TEFL Online vs TEFL Full Time

What is the difference between TEFL on-line courses and TEFL 4 week, onsite courses? This is the magic question I get asked over and over again.

While I realize, given the economic situation, that taking an on-line course is tempting because of its dramatically low price it should still be avoided. Why is it so low in the first place? You get what you pay for.

I can't speak for Asia, however in Europe, Turkey and North Africa, English institutions that hire look for a certificate that provided "Observed Teacher Practice" no exceptions. On-line courses can't do that. But there are other reasons as well. Below are the advantages of taking the TESOL/TEFL Certificate (full- time, 4 week course)in the country/region of your choice.



1. You can get acclimated gradually in the country/culture while you still have a support system (training centres usually provide services such as airport pickup, arrange housing during the course, and provide local orientation). Its easier then, to extend housing or even find cheaper housing during the month you're taking the course inorder to remain after the course is finished

2. You can be sure your certificate will be recognized by local employers and the training centre can give you invaluable contacts and advice regarding reputable local
employers as well as those who pay the best.

3. A standard certificate for Europe is 120 hours on-site, including at least 6 hours of supervised practice teaching on real students (not peer trainees). Online programs aren't well-accepted by reputable employers.

4. Your "teacher practice" will be composed of native/local students which will be representative of those you’ll be working with when you start your job.

5. Finally, jobs in Europe and North Africa aren't normally found from abroad. You really need to be here with a cell phone and C.V.s in person to get interviews. There are rarely if ever exceptions to this.

Ultimately, if you want to live abroad, you have to come on over. So why not get started by taking a TESOL course in the country/region of your choice and take advantage of that time to make the transition. I know that showing up to a foreign country can be daunting but if you want something you've never had, you have to do some things you've never done.

Come and Join Us!

Non- Native vs. Native English Teacher

Often, I am asked, "Is it possible for a non-native English speaker, who speaks English well, to teach English?" First off, the answer is YES. World-wide, the majority of English teachers are non-natives. While I will admit that a lot of schools/a lot of regions in the world are ideally looking for native English speakers as teachers, they do often hire non-natives. This is due to the fact that there are simply not enough native English speakers in supply to meet the demand for English learners around the world.

The question is not, "Is it possible for a non-native speaker to teach English?" the question is "Where are the best places/regions for non-natives to find a job teaching English?" I'll start with the parts of the world where I think it would be most difficult.

1. Japan, Korea and Taiwan are not possible because in order to get a working visa to teach English in these countries you must hold a native- English speaking passport. Conversely, if you happen to have the native tongue of a language that is in demand in these countries, you can teach that language. So, if you are French, for example, you can get a job/visa to teach French.

2. Native English speaking countries could be very difficult. There is a decent supply of Native English speakers. However, I would'nt say impossible simply because in the England and the U.S.,at least, there is a huge need for ESL teachers but not enough nationals interested in taking the posts. So while I deem them difficult, its definitely possible. You'd most likely have to look for jobs teaching asylum seekers and such.

3. University work could be difficult as well seeing as they often have a lot of pesky requirements and are usually not desperate for new teachers.

Now, lets get to where I think it is possible;

1. Your home country. Even if you come from a country where job ads call for native speakers, chances are they are not getting enough to meet the demand. As a national, you will be desirable because visas and paperwork are not an issue.

2. Any big city in any country (that I didn't mention as difficult) where there is a demand for English that can't be met. I'll give a few examples;

In France, in many regions, they will only take native English speakers. However, in Paris, Toulouse or Marseille, they can't find enough native English speakers so I have graduates who work in these cities who are non- natives.

In any big city in China, there is a demand for English that will never be met. Again, even if they are advertising for native English speakers, chances are they are not finding enough so apply anyway.

In the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the same rules apply. You should still send out your C.V. to job ads requesting natives as they probably are'nt getting enough applicants.

Of course after saying all this, your dream of teaching English is not going to fly unless you have a TESOL/TEFL or CELTA certification. Certification legitimizes your efforts.

Taking a TESOL Course at Home vs. Abroad

Often, I am asked which is better... To take a teacher training program in my native home country where it is usually less expensive as opposed to taking the course in the country where I ultimately want to work. The answer is simple.

No matter which country you prefer or which provider appeals to you and no matter whether its TESOL, CELTA or Trinity, always, always take the course in the country where you would like to work. I'll explain why... Lets focus on Europe for a moment seeing as there are more challenges to find employment;

Europe is a region where many teachers would like to work and travel therefore there is a decent amount of competition for jobs. This means that you would definitely need a certificate. This is best done in the country where you want to start as there are many of advantages.

1. You can get acclimated gradually in the country/culture while you still have a support system (training centres usually provide services such as airport pickup, arrange housing during the course, and provide local orientation).

2. You can be sure your certificate will be recognized by local employers and the training centre can give you invaluable contacts and advice regarding reputable local
employers as well as those who pay the best.

3. A standard certificate for Europe is 120 hours on-site, including at least 6 hours of supervised practice teaching on real students (not peer trainees). Online programs aren't well-accepted by reputable employers.

