There are various categories under the teaching umbrella, and arguably one of the most exciting is being able to teach English abroad. If you have a passion for languages, are keen to expand your career overseas, and want to delve into different cultures, consider a TEFL course. By achieving an accredited qualification, you could teach anywhere in the world!
If you are wondering what range of jobs come from achieving a TEFL qualification, then continue reading. Below, we also explain details of the best TEFL courses and what you need to do to take a huge step towards teaching abroad.
TEFL is the acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and the purpose of this is to teach non-native English speakers the language in non-English speaking countries. A TEFL teacher will be responsible for teaching all of the intricacies of the English language, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and speech.
The learners will work towards gaining a strong understanding of English so that they can confidently read, write, and speak the language. However, their commitment to English is during their study sessions as opposed to their everyday lives in which they will continue to speak their native tongue.
This distinction needs to be made given that there are other teaching strands in this sector, including Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). This refers to the teaching of the English language to non-English speakers who are living in the UK. Not only will learners gain a better understanding of the language, but it should help them integrate into the country.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is another strand of the industry. This is similar to a TEFL course in that you can work abroad, perhaps in the UK or Canada, where there are many residents whose mother tongue is not English. Alternatively, you could work in the UK teaching international students.
One thing that binds all of these categories is that there is a high demand for them. With English being the most spoken language in the world, many non-native speakers are keen to learn it, not only for future travelling but to enhance their career prospects. If you are looking to transform your career and feel that you could thrive teaching English abroad, consider taking a TEFL course online.
With Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you can study an accredited TEFL course that can be used to apply for overseas jobs.
We have outlined a handful of popular TEFL courses that can help kickstart your career:
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Level 5 Diploma Bundle (RQF)
This Ofqual regulated course will provide you with all the skills, techniques, and knowledge you need to work as a TEFL teacher. If you are searching for a TEFL course online that covers the essentials, as well as Business English, then this Level 5 Diploma is ideal. This particular TEFL course is part of a bundle, which includes the following:
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Level 5 Advanced Diploma (RQF) – 420 Hours
If you want to gain advanced skills and knowledge, you should consider the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Level 5 Advanced Diploma (RQF) – 420 hours. By studying this TEFL course online, you will be able to undertake four additional specialist courses, including the following:
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) Level 5 Course Bundle (RQF)
If you have ambitions of working in an English-speaking country and teaching non-native speakers to help them integrate into their surroundings, then consider going down the TESL/TESOL route. Through this online course, you will achieve an accredited qualification for Teaching English as a Second Language and then introduced into Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. In fact, this bundle includes the following:
Traditionally, academic and vocational courses had to be studied via in-person learning, but with the help of Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you can now gain accredited qualifications online. When you enrol on any of the TEFL courses mentioned above, you will be given instant access to all of your online course materials.
By studying a TEFL course online, you will not only get 24/7 access to your study materials, but you will also get to learn at your own pace. If you currently have existing commitments that you do not want to neglect, you can tailor your course to fit around your schedule. So, if you have children to look after or a full-time job, you can study during the hours that you choose.
While there are no formal entry requirements to learn a TEFL course online, it is recommended that you have a formal English Language qualification of at least Level 2. This translates to either a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above, or an ESOL International at C1 or C2.
The beauty of studying a TEFL course online is that you can work at a time that fits into your schedule. While there is no specific timeline, it is possible to complete this course within 8 weeks! So, before you know it, you could be on your way to be teaching English abroad.
The main purpose of taking a Teaching English as a Foreign Language course is to work overseas and teach non-native speakers how to read, write, and speak in English. The role itself is fulfilling as you will be helping learners develop a new skill that could potentially enhance their career prospects. The main draw, though, is being able to experience new countries and cultures.
Travelling is something that many people aspire to do, and with a TEFL qualification, you can work in almost any country in the world. However, please note that job requirements will differ depending on the employer. You could potentially work across Europe in Spain, Germany, France, or Italy.
Perhaps you want to move further afield, such as South America, where the likes of Brazil, Costa Rica, and Argentina are in need of TEFL teachers. Alternatively, you could use this qualification to move into the corporate world, perhaps working as a voice and accent trainer.
If you want to work towards a career as a TEFL teacher, then consider taking a TEFL course online at Stonebridge Associated Colleges, speak to a Career Advisor by calling 0121 392 8288 or visit our support centre.