| ESL (which means English as a Second Language) | | | | be a native speaker; this means that either the USA, |
| and TEFL (which means Teach English as a Foreign | | | | Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland |
| Language) essentially mean the same thing, which is | | | | or the UK is your home country, and that English is |
| teaching English to people who do not speak English | | | | your first language. You can be any age from 18 to 80; |
| as their first language. It means you can: travel the | | | | though those under 21 or over 50 may find it more |
| world; interact with a range of new people; learn new | | | | difficult to find a teaching position. |
| skills. | | | | Most ESL / TEFL jobs require you to have a university |
| To teach English to those who are not native English | | | | degree, however, that degree does not need to be an |
| speakers you should have a solid grasp of the English | | | | English or teaching related one. You can find ESL / |
| language yourself and feel confident in your ability to | | | | TEFL jobs should you not be a degree holder but you: |
| express and explain what you know to other people. | | | | will only be able to choose from a handful of countries; |
| Having the following attributes will also be of benefit to | | | | will likely be offered lesser paid jobs; will have |
| you: a friendly and confident manner; good time | | | | difficulties getting a work permit (which you need to |
| management / planning skills; the ability to work under | | | | work abroad legally). |
| pressure; flexibility; clear speech / pronunciation. | | | | ESL / TEFL specific qualifications are not needed in |
| The main job responsibilities include: preparing and | | | | order to teach English abroad, but you will be able to |
| delivering English lessons; assessing students ability and | | | | choose from more jobs, and will be paid more, if you |
| potential; giving students feedback on their work. | | | | have them. A quality ESL / TEFL course program |
| Different methods of teaching that can be | | | | should consist of: a minimum of 100 hours of study; at |
| implemented into your classes include: conversation; | | | | least 6 hours teaching real students under the |
| comprehension exercises; games; songs; flashcards; | | | | supervision of an experienced teacher; accreditation |
| role-plays; videos; debates; pair work; group projects. | | | | from an overseeing body (a university or examining |
| An ESL / TEFL teachers role is focused on | | | | board). |
| conversation, rather than grammar, and it is generally | | | | The most recognized, trusted and preferred ESL / |
| accepted that teachers speak only in English for the | | | | TEFL qualifications are the Cambridge Celta and the |
| duration of their classes; the ability to speak a foreign | | | | Trinity CertTesol. These courses involve: sessions on |
| language not being necessary for teaching English | | | | classroom management and teaching materials; |
| abroad. | | | | observed teaching practice; assessed written modules. |
| The vast majority of ESL / TEFL jobs require you to | | | | |