of institution you want to teach in. A good way to gain experience is to teach for a few weeks at a summer school, before you go on to a year round position. Many schools have recruitment drives from the beginning of the year, and many schools are willing to offer you a position subject to you passing the course, assuming you pass the interview stage.