Absolutely YES! Large numbers of non-native English speakers complete our TEFL courses each year and go on to have successful careers teaching English either in their home country or further afield. In order to successfully complete the course you will need to demonstrate a high standard of English, but it is certainly not a barrier that will stop you from becoming a fully qualified EFL teacher.
Are there any advantages to being a non-native English language teacher?
In many cases being a non-native English speaker can actually be an advantage in the classroom as you have already been through the same experience that your students are currently facing. This can help to build a good rapport between the students and the teacher as they are often less afraid of making mistakes in this situation. It can also provide the students with a real incentive to succeed when taught by a teacher who has started from the same position as every other person in the room. Another common advantage that non-native speakers have is that their understanding of English grammar is generally better than that of native speakers simply because they have had to learn it from scratch.
Where do non-native English language teachers teach?
A large percentage of non-native English speakers complete a TEFL course with the intention of teaching in their country of origin. This has many advantages for both the teacher and the students. For the teacher it means they do not have to compete for work with native English speakers in an unfamiliar country. The students also benefit from the mutual understanding of cultural and language issues. Qualified teachers will also find that their services are welcomed by employers in many fascinating countries all around the world. Whether you plan on staying in your home country or want to travel and teach your way across the globe, as long as you are a fluent speaker of English there is no reason why you cannot make your dreams a reality.
