Is TEFL a good career choice?

While some view teaching English abroad as a temporary venture or a way to explore before 'settling down', the reality is that TEFL can be a rewarding and sustainable career. Many individuals not only venture into this field for the thrill of travel and culture but also to carve out lucrative, long-term careers.

Is there a demand for TEFL teachers?

Are you looking for a rewarding teaching career with global job opportunities? There is currently high demand for English language teachers in the UK. Part-time, full-time, seasonal and flexible teaching roles are available.

Is TEFL a viable career?

YES! I know full-time teachers who have been teaching English as a foreign language for almost twenty years. I also know online EFL teachers who have been teaching online since before the pandemic, and they've never looked back! Check out my previous article to find out how long TEFL jobs last.

Is it hard to get a job with TEFL?

TEFL Certification alone isn't always enough to get you a job. To have the best possible chance of getting hired, you should also have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, be a native or fluent English speaker, and meet all of the TEFL job requirements for the country where you've chosen to teach.

Can you make good money with TEFL?

The pay to teach English abroad varies, but you can expect to earn a decent salary. In top-paying countries, teachers can get paid a salary of anywhere from $2,000 to over $5,000 USD per month. Your TEFL salary will depend on your position, qualifications and the country you teach in.

ITTT FAQs - Is TEFL a good career choice?

Where does TEFL pay the most?

Is it worth getting a TEFL qualification?

Although not every position or teach abroad destination requires it, a TEFL certificate is a surefire way to increase your employment prospects, earn a higher salary, and feel comfortable in the classroom. Not only that, but a TEFL certification provides essential professional skills that are useful in any career.

How hard is the TEFL exam?

For instance, It is very rare for any student to fail a TEFL certification course provided by International TEFL Academy. As a matter of fact, International TEFL Academy has a passing rate of over 90% (one of the highest passing rates of any TEFL school worldwide).

How many hours a day do TEFL teachers work?

Most schools abroad work normal office hours so you will probably need to be in school, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. (in many Asian countries) until 4:00 p.m. This equates to around 40 hours per week. You will not have to teach for all of those hours but a typical teaching load would be around 20-25 hours per week.

How long will it take to complete TEFL?

An industry standard TEFL certificate takes 120 hours to earn, with the average completion time being about 10-12 weeks. That's whether you're completing an online course, or you're learning about English language teaching in person.

Is 30 too old to do TEFL?

You're never too old to TEFL! We've trained teachers of all ages – take Diane, for example, who completed her training just before turning 62 and went on to teach in Germany.

What is better than TEFL?

TEFL refers to any certification program that trains an English speaker to teach their language to others. CELTA, on the other hand, is an intensive ESL teaching certificate, designed by Cambridge University. It is considered one of the most prestigious qualifications for teaching English abroad.

What is the life after TEFL?

Most higher-level jobs will likely require going back to school, but your TEFL certification and teaching experience can make you an ideal candidate for university programs and licensed teaching jobs. Some higher-level positions in education to consider after teaching abroad are: English language program coordinator.

Is the TEFL market saturated?

While the demand for ESL teachers is evergrowing, the TEFL industry is still saturated with general English teachers (myself included). This is why you need to reevaluate what you can offer.

Is TEFL stressful?

TEFL itself is not stressful. Well more stressful than being any teacher. Being a teacher has its downs for sure, but it is definitely a rewarding vocation for any who decides to take this path. TEFL teachers, in comparison to public school teachers, do tend to get a lot more help within the classroom.

Is TEFL a long term career?

The ability to teach online is a great way to make a long-term career out of TEFL because it provides the opportunity to work with students all over the world without having to relocate.

Is the 120-hour TEFL worth it?

120 hours is considered the baseline for a professional-level TEFL certification for teaching English abroad or online. Not all 120-hour TEFL courses meet international standards, so it's essential to seek out those that are accredited and include live practice teaching.

Is a 120-hour TEFL course enough?

Most TEFL/TESOL jobs online or abroad will be satisfied with a 120-hour certification. If you're looking to really stand out, then you can pursue certification with 150+ hours or add a practicum or other specialization to your TEFL/TESOL resume.

Is TEFL worth it 2023?

Yes, TEFL is worth it for those passionate about teaching English abroad or online. It offers opportunities for travel, cultural immersion, and can enhance job prospects globally.

Why is TEFL so hard?

If you are someone who doesn't consider yourself massively academic or especially strong when it comes to essays, the TEFL experience can be overwhelming. It's important to remember that a TEFL course is equivalent to a university-level course, so having the right attitude – and being prepared – is vital.

What happens if you fail TEFL?

The certification is awarded only if you receive a passing grade, so once you achieve 70% you will achieve a TEFL qualification. You will receive regular grades on assignments and tests, you must get 70% on each one. If you fail a test or assignment, it is possible to re-attempt coursework as many times as you need.

How much does it cost to get TEFL certified?

How Much Does TEFL Certification Online Cost? The cost of a TEFL certification online can vary from $99 to $3,000 USD. However, cheaper courses under $1,000 typically do not meet recognized international standards and often do not include live practice teaching, which is required by most employers in the field.

Why is TEFL so expensive?

From there, TEFL schools expect ongoing spot audits of student projects, tests, lesson plans, and more. Time is money, as they say, and this process takes both a lot of time and a lot of money. Then there's the actual cost of each certification being approved, authenticated, and individually numbered by the accreditor.

Do you need a bachelors to get a TEFL?

Luckily, nowadays you can still start your teaching career and find teaching jobs abroad without a degree, BUT with a simple TEFL Certification, which is way cheaper and faster to get. Once you've obtained your TEFL Certification, you have the opportunity to change your career at any time you want.