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