With so many options for teaching English abroad, it can be difficult to decide which route to take. One question that often comes up is whether or not you need to get TEFL certified in order to teach. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. While there are some countries that require certification, in others it is not necessary. In some cases, certification can even give you a leg up on the competition. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of getting TEFL certified if you want to teach English abroad. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right certification program for you.
What is TEFL certification?
There are many different types of TEFL certification, but the most common and internationally recognized is the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). This certification is offered by Cambridge University and can be completed either online or in person. There are also many other organizations that offer TEFL certification, but CELTA is generally considered the gold standard.
TEFL certification is not required in all countries, but it can be helpful in landing a job. Many schools prefer to hire teachers who have been certified, as it shows that you have a certain level of knowledge and experience. Even if certification is not required, it can still be a good idea to get certified, as it will make you a more competitive candidate.
If you’re thinking about getting TEFL certified, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you choose a reputable program from an accredited organization. There are many scams out there, so do your research before enrolling in any program. Second, remember that getting certified is just the first step – you’ll also need to gain some teaching experience before you can land a job abroad. Finally, keep in mind that salaries for ESL teachers vary widely depending on the country and school where you work, so don’t expect to get rich quick!
The benefits of getting TEFL certified
If you want to teach English abroad, getting TEFL certified is one of the best things you can do.
Here are some of the benefits of getting TEFL certified:
- It gives you the skills and knowledge you need to be a great English teacher.
- It shows employers that you are serious about teaching English and that you have the skills they are looking for.
- It can help you get a better job with better pay.
- It can help you get a visa to teach in some countries.
- It can give you confidence in your ability to teach English effectively.
The drawbacks of getting TEFL certified
There are a few potential drawbacks to getting TEFL certified if you want to teach abroad. One is that the process can be quite expensive. Certification courses can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and you may need to pay for travel and other expenses related to attending the course. Additionally, there is no guarantee that you will be able to get a job teaching English after getting certified. While certification may improve your chances of being hired, many schools prefer to hire teachers who have previous experience teaching or working with students.
How to get TEFL certified
There are many schools and organizations that offer TEFL certification courses?both online and in-person. While the cost of these courses can vary, most hover around the $1,000 mark.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a course:
- It is important to make sure that the course you choose is accredited.
- The length of the course is also something to consider. Some programs offer four-week intensive in-person courses, while others are self-paced online courses that can be completed over the span of a couple of months.
- Think about what kind of support system the program offers. Many will pair you with a mentor or provide job placement assistance after you complete the course.
Once you’ve decided on a course, there are a few other steps to take to get TEFL certified:
- Complete the training and pass any required exams.
- Get your certificate notarized if you’re planning on teaching abroad.
- Check with your desired country’s embassy or consulate to see if they have any additional requirements for foreign teachers.
With a little bit of time and effort, you can be on your way to teaching English abroad!
What are the requirements for teaching abroad?
There are a few requirements you?ll need to meet before you can start teaching abroad. Most programs require that you have a bachelor?s degree, although some may accept candidates with an associate?s degree or equivalent. Many programs also require that you be a native English speaker or have near-native proficiency in the language.
In addition to these general requirements, each country has its own specific requirements for teaching English as a foreign language. For example, in South Korea, teachers must have a bachelor?s degree, be between the ages of 25 and 59, and have a clean criminal record. In China, on the other hand, teachers only need to be native English speakers with a bachelor?s degree; there is no minimum age requirement and criminal background checks are not required.
Before you apply to any teaching abroad program, make sure you research the specific requirements for the country where you want to teach. That way, you can be sure you meet all the necessary qualifications and can start your adventure abroad as soon as possible!
Conclusion
There is no one answer to whether or not you should get TEFL certified if you want to teach abroad. Ultimately, it depends on your goals and preferences. If you want to have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of countries and settings, getting certified may give you a better chance at landing a job. However, if you’re not interested in getting certified or are only interested in teaching in a specific country, you may be able to find work without certification. Whichever route you choose, make sure to do your research so that you know what options are available to you.
