TEFL Q and A

Is there an age limit for doing a TEFL?

People of all ages teach English. Some schools specify a minimum age of 20 but no maximum age. Indeed, many trainees in TEFL certificate courses have retired from their traditional professional lives and have started a second career in TEFL in middle age.

Do I need a qualification to teach English?

Qualifications are not always essential, especially in certain parts of the world and for certain schools. In some countries, simply being a native speaker of English is enough. In others, a university degree in any subject, without any teaching or English qualifications, will suffice. However, there is no doubt that a recognised TEFL qualification of some kind will open more doors, more rapidly, in more countries and at higher salaries. It will also be of practical value to you personally – not to mention your students – in giving you the confidence, skills and experience that will put you at ease in a classroom.

Can I do a TEFL course if I am a non-native teacher?

It depends on your level. You are usually required to have a minimum of Proficiency level. If you are bilingual or of near-native level, you can enroll in TEFL courses and teach EFL just as any native speaker.

Do I need to have a degree?

Yes. Although many centres require candidates to have a university degree in some discipline, it is equally possible to find others where the only requirements are a good command of English and a good educational background. Many schools like you to have qualifications that would allow you to do a degree

Which TEFL qualification should I get?

No single, standard international TEFL qualification currently exists. In North and Central America and much of the Far East, the most important qualification is a good first degree. In the European Union, the British Commonwealth and much of South America and Central Europe qualification means having passed a 70-hour TEFL course (including observed teaching practice) and often, but not always, having a university degree in any discipline.

Although various TEFL courses exist, those that are validated by external bodies and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), are the Cambridge CELTA or Trinity College TESOL.

However if you are unsure whether TEFL is right for you, a weekend course is a good taster.

What does the course consist of?

Check out the TEFL/TESOL Course Database, or get a copy of the ELT Guide, a 200+ page book published annually. Details at EL Gazette.

Where can I find TEFL jobs advertised?

For classified advertisements, look at jobs offered at TEFL.NET TEFL Jobs. You can also post your resume there. The EL Gazette has monthly listings in its paper journal. The Times Educational Supplement, the Guardian and many other newspapers carry announcements.
(The above information is courtesy of www.tefl.net)