How To Teach English as A Foreign Language.

The world, among many things, is vast and diverse to say the least. It is made up of a host of countries and continents that each operate in their own manner and evolve in exciting and novel ways.  

Though, as the world becomes more interconnected, it must learn to communicate in a way everyone understands. For this reason, one language has been adopted across the globe for international communications, and that language is English.  

Today, English is used as the language of business, covering all areas from aviation to computers, diplomacy, tourism and even science. By learning to speak English, non-English speaking individuals can open themselves up to a host of professional opportunities around the world and on home soil. Learning to speak English even makes travelling a breeze and can encourage people to move overseas.  

By learning how to teach English as a foreign language to others, you can set yourself up for a highly rewarding career that gives you the opportunity to see the wonders of the world too! 

 

 

What is a TEFL Course?  

If you want to teach English as a foreign language, the most direct way to gain the skills and credibility to do so is through a TEFL course. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and these courses help you to learn the best way to teach the English language to non-native speakers who reside in non-English speaking countries.  

This is quite an important distinction, as there are Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) courses that fall into a similar category. Though, where these courses teach you to help non-English speaking individuals settle into their new English-speaking country by learning the language quickly, you take a more in-depth approach.  

There are also Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) courses which are similar in practice to TEFL but tend to focus on teaching non-English speakers in the USA, for instance.  

As a TEFL Teacher, you will teach English to students who will continue to speak their own language outside of the classroom once your session is finished. There is no rush to master the English lingo quickly to fit in, as they still reside in a country that speaks their native language.  

For this reason, you are free to delve into the intricacies of the English language and ensure that your students understand it in its entirety. You will cover everything from grammar to punctuation, vocabulary, spelling and speech, all of which will prepare your learners to read, write and conversate with confidence! 

 

 

Where Can You Teach English with TEFL? 

By completing TEFL courses, UK learners really can have the world as their oyster! With these qualifications, you can teach English abroad in any non-English speaking country.  

Depending on your preference, you could work in Europe and reside in Spain, France or even Germany. Or you could go further afield to teach English in Japan, Africa or even Brazil! The choice is yours as there is a demand for TEFL teachers across the globe.  

Besides English teaching jobs abroad, you can also teach English online in your home country to individuals in overseas locations. While TEFL courses are aimed at preparing you to teach English abroad, many employers on UK soil would also be interested in your skillset.   

How to Make English Teaching Interesting 

As a TEFL Teacher, it’s important to make your lessons engaging and fun for your learners. This is because you carry out an immersion class that is totally conducted in English, and you will typically lack the ability to speak to them in their native tongue. This leaves many TEFL teachers wondering how to make a lesson plan for teaching English that will captivate the learner’s attention.  

Your TEFL course will teach you the exact methodologies to use and how to plan and deliver the best English lessons, but we have a few additional activities you can consider adding: 

• Crossword puzzles – great for when some of your students finish tasks before others and handy to help them pick up key words 
• Image flashcards – students can use them to complete a sentence and you could even deduct points for those who don’t use English during the game 
• Guess the word – get a student to stand with their back to the board and write a previously taught word on it. Other TEFL students in the class then have to describe that word to them to help them guess it 
• Spot the mistake – write sentences or phrases on the board with purposeful mistakes included and get students to point them out 

Do You Need TEFL to Teach English Online? 

If you aspire to secure online English teaching jobs, where you teach English to non-native speakers using the power of the internet, you may be wondering if you need a TEFL qualification or not.  

While completing a TEFL course will certainly be an advantage, it isn’t essential. However, it must be said that not having TEFL qualifications to your name when looking to teach English online will prevent you from higher paying roles and senior online teaching English jobs.  

By taking the time to complete a TEFL course, you will be qualified for each online teaching English as a foreign language opportunity and be able to negotiate a higher wage.  

What’s The Best TEFL Course to Do?   

There are a host of TEFL courses on the market, so it’s no wonder learners are unsure of which to choose. The best TEFL courses you can take are accredited TEFL courses that have the seal of approval from government or government-affiliated bodies.  

Stonebridge Associated Colleges provide TEFL courses that are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (Ofqual) in England and are part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This means you can be assured that our courses have gone through vigorous assessment and are of the highest quality. 

 

 

With Stonebridge, you can study: 

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Level 5 Diploma Bundle (RQF)  

This Ofqual regulated course equips you with the knowledge, skills and techniques you need to be an effective TEFL Teacher. Not only that, but you also learn how to teach Business English, as this particular TEFL course is part of a bundle.  

This bundle also includes:  

• Level 5 Diploma Teaching English as a Foreign Language Course  
• Teaching English Online Course  
• Teaching Business English Course  
• Introduction to Digital Marketing Course  
• NOCN Level 4 International Certificate in Digital Skills for Teaching Online  
• Full career support  
• CV plus mock interview and feedback  
• Access to lovetefljobs.com over more than 5k jobs globally  

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Level 5 Advanced Diploma (RQF) – 420 Hours  

For learners wanting to complete the most advanced TEFL training, the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Level 5 Advanced Diploma (RQF) – 420 hours includes four additional specialist courses, to give you the edge when applying for overseas English teaching jobs:  

• Teaching Online and One-to-One  
• Teaching Business English  
• Teaching Other Subjects in English  
• Teaching IELTS (International English Language Testing System)  

 

Where to Take a TEFL Course 

 

This depends entirely on your circumstances and how you prefer to learn. You can take teaching English as a foreign language courses in a classroom where you learn alongside others. Or you could take a TEFL course online that enables you to study on your terms. 

If time is a factor and you are wondering ‘How long is the TEFL course?’, you may be better suited to taking a TEFL course online. Rather than committing to a set schedule of classroom learning, you can complete your TEFL studies when and where you please.  

This is great for anyone looking to learn how to teach English as a foreign language around existing work commitments or childcare. It’s also great for those who just want to get qualified in TEFL quickly. This is because online TEFL courses, UK learners will be pleased to know, can be completed at your pace. So, if you have the time to blitz through the materials, you can potentially be qualified in a matter of weeks! 

If you are wondering ‘How much does an online TEFL course cost?’, you will be pleased to know online TEFL courses are often cheaper than those studied in a classroom. You can view the prices of Stonebridge Associated Colleges online TEFL courses on our website.  

 

 

What Qualifications Do I Need to Do a TEFL Course? 

With Stonebridge Associated Colleges, our TEFL courses are available to everyone! You don’t need any prior qualifications or teaching experience, and you don’t need to be fluent in another language.  

All you need is to be a fluent English speaker, have access to a computer/laptop and the internet to complete your studies, and have a sense of adventure! 

Start a TEFL Course Today! 

If you’re ready to pursue your ambition of secure teaching English as a foreign language jobs, we can help. Our online TEFL courses provide a flexible means of gaining a quality TEFL education. 

Once qualified, you will be well on the way to starting a rewarding career that lets you help others develop their communication ability, and let you get paid to travel to the world!  

Don’t put it off any longer, find out more today by speaking with our Course Executives on 0121 392 8288 or visiting our support centre.