TEFL International - What, How And Why

Teaching English as a Foreign Language or TEFLOne important condition for TEFL teachers being
refers to teaching English to the people of non-Englishaccepted is the length of their certificate. In this, the
speaking origin. Essentially it refers to English teachinggeneral norm is 120 hour course. That is what
to those people whose mother tongue is other thanemployers generally look for in a TEFL certificate.
English and who have not learnt this language so far.Persons who want to take up this profession should
Anyone with sufficient proficiency in English languageundergo 120 hour course for quick selection and higher
can teach English to those who do not know thissalary. Teachers with extra teaching practice ad
language. TEFL is mostly spoken in the context ofexperience are more likely being selected much faster.
several Asian, African, European and South AmericanOf course there are institutions which provide 20 hour
countries. The notable ones where TEFL or TESL iscourse, online and other refresher and short-term
popular are Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand,courses. One should always consider factors like the
Taiwan, Russia, Vietnam, France, Italy, Spain, Poland,location of the courses, the fees, the timing, testimonials
Brazil, Germany, Costa Rica, Mexico etc.etc. One important guiding factor is to network with
Many people have made a nice profession out of it.those who have already undergone such courses and
Besides making more than average earnings, they cantheir post certification experience.
enjoy paid international travel, different experiencesThere is no uniform policy regarding compensation to
and make worldwide friends.TEFL tutors. This varies from candidate to candidate
Two basic qualifications for becoming an internationaland country to country. Specific factors that are highly
TEFL teacher are an intermediate degree in anyrelevant to the rate of pay are teacher's qualifications,
subject and TEFL certificate.experience, training and level of expertise.
There are no accredited institutions providing TEFLOther major factors affecting the amount of
certification. However, numerous organizations arecompensation are the level of development of a
conducting TEFL courses both offline and online andcountry, local conditions and the level of desirability of
awarding TEFL or TESL certificates.teaching in those areas. In most cases there will be a
International language schools in different countriesfair level of compensation.
have their own norms for selection of foreign trainedOne should also be aware that this is an unregulated
English teachers to teach English in their countries.industry. There is room for exploitation right from
Usual factors which they see in this are the length andundertaking a TEFL course to actually landing at the
composition of courses., the nationality and origin ofplace of teaching. One should be careful in selecting
English tutors, reputation of institutions providing TEFL,TEFL institutions, countries and employers. Pay
previous references, quality of teaching etc.attention to contracts and living conditions. One should
Generally English teachers from UK, Australia andknow everything about an employer. All precautions
North America enjoy a higher reputation andshould be taken against being scammed. Above all,
recognition. TEFL certificates issued by native Englishdon't pay anything for getting selected.
institutions like those in UK carry a greater weight age.