| Every year thousands of adventuresome souls leave | | | | of 6 hours of practicum. Some countries and schools |
| their home country for six months or more with goals | | | | will require this. You should also consider taking a |
| of teaching English abroad. Yet a common question | | | | course that provides you with a CELTA certificate. |
| for those without experience teaching English abroad | | | | 2. Evaluate your personal goals (short-term teaching |
| is, "will an online TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a | | | | opportunity, cross-cultural experience, learning the local |
| Foreign Language) be sufficient?" | | | | language, etc). If you are not seeking a 3-5 year term |
| The answer varies depending on your short or | | | | as a "professional" TEFL teacher, an online TEFL |
| long-term goals, the country in which you intend to | | | | course could very well be sufficient to prepare you for |
| teach English abroad, and ultimately the requirements | | | | the time in front of your students. |
| of the teaching institution. | | | | 3. Consult with your recruiter and/or the local teaching |
| 1. Evaluate your personal goals (professional TEFL | | | | institution. |
| teacher / TESOL teacher) | | | | The people in these organizations know what is |
| If your goals are for teaching English abroad for 3 | | | | required and what will be accepted or not regarding |
| years or more, you should strongly consider taking an | | | | TEFL / TESOL certification. |
| in-classroom TEFL course of 120 hours and a minimum | | | | |