What is TEFL: FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about TEFL

TEFL is a massive, worldwide industry. There are many questions about it: what a TEFL certification means, what TEFL stands for, and much more. Here, we’ll answer those questions and clear up any misconceptions about teaching English as a foreign language.

Q. What does TEFL stand for?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

TEFL can mean teaching English abroad or online, either in countries where English isn’t the primary language or in English-speaking countries. Sometimes, TEFL is used interchangeably with TESOL(teaching English to speakers of other languages), EFL (English as a foreign language), TESL (teaching English as a second language) and other similar acronyms.

Q. What is a TEFL certification?

TEFL certification is a qualification that allows you to teach English to non-native speakers. The certificate empowers people to find work teaching English worldwide in classrooms, online, or through local initiatives and institutions.

The industry standard for TEFL certification is 120 hours of training. This is what employers expect from a professional English teacher. Institutions hiring TEFL teachers will also expect candidates to have highly accredited TEFL certification, which meets industry standards.

Q. How is TEFL different from TESOL, CELTA, or other certifications?

While TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, many other acronyms and qualifications exist. TESOL is the acronym usually used in Australia or the USA. It typically refers to English teaching within an English-speaking country. 

TEFL certification providers should offer courses that equip you for different kinds of English language instruction, whether teaching English abroad, working for online teaching companies, or teaching English language learners locally.

The CELTA qualification is a different kind of TEFL/TESOL certificate. Issued by the University of Cambridge, the CELTA has traditionally been an intense, in-person TEFL certification, usually lasting 3-4 weeks of study. Nowadays, you can attain a CELTA through online or hybrid learning.

Q. Do I need a degree to get TEFL certified or teach abroad?

You certainly don't need a degree to take a TEFL course. Anyone with fluency in English can gain a TEFL certificate if they put the work in!

To get a job teaching English abroad, you may need a degree, but not always. Some countries will have degrees as part of their visa requirements. In other cases, individual jobs may require a bachelor's or master's degree. Many English teachers abroad do not have degrees, but it can help your job prospects.

Q. How long does it take to get TEFL certified?

Different TEFL courses take different lengths of time. On average, our students take between 10 and 12 weeks to complete our 120-hour online TEFL course. TEFL course providers, like The TEFL Org, offer self-paced TEFL certification courses, so you can get TEFL certified on a timeline that works for you.

Studying full-time, an EFL teacher could complete a 120-hour TEFL qualification course in under a month. Someone with less time might take several months.

Tip: Be wary of courses that claim you can get a 120-hour qualification in under a week. This means it won't actually be a 120-hour qualification. The right TEFL certification course is never the quickest one!

Q. How much does a TEFL course cost?

The cost of a TEFL certificate is not universal. There are different lengths of courses, teaching methods, and TEFL course providers. However, as a basic guide:

• A 120-hour TEFL course should cost around £150 - £300 / $200 - $400. 
• A 120-hour TEFL course should cost around £150 - £300 / $200 - $400.
• The CELTA usually costs upwards of £1,000 / $1,354.

Reputable TEFL course providers, like The TEFL Org, frequently offer special offers and promotions. This makes it easier for prospective teachers with different budgets to join the TEFL world!

Tip: Beware of any TEFL certificate worth less than £100 / $135, unless it's an Advanced TEFL certificate or a short, supplementary course. Usually, these kinds of discount courses are cheap for a reason. They're typically of inferior quality, full of hidden fees, aren't accredited, and won't help you start teaching English abroad or online. 

Q. Is TEFL certification recognised worldwide?

TEFL certifications are recognised, provided they come from an accredited and reputable TEFL certification course provider.

As long as your course is appropriately accredited and includes at least 120 hours of training, employers will recognise that you’ve completed a significant qualification. This is true whether you complete your TEFL certification course in person or online.

As long as the TEFL certification is of adequate quality, accredited, and rigorous, you can use your TEFL certificate to launch into the world of English language teaching. A 120-hour TEFL course is the industry standard, while courses like the Level 5 TEFL diploma can help you stand out in the job market.

Q. Can I teach English online with a TEFL certification?

You can teach English online with a high-quality, industry-standard TEFL certificate. Teaching English online is a flexible and versatile career option, with many online teaching companies and platforms. Teaching English online also allows you to become your own boss, running a tutoring business while teaching English to non-native English speakers.

Some online teaching companies require candidates to have a degree and, in some cases, both a degree and teaching experience. However, plenty of platforms and companies will hire teachers based on the strength of their TEFL certification. 120 hours is the industry standard, though taking a specific course in online teaching can be extremely helpful.

Q. What kind of jobs can I get with a TEFL certificate?

TEFL certification is a ticket to all kinds of amazing opportunities. Teaching English abroad is a real possibility. So is teaching English online as a digital nomad, a freelancer, or through an online teaching company.

