Teaching Overseas Requirements

Yes, you can teach English abroad even if you have a different educational background. While having a degree in English, education, or a related field can be beneficial, it is not always a requirement. Many countries and language schools only require that you have a bachelor's degree in any subject to be eligible to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). Additionally, obtaining a TEFL certification can also enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive in the job market. Having a different educational background can even be an advantage in some cases. For example, if you have a degree in business, science, or technology, you may be able to find opportunities to teach English for specific purposes (ESP) in industries related to your field of study. Your unique background...  [Read more]

The British Council estimates there are 1.55 billion English language learners around the world, and at least 10.2 million English teachers. www.theguardian.com/education/2013/nov/07/tefl-for-british-language-learners A fair proportion of these learners will be taught in language schools and through private lessons, including online teaching. There do not appear to be any official figures as to the number of TEFL and TESOL training centers worldwide, but it would be a fair guess to say they number in the thousands. Most countries in the world control education through government regulation and oversight. This is also true of private education provision. This means that each country’s government tends to make the rules and regulations concerning the training standards required of ESL...  [Read more]

Getting your TEFL certificate authenticated for work abroad is an important step in the process of teaching English as a foreign language in another country. This authentication process ensures that your certificate is recognized and accepted by employers and educational institutions overseas. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to authenticate your TEFL certificate for work abroad: 1. **Understand the Authentication Process**: Before you begin the authentication process, it's essential to understand the requirements and procedures involved. Each country may have its specific authentication requirements, so it's crucial to research the guidelines for the country where you intend to work. 2. **Obtain a TEFL Certificate**: To authenticate your TEFL certificate, you must first complete a...  [Read more]

Before embarking on a journey to teach English abroad, there are several key factors to consider that will help you prepare for this rewarding yet challenging experience. First and foremost, it is essential to possess a recognized TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Many schools and language institutes abroad require teachers to hold a TEFL certification, so obtaining one will significantly enhance your job prospects. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the requirements for teaching English in the specific country where you plan to work. Each country has its own set of regulations and criteria for foreign English teachers, such as visa...  [Read more]

Yes, you can absolutely teach English abroad with a TEFL certificate even if you are a non-native speaker. Many countries and schools welcome non-native English speakers as long as they have a high level of proficiency in English and hold a recognized TEFL certification. In fact, being a non-native speaker can sometimes be an advantage as you can better understand the challenges your students may face in learning English as a second language. One important factor to consider is the specific requirements of the country or school where you wish to teach. Some countries may have stricter requirements for non-native speakers, such as higher English proficiency levels or additional teaching qualifications. It's essential to research these requirements before applying for teaching positions....  [Read more]

The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who meet the necessary criteria, the TAPIF Program could be the perfect way to fulfill your dream of living and working in France. The program is open to those aged between 20 and 35. Participants work 12 hours per week in up to three different elementary or secondary schools for a period of seven months, running from October 1st to April 30th. During the application process you can submit preferences for where you would like to be assigned, but your destination...  [Read more]

Whether you are just looking to earn some extra cash during a gap-year or are planning a more serious move into the world of education, teaching English as a foreign language has many benefits. The demand for TEFL qualified teachers is continually growing in many parts of the world and opportunities for making teaching a career are abundant. Also, if you decide that it is time to head back home, there are many directions in which your overseas teaching experience can take you. Although for many TEFL course graduates the aim is to head overseas to experience living and working in a foreign culture, it is not the only option. Plenty of people use their teaching qualification within their home country as increasing levels of immigration have led to a rapid increase in demand for ESL...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are both certifications that enable individuals to teach English as a foreign language. However, there are some key differences between the two. One major difference is the focus and intensity of the courses. TEFL courses are generally more broad and cover a range of teaching English concepts and methods. They are often shorter in duration and can be taken online or in person. On the other hand, CELTA courses are more intensive and focus specifically on teaching English to non-native speakers. They are usually full-time courses that last for four to five weeks and include a significant amount of practical teaching experience. Another difference is the recognition and...  [Read more]

Yes, having a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certificate can open up opportunities for you to teach English abroad. Many countries and language schools require TEFL certification as a minimum qualification for English teaching positions. Here are some key points to consider if you are thinking about teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate: 1. **TEFL Certification**: A TEFL certificate demonstrates that you have received training in teaching English to non-native speakers. It covers essential topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language skills, and cultural awareness. Having this qualification can make you a more competitive candidate for English teaching positions overseas. 2. **Job Opportunities**: With a TEFL certificate, you can explore a wide range...  [Read more]

Many fully certified teachers decide to head overseas to teach rather than stay in their home country. For some newly qualified teachers it can be hard to find a suitable job so they go abroad to gain valuable classroom experience, while others might simply be looking for a change of direction. Whatever your reasons, teaching is one of the few professions that allow you to develop your skills and knowledge and increase your experience and employability, while travelling the world and exploring new countries and cultures. If you think this is the right path for you, the next step is to think about how your CV/resume will stand out when applying for the best jobs in the most exciting locations. In many cases, qualified teachers do need a TEFL certificate. While searching for jobs online you...  [Read more]

