If you’re interested in an international teaching experience, and are currently taking the preliminary steps of researching opportunities and programs, you’ll naturally ask yourself...do I really need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad? Most likely you’re already aware that a TEFL certificate is a great way to find open positions, gain experience, and kick-start your teaching journey, but it’s important to note that it’s not the only way to teach abroad. In this article, we’ll take a look at your options, the pros and cons of getting a TEFL qualification, and why making the investment is a great idea!
Before you take off to teach abroad, make sure you get yourself certified.
Do I really need a TEFL certificate?
While it’s possible to teach English in some countries without a TEFL qualification, most will require you to have one. A TEFL certification is a requirement for most positions (especially the higher paying ones) because it’s proof that you have been trained, shows the hiring school or institution that you have teaching experience, have been instructed by certified TEFL tutors, and have a network of support behind you, especially if certified through an organization like The TEFL Academy.
Teaching abroad without a TEFL certificate may seem cheaper initially, but it will cost you in the long run. Not only are there more teaching locations open to you with a TEFL qualification, but the teaching positions are of a higher caliber, and more formal jobs can often include flight and accommodation allowances and reimbursements.
Often, a TEFL certification places you in schools or organizations with other qualified teachers, and will also provide you with the best opportunities for a successful, long term teaching career. If you don’t complete a TEFL course, you’ll likely be among others with little to no experience, find that positions open to you are low paying, and find schools where there is little to no room for growth.
READ MORE: 11 Helpful Online TEFL Course Reviews
9 reasons you need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad
Getting a TEFL certificate is a huge benefit for teaching English abroad. From job search assistance to securing the destination of your dreams, a TEFL certification is more than a qualification—it’s an investment in your future. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you need a TEFL certificate:
1. Destination options
A TEFL certification will open many doors to adventure for you.
There are job opportunities around the world for English language teachers, but there are also many English language teachers looking for positions! Set yourself apart from others with a TEFL certification, and you’ll be able to take your pick of the jobs on offer.
Whether you want to experience teaching abroad in the tropical landscapes of Southeast Asia, an adventure in South America, a high paying job in China, or a walk through history in central Europe, with a TEFL certificate the world is your oyster!
2. Practice
When it comes to teaching, especially teaching English to non-native speakers, practice makes perfect. TEFL training includes hours of real teaching practice, both observing other teachers and practicing your own educator skills!
Classroom management can be tough, and varies by type of student. Having the knowledge required to create lesson plans, tackle tough situations, and address unique student needs is pivotal when it comes to having a successful teaching experience. With a TEFL certificate, you’ll feel much more prepared for your new job, feel comfortable starting out in a new school, and be confident that you’re offering a first class education to your students.
3. Bigger salaries
Schools want TEFL certified teachers because they are more qualified, and in most cases, more prepared for the job at hand. With better qualifications come better job offers! Not only will you be able to select positions in destinations with higher-paying jobs, you’ll also be able to choose positions with higher salaries from among those offers. TEFL certified teachers may also be able to score other benefits, like free room and board, flexible time off, and/or discounts on local attractions.
4. Job assistance
Having trouble finding a teaching job? Your TEFL provider can help!
Organizations offering TEFL accredited certifications, like The TEFL Academy, often have a network of schools and partners around the world that you’ll have access to first. They also usually provide assistance when it comes to landing the perfect teaching position abroad for those who complete their TEFL certification program. You may also find your organization provides assistance with crafting your resume or other supporting documents as needed.
5. A support network
Similar to providing assistance with your job search, prestigious TEFL organizations also offer an unparalleled support network. Not only do your instructors provide assistance before, during, and after your program, you’ll be connected to teachers around the world who also completed a TEFL certification with whom you can compare notes with!
Teaching abroad, especially for the first time, can be intimidating—having a network of support makes it easier for you to focus on your own adjustment to a new location and culture.
Find & compare TEFL programs side-by-side with MyGoAbroad—it's free!
6. Top-qualified trainers
Many TEFL certification program trainers have “been there, done that”. Since they’ve taught abroad and have experience teaching English internationally, they’ll offer you an inside look into what you can expect that really, no one else can!
You’ll find TEFL instructors will offer more than just instruction; they’ll provide real life situations you may encounter during your experience, lesson plan prep tips, materials and resources you can utilize while abroad, and much more.
7. A qualification that doesn’t expire
A TEFL that never expires means the adventure never has to end!
TEFL qualifications don’t expire. That’s right, you’ll truly be investing in your future with a TEFL course. Whether you choose to teach abroad for a year, two years, five years, even 20 years, a TEFL certificate opens doors and the opportunities that are endless. There’s no better time than now to get a qualification that can serve you for years to come!
8. Connections that will last a lifetime
Your TEFL class instructors, classmates, support team, and those who you’ll meet abroad, make up a network of connections that will last a lifetime. Not only will these connections provide resources and support during your time abroad, they’ll most likely prove to be lasting friendships that evolve beyond your teaching experience.
If you move away from a teaching career, many of these connections (many of which will be international) may prove useful as you explore other directions in your career and life.
9. You’ll be a better teacher
TEFL certification requirements exist to make you a better teacher, and that’s the goal right? You’ll not only be setting yourself up for success, but setting your future students up for success as well.
When you take a TEFL certification course, acquire a position that fits your needs and goals, learn from experienced instructors, practice your newfound skills, draw from materials and resources that have worked, and have a support network to lean on, you’re prepared to be the best English language teacher you can be!
In doing so, you’ll be increasing intercultural understanding; cultural sensitivity will not only benefit your students, it will benefit the world. By being an ambassador for your culture and language, you’ll be building bridges between nations.
Ready to take the next step? Get matched with 5 TEFL programs abroad for FREE
Investing in a TEFL certificate is a great idea!
Trust us—TEFL is 100% worth it (even moreso if you count the views).
You’re ready to get going, so make sure to do it the right way. TEFL certification programs prepare you for a successful teaching experience abroad and the benefits will be apparent long after your first class in an international classroom.
You’ll thank yourself for taking the time to prepare, as will your students, fellow teachers, and international network. Take the first step by checking out The TEFL Academy—they are the world’s leading TEFL course provider, and with endless job opportunities, they’ll have you on a plane in no time!
Find your perfect TEFL course abroad on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from The TEFL Academy. The TEFL Academy is one of the largest providers of TEFL courses (both online and abroad), and they are the only provider to be certified by both the US government and UK government. Their 10-hour teaching practice webinar is a great way to top up on experience prior to teaching abroad.
Look for the Perfect TEFL Certification Program Now
Start Your Search
