Why should YOU get a TEFL certificate?
When it comes to teaching, people often assume they require a university education or qualification. In the case of the English language, all you need are four little letters: T-E-F-L. Well…almost.
What is TEFL?
More often than not, the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate – also referred to as TESOL, ELT and ESL – is the only qualification necessary to teach English (abroad) as a second language. In the unlikely event that a job may need a university education, the TEFL certificate will only benefit your application and possibly result in a higher salary.
How do I get a TEFL certificate?
To obtain a TEFL certificate you need to complete a course in teaching English; while this may sound unnecessary to native English speakers, it is actually vital because teaching a language is completely different to speaking it!
You can find various TEFL bundles depending on your specific needs, both online and on-site. The online courses are becoming increasingly popular as they provide the same qualification with the added bonus of flexible hours and the comfort of working from home. This is especially valuable for those who want to take a TEFL course but need to work or study during the day. As such, Come On Out eTEFL have created three different online packages which vary in price, content and length, in order to meet your personal needs! For more information on these bundles, please check out our page.
How much does a TEFL course cost?
Overall, online TEFL courses are the most affordable option for those looking to teach English abroad, with courses costing as low as $300! Although it comes with a price, it is relatively inexpensive compared to a higher education qualification or alternative courses such as the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
The CELTA is the most reputable English teaching qualification worldwide as it is provided by Cambridge University. As expected, it’s quite challenging but people tend to opt for it as they know it is well-accredited. The course is quite expensive and can cost up to $4,000.
However, don’t let this discourage you from chasing your dream of teaching English abroad because the CELTA is not a requirement, unless the job role has specifically asked for it! It’s definitely worth browsing the jobs you are interested in before investing in a course to avoid disappointment.
Where can I teach with a TEFL?
Some of the places you could teach include:
- Asia (Japan, China, Cambodia, Taiwan and South Korea)
- Europe (France, Germany, Spain and Cyprus)
- South America (Argentina and Ecuador)
- Even the U.K. and U.S.
Most people want to teach abroad because they want to discover different cultures, whilst also helping people and earning money. Once you’re TEFL-qualified you can do this to your heart’s desire! English teaching jobs are in abundance around the world.
The best part? You only need TEFL to get you there. To find the opportunity perfect for you, start by looking at the TEFL job centre.
As well as visiting new places and immersing yourself in different cultures, teaching English abroad can also benefit your personal development. Not only will you improve your English and teaching skills, but you will learn how to be a mentor and role model for someone else! Many people who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with learning online would really appreciate face-to-face lessons with a native English speaker — that’s you! You will interact with a broad range of individuals and make friends for a lifetime. So, are you ready to make a difference?
If you’re an undergraduate (or recent graduate) interested in teaching English in Japan, you can apply to the Come On Out – Japan Global English Camp 2021. This is a five week summer program where you teach high school students English and really get a gist of what teaching is like. If this sounds like something you would want to be involved in, come along to our info sessions and make sure to apply before December 1, 2020 to be considered in our early phase. Good luck!