4. Your "teacher practice" will be composed of native/local students which will be representative of those you’ll be working with when you start your job.

5. Finally, jobs in Europe aren't normally found from abroad. You really need to be here with a cell phone and C.V.s in person to get interviews. There are rarely if ever exceptions to this.

Is a TESOL/TEFL Course Right for You?

As most people already know The TESOL(Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) Certificate is designed to allow native English speakers to travel to different parts of the world (where English is in demand) and teach English. The biggest benefit is you can travel and see the world and earn money along the way to support this travel lust. All of this is essentially true however what I have defined above is not for everyone. Or more specifically, not for everyone's goals.

Who is this Certifcate for?

Native or Near Native English speakers 21 or over in good health

I use the age of 21 because in many countries, a university degree is required for being issued a work visa. However this is not the case for all countries. Although it may require you to work a bit harder in some countries to find a job.

There is no age limit as long as the person in question is in good physical and mental condition. Almost every course, we get a few people over fifty which adds to the quality of the course.

People who want to live in a country other than their own

The TESOL Certificate really is designed to teach in a non-native English speaking country. That said, due to the lack of ESOL teachers in the United States and England, it is possible to find an ESL position in your home country provided you agree to continue your education in the field. I do have former expatriate friends who have returned home and found positions without much difficulty.

People who are able to spend at least one year in a given country and teach English

The idea of travelling the world and teaching English conjures up romantic images for many people. They imagine themselves as free spirits who are in one country one day and who could end up in a completely different part of the world the next.

While a lot of that is true, know that teaching contracts are typically one year, sometimes two. Yes contracts can be broken but if you are some one who chronically leaves after a few months, you'll find it increasingly difficult to get the next job. Yes, contracts cramp our inner free sprit but understand that there are few countries that offer short term work (3-4 months)that pays. Plan to commit to at least a year in one place.

People who want an ESL teaching position to support only themselves and maybe one other person

We do not join the ESL biz to become rich or to support an entire family by ourselves. We do it to spend a long time outside of our home country. That said no matter which country we look at, ESL teachers are well-paid as is proportionate to the standard of living in the host country. It is enough to live comfortably on for one person, maybe two, assuming the second person is not too demanding.

People who just want to teach a little English and travel, that's all

If you are looking to climb a corporate ladder, rest assured there isn't one in the ESL jungle. Well, let's just say it's a short one. What this means is, don't take an ESL position expecting promotions, significant pay raises and title positions. You will be hired as a teacher and after a few years you will still be a teacher. Yes, its possible to rise to head teacher and get a little more money. It is possible to get more trainning and make attempts at being a director of studies but that is about it along the direct line from English teacher.

TESOL/TEFL Guide

- TESOL a guide towards a Teaching English career -

TESOL is the abbreviated form of an internationally acknowledged diploma course.The full form is Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages. This degree willenable you to become a teacher to the mass whose native tongue is not English. Thiscourse will train you in the basic approaches; prime teaching methods and learningtechniques to teach English effectively to foreign pupils with diverse studentprofiles and dissimilar requirements.

TEFL and TESOL

The acronyms TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (TeachingEnglish to Speakers of Other Languages) can often be confusing. Both terms are usedinterchangeably and effectively mean the same thing. In both cases, the aim isteaching English to those whose first language is not English, worldwide.

A TESOL Qualification adds to your worth

Most countries consider a TESOL certification a pre-requisite to securing a jobas a teacher in the English language.
The TESOL training program familiarizes you with systematic lesson plans,effective classroom management and efficient teaching techniques.
Your fundamental knowledge of the language and grammar skills is furtherstrengthened before facing a classroom of learners.
The program brings out your best teaching skills, and the training imparted givesyou hands on teaching experience.
There is a great demand worldwide for TESOL teachers and this opens a whole newvista of career opportunities.

Teaching Prospects after TESOL

Many primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities require qualifiedEnglish language instructor. Having a TESOL certificate can brighten up yourprospect as an English teacher around the globe.

The best career option for a new TESOL pass out is in the domain of a privateschool where you can teach both grown ups and kids usually through conversation.

You may even get lucky as a teacher in a business house. Here you only have totoil for one to two hours each week.

Private tuition is another option if you can set up a group of students. Here youhave to interact with your students directly.

The icing on the cake is that you can travel and see the world while you earn.The countries that you can visit and teach English with your TESOL qualificationinclude Japan, Vietnam, South Korea , China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan in Asia;Turkey, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland in Europe; and Chile, Peru, Brazil andArgentina in South America, amongst others.

Other TESOL Advantages

The vital reward is your right to use the available information, seek aid andassistance even after finishing your graduation long ago. You are admitted to enterthe worldwide job databases, seek information about recruitments, and look forguides to different countries and more. You can benefit from discussion forums, canshare concepts and ideas or seek help through Internet chat rooms. You can make yourclasses better by downloading array of resources and ideas for ensuing lessons.

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