Choosing a TEFL course

A quick search on the internet for "TEFL courses" will return a mind-boggling array of courses, of varying content, duration, and quality, and it can be difficult to know where to start. So, do you really need a certificate at all?

It is still possible in some countries to secure a job solely on the strength of being a native English speaker, particularly where supply of teachers has trouble keeping up with demand. However, these days are fading fast, and if you want to keep your employment options as open as possible, then getting qualified is a recommended first step. You will also be much better equipped and feel more confident when you step into the classroom for the first time in your new job.

Which course should I take?

Perhaps the most widely recognized and accepted entry-level TEFL certificates are the Cambridge CELTA and Trinity Cert TESOL. These are classroom-based courses of around 120 hours, and involve several hours of observed teaching. They are usually studied over a very intensive four week period and involve a lot of work outside the classroom, preparing classes and writing assignments. (Most CELTA and Trinity graduates will attest to sacrificing their social life and being totally consumed by TEFL for the duration!)

The application process for these courses usually involves an application form, a language task and an interview. Although requirements vary for each individual centre, in general you should be at least 18 years old and have sufficient educational qualifications to gain entry to higher education. If you are a non-native speaker of English, you should be able to demonstrate a high level of English language skills.

On a CELTA or Trinity course you will learn a good deal about teaching theory and methodology, and have some chance to put it into practice. You will learn some English grammar, but don't expect to be an expert by the end of the course - this mostly comes in your first few years of teaching.

An increasing number of institutions now offer courses of similar duration and content to the CELTA and Trinity Cert TESOL, and many employers worldwide accept these as equivalent qualifications.

There are also many good quality shorter classroom-based and online courses available, which may better suit your budget, and can give you greater flexibility. Some online courses include a teaching practice component favoured by many employers, by means of remote video lessons or by including a classroom-based weekend as part of the course.

There are even courses specifically designed as introductory courses, to give you a "taster" of TEFL, to see if it's for you before you take the plunge into a longer program.

A further option is an MA in TESOL, a route commonly followed in the US. As with most Masters degrees, these take one year or longer, and consequently tend to cover theory and methodology in greater detail.

Remember that requirements vary greatly from country to country and from school to school, so it's always a good idea to research some TEFL jobs currently on offer in the countries where you're thinking of teaching, to be sure that the type of course you choose will be accepted by employers in these countries.

Do I have to study full time?

Most TEFL certificate programs are four to six weeks. These are intensive courses requiring a lot of energy and motivation. But many centres now recognise that this full-time option does not suit everyone, and offer part-time, distance or online courses which can be taken over several months or longer.

Where can I study?

Courses are now offered in a number of different countries worldwide. Studying in Bangkok or Prague, for example, can give you the advantage of the centre's connections with local schools when it comes to finding employment, and many course providers offer help with finding a job as part of the deal.