TESL/TEFL

Broadly speaking TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) means going overseas to teach English whereas TESL (teaching English as a second language) involves teaching English within your own country to those whose first language is not English. TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages) is a general term that covers TEFL and TESL.

The kind of students you will teach depends on the organisation you are working in. They range from refugees and immigrants to school or university students and people who need English for their careers. The opportunities for work are anywhere where people need to learn English – this could be in almost any country in the world. There are also jobs in the UK.

"People who are patient, good communicators, light hearted and open minded will thrive in this job."

TESOL teaching is not a nine-to-five graduate job

TEFL/TESL teaching does not follow a typical nine-to-five schedule and the length of the working day can vary significantly, as you teach when your students are available for study. For example, where I work we teach when our students aren’t working or studying – on weekday evenings and at the weekend. On any given day your number of ‘contact hours’ in the classroom might be anything from two to seven hours. Class size is also dependent on location and can range from a small group of 4 up to 20 students, depending on their age. You may also have assistants in the classroom if you are teaching young learners up to the age of 10.

Qualifications needed to become a TEFL teacher

The most widely recognised qualifications are the Cambridge certificate known as CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) and the Trinity TESOL certificate. Prospective teachers should also bear in mind that a university degree (in any discipline) is typically required, more often by the labour department of the country in which you are teaching rather than the language school. Make sure you look for a TEFL course that focuses on the kind of teaching you intend to go into and that it includes plenty of practical teaching tips and practice. Also check that it is widely accepted by prospective employers.

People who are patient, good communicators, light hearted and open minded will thrive in this job. TEFL experience may also help you decide whether to go into mainstream teaching in the UK or abroad, although you will need an initial teacher training qualification such as the PGCE if this is the path you choose.

Meet and work with teachers from other cultures

Working in TEFL gives you the opportunity to live and work in another country. You will be able to meet and work with people from other cultures in an often fun working environment. You’re not stuck behind a desk all day, worrying about deadlines and profit margins. However, if you do like a nine-to-five routine or want to make a lot of money, it’s probably not the right option for you.

We would like to thank Roy Twemlow, an English teacher for The British Council in Thailand for his help with this article.