Once you have a TEFL certificate, you might want to learn more about the kinds of English language teaching opportunities available.

Public schools

Public schools are a standard route for English teachers worldwide. In many countries, English is taught as a primary foreign language. This means that TEFL graduates can find various opportunities to support state efforts to boost English proficiency.

These teaching jobs will follow the state's academic calendar, and you'll usually have a structured curriculum and benefits, including a pension and holidays. Public school jobs will sometimes have added benefits like flight reimbursement and accommodation.

Private language schools

Teaching English to speakers of other languages isn't limited to public schools. Private language schools can offer English lessons to children, teenagers and adults (particularly young professionals). Normally operating outside of school hours (evenings and weekends), roles in private language schools are usually fast-paced, with obvious learning goals. 

Countries with clear economic ambitions typically have many private language schools, as English is hugely important in the global marketplace.

Private and International schools

Highly qualified English teachers, usually with at least a master's degree, TEFL certification, and considerable experience, can be hired for roles in private and international schools.

Private schools are independently run institutions with very high standards for teachers. Where English is on the curriculum, TEFL teachers can find well-paid opportunities that usually come with various benefits.

International schools are also fee-paying but follow a foreign curriculum. Where TEFL is concerned, International schools that use British, International Baccalaureate, or American systems will have job openings for experienced teachers. Like private schools, International schools usually offer competitive salaries, benefits, and excellent resources.

Universities

TEFL certification can qualify teachers for work in higher education. Universities offer a range of jobs, from tutoring foreign students in English-speaking universities to lecturing and senior administrative positions.

University jobs for TEFL teachers can vary widely in terms of requirements, salaries, and responsibilities. At the top end, wages can be among the highest in the industry. Hefty qualifications, alongside TEFL certification, are required. This can include degrees up to and including PhD level.

Online teaching platforms

While many study TEFL so they can teach abroad, the rise of online learning has been enormous. Not only are online TEFL courses wildly popular, but online TEFL teaching is also a major global industry.

With a TEFL certificate, you can teach English to students worldwide from the comfort of your home. Alternatively, you can teach online while travelling the world. This is called Digital Nomadism, and it's an increasingly popular choice.

There is a wide range of online teaching companies and platforms. These companies and platforms connect you with English learners of all ages and proficiency levels.

Q. Where are TEFL teachers in demand?

TEFL certification is a key to the rest of the world. Many teachers become TEFL certified online or in a classroom so they can go on to teach abroad. Where are the TEFL jobs around the world?

Asia

Asia has some of the best-salaried and most exciting teaching jobs worldwide. Countries like Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China can offer excellent compensation and easy routes into teaching through high-quality government programmes. Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and other neighbouring countries have an extremely low cost of living, a huge demand for TEFL teachers, and some of the most beautiful landscapes anywhere in the world.

Latin America

Latin America has a considerable demand for English teachers, a low cost of living compared to Western Europe and North America, jaw-dropping scenery, friendly locals, and vibrant cities. Locations like Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina teach English to an increasing standard, and there are jobs available across all levels, from volunteering programmes to university lecturing positions.

Europe

From an English teaching perspective, Europe might be the most varied continent. Northern and Western Europe have the highest levels of proficiency anywhere - the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway tend to top EF's English Proficiency Index, and jobs are available, albeit more challenging to find.

In Southern, Central and Eastern Europe, levels are ever-increasing to meet a soaring tourism industry. Countries including Poland, Croatia, Spain, and Italy all have well-established English language teaching infrastructures, while nations like Lithuania and Estonia are catching up, too.

The Middle East

The Middle East has many natural resources, some of the most economically ambitious countries, and a comparatively low level of English proficiency. The opportunities are obvious.

Countries like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have some of the highest teaching salaries in the world. They also have lofty requirements, but you'll find work with a TEFL certification and a degree.

Africa

Africa is enormous and brimming with opportunity. From the most northern reaches, like Algeria and Morocco, to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, there are many TEFL vacancies.

Q. Who can I teach with TEFL certification?

TEFL/TESOL certification means working with all kinds of people. Who, specifically, might you work with?

Young learners

TEFL teachers can be a positive influence as early as kindergarten. More countries encourage English learning from a very early age, so there are excellent opportunities for TEFL teachers in all kinds of schools.

Adults

Adults are often motivated learners, with particular goals in mind. Private language schools and tutoring are usually where you'll find adult learners.

Business English

One of the most sought-after types of TEFL teaching is Business English. English is the language of business, and proficiency can lead to real economic opportunities for English learners.

Exam preparation

Preparing students for exams such as IELTS or TOEFL is a great way to teach English. These certificates can open up all kinds of economic and educational doors!