TEFL Courses: Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Considering a TEFL Course?  

If you want to learn how to teach English as a foreign language, you should consider doing a TEFL course. It can be an excellent job to have that allows you to explore the world while educating people on one of the most widely spoken languages. The good news is there are lots of teaching English as a foreign language courses currently available. They offer great flexibility too for those balancing work and study. The TEFL courses come in part-time and evening class options, in person and online.  

About Teaching English as a Foreign Language 

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) generally describes English being taught to non-native English students in their home countries. TEFL is an international educational industry whereby English teachers from various English-speaking countries, usually the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, and fluent non-native English speakers teach English in private and public schools across the globe. While having a TEFL qualification is not always an essential requirement, more countries and schools are now seeking teachers to have undertaken at least a basic TEFL certificate. 

The Working Conditions for Teaching English as a Foreign Language 

You can expect to travel. You may have to travel on a daily basis; however, this is not a major feature of the job as it can often involve short, medium or long teaching contracts abroad. The working hours vary depending on the kind of school. Although they can include evenings and weekends. You can expect to be teaching in mostly larger towns or cities throughout the world. You may also teach in remote rural areas also.  

What Will I Learn? 

It is important prior to entering the course that you know what areas of study to expect. Therefore, you can expect to learn how to plan lessons, how to teach English vocabulary and pronunciation. In addition, you will gain a deeper understanding of English grammar so that you can successfully teach it. Not to mention, you will learn teaching receptive skills such as listening and reading as well as teaching productive skills such as speaking and writing. You will also learn how to teach English grammar and the principles of teaching English as a foreign language. You will learn the various strategies to teaching it and how to use resources effectively.  

Skills & Qualities Looked For 

There are a number of skills and qualities employers look for when hiring a TEFL teacher. These include: 

• Being ready for the demands that a new lifestyle and culture can make on you. 
• Genuine fascination with language, interest in people, empathy with learners and a lot of creativity. 
• Highly conscientious and committed to the highest standards of professional service. 
• Excellent communication and organisational skills. 
• Caring and motivated by the best interests of students. 
• Willing to engage in ongoing professional development. 
• Ability to relate well to different groups of students of different ages and ability levels. 

Typical Employers 

Once you have achieved your TEFL certificate, you can expect to be employed by a number of employers. These include by commercial language schools, private and public schools in non-English speaking countries and schools and institutions of further and higher education overseas and at home. You could also do freelance work as a TEFL teacher. 

If you’re serious about doing a TEFL course, check out courses near you in the Nightcourses.co.uk national course finder.