So, you’ve completed your journey to becoming a TEFL teacher. Now it is time to decide where to go? And for how long? Not an easy decision to make for a first time TEFLer.
To help you make your decision, this article will explain the differences between short-term and long-term TEFL contracts as well as where is best to find them.
Short-term Contracts
Short-term contracts are ideal for those who are looking for summer work, not yet ready to commit to a long-term placement or want to test out what teaching is like in a relaxed environment. Mainly situated in Europe, the majority of these positions will be in summer schools/camps – ranging anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months in length.
The major appeal of summer camps is that employers aren’t looking for TEFL teachers with vast amounts of experience. This is because, the camp will be looking to hire a teacher quickly and the day-to-day tasks won’t just focus on teaching – you will be participating in other activities with students (such as sports and arts & crafts).
It’s important to note that short-term placements do have a couple drawbacks. You may not have enough time to assimilate to the new culture, and find your contract is up before you’ve settled in. Also, any friends you make during your placement you will have to say goodbye to relatively soon.
Long-term Contracts
A TEFL placement is considered long-term if the length is 3-6 months or more. Long-term contracts cover all types of jobs; language schools, private schools, universities… the list goes on. The types of learners are just as varied, ranging from nursery level to business professionals. You can find long-term contracts across the globe. The most popular destinations include China, South Korea, Spain, France and Thailand.
Once you’re ready to embark on a long-term placement, the rewards are great. You’ll be able to truly life in a new culture, having an experience that goes far beyond the tourist beaten track. The relationships you build during your placement will likely last a lifetime as you share your time with like-minded TEFL teachers and locals.
Completing a long-term TEFL placement will also give you an invaluable asset to include on your CV. The number skills you will gain can translate to any future job. For example, TEFL is all about being able to adapt to different situations – an extremely attractive quality to employers.
The two main challenges of a long-term contract is dealing with homesickness and understanding the financial limits involved. No TEFL job is going to realistically make anybody super wealthy and problems with costs of living can occur. There are ways around this, such as researching the cost of living of the countries you plan on teaching in. Some countries offer super cheap rent rates but at the same time may pay lower wages than more expensive destinations. The goal is to find the right balance that suits your financial capabilities. Homesickness is a difficulty faced by many a TEFL teacher. It may seem unstoppable and all-consuming but there are, of course, ways to not get so caught up in it. Firstly, always try and keep yourself busy whether it's burying yourself in lesson plans, meeting up with your friends, or going out for some exercise. Just doing things will help ease your mind off home.
Whether you choose a short-term or long-term placement, one thing is clear, teaching English abroad is an opportunity to have a fun-filled and life-enhancing experience.
If you're interested in TEFL then book a course with us for exclusive access to our Job Centre
FAQs
Quality and Accreditation
The TEFL org maintains a high standard of quality in its training programs. Their courses are accredited by recognized bodies such as the International Accreditation of TESOL Qualifying Organizations (IATQuO) and the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC).
How long do TEFL contracts last? ›
The most common TEFL contracts are for an academic year. These contracts can include benefits like flights, visa costs and housing.
Is the tefl.org accredited? ›
The TEFL Org's accreditation
We're the most accredited TEFL course provider in the industry, which means we hold accreditation from a number of different established bodies.
How fast can you finish a 120 hour TEFL course? ›
How long does it actually take to complete a TEFL course? There are different courses with different hours but, on average, our students take between 10 to 12 weeks to complete our most popular 120-hour online TEFL course . Depending on your other commitments it can take you more or less time.
What is the most Recognised TEFL certification? ›
There are two main internationally-recognised TEFL qualifications: the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) course and the Trinity College London TESOL certificate course, commonly referred to as CertTESOL.
Is TEFL.ie or tefl.org better? ›
The TEFL Org holds more accreditation than any other TEFL course provider in Ireland, so you can be confident in the quality of our teacher training courses. We run regular 20-hour classroom courses in Dublin, Cork, Sligo, and Galway, as well as in Belfast in Northern Ireland.
Can you make a living from 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.
Is there a high demand for TEFL teachers? ›
As you might expect, the demand for TEFL teachers is lower in English-speaking countries. It's simply a case of having more native speakers than those looking to learn English. However, that said, it depends a lot on how cultural a country is.
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.
What is the legit TEFL website? ›
International TEFL Academy (ITA) is a reputable and well-known provider of TEFL courses, and its online TEFL certification course is valid and accredited.
120 hour Advanced TEFL Course. The 120-Hour Advanced TEFL Course offers a fast-track qualification to teach English online or in classrooms worldwide. This TEFL course has been developed with some of the world's leading language schools and is the international standard most employers require.
Is TEFL recognised in usa? ›
TEFL teachers are in high demand domestically as well as in Asia, Europe, and South America, so a TEFL course can position you for success. The main benefit of completing a TEFL course in the USA is that you can learn without simultaneously having to adjust to a new culture.
Is 35 too old for TEFL? ›
TEFL programs generally do not have strict age limits. Many opportunities exist for individuals of varying ages to pursue TEFL certification and teach English abroad. However, some countries or employers may have preferences or specific age requirements.
What is the cheapest accredited 120-hour TEFL course online? ›
Cheap Online TEFL Certification
Our 120-hour TEFL course is only $34 to study, which includes official certification through digital certificates (PDF & placed on our website for employers to view with your certificate transcripts). We offer online accredited TEFL certification without breaking the bank.
How many hours a day do TEFL teachers work? ›
You will likely be expected at the school from Monday to Friday, around 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - approximately 40 hours per week. However, your actual teaching might be limited to 20-25 hours weekly, with the remaining time dedicated to lesson planning, grading homework, or performing other administrative tasks.
Is the TEFL certification legit? ›
Yes, TEFL is a legitimate field of study and certification that can be beneficial for those who want to teach English as a foreign language abroad or online. It is important to choose a reputable TEFL course provider that is accredited by recognized organizations and offers comprehensive training.
How can you tell if a TEFL certificate is real? ›
To protect the authenticity of The TEFL Org certificates, each student is given a unique ID which can be used to verify their certificate details. This can be found in the lower left corner of their certificate.
Are TEFL courses worth it? ›
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.