Teaching English online has been a very popular option for several years, although its popularity has truly skyrocketed in recent times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International travel restrictions and an understandable reluctance to cross borders has meant that many thousands of TEFL qualified teachers who would otherwise be living and teaching in countries all over the world have turned towards virtual classrooms. As the pandemic gradually recedes and international travel gets back to normal, many teachers will once again hit the road to seek adventure in far flung corners of the world. However, for many there will be no overseas travel planned as the stability and convenience of working online is something you can certainly get used to. During the recent pandemic the vast majority of...  [Read more]

  ITTT has been at the forefront of TEFL certification for many years and in that time we have graduated tens of thousands of new EFL teachers. Because of our high profile in the TEFL field and the quality of our training courses, employers all over the world are fully aware of our certification. Many of these employers actually look out for our graduates as they are fully aware that they will have completed a meaningful training course that has prepared them for the reality of life in an EFL teaching environment. This recognition is true in all regions of the world and you will find our graduates teaching in almost every country you can think of. In the past it was common for people to head overseas to almost any country and find work as an English teacher without any relevant...  [Read more]

To teach English abroad, you will typically need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field, although a degree in English, Education, or Linguistics can be advantageous. Many employers also require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, which can be obtained through various online or in-person courses. Additionally, some countries may require a teaching license or previous teaching experience. Having a TEFL certification is highly recommended as it provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. There are different levels of TEFL certifications, including basic, advanced, and specialized courses. The number of hours required for a TEFL certification can vary depending on the program and the country where...  [Read more]

Yes, having a degree in fine arts can still qualify you to teach English abroad. Many countries and language schools require a bachelor's degree in any field as a minimum qualification for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). While a degree in English or education may be preferred in some cases, a degree in fine arts can demonstrate your creativity, critical thinking skills, and cultural awareness, which are all valuable qualities in an English teacher. Additionally, obtaining a TEFL certification can further enhance your qualifications and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market. When applying for English teaching positions abroad with a degree in fine arts, it's important to highlight relevant skills and experiences that showcase your ability to effectively...  [Read more]

Acronyms are widely used within the English language teaching world and EFL is one of the most common. English as a Foreign Language is typically used to describe any scenario where English is being taught or learned in a country where English is not the main language. In this situation most students are learning English as part of their school studies, in order to travel overseas, or as a hobby, and they rarely get to use it outside of their lessons. An example of EFL would be an American teaching English to Italians in Rome. While EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, ESL stands for English as a Second Language. In practice these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably when talking about English teaching, however, there is a genuine difference between the two that you...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world and get paid while doing it, but what does it actually involve? Before you buy a plane ticket and jet off across the world it is a good idea to research as much as possible about TEFL qualifications, the possible restrictions you might encounter when applying for jobs, and the long term prospects this path might lead to. Here we look at the answers to all these questions and more. These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used...  [Read more]

The high demand for English language teachers worldwide offers English speakers from all walks of life exciting opportunities to live and travel abroad. In most cases, you do not need any prior teaching experience to teach English overseas. Moving to another country to live, work, and travel, on the other hand, will necessitate careful planning and foresight. Good research is also essential to ensuring that you do it correctly. Teaching English abroad, like any new endeavor, can present challenges, and you will most likely be nervous at first. However, your TEFL certification training will provide you with the skills necessary to lead your own classroom, where you will teach the fundamentals of grammar and conversation, as well as prepare lessons and manage a classroom. You must meet...  [Read more]

Of all the questions we get asked as a provider of TEFL certification, this is probably the easiest to answer. The simple truth is that the demand for TEFL qualified teachers is generally very high in most parts of the world and in some areas you can even take your pick of a range of job options as there are not enough teachers to fill the available positions. Although for many TEFL course graduates the aim is to head overseas to experience living and working in a foreign culture, it is not the only option. Plenty of people use their teaching qualification within their home country as increasing levels of immigration have led to a rapid increase in demand for EFL teachers in English speaking countries, such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. While there are teaching...  [Read more]

To begin, let's clarify the acronym TEFL: TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a term that encompasses the teaching of English to non-native speakers in various contexts. While technically, TEFL specifically refers to teaching English in non-English-speaking countries, it is widely used to describe English language instruction in most settings. Additionally, TEFL is the designation given to teacher training programs and the resulting certifications that aspiring teachers pursue to meet the qualifications sought by international employers of English language instructors. Although many English teaching positions require a TEFL certificate, some teachers hold a TESOL certificate instead. The great news is that TEFL and TESOL essentially denote the same concept, and...  [Read more]

Among the tens of thousands of ESL teachers working overseas, it is relatively common to find friends or couples who set off to teach English abroad together. Although it is common practice, there are still a few things to think about before you both pack your bags and head to the airport. If you plan to set off abroad with a friend or partner, it is vital that you choose a destination where you both have a good chance of finding employment. Although you might dream of working in a tropical beach resort with swaying palm trees and a laidback lifestyle, this may not be realistic as the limited number of jobs and a high level of competition could make things difficult. In contrast, most major cities across Europe, Asia and Latin America have a high demand for teachers, making employment...  [Read more]

The NET (Native-speaking English Teachers) Scheme is a recruitment program initiated by the Hong Kong Education Bureau that places qualified teachers from overseas countries into state run schools. The scheme recruits hundreds of teachers every year to work in either primary or secondary level schools across the territory. The stated goal of the scheme is to share and promote innovation in teaching practice, and to provide an authentic classroom environment for local students. Participants on the scheme will receive a generous salary and extra benefits, as well as a unique opportunity to live and work in one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan parts of Asia. To be eligible, you must be a native-English speaker or possess an exceptionally high standard of English language competence....  [Read more]

Many potential TEFL trainees come to us and ask whether they need to speak another language in order to teach English overseas or online. The good news is the answer is most definitely NO, you do not need to have any language skills other than a thorough understanding of the English language. Obviously, if you do speak the native language of the country you intend to live and work in it can be a real help in many ways, but it is not normally required by the employer. The specific requirements for teaching English abroad or online will vary depending on the country and the individual employer. In all cases a thorough understanding of the mechanics of English will be required. On top of that, a TEFL certificate from a reputable course provider is usually a must, while some jobs will also...  [Read more]

Many fully certified teachers choose to teach abroad rather than stay in their home country. Some newly qualified teachers may find it difficult to find suitable employment, so they travel abroad to obtain useful classroom experience, while others may simply be looking for something different. Whatever your motivation, teaching is one of the few professions that allows you to develop your skills and knowledge, gain experience, and increase your employability while traveling the world and seeking out new countries and cultures. If you believe this is the right path for you, the next step is to consider how you will differentiate your CV/resume when applying for the best opportunities in the most exciting locations. A TEFL certificate is required in many cases, even for qualified teachers....  [Read more]

Here at ITTT, we will do all we can to ensure your entire TEFL training experience is as straightforward and rewarding as possible. If you have any questions regarding our courses, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below. Our FAQ section should clear up most of your queries but if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by submitting them via the form provided at the bottom of this page. What does TEFL mean?    The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is commonly used to refer to training courses that almost anyone can take to learn the skills and knowledge required to teach English to non-native speakers in countries all over the world. What is the difference between TESOL and...  [Read more]

When picking a destination for teaching English in 2022/23 you will have plenty of options to choose from. Some people will choose a location that offers the highest salaries, while others will make their decision based on cultural reasons or even where you can find the best social life. And of course, in the current climate teaching English online is more popular than ever as you do not even need to leave home. Every option has its pluses and minuses, so take a look at this brief rundown on all the most popular choices. Asia is without doubt the top region for teaching English abroad in terms of job numbers. The continent is absolutely huge and home to a wide diversity of great teaching locations. You will find many exciting cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Bangkok,...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]

To find TEFL teaching jobs in countries with limited educational resources, it's essential to conduct thorough research and utilize various strategies to secure a position. Here are some effective ways to find TEFL teaching opportunities in such countries: 1. **Online Job Boards and Websites:** Start by exploring online job boards and websites that specialize in international teaching positions. Websites like Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and TESOL.org often advertise openings in countries with limited educational resources. 2. **Government Programs:** Many governments, especially in developing countries, have programs in place to recruit native English speakers to teach English. Examples include the English Language Fellow Program by the U.S. Department of State and the Japan Exchange and...  [Read more]

Do you want to teach English abroad, but are not sure if a TEFL certificate is going to get you there? The good news is that, as most countries and individual employers do not require an advanced teaching license, a TEFL certificate is usually enough to land a job in many areas. In some countries a bachelor's degree is also required, but there are still plenty of others where having a TEFL certificate is all you need. It is estimated that over a billion individuals are learning English around the world. This, paired with an English teacher shortage in many countries, is fantastic news for TEFL teachers because it demonstrates that TEFL jobs are widely available all around the world. Teachers who take a TEFL course will have a wide range of choices in the international job market. They can...  [Read more]

If you want to have a job in place and all the paperwork sorted out before you leave your home country, a TEFL placement program is certainly worth considering. Several countries across Europe and Asia have government run schemes that recruit foreign teachers to work in their public school system. The following options are long established and respected programs that offer a great opportunity to live and work in some of the most popular teaching destinations. The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who...  [Read more]

Obtaining a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification can offer numerous advantages for individuals looking to teach in developing countries. These benefits extend beyond just meeting the basic requirements for teaching English in such locations. Let's delve into the advantages of getting TEFL certified for teaching in developing countries. One significant benefit of obtaining a TEFL certification is the enhancement of your teaching skills. TEFL courses cover various methodologies, lesson planning techniques, classroom management strategies, and language teaching theories that can equip you with the necessary tools to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. This training can be particularly valuable in developing countries where resources and educational support...  [Read more